November 8, 2006
Give Allen Some Time
:By now surely everyone knows that my home state is at the center of the country’s glare as we see if there may be a recount. And surely you know that there is not really a recount to be had - the whole state is on electronic ballots. Last year, a state wide recount that lasted till nearly Christmas changed 37 votes. Even assuming that voter turnout is much higher, 7,000 votes will not be overcome.
All that said, Senator Allen should be allowed as much time as he needs within the democratic system. In 2000, these pages wrote very strongly that the power of our democracy included the rules that governed recounts and making sure all ballots were counted. In that case, I believe we all were failed by Bush’s foils and appeals to the Supreme Court. We need to allow everything be checked and that the rules of Virginia are followed, even if it takes till Christmas.
I believe Senator Allen will concede by the end of the week, the election is over. But Allen is owed rule of law. And after many of years of service to our country, Allen should be given some time to come to terms that his political career is over.
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