Democrat Perriello claims win in Va. 5th (would make 256 Dem House majority)

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MARTINSVILLE, Va., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Democrat Tom Perriello Friday claimed victory over six-term incumbent Republican Rep. Virgil Goode in Virginia's 5th district.

With all vote tallies in the district certified, Perriello finished with 158,703 votes to 157,958 for Goode, the (Charlottesville, Va.) Daily Progress reported. Perriello said the 745 vote margin was outside "statistical variations," the newspaper said.

"The outcome is certain," Perriello told supporters Friday afternoon. "We've won."

Goode has not conceded, however, and the Daily Progress said a recount seemed likely.

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/11/07/Democrat_Perriello_claims_win_in_Va_5th/UPI-61441226109844/