DES MOINES - Iowa Senate Democrats have re-elected Jeff Danielson of Waterloo to his leadership position there, even though the final outcome of his election race is pending a recount.

Danielson was re-elected Senate president pro tempore Sunday at a meeting in Des Moines.

Danielson officially holds a 14-vote lead over Republican challenger Walt Rogers after a canvass of votes and an administrative recount of two precincts. More than 32,000 votes were cast.

Rogers, behind by less than one vote per precinct, has requested a district-wide hand recount.

Despite the razor-thin margin, odds are against Rogers pulling ahead. County election officials said recounts usually result in a change of only a handful of votes.

Black Hawk County elections manager Kyle Jensson said a three-member board made up of a representative of each campaign and an agreed-upon neutral third member will conduct the recount.

Danielson has selected Tom Powers of Waterloo as his reprsentative. Rogers had selected Erik Ouimette. They are negotiating to come to an agreement on a third member.

If the campaigns can't agree on a third board member, then 1st Judicial District Chief Judge Jon Fister of Waterloo will appoint someone.

The recount board must be assembled by Nov. 21. The board must complete its recount by Nov. 28.

The location of the recount, which is open to the public, has not been decided.

Democrats in the Iowa Senate re-elected other top leaders to their posts Sunday.

Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs will remain Senate majority leader, and Jack Kibbie of Emmetsburg will remain as Senate president.

Democrats extended their Senate majority to 32-18 in the Nov. 4 elections, which they say is the largest Democratic majority in the state's history.

In a statement, leaders said they would focus on responsible budgeting in the upcoming session that begins in January.

"Our budget is balanced and our reserve funds are at record levels," Gronstal said in a statement. "We will make the tough choices required to keep state government financially sound while continuing to move forward on jobs, education and health care."

Senate Democrats also re-elected Tom Courtney of Burlington as Democratic whip.

Also elected as assistant majority leaders Sunday were Bill Dotzler of Waterloo, Amanda Ragan of Mason City, Bill Heckroth of Waverly, Staci Appel of Ackworth, Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City and Jack Hatch of Des Moines.

Courier Staff Writer Jens Manuel Krogstad contributed to this story.

Charlotte Eby can be reached at 515-243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.