Democrat Tom Perriello was declared the winner in Virginia’s fifth congressional district race yesterday, following the completion of an extensive vote count and canvass by the Virginia State Board of Elections. Incumbent Virgil Goode, R-Charlottesville, has since asked for a recount.
Though Goode led by 446 votes the morning of Nov. 5, Goode said since Election Day 3,200 votes changed in Perriello’s favor.
As of the final certified tally, Goode trails by 745 votes.
“We decided to ask for a recount,” Goode said, adding that many of his supporters, including the National Republican Congressional Committee, encouraged him to do so.
“It may all be just human error,” Goode said. “Hopefully, the recount might shed some light on that situation.”
Goode said, though, that he is not overly optimistic about the recount.
“Any recount is an uphill battle,” he said. “I wouldn’t say precise odds, but the one that’s ahead is generally favored.”
Perriello’s communications director Jessica Barba said she is confident in Perriello’s victory.
“What we know historically is that there is little to no chance of changing the outcome of this election,” she said.
The recount will be paid for using funds from taxpayers, Barba said, because the margin of victory — approximately 0.23 percent — was less than 0.5 percent.
Goode said he does not know how much the recount will cost, but noted that he feels this is an important security measure for voters.
“It ensures that each ballot that was lawfully cast in the election is counted, and that the votes are accurately tallied,” Goode said. “It also gives us a chance to ensure that each candidate’s tally is comprised only of votes that were properly and lawfully cast.”
Goode said he would not comment on any possible plans for after the recount, adding that it is “way too early” to think about running for political office again.
Barba, meanwhile, said Representative-elect Perriello will continue his transition to the House of Representatives, a process that includes forming his congressional staff.
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