Secretary of State Brian Kemp certified the results late Wednesday, with Anderson getting 13,785 votes (50.29 percent) to Allen’s 13,626 votes (49.71 percent).

The totals are exactly the same as those certified Tuesday by Kemp’s office, but Allen was permitted a recount because of Anderson’s narrow margin of victory – 159 votes.

Anderson’s campaign staff wasted no time in again declaring the Columbia County hay farmer the runoff winner, even before word reached county elections offices or the public.

In a statement from Anderson communications director Ryan Mahoney, the Republican nominee urged 12th District conservatives to “work together to stop the Obama-Barrow agenda that’s saddling our children and grandchildren with debt, and threatening the future of our economy.”

In a statement, Allen said he respected the certified recount results and congratulated Anderson on his win.

“While we fell a few votes short, I’m proud that our campaign was always truthful, honest and was based on principle, qualities sorely lacking in today’s political environment,” he said.

Democratic U.S. Rep. John Barrow, whom Anderson will face Nov. 6, concluded a two-day small business forum Wednesday in Augusta, then announced plans to attend today’s State of the Port address in his former home of Savannah.

Georgia legislators redrew the 12th District last year to increase the odds of a Republican victory. It spans 19 counties from Effingham, north of Savannah, to Columbia County. The changed boundaries prompted Barrow to buy a home in Augusta earlier this year.