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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- It appears the Republicans will keep the state Senate seat vacated by Glenn McConnell when he became lieutenant governor earlier this year.

But a recount will be needed to confirm the win by Charleston attorney Walter Hundley.

Unofficial returns from Tuesday's special election showed Hundley defeating Democrat Paul Tinkler by 14 votes.

Hundley had 3,112 in the unofficial count. Tinkler got 3,098 votes. Green Party candidate Sue Edwards received 53 votes.

McConnell left his seat after Lt. Gov. Ken Ard resigned and pleaded guilty to campaign finance law violations. McConnell had been president pro tem of the Senate, where he had served since 1981.

Tinkler says he expects to win the recount.

The Charleston County Board of Elections and Voter Registrations will meet Friday morning to certify a winner.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved).