OK gang,
The results are in. My opponent picked up 12 votes in the provisional ballots, I picked up 5, net difference he picked up 7 votes on me. Given that I was 3 votes ahead before tonight, the net affect is that he is up by 4 votes. State statue allows me to request a recount for anything less than a 7 vote difference, so I have requested a recount. While it doesn’t look good for me, even if I lose it has been a great experience, and given the support that I have been receiving in town this week, I may decide to run again in two or four years. We shall see. I will let you know when the final tally is reached, which may be as early as tomorrow night.
One thing I have learned, though I knew it intellectually before. The value of one vote cast is very important, and those that were not cast are heart breaking for those who would have benefited by their vote. I have also talked to individuals who would have voted for me, but because they didn’t register to vote, or they were too “busy”, did not vote. I am beginning to feel passionately about that too.