Jim Houser won’t challenge narrow election loss

Longtime Linn County Supervisor Jim Houser won't challenge his narrow election loss.

“I am not going to call for a recount,” Houser said this afternoon.

Houser, who had until 5 p.m. to file for a recount, said the outcome of Wednesday's official canvass convinced him John Harris' 166-vote (0.99 percent) margin would hold up.

“I've been involved in hundreds of canvasses in my 19 years,” said Houser, a 19-year incumbent. “That is really the only place any human error could take place. I have complete respect for the integrity of the process.”

The canvass certified Harris, Palo's mayor, outpolled Houser 8,472 to 8,306 despite being unable to campaign in  person after cancer surgery in early September.

“The whole process I think is about the best you're going to find,” said Houser.

Houser, a Democrat, said he still hasn't spoken to his Republican challenger. He said he left a message at Harris' home on election night.

Houser, 56, of Cedar Rapids, said he hasn't decided what he'll do for a living when his term is up in January. He's kept his union sheet-metal worker's certfication current, but noted there's little hiring going on in a weak economy.

“All my options are open, if anybody's looking for someone with my qualifications,” Houser said.