Attorney General Race Still Undecided

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HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) -- A recount is very likely in the attorney general race between Democrat Mark Herring and Republican Mark Obenshain.

According to state rules, if two candidates are within a percentage point of each other, the candidate who is behind can request a recount.

The way it works is the state board of elections has to certify the election results. After that, the losing candidate has up to ten days to file a request for a recount.

The issue then goes to the courts and that can include requests to inspect voting ballots.

A lot of political analysts predicted this race would be close, as both sides really poured in a lot of money to their candidates at the end.

According to reports, Obenshain actually out-raised Cuccinelli in the final weeks.

Dr. Steve Longenecker, a local political analyst said Obenshain ran his campaign differently than the other republicans.

"I think the attorney general race was close because it reflects the close division of Virginia voters," said Longenecker, "Obenshain ran a tad more to the center than Cuccinelli did. Obenshain did not run as a tea party candidate."

Both candidates have released statements about the ongoing uncertainty.


Obenshain said, "Elections like this are a reminder of the importance of participating in the Democratic process. We're going to wait until the State Board of Elections finishes its tabulations, and make any further decisions at that time."

So far, neither candidate is conceding or claiming victory, and because of how close the race is, Herring said there will be a state funded recount. is happy to provide a forum for commenting and discussion. Please respect and abide by the house rules:


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