What appears to be the closest statewide race in the history of Virginia was still not decided last week. With 100% of votes counted in the race for attorney general of the Old Dominion, Republican State Delegate Bob McDonnell clung to a lead of 352 votes out of more than 1.94 million cast—or .02% of the vote—over his Democratic opponent, State Sen. Creigh Deeds.
Under state election law, a candidate who trails by less than 1% of the vote can request a recount November 28, when the state Board of Elections certifies the winner. Deeds has said he will do this, although McDonnell continues to claim victory. For his part, Democratic Gov. Mark Warner has announced he will provide transition offices in Richmond for both candidates.
