Murphy above recount range; no West concession

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Republican U.S. Rep. Allen West is refusing to concede even as the state says he lost his re-election bid to Democrat Patrick Murphy by 2,442 votes.

In a complete though unofficial tally of votes reported Saturday, Murphy maintained a lead outside the parameters of an automatic recount. West's campaign said he would not concede until St. Lucie County allows him to examine poll records to satisfy his concerns about votes being miscounted.

Murphy, a Democratic newcomer, had 50.4 percent of the vote in the returns reported Saturday. West, a freshman Republican, is a tea party favorite with a national profile.

A judge denied the court order West sought to impound ballots and voting booths.

The race was the most expensive House contest in the country and one of both parties' top targets.