Vote totals same after recount in Lookout Mountain district attorney's race

After four counties retallied their ballots in the close Lookout Mountain district attorney's race, none of the votes changed.

Nearly 22,000 residents voted in the heated race between District Attorney Herbert "Buzz" Franklin and public defender Doug Woodruff.

Woodruff petitioned Georgia on Wednesday for a recount, which was granted the next day. Election officials from each county said their votes stayed the same - for a total 10,978 votes for Franklin and 10,936 votes for Woodruff.

Franklin said he felt as if he had the support to win and was expecting the recount votes to stay the same.

While the race was close, Franklin said he didn't believe voters were dissatisfied with his office. He said a few voters told him they were dissatisfied with specific cases he had prosecuted, but he didn't plan to make any changes.

"Some of Woodruff's supporters were defendants, [or] certain people I wouldn't do favors for," he said.

Woodruff, who was Franklin's first challenger since he was elected, didn't return calls seeking comment. But his records show he had financial support from prominent business leaders and public officials such as state Sen. Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga.

On Wednesday, Woodruff said he was hopeful the recount would go in his favor. But either way he was grateful for the support from the community.

"The certified results are disappointing, but overall this has been a wonderful experience," he said.

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