Good morning, RK! Here's some of the best political news I've heard since Barack Obama was elected President!
Democrat Tom Perriello's upset victory over veteran U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Rocky Mount became official this morning when the state Board of Elections certified the results of the Nov. 4 contest.Now it's up to Goode to decide whether to seek a recount in the race, which was decided by just 745 votes...
Congratulations to Tom Perriello on his defeat of Virgil Goode in Virginia's 5th Congressional District.
WOOOHOOOOO!!!
Thanks!
Steve
Given the 700+ vote margin, a recount is unlikely to change the results.
Some of Goode's recent comments and vague suggestions of irregularities would suggest he is contemplating, if anything, a contest to the election, but he will have to put up or shut up to pursue that. the standards are (emphasis mine):
(i) objections to the eligibility of the contestee based on specific allegations,
(ii) objections to the conduct or results of the election accompanied by specific allegations which, if proven true, would have a probable impact on the outcome of the election, or
(iii) both.
In other words, the vague BS we have heard so far from Virgil's camp won't cut it.
November 24, 2008-Ivy, VA-Today, Jessica Barba, communications director for the Perriello campaign, released the following statement regarding the Virginia State Board of Election's certification of Perriello as the new Representative for Virginia's Fifth District:"Today, the State Board of Elections certified the results of the fifth district election and declared Congressman-Elect Tom Perriello the winner by a margin of 745 votes. The citizens of the fifth district have spoken, every vote has been counted and certified, and they have elected Tom Perriello to be their new representative in Washington to bring the change and economic recovery they need."
"We respect Virgil Goode's right to ask for a recount and we are confident the recount will not alter the outcome of this race. The official vote canvassing process that took place in the days immediately following the election was extensive, thorough, and overseen by representatives of both parties. A re-tabulation of the results of the vote canvass will result in what the Virginia State Board of Elections certified today -- that Tom Perriello has been elected as the new congressman for the fifth district."
Tom Perriello will hold a press conference to discuss the vote certification today at 1:00 p.m. at the Depot Grille, 10 9th Street, Lynchburg, VA.