Counting Ballots

The Alaska Division of Elections (I didn't know the results needed to be divided ... but I digress) will perform the first of three counts of absentee and disputed ballots for last week's primary election. Most eyes are on the Republican senatorial campaign, of course, where challenger Joe Miller currently leads incumbent Lisa Murkowski by just over 1,600 votes. Stay tuned for further fireworks as the observers tattle on each other while simultaneously pointing fingers in all directions.

Ain't politics fun?

For periodic updates on the counting, go here.

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Regarding the Miller campaign's request for State Troopers to monitor the count, the Lt. Governor says it's unnecessary. However, he will send a State attorney to monitor the process ... so apparently some oversight is considered a good idea.

If nothing else, it may prevent the losing candidate from an extended bout of foot-stomping and pouting. Wait ... what am I saying?

Ain't politics fun?

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Regarding the ballot count, it's not just the senatorial race that's in question. A primary race between three candidates seeking the Republican nomination for Alaska House District 12 has come down to eight votes in the latest tally. (That's in the Fairbanks area.)

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It's clear that the interest in last week's election, post-election, exceeds that prior. Perhaps if more than 27.5 percent of the electorate had exercised their right to participate ... either way, they will have no right to grouse if the results aren't to their liking.

I didn't say they won't gripe - just that they have no valid right to engage in yet another round of thumb-sucking, extended-lower-lip sulking. Ain't politics fun?


Perhaps they should heed the words of Patrick Henry:

"For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and provide for it."