TX HD 146: Al Edwards Files For Recount

Surprising no one, State Rep. Al Edwards (D-Houston) today petitioned for a recount in his race against former State Rep. Borris Miles (D-Houston).

From Edwards’ press release:

“In a highly contested race with the vote separated by only 10 votes, I strongly feel that its important that we take all necessary steps to ensure that no errors have been made. The request for a recount is not aimed at any particular individual or entities, simply to assure my constituents, as they have requested, that the count was fair and accurate as much as possible. Therefore I am seeking a recount of the voting results. I urge the Texas Democratic Party to approve the recount petition,” stated Rep. Edwards.

Former State Rep. Borris Miles, who defeated Edwards in 2006, claimed victory last week.

The Houston Chronicle has more:

Election day results showed Miles with an 11-vote lead. After an early-voting ballot board canvassed provisional and mail ballots, 39 votes were added to the total in the House District 146 race, and Edwards closed the gap by one vote. The tally stands at 5,050 for Miles and 5,040 for Edwards.

The Edwards campaign will cover the cost of the recount unless the outcome of the race changes, in which case the state party would pick up the tab.

Edwards could not be reached this morning. Miles claimed victory in a press release issued last week.

Harris County Democratic Party Chairman Gerry Birnberg called a recount “a waste of money.”

“With electronic balloting, there’s nothing to recount,” Birnberg said.

The state party has two days to review the paperwork and approve the recount. The party has no discretion to reject a recount request if the proper paperwork has been filed, Texas Democratic Party spokeswoman Kirsten Gray said.

This should be interesting. Sources in Houston are telling Capitol Annex that Edwards is preparing to challenge the election in court, so we’ll see how that plays out.