In the ongoing saga known as Rep. Allen West’s refusal to accept the reality of defeat, a judge in Florida denied West’s request for a recount of the 37,379 ballots from early voting in St. Lucie County, FL. The decision now falls to the county’s canvassing board, scheduled to meet today at 4 p.m., the Palm Beach Post reports.
Circuit Judge Dan Vaughn said he does not have the authority to order a recount. West has been vocal about his concerns regarding the counting of early votes on election night.
During their meeting today, the St. Lucie County Canvassing Board will consider whether a full recount of early votes is necessary.
Democratic challenger Patrick Murphy leads West by 1,907 votes. An unofficial vote tally is due to the state Saturday.
St. Lucie County officials recounted only three days of early voting after finding out that machines double counted some ballots. As a result, West reportedly gained 132 votes and Murphy lost 667, according to reports.
Assuming the numbers hold, West would still trail Murphy by 1,108 votes.
Murphy’s campaign manager Anthony Kusich released the following statement following the judge’s decision on Friday:
“Once again, Congressman Allen West’s political stunts have been dismissed by the courts. Instead of admitting defeat, Allen West wants to keep counting votes until he gets the outcome he desires. That’s not how elections work and that is not how the law works. Patrick is ready to put the campaign behind him and move forward with addressing the challenges facing the people of the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches, first and foremost of which is getting Florida back to work.”
Isn’t it just like a Republican to run to the courts when they don’t get their way?