Republican candidate David Harmer is still refusing to concede defeat in the 11th congressional district election, even though the number of uncounted ballots has significantly decreased.

As of midday Tuesday, Democratic congressman Jerry McNerney held a 1,757 vote lead.

The Secretary of State's website reports the two-term incumbent has 111,338 votes compared to 109,581 for Harmer. American Independent Party candidate David Christensen has 11,931 votes.

The Contra Costa Times reports there are less than 5,000 ballots left to process in the four counties the district covers.

Nonetheless, Cameron Wilkinson, a Harmer campaign spokesman, told Patch the Republican candidate is still not willing to throw in the towel.

"We'll see where we stand when all the votes are counted and then decide what to do," he said.

Wilkinson said a recount is a possibility.

Harmer is in Washington, D.C., this week, attending a Republican seminar for new congressional members. In an e-mail, Harmer asked supporters to contribute to a recount fund.

Last week, McNerney declared victory, saying it was virtually impossible for Harmer to make up the deficit with the number of ballots remaining.