Today's Election in PA's 18th...

[Scooter]

Posted on CNN's website at 11:50PM:

Q: Can I go to bed?

Harry Enten: I'd wait another 45 minutes or so. Let's get the Westmoreland results.

Eric Bradner: I'd also wait a little longer for Westmoreland County to report its final results. If those aren't great for Saccone, we might have a pretty clear idea where this is heading. But if you're nodding off, don't sweat it. The Saccone folks aren't conceding tonight -- and getting the Washington County absentee results will take a few hours. And the big picture here is true no matter what happens with the final few thousand votes: Republicans need to be very, very worried. They're on the brink of losing a district Trump won by 20, and it's an ominous sign for the midterms. You can check the final tally in the morning.

[Lord Jim]

Dem Lamb Is Apparent Winner in Pa. Special Election

By Bill Barrow, Marc Levy and Steve Peoples
Published at 1:03 AM PDT on Mar 13, 2018 | Updated 12 minutes ago

Democrat Conor Lamb is the apparent winner in the closely watched special election in Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district, where a surprisingly strong bid by the first-time candidate severely tested Donald Trump's sway in a GOP stronghold.

The only outstanding votes are the approximately 200 absentee votes in Greene county and the provisional ballots that the district will count within the next 7 days. Even with those added to the count, it does not appear that Republican Rick Saccone will be able to catch up.

Lamb, who declared victory early Wednesday morning, was leading by 641 votes. Saccone has not conceded and his campaign is in touch with legal counsel.

Lamb, a Marine veteran, told his crowd that voters had directed him to "do your job" in Washington. "Mission accepted," he declared. Earlier, Saccone told his own supporters, "It's not over yet, we're going to fight all the way, all the way to the end, we'll never give up."

Regardless of the outcome — and a recount was possible — Lamb's showing in a district Trump won by 20 points in the presidential race was sure to stoke anxiety among Republicans nationwide and renewed enthusiasm among Democrats.

After midnight with all precincts reporting, unofficial results had Lamb leading Republican state Rep. Saccone by fewer than 600 votes. More than 1,000 absentee ballots were still being tabulated as the count carried into Wednesday.

In a race this close, either candidate's supporters can ask for a recount. However there are stiff requirements, including requiring three voters in the same precinct who can attest that error or fraud was committed.

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/politic ... 33733.html

[BoSoxGal]

I wonder how many more GOP Congress critters will announce retirement now?

[Burning Petard]

A Pittsburgh newspaper stated that because this is not a statewide election but a special election in only one congressional district, a re-count
would require a petition signed by two actual voters in this election, from every precinct. I still don't know if the winner can do it with less than 50% of the votes.

snailgate

[Long Run]

Is it just a recency effect, or are there a lot more statistical tie elections that come down to basically a coin flip in the last decade or so?

[rubato]

I wonder if the SC will block a recount?


yrs,
rubato