Republicans appeared to have taken control of the Virginia Senate on Tuesday, but their razor thin majority rests on 86 votes and may not be settled until a lengthy recount is concluded. It’s process that could extend a bitter campaign season into December.
The Republicans managed to take back control of the Senate by edging out senior Democrats in two central Virginia districts. Control of the Senate rests in District 17 where Spotsylvania Sen. Edd Houck, the third ranking Democrat in the Senate, lost to political newcomer Bryce Reeves by less than 86 votes of the 45,000 cast, as of early Wednesday morning.
The Reeves campaign is prepared for a recount. “At this point we are still waiting, but if (a recount) is the case, we are prepared to retain counsel,” Chris Leavitt, Reeves spokesman, said. ”It’s a toss-up at this point, but we know we have the absentee ballots, and lots of provisional ballots to put us over the top.”
A recount cannot be filed until the State Board of Elections confirms the count Nov. 28. “They can only petition once the results have been certified,” said Susan Pollard, spokeswoman for the State Board of Elections. Candidates have until Dec. 8 to request a recount and must file a petition with the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond to initiate the process.
Full Article: GOP retakes Senate, recount looms | LoudounTimes.com.