Connolly's Lead Widens After Malfunctioning Machines Are Examined

In northern Virginia's 11th Congressional District election administrators have finished retrieving votes from the two machines malfunctioned last night--and the results show Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly expanding his slim margin over Republican challenger Keith Fimian.

Connolly won both of the precincts in question--Lorton Center and Laurel Hill--and with 100 percent of precincts reporting, holds a 820 vote lead over Fimian.

Connolly claimed victory last night when the lead was fewer than 500 votes.

His campaign manager said the campaign was confident then that both of the precincts in question were Democrat-leaning areas.

The Virginia State Board of Elections won't certify the results until Nov. 22. After that, since the margin is under one percentage point, Fimian will be able to request a recount.

Fimian has not yet conceded the race or said whether he'll seek a recount.

Listen to the complete story at wamu.org

Copyright 2010 WAMU 88.5 - American University Radio. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright WAMUo - WAMU
Contact Us