CHARLEVOIX, Mich., Aug. 4, 2004
JonBenet's Dad Loses Election
John Ramsey A Close Second In Congressional Race In Michigan
-
-
John and Patsy Ramsey, at his Michigan campaign headquarters. Ramsey came in a close second among six candidates in the GOP primary for the 105th District congressional seat. (AP)
-
JonBenet Ramsey, in a family snapshot. Found dead at age six at her family's home in Boulder, her 1997 murder is still unsolved. (AP/Family Photo)
-
-
Interactive The JonBenet Case Review the murder and investigation, see those involved, and take a peek inside the Ramsey house where the crime occurred.
-
Interactive Campaign 2004 Complete election recap – winners/losers, money, issues and more.
John Ramsey picked up 24 percent of the vote and finished about 500 votes behind attorney Kevin Elsenheimer in the rural northern Michigan district.
A cloud of suspicion has hung over Ramsey and his wife since the 1997 slaying of 6-year-old JonBenet, but no one has ever been charged. The district attorney and a federal judge in Colorado have said it is likelier that an intruder was responsible, as the parents insist.
Ramsey did not shy away from the JonBenet issue on the campaign trail, and the notoriety of the case helped give him nearly 100 percent name recognition in the district.
Ramsey's presence transformed the campaign into a high-profile race that has drawn coverage from the likes of CNN and People magazine.
The Ramseys have had a summer place since 1992 in this Lake Michigan tourist town about 230 miles northwest of Detroit, and became full-time residents last fall.
"I think people are definitely voting for the local person," Elsenheimer said as the results came in.
Elsenheimer will be favored in November in the GOP-leaning district.
By John Flesher ©MMIV The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The secrets of tennis legend 
