Brad Shannon

Brad Shannon:
The Politics Blog

Brad Shannon maintains this blog. He is political editor at The Olympian and can be reached at 360-753-1688 or bshannon@theolympian.com.

Recounts coming in Clark County, maybe King County too

BY JORDAN SCHRADER • Published November 27, 2012

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A day before King County is due to certify its election results today, state Rep. Mark Hargrove’s lead over his challenger shrank to 134 votes, which would trigger a recount by hand if those results hold up.

Only a few hundred votes remain uncounted in the state’s largest county, so the odds are still against Democratic challenger Bud Sizemore. But he has been gaining on Hargrove, a Covington Republican.

After today’s count, the gap in the 47th District shrank to 0.248 percent of all votes cast. A manual recount is required when the margin is less than 150 votes and less than 0.25 percent.

If the gap ends up larger but still less than 2,000 votes and 0.5 percent, there would be a machine recount.

Recounts are also expected in a Clark County Senate and House race, where GOP Sen. Don Benton leads by 82 votes and Democratic House candidate Monica Stonier leads by 135. Benton’s race is closely watched because his win could give two centrist Democrats the ability to force a power-sharing arrangement between the parties.

Clark County plans to start sorting ballots Wednesday and start recounts Monday, according to the secretary of state's office.

Similar stories:

  • Recounts coming in three legislative races

  • Sen. Benton's 74-vote recount win cuts Democrats' majority to 26-23

  • Democrats pick nominees for key seats, say GOP is included

  • Update 2: Maverick Tim Sheldon may become Senate president pro tem

  • Sen. Don Benton issues sharp press release after LaHood visit

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