Bentley Team Questions Recount
The new campaign manager for Rep. Robert Bentley (R-Tuscaloosa) questions the credibility of the recount in the Republican primary based on 16 unsealed ballot boxes in Jefferson county.
The AP reports today16 boxes of ballots were found unsealed. The AP story quotes Rep. Arthur Payne (R-Trussville) as saying the sheriff’s department explained to him seals are sometimes improperly secured or damaged when transported. Rep. Payne is monitoring the JeffCo recount for Rep. Bentley.
In a statement emailed to reporters this morning, Bentley campaign manager Bryan Sanders continued his criticism of the current process.
The email reads in part:
“The AP report confirming irregularities in the Jefferson County recount process makes it difficult to have confidence in this petition-based recount going forward.”
Sanders continued: “The AP report of irregularities in Jefferson County confirms our position that a petition-based recount administered by untrained volunteers is less accurate and less reliable than the original count administered by qualified election professionals sworn to uphold the Constitution of Alabama and of the United States.”
“Any discrepancies between the total number of votes cast in the recount and cast on election night need to be fully explained and understood or it will be impossible to have any confidence in the accuracy of the recount.”
State GOP spokesman Phillip Bryan says nearly half of the counties will hold the recount today. The remainder will hold the recount Wednesday with maybe two holding off until Thursday due to staffing issues.
Tim James paid for the recount after trailing Bentley by 167 votes. Bentley is set to face the June 1st primary leader, Bradley Byrne, in a July 13th runoff.
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Filed under: Elections