Party switcher confirmed dumped by Democrats in final tally

From CNN Producer Phil Hirschkorn

YAPHANK, New York (CNN) -- A week after a hotly contested primary, it's official: Rep. Michael Forbes, D-New York, won't be returning for a fourth term.

Forbes has been defeated in a Democratic primary by just 35 votes, losing his re-election bid to represent New York's 1st Congressional District, which covers the eastern half of Long Island. It has taken a week for the final vote to be tabulated by the Suffolk County Board of Elections: 6,042 votes for Forbes to 6,077 for challenger Regina Seltzer, according to Neil Tiger, spokesman for the election board.

Forbes, who switched from the Republican to the Democratic Party last year, has been defeated narrowly in a Democratic primary

This was Forbes' first election as a Democrat. He switched from the GOP last year.

Swept into office in the Republican tide of 1994, Forbes was a strong backer of the GOP's "Contract With America" and voted to impeach President Clinton. He later grew disillusioned with the party.

Seltzer is a 71-year-old environmental lawyer who raised just $40,000 on the race. Forbes had raised $1.2 million.

Last Tuesday's primary night vote count put Seltzer ahead by 39 votes, with about 160 absentee ballots remaining to be counted, Tiger said, adding that the count, with the adjusted vote margin, is now complete.

In November, Seltzer will face Republican Felix Grucci, the town supervisor of Brookhaven, New York.

"I think it's clear there is a new Democratic nominee who I wholeheartedly support. I wish her well, I wish her victory," Forbes said in a telephone interview with CNN. "The issues we care about in this country -- prescription drugs under Medicare, education, the environment -- are issues best championed by the Democratic nominee. Frankly we're gonna' get a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives."

Forbes said he had no second thoughts about switching parties.

"It was a decision I made on principle. I have no regrets, but I knew I was putting myself in jeopardy," Forbes said.

Forbes said Republicans "inundated" Democratic primary voters with information to entice them to vote him out off office.

"The Republicans wanted to teach me a lesson," he said.

Forbes, who will serve in the House until January, did not disclose any plans for the future.

"It's been a great opportunity and a humbling experience for the last six years," Forbes said. "I have a sign outside my office that says 'this office on loan from the people.' We've worked hard to earn the trust of the people now it will be time for someone new."