Durr projected to win race in Chesterfield’s final tally

Incumbent Larry Durr expected to win race

By: Scott Morgan
   The provisional ballots to decide the outcome of a razor-thin Chesterfield Township Committee race were counted last week, and though the results will not be certified until next week, the final tally is expected to show incumbent Larry Durr to be the victor.
   The results of the Nov. 8 race between Mr. Durr, a Republican who is currently serving as mayor, and Democratic challenger Robert Rupinski, a lawyer with his own practice in Mount Holly, showed that Mr. Durr led the race by three votes (559-556). There were, however, a number of provisional ballots, which were not counted by the Burlington County Board of Elections until Nov. 17. That count was scheduled to be certified the following day, but Superior Court Judge John Sweeney granted an extension, and the ultimate certification of the poll tally, absentee votes and provisional ballots by County Clerk Phil Haines is slated for Nov. 29.
   Board of Elections officials declined to give complete numbers, but there were 28 possible provisional ballots to count. Board officials said, however, that the extension was requested because all sides wanted to make certain that all possible votes were counted. Officials added that, short of a recount, nothing should reverse the final count
   Mr. Rupinski said he lost by two votes. Although he originally said he would consider asking for a recount, Mr. Rupinski said Monday that he did not file a recount request by the Nov. 18 deadline.