After fraud probe, new primary may replace GOP candidate

RALEIGH, N.C. – Legislation quickly passed through North Carolina’s legislature this week would prepare a path for Republicans to dump their nominee in a still-undecided U.S. House race marred with ballot fraud allegations.

If the state elections board decides ballot irregularities or other problems cast the true outcome into doubt and force a redo, the legislation would require new primary elections in the 9th Congressional District race, in addition to a new general election.

That would allow Republicans another look at Mark Harris, the Republican who led Democrat Dan McCready by 905 votes in unofficial results.

Republican political consultant Carter Wrenn said he thinks the GOP-led Legislature is worried that Harris might be damaged and want the opportunity to have a different Republican nominee.