Indiana: recounts in 4 state House races
The AP reports: A state panel agreed Wednesday to recount votes in four Indiana House races whose ultimate outcomes could threaten Democratic control of the chamber or widen the party’s majority.
The Indiana Recount Commission also granted Libertarian Steve Osborn’s request to retally ballots in 10 precincts in his statewide race for the U.S. Senate against Dick Lugar, even though Osborn lost by more than 1 million votes on Nov. 7 and he acknowledged the recount gives him no chance of winning.
Democrats gained a 51-49 majority in the Indiana House, according to totals cited by the Secretary of State’s Office. Recount requests were made by three Democratic candidates who each lost by fewer than 30 votes, and by former Republican Rep. Billy Bright of North Vernon, who challenged results that show he lost by about 1,600 votes.
Democrats could only lose control of the chamber if a recount determines that Bright won and outcomes in the other races stand. That would give each party 50 members, and under a tie-breaking rule, Republicans would control the chamber. -- Journal Gazette | 11/30/2006 | Recounts granted in 4 races; House in balance