Missouri ? An effort to recall Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser has fallen just short of the number of signatures needed.

The petition drive collected 16,821 valid signatures, 129 short of the required 16,950 signatures, it was reported Saturday.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Funkhouser said he always expected the recall to fall short. He said he didn’t know exactly how he would respond if opponents continued their efforts to remove him from office.

After hearing the results, petitioners said they would seek a recount, then consult an attorney about their legal options.

Funkhouser has been criticized heavily since taking office in May 2007. Much of the controversy centered on the role his wife, Gloria Squitiro, played in his administration. She volunteered nearly full time at his office and came under fire for her brash personality and control of the mayor’s agenda.

On Saturday, Funkhouser said the recall petition arose more from people upset with his efforts to change the city’s focus and priorities.