By Paul Thompson

Northeast News

August 12, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The Missouri House of Representatives District 19 Democratic Primary race isn’t over just yet.

Earlier this week, unofficial District 19 winner Ingrid Burnett told the Northeast News that primary opponent Manny Abarca had called to offer his concession on the evening of Sunday, August 7.

“He called to say congratulations and that he wanted me to know from him that he did not intend to challenge the results,” said Burnett. “We both agreed that it was a spirited campaign, and that we look forward to being able to work together.”

In a follow-up conversation with Abarca, however, the candidate indicated that his conversation with Burnett was never intended to be a concession. Instead, Abarca says that he merely informed Burnett that he wasn’t planning to legally challenge the results, which are scheduled to be certified on the morning of Monday, August 15. Abarca added that he won’t offer any formal concession until that certification. Until the election results are official, it’s still possible for hanging absentee or military ballots to be added to the final tally.

“In some campaigns, there’s a concerted effort to track down all of these absentees. I pulled a list, and we sent a mailer to them prior to the absentee ballots going out,” said Abarca. “We did make contact with them if they were on the absentee list.”

Burnett and Abarca had battled back and forth in the District 19 primary race throughout election night, with Burnett ultimately squeaking out a 20-vote victory, 763-743. The margin for a recount to be conducted by the Secretary of State’s office is 1%; Burnett’s narrow victory over Abarca represented a margin of roughly 1.33%.

“It did end up being very close, but I feel very good about it. I’m really happy with the result,” said Burnett after the election.

Still, Abarca has been hesitant to concede the race. He told the Northeast News after the election that he was considering all of his options ahead of the certification of the election results. By August 7, however, Abarca had called Burnett to inform her that he was taking his legal options off of the table.

“I called her and congratulated her on a successful campaign,” said Abarca. “I told her I had no interest in dragging this out to a long legal battle.”

But with the final margin as razor-thin as it is, Abarca remains content to wait for official certification before offering a formal concession. He noted that one of the most difficult aspects of the protracted race has been updating his supporters about the latest twists and turns. In discussing that topic, Abarca referenced a criticism Burnett had leveled during a June 23 candidate forum regarding his participation in a Congressional Black Caucus boot camp.

“Its just a very tedious explanation process,” acknowledged Abarca. “The Congressional Black Caucus boot camp doesn’t teach you how to lose an election with grace. No experience will give you that understanding until you’re put in that situation. That’s been fun to try to navigate.”

Both candidates expressed concern about the district’s low voter turnout. Despite Abarca’s campaign aggressively knocking on doors throughout the district, only a small swath of eligible voters came out to the polls for the August 2 primary elections.

“This election was lost by only 20 votes. The last contested primary was decided by one vote,” said Abarca. “About one in 500 people came out to vote, with eligible voters being four to five times that. People simply stayed home.”

Burnett echoed similar concerns about the voter turnout.

“What I found concerning about that was not the 20-vote difference, but the low number of votes that were cast,” said Burnett. “It’s critical that we increase voter turnout, because that’s where you have your voice when it comes to public policy.”

Burnett also expressed optimism that she and Abarca will be able to put the interests of the community first moving forward.

“Both of us are respected leaders in this community, and it’s in the best interest of everybody if we work together,” said Burnett.

Until the race is officially certified, though, the candidates will remain in political limbo.

“I’ve got a couple of statements that I’ve drafted,” said Abarca. “Once that happens one way or another, I will make one of those drafts publicly available.”

Because there is no Republican running for the seat, the winner of the District 19 Democratic Primary will be an overwhelming favorite to be elected in the November general election.