Mississippi House roll call vote to seat Republican Tullos

(AP) — The Mississippi House voted 67-49 Wednesday to seat Republican Mark Tullos of Raleigh in an election dispute, denying the seat to Democrat Bo Eaton of Taylorsville.

Eaton had won a drawing of straws after election officials counted a tie in the House seat, covering Jasper and Smith counties, but a House committee concluded five affidavit ballots were improperly counted, giving Tullos at least a one-vote margin of victory.

Voting yes were 66 Republicans and one Democrat.

Voting no were 49 Democrats and two Republicans.

Two representatives cast a "paired" vote, which does not count for or against the final tally.

Republican Jeff Smith of Columbus, who was in the chamber, cast a "paired yes" vote for himself and a "paired no" vote for his colleague, Democrat Steve Holland of Plantersville, who was not in the chamber.