Paul Scott is Recalled

Paul Scott is the first state legislator to be recalled since 1983.

The Detroit Free Press reported Scott has conceded defeat.

"We came up a little short tonight," he told a roomful of supporters at GOP headquarters, according to the Detroit Free Press. "We may have lost this battle tonight. But we will win the war."

The Flint Journal reported a ballot shortage in Mundy Township caused a delay in results.

With the 35 precincts counted, Genesee County tallied 12,284 yes votes and 12,087 no votes.

Michigan Radio reported Scott conceded defeat around 11 p.m. Tuesday saying his campaign did their best, they came up short, and that he will not rule out running again in the future.

The Flint Journal reported Scott announced he lost by 232 votes.

"This is historic," said MEA spokesman Doug Pratt told the Associated Press. "It's more than just a victory for the voters in the 51st (District) who feel Scott hasn't been representing their interests. It's a victory for every Michigan voter who feels misled by Republicans this year."

The Detroit News reported Scott was targeted by the Michigan Education Association, the state's largest teachers union, for policies that weakened teacher tenure and cut school funding. Last Novemeber Scott won re-election with 60 percent of the vote.

Many Fenton Patch readers have shared comments on Scott.

Phil Lasco posted, "Paul is a bright young man. He shouldn't be recalled for doing what he see is best. If you don't care for his actions. Then vote him out next term. Recalls are biased based agendas."

Karyn Kutchey posted, "His actions do not reflect the wishes of his constituents!"

Julianne J. Schmidt said,"I am beyond ecstatic. A lot of people thought very hard about this and cast their votes accordingly."

Heather Gabrielson Peters posted, "Disappointed and frustrated."