WA Faces Likely Gubernatorial Recount

http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-washington-governor-recount,0,3706287.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- For Dino Rossi, a 42-vote lead was enough to declare victory in the Washington governor's race. Christine Gregoire, however, begged to differ. And so, with a slim margin and a candidate unwilling to concede Wednesday, the state probably has another recount -- a third -- to look forward to.

Rossi, a self-made real estate millionaire and former state Senate budget chairman, was the underdog throughout the campaign but emerged with a 261-vote lead after the initial vote tally ended last week. The margin was so tiny that it triggered the automatic recount.

The recount that wrapped up Wednesday was done by machine. The campaigns or their parties can now request a hand recount in some or all the counties, but they have to pay for it.

Gregoire, the state attorney general, said the Democratic party has indicated that it is willing to pay for the recount. A statewide recount would cost the Democrats about $700,000.

Encourage the hand count at info@gregoire2004.com

the rethugs screwed up the vote in the first place.

I'm also going to write a letter to the editor of the Seattle PI and Times and encourage her and everyone in WA to insist on a hand recount with witnesses from both parties to insure a truly fair election....

We all need to help the state of WA right now...I still own a house there and have lots of family and friends there....Gregoire is fantastic...there is no way Rossi won and I think a recount by hand will prove that....