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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Oregon Legislature. This is a venue for political and policy coverage of the state government in Salem and its impact on the people of Oregon.

Supporters Of Oregon Food Labeling Measure Concede Defeat

Chris Lehman
/
Northwest News Network
File photo of Elections workers in Salem hand-counting Marion County ballots.

Supporters of a food labeling measure in Oregon have conceded defeat, more than one month after the election.

Measure 92 would have required food manufacturers and retailers to label genetically engineered foods. It produced the most expensive initiative campaign in Oregon history.

The difference between the "no" and "yes" votes was so close, it triggered the first statewide recount in more than six years. But that recount is largely confirming the initial totals.

The final margin is still being determined, but it looks like it's going to be about 800 votes. That's extremely close in a statewide election in which more than 1.5 million votes were cast. But ultimately you only need to win by one, and in this case the No on 92 campaign came out victorious.

The Yes on 92 campaign said it won't pursue a potential legal challenge to the election results. A judge in Portland this week turned down an attempt to block certification of the recount.