Republican in undecided Congress race fighting health scare

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Republican candidate in the nation’s last undecided congressional election says he’s in the hospital recovering from infections attacking his internal organs.

Mark Harris said in a Facebook statement Friday that what he called “a relatively uncommon form of strep bacteria” infected his bloodstream and liver. The post’s authenticity was confirmed by campaign spokesman Jason Williams.

Harris said his health scare began more than a week ago with what his doctor initially thought was bronchitis. He says his health is improving with rest and fluids.

A reconstituted state elections board is expected to hold a hearing next month into whether Harris narrowly won the 9th Congressional District race in November over Democrat Dan McCready. Officials are investigating allegations that someone connected to Harris’ campaign committed fraud involving mail-in ballots.

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Information from: The Charlotte Observer, http://www.charlotteobserver.com