The incumbent president of the Unite Here Local 54 workers union in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Bob McDevitt, is keeping his job. Union members took to the polls last Friday to elect a new leader for the next three years and McDevitt defeated his only competition in what could be described as anything but a landslide. As such, and is becoming the norm in all US-held elections on virtually all levels, the results are being contested and the loser is demanding a recount and, possibly, a do-over.

McDevitt, who has been president since 1996, defeated Al Tabei, taking 932 of the 1,596 votes cast. However, Tabei is ready to challenge the results, asserting that 152 of the votes cast are illegal because the voters are not “up-to-date with union dues.” He also argued that some of the casinos didn’t offer their unionized employees enough time to leave to place their votes, which could have resulted in missed opportunities or erroneous choices.

Unite Here Local 54 represents about one-third of the casino employees in Atlantic City and the number is growing. Hard Rock Atlantic City employees recently voted to unionize and those of Ocean Casino Resort are close to a vote.

McDevitt’s reelection comes as the union is about ready to face to possible fight in Atlantic City. Bargaining negotiations in the gambling industry are expected to launch early next year and the president is prepared for battle if necessary.