After an election cycle that involved a nine-candidate special election and an all-Republican runoff, Paul Broun is leading Jim Whitehead in the vote count that decides who will represent the 10th District.

But no official winner has been named, according to the Secretary of State’s Web site.

Broun, who was identified as an underdog, leads the election with 50.4 percent of the vote. Whitehead has 49.6 percent.

In the weeks leading up to the election, the candidates seemed to engage in a regional battle. Allegedly, Whitehead vowed to represent Augusta while Broun pledged his loyalty to his hometown of Athens.

Neither side admits to starting the debate.

“Whitehead tried to make that an issue, but Dr. Broun wanted to represent the entire district,” said Joshua Evans, Broun’s campaign manager.

Whitehead communications adviser, John Stone, disagreeed.

“That was Broun and the Athens Banner-Herald saying that,” he said.

Christie Haynes, a member of the College Republicans, said she was discouraged by the candidates dividing Athens and Augusta.

“It did become a regional battle, which I think is extremely unfortunate because this district needs someone to represent the whole district, not just Augusta or Athens,” she said.

Until the winner is named, both campaigns are reflecting on the campaign.

Evans said Broun’s lead in the election is due to a grassroots campaign strategy.

Stone credited negative publicity and low voter turnout for Whitehead’s slip.

“Senator Whitehead refused to engage in negative campaign ad attacks,” he said. “Mr. Broun poured on the negative ads district-wide, and that helped him get ahead.”

While the last votes are counted, the candidates await the final outcome of the election.

Stone said Whitehead’s team is hopeful.

“When the margin is razor thin, it can go either way.”

Evans is positive about Broun’s position.

“Our lead is solid and I don’t expect there to be any changes in that.”