Posted on 11/21/2002 7:42:46 AM PST by agenda_express
Recounts Ordered In Two Indiana House Races
Democrats Would Lose Control Of Chamber If 1 Result Changes
POSTED: 6:14 p.m. EST November 20, 2002
UPDATED: 6:51 a.m. EST November 21, 2002
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana State Recount Commission ordered recounts Wednesday in two disputed House races that could tip the balance of power from Democrats to Republicans if election results are overturned.
The commission ordered recounts to begin Dec. 3 in House District 86, which covers parts of Marion and Hamilton counties and was the election's closest legislative race.
Election results showed Democrat David Orentlicher defeating Republican Rep. Jim Atterholt by only 36 votes.
Recounts will begin Nov. 25 in House District 81 in Fort Wayne, where Democratic Rep. Win Moses won by just 64 votes.
Republican county chairmen requested the recounts in both races.
Democrats currently control the House 51-49. If Republicans gain a 50th seat, they would control the chamber through a tie-breaking law enacted in 1995.
Republican Secretary of State Sue Anne Gilroy, who will head the commission, said she was confident that Indiana law would allow for a timely recount and accurate results.
Democratic and Republican state party chairmen appointed the other two commission members. They were Mark Palmer, a lobbyist and former state representative, and Gordon Durnil, who was the Republican state chairman from 1981 to 1989.
Commission members also agreed to conduct a hearing for the House District 15 race that was contested by the Democratic candidate.
George Baranowski of Schererville contends that Republican Don Lehe of Brookston failed to meet a residency rule that requires him to live within the district for one year prior to the election.
Lehe defeated Baranowski 2,899 votes to 2,349 votes in the race to fill the seat vacated by State Rep. Dan Dumezich, R-Schererville, who did not seek re-election.
Baranowski previously said that Lehe had changed his voter registration from a residence outside of the district to a new residence within the district on Dec. 6, 2001.
Lehe countered that residency and voter registration are not the same and said he was a resident of the district by Nov. 5, 2001.
All three elected House members -- Orentlicher, Moses and Lehe -- were sworn in Tuesday during Organization Day.
The panel has until Dec. 19 to complete and present its findings to the full House. Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Congressman Billybob
But I really am moving from greater Los Angeles to south of Houston.
I will miss this tiny conservative town of Claremont, Calif. It is so pretty and green and the mountains are like a huge gorgeous backdrop to our north. We can drive a couple of hours and be anywhere we want in Calif. San Diego, LA, Carmel, Monterrey, etc. are all just a short drive from here. Laguna Beach, Malibu, Coronado Beach.... We will miss this place!!!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.