File 2005 / AP

Linda Harper Brown

DALLAS — Representative Linda Harper-Brown is said to be relieved the recount in Texas House District 105 is finally over and that she will return to Austin.

Both she and opponent Bob Romano picked up an extra vote during the five-day recount of the Nov. 4 election results this week.

But after all ballots were re-checked in the District 105 race, Linda Harper-Brown retained her 20-vote lead over Romano.

"After five days and countless hours, the results didn't change,” said Wade Emmert, a Republican attorney. “Linda Harper-Brown picked up one vote and Bob Romano picked up one vote. It was, to say the least, a lot of effort for no change in the results."

Attorneys from both sides had been keeping watch over the process, and both sides seem satisfied that it was done correctly.

"We're sorry that we didn't win, but we feel like they did a good job,” Clay Jenkins, a Democratic attorney, added. “But it's just like anything else — you want to win; it's tough to lose."

The outcome of this race had been closely followed by political watchers across the state because it means Republicans will keep their 76-to-74 majority in the Texas House of Representatives.

Romano has one last option. He can take his case to the Texas House and ask for a trial there. His attorney said it's uncertain what he'll do next, but he'll have to make a decision within days.

E-mail jwhitely@wfaa.com