In an election full of bad news for conservatives, the media reports of Allen West's "defeat" in Florida was among the worst body blows. But all may not be lost. CBS News reports:

 Tim Edson, West's campaign manager, issued a statement Wednesday morning calling for a "full hand recount of the ballots" in St. Lucie County, Fla.: "Late last night Congressman West maintained a district-wide lead of nearly 2000 votes until the St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections 'recounted' thousands of early ballots. Following that 'recount' Congressman West trailed by 2,400 votes.

"In addition," Edson continued, "there were numerous other disturbing irregularities reported at polls across St. Lucie County including the doors to polling places being locked when the polls closed, in direct violation of Florida law, thereby preventing the public from witnessing the procedures used to tabulate results."

On his Facebook page, the Congressman writes:

Our race is far from decided and there is no rush to declare an outcome. Ensuring a fair and accurate counting off all ballots is of the utmost importance. There are still tens of thousands of absentee ballots to be counted in Palm Beach County and potential provisional ballots across the district. Late last night Congressman West maintained a district wide lead of nearly 2000 votes until the St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections "recounted" thousands of early ballots. Following that "recount" Congressman West trailed by 2,400 votes. In addition, there were numerous other disturbing irregularities reported at polls across St. Lucie County including the doors to polling places being locked when the polls closed in direct violation of Florida law, thereby preventing the public from witnessing the procedures used to tabulate results. The St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections office clearly ignored proper rules and procedures, and the scene at the Supervisor's office last night could only be described as complete chaos. Given the hostility and demonstrated incompetence of the St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections, we believe it is critical that a full hand recount of the ballots take place in St. Lucie County. We will continue to fight to ensure every vote is counted properly and fairly, and accordingly we will pursue all legal means necessary.

Left wing Democrats solemnly assure us that election fraud is not a problem, a sure sign that they know it is. Tuesday's election featured numerous reports of suspicious violations, including the expulsion of Republican poll watchers from precincts in Philadelphia. Deep suspicion is the appropriate attitude toward any irregularities.

WPTV updates:

The lawsuits were filed in Palm Beach and St. Lucie county circuit courts.

West announced the legal action 10 hours after Murphy declared himself the District 18 winner, which MSNBC confirmed.

But Florida law only allows for recounts when a race is decided by a half percentage point or less. The margin in the West-Murphy matchup was razor thin, but not close enough to warrant a recount, according to Florida statutes