TX 23: Canseco continues to contest race outcome

Dallas Morning News ^ | 11/08/12 | Nick Gass

[DFG]

The hard-fought race in the 23rd district may have ended with Democratic candidate Pete Gallego winning by 9,222 votes, but incumbent Rep. Francisco “Quico” Canseco has still not conceded. The race, which has been called by various news organizations, is the closest congressional race this year in Texas.

Canseco’s campaign cites voting irregularities, particularly in Maverick County, where they allege election officials double- and triple-counted some ballots, and in Zavala County, where the campaign said it had witnesses that saw Gallego ballots being photocopied.

Scott Yeldell, Canseco’s campaign manager, had previously said the large number of military and absentee votes could swing the race in Canseco’s favor.

The race itself was awash in cash, with nearly $8 million in outside money pouring in to the West Texas showdown, especially from groups like the League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club and the Congressional Leadership Fund. Nearly $13 was spent per person over the age of 18 in the 23rd district.

According to Texas state law, a final canvas and certification of votes must take place between 15 to 30 days of the election. Under the law, Canseco has grounds for a recount. Any potential recount would not delay canvassing.

[DFG]

Don't be a quitter like the GOP party leaders Canseco. Keep fighting the RAT voter fraud.

[martinidon]

These tight races the GOP lost should be easy to take back in the mid terms. I think, things are going to be worse in two years...

[fieldmarshaldj]

A whole slew of races will be competitive for 2014. Needless to say, in these close elections now, even a hint of fraud should be investigated to the fullest. If it delays seating a rodent for months, all the better.

[FryingPan101]

Fight!