Peter Shumlin, 54, of Putney has won the Democratic nomination for governor, according to the Vermont Secretary of State’s office Friday. The unofficial certified results put Shumlin 197 votes ahead of his rival, Doug Racine, 57, of Richmond. The Associated Press had reported Wednesday that Shumlin had a 192-vote margin.
Kathy DeWolfe, director of the Elections Division, released the new tally to the candidates and the press early Friday afternoon. Shortly afterward, Racine announced he would call for a recount on Tuesday, once the Secretary of State’s office certifies the votes.
Racine held a press conference at the Richmond Town Center Friday afternoon to announce his decision.
“I’ve just spoken with Peter, and I told him I would be requesting a recount,” Racine stated in a press release. “Peter said he would support my decision.”
Shumlin acknowledged Racine’s decision in a written statement. “I am encouraged by the unofficial certified numbers released by the Secretary of State today, which show me receiving more votes than the other contenders,” Shumlin said in a statement. “Doug is a great candidate who ran a great race. I understand that Doug is going to exercise his legal right to a recount and I respect his decision.”
Under Vermont law, candidates can demand a recount if their total is within 2 percent of the apparent winner’s vote count.
Racine said the 197 votes between him and Shumlin represent a quarter of a 1 percent difference. “That is less than 1 vote per town,” Racine commented.
More than 73,000 voters cast ballots on Tuesday in the most hotly contested Democratic primary race for governor in history. On Wednesday, it was apparent that the five-way race for governor could be a toss-up. Deb Markowitz placed third – and was about 700 votes behind Shumlin.
Racine said hundreds of supporters asked that he seek a recount. “I owe it to them and to Vermonters to be sure this is the correct outcome,” Racine said.
The state senator said he will expedite the recount process by requesting that optical scanners be used in the recount. He urged his supporters to volunteer in the coordinated campaign, the Vermont Democratic Party’s election arm. DeWolfe said the earlier possible date for a recount result would be Sept. 10. The Washington County Superior Court will oversee the process.
Racine said, though he is aware the odds are stacked against a different election result, “we need to know for sure.”
“In the end, this is about our democratic process,” Racine said. “Every Vermonter deserves to know that his or her vote was counted correctly.”
Reaction from other candidates was swift. Press releases from Markowitz, Shumlin and Republican candidate for governor, Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie, were sent out during and shortly after the press conference on Friday. Markowitz and Shumlin were not available for comment, instead they released statements via e-mail.
Markowitz wrote: “Although it was not my intention to initiate a recount, I respect Doug’s right to do so under the law. I know this must have been a very difficult decision for him to make. Now the recount process must play itself out according to the law. The recount is overseen by the Washington County Superior Court. I know the courts will proceed as quickly as possible so that the general election campaign can begin in earnest. I know that both Peter and Doug share my values, and the values of most Vermonters, while Brian Dubie does not. Our focus must be to count the votes and move forward quickly so we can beat Brian Dubie and get Vermonters back to work.”
By evening, Dubie had chimed in too. “I respect Sen. Racine’s decision to call for a recount. I eagerly await the results so I can debate my opponent. Whether I run against Peter Shumlin or Doug Racine, Vermonters will have a clear choice in November – between my plan to cut taxes and red tape in order to grow jobs, and their plans to raise taxes and create dozens of new government programs. I am confident Vermonters share my vision.”
Read Terri Hallenbeck’s story in the Burlington Free Press: “Recounts are rare in Vermont and rarely prompt change”
Read the unofficial vote count from the Secretary of State’s office: Uncertified primary vote count for the Democratic gubernatorial primary Aug. 26
