By Fatma Younis
Independent candidate Ty Pinkins, who finished third in Mississippi's closely contested U.S. Senate race, said Wednesday he does not believe his candidacy spoiled the election for Democrat Scott Colom.
Narrow margin separates top two
With 96% of expected votes reported, Colom leads incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith by about 1,000 votes, holding 49.0% to her 48.9%. Pinkins has garnered roughly 20,000 votes.
Pinkins argues he drew Republican votes
Pinkins told CNN that a majority of his support came from traditionally Republican counties, suggesting he may have pulled votes away from Hyde-Smith rather than Colom. "What we did in this race as an independent campaign, we did the opposite of a spoiler," he said.
No automatic recount in Mississippi
Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson said about 3,600 outstanding mail ballots could arrive within five business days, plus an unknown number of affidavit ballots. The state has no formal recount process; candidates may only examine ballot materials after certification and then file a legal challenge.
Race remains uncalled
ABC News has not projected a winner. The final outcome may depend on the remaining ballots.
