Baumann won't go forward with recount in 98th Assembly

MADISON (WITI) -- 30 votes separate the top two candidates in a race for a state Assembly seat. With more than 150 outstanding absentee ballots, one would think the guy trailing would be watching the canvass conducted on Tuesday, February 26th closely. However, Pewaukee Police Chief Ed Baumann isn't sweating the outcome.

After the initial vote count, Adam Neylon had 30 more votes than Baumann.

Neylon also touted his political experience, having worked with Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner. He now owns a commercial window cleaning business and calls himself the most conservative candidate.

Even though the initial gap is smaller than one percentage point, Baumann told FOX6 News he is not worried about Tuesday's canvass.

The Saturday night before the election, Baumann felt sharp chest pains that wouldn't go away.

"I was admitted about one in the morning. I met the doctor 6:15 and at 8:00, I had a heart cath done. They found one of my arteries was blocked by 95%. Everything is put into perspective when you go through something like this," Baumann said.

Baumann says that unexpected look at the big picture partially explains his attitude toward the canvass. He also knows very few of the 154 outstanding absentee ballots were sent in.

"What we're actually getting back is a much smaller number so, personally, I would be surprised if the outcome changed," Baumann said.

Though the canvass won't be completed until Wednesday, Baumann says he is not ready for a fight.

"The people of the 98th are ready to go on and Adam's the person they chose and good luck to him," Baumann said.

Baumann says when he recovers, he'll go back to his regular job as Pewaukee's police chief.

Neylon says he doubts the canvass will change the results, but he's still waiting for the official word before considering himself the winner.