( LARSON SHY OF VOTES )
FRESNO COUNTY SUPERVISOR PHIL LARSON CAME UP 20 VOTES SHORT OF THE NECESSARY 50-PERCENT PLUS ONE VOTE TO WIN RE-ELECTION OUTRIGHT AND AVOID A RUNOFF. THAT'S THE LATEST TALLY FROM THE ELECTIONS OFFICE WHERE JUST 250 PROVISIONAL BALLOTS REMAIN TO BE COUNTED FROM THE JUNE PRIMARY.
LARSON, WHO IS SEEKING A THIRD TERM AS SUPERVISOR, WILL FACE CHALLENGER CYNTHIA STERLING IN A NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION RUNOFF.