COLUMBIA, S.C. - One state Senate race will go to an automatic recount because the margin of victory - 32 votes was less than 1 percent of all votes cast.

According to unofficial results, incumbent Democrat Phil Leventis got 15,593 votes Tuesday, compared with his Republican challenger Dickie Jones, who received 15,561.

The recount likely will be ordered by the State Election Commission in a few days. The outcome of the recount can be challenged by either candidate until Nov. 17.

Leventis, who has served in the Senate since 1981, had been targeted for defeat by Gov. Mark Sanford, who campaigned for Jones, a Sumter attorney.

The incumbent successfully fought to gain four-year status for the University of South Carolina Sumter over Sanford's objections. And on the last day of the session, Leventis filibustered against Sanford's nominee for chairman of the state Workers' Compensation Commission.

The action drew criticism from Republicans who wanted to get work done on other legislation.

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com/