KELOLAND-TV reports that presumably defeated State Senator Bill Earley will ask for a recount.  Read: Earley Calls For Recount In District 12 Race

State Senator-elect Sandy Jerstad actually picked up two votes in the statewide canvas, upping her margin to 20 votes.

I realize some of my fellow Democrats may criticize Earley for requesting a recount.  But I think the race is close enough where it is his legal right.  And based on my previous experience this summer serving on the District 12 GOP House race primary recount board (I was appointed as the token Democrat, per statute, by Second Circuit Presiding Judge Glen Severson), I would expect the results won't change.  The voting system we have is quick and reliable, the Lincoln County auditor's staff was efficient and honest.

But as Judge Severson told me when he appointed me this summer, he said to simply look at the law and the evidence and be fair.   That's good advice--and what the law requires.  Plus, as a lawyer, I try and do whatever a judge tells me to do.  <grin>

I think it was Jefferson who said something to the effect that in a democracy, governments can change because the candidates and the citizens will accept a loss by one vote.  I have no problem that once in a while, the system needs to prove itself faithful and honest to the people's will.  It's what keeps democracy functioning so candidates and governments can continue to change in a peaceful and orderly manner due to just one vote.  If we don't have that belief, we no longer have a democracy, we have chaos--or worse.

I have a lot of criticism of Bill Earley and his politics.  But I will not criticize him if he wants to make sure the vote is correct.