ST. PAUL — Republican Tom Emmer declined Tuesday to say whether he’ll contest the result of the Minnesota governor’s race in court if he winds up losing a recount.

Emmer said it’s not appropriate to talk about legal action until a recount is over. Emmer trails Democrat Mark Dayton by about 8,700 votes.

A recount is automatic if the margin is less than half a percentage point when the results are certified later this month.

Emmer said he’s relying on a recount to settle what he calls questions with absentee votes, overseas military votes and a vote entry error in Hennepin County.

Emmer said if he wins, he’s ready to govern.