First he won it by 21 votes, then he lost it by five.
Now unsuccessful Otago Regional Council candidate Gary Kelliher is seeking a recount of the election result and hoping for a further reversal of his fortunes.
Mr Kelliher, a Springvale farmer, was one of three councillors representing the Dunstan constituency. His bid to retain the seat was successful on the provisional voting figures but unsuccessful in the final count, announced on Friday.
Instead, his nearest rival, former member of Parliament and mayor of Wanganui Michael Laws, was elected to the seat. It was the first attempt at a regional council seat by Mr Laws, who runs a public relations and advocacy business based in Cromwell.
Mr Kelliher said he needed the recount for his ``peace of mind''.
He had three days after the final results were announced in which to apply to a district court judge for a recount and filed the application yesterday.
His decision came after ``much thought and discussion'' with his family over the weekend.
``This isn't a decision I've made lightly and I'm aware it adds more uncertainty for Michael and I've apologised to him about that.''
Mr Kelliher was concerned the recount might be a cost borne by regional council ratepayers but had been assured that was not the case.
``All weekend, various individuals and groups got in touch with me to say sorry I'd missed out and they hoped I was going to seek a recount.
``I could've conceded and said no, that's it, but the margin was so close and this option is available to me. If it was 30 votes, I'd have probably thought twice about it. ''
Under the Local Electoral Act, any candidate can pay $750 and apply to a district court judge for a recount. If the judge agrees to a recount, that process would probably be completed within the next fortnight, Mr Kelliher said.
The votes would be recounted in Christchurch and both he and Mr Laws were allowed to have a scrutineer there to watch.
Mr Laws said he respected Mr Kelliher and the reasons for his action.
``I have wished him and his family well - from our family - during what will be a stressful time,'' he said.
