ATLANTA --- A political consultant has defeated a National Guardsman just back from a tour in Iraq in a runoff to fill the unexpired term of state Rep. Ron Sailor, who resigned in a money laundering scandal.

Dee Dawkins-Haigler had 54 percent of the vote in unofficial returns, 297-250, over Malik Douglas in Tuesday's District 93 vote in Rockdale and DeKalb counties.

Mr. Douglas, who completed four months as a platoon leader in Iraq in early May, said Tuesday he plans to run again in July, when a primary will be held for a full two-year term.

Mr. Sailor pleaded guilty in March to laundering $375,000 for an undercover agent posing as a drug dealer. Ms. Dawkins-Haigler and Mr. Douglas were the top vote-getters in last month's five-person special election.

-- Associated Press