FORT PIERCE, Florida (AP) - A judge has rejected Republican U.S. Rep. Allen West's request for a recount of more than 37,000 ballots in a race apparently won by Democrat Patrick Murphy.

The St. Lucie County judge said Friday afternoon that he didn't have the authority to order a full recount.

Unofficial returns show Murphy ahead of West by just over 1,900 votes in the 18th District. That includes parts of Martin, St. Lucie and Palm Beach counties.

A conservative favorite with a national following, West is refusing to concede and said they will appeal. His attorneys claim problems with counting of early votes in St. Lucie County are enough to warrant a full recount in that county.

Counties must file certified election results with the state by noon Sunday.