PORTSMOUTH — Lending renewed meaning to the 'every vote counts' adage, Republican Elizabeth Pedro has won the seventh sport on the Portsmouth Town Council by a single vote.

A recount made the outcome official late Friday.

It has been a see-saw battle. Democrat Len Katzman appeared to have won on election night but after the absentee ballots were counted, Ms. Pedro surged to a three vote lead.

Mr. Katzman requested a recount which brought him to within one vote.

Upon learning the result, he issued this statement:

"After the final tally of the recount with all votes in I lost by one vote. I congratulate Ms. Pedro on a good race and wish her well on the council.

"I want to thank all those who voted for me, and thanks are due as well to the Portsmouth Democratic Party for their support of my candidacy. I am exceptionally pleased that Portsmouth Democrats won a controlling

number of seats on the Town Council and accomplished a complete sweep of the School Committee races. I wish all newly-elected Portsmouth office holders the best as they take on the challenges of government for the next two years.

After the final tally of the recount with all votes in I lost by one vote.

I congratulate Ms. Pedro on a good race and wish her well on the council.

I want to thank all those who voted for me, and thanks are due as well

to the Portsmouth Democratic Party for their support of my candidacy.

I am exceptionally pleased that Portsmouth Democrats won a controlling

number of seats on the Town Council and accomplished a complete sweep

of the School Committee races. I wish all newly-elected Portsmouth

office holders the best as they take on the challenges of government

for the next two years.