The Senate State Affairs Committee has voted unanimously to uphold the results of the November election in District 29, and declare Sen. Mark Nye, D-Pocatello, the duly elected senator, rejecting a formal contest from his Republican challenger, Tom Katsilometes. The decision came at the end of a nearly three-hour hearing.

“This is a very serious matter,” said Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill,-Rexburg. “We’ve taken it very seriously. We’ve tried to approach it form an unbiased, nonpartisan point of view.” He said, “I just don’t think any of these issues are issues sufficient enough, or even if they even exist … to lead us to a new election or to any other conclusion.” He moved to adopt a committee report recommending to the Senate that the election result be confirmed, and Mark Nye declared the state senator from District 29.

Said Sen. Jeff Siddoway, R-Terreton, the committee chairman, “This isn’t a partisan issue. This is trying to figure out how to do the right thing.”

The committee deferred until next week consideration of the awarding of costs and attorney fees in the matter. Its report now moves to the full Senate for a final vote.

"I'm very relieved," Nye said after the hearing concluded. "I'm pleased to be elected and representing my people and my state. ... I try to meet the highest standards."