COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The South Carolina Election Commission has rejected former Charleston Rep. Wallace Scarborough's appeal of his election loss last month.

The decision on Wednesday confirms the victory of Democrat Anne Peterson Hutto in a district that covers James Island and Folly Beach.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported that Scarborough's attorney was unable to persuade the Election Commission that 365 people improperly cast ballots in a race that Hutto won by 211 votes.

The 41-year-old Hutto attended a two-day organization session in the House this week but was unable to participate until the hearing was settled.

Scarborough had held the seat since 2000.

He said he would consider appealing and has 10 days to make a decision.

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Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.charleston.net

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)