ST. PAUL -- Flanked by Senate Republican Leader Dick Day and caucus attorney Fritz Knaak, a former Austin City Council member announced today that he will appeal the state Canvassing Board's decision to certify Dan Sparks as the district's new state senator.

Tom Purcell, of Austin, said there is too much at stake between the outcome of the election and the integrity of Minnesota's electoral process to let a bad decision stand unchallenged.

"Our district got robbed last week. It doesn't matter if you supported a Republican or a Democrat, it should frustrate you that your vote may not have counted," Purcell said.

Day pledged his caucus will assist Purcell in appealing the Canvassing Board's decision.

Knaak will file Purcell's appeal with the 3rd District Court, and said he feels confident that the court will find their arguments compelling.

Sen. Grace Schwab has decided to not appeal the Canvassing Board's decision, said Schwab spokeswoman Snezhana Bessonov.

Purcell and the Republican caucus will hold another press conference at 4:30 p.m. today at Austin City Hall.

After election night totals showed Schwab trailing Sparks by 33 votes, the race underwent the automatic recount process.

The recount narrowed Sparks' margin of victory to three votes and sent 32 contested ballots to the Canvassing Board for a final ruling.