The Tuesday Republican primary in House District 17, which will be followed by a run-off in two weeks, was one of the closest photo-finishes seen in state politics in some time.

According to a report posted on The South Carolina Conservative website, Mike Burns fell just eight votes short of winning the nomination outright, with 1114 votes (49.7%), forcing a run-off with Chris Sullivan, who got 874 votes (just under 39%). 

Following Burns and Sullivan were three others: Roy Harmon (143 votes - 6.4%), Tom Kolarik (75 votes - 3.4%) and Randall Young (24 votes - 1.1%).

With a ten point deficit to close in the run-off race, the eight votes that eluded Burns could be all it takes to give Sullivan a second chance to win the seat. Sullivan waged a strong GOP primary challenge to Senator Mike Fair last spring, carrying nearly forty-six percent of the vote. Those we've talked with expect a spirited race between the two leading another close - but final - finish in two weeks.

Kudos to Javan Browder for getting the numbers out there before anyone else.