NH Deputy Secretary of State David Scanlan comments re: Kucinich recount request

[Lucinda]

More : http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080111/ap_po/kucinich_nh_recount_3

Scanlon said his office had received several phone calls since Tuesday, mostly from outside the state, questioning the results. New Hampshire's voting machines are not linked in any way, which Scanlon says reduce the likelihood of tampering with results on a statewide level. Also, the results can be checked against paper ballots.

"I think people from out of state don't completely understand how our process works and they compare it to the system that might exist in Florida or Ohio, where they have had serious problems," he said. "Perhaps the best thing that could happen for us is to have a recount to show the people that ... the votes that were cast on election day were accurately reflected in the results. And I have every confidence that will be the case."

[dchill]

1. "...results can be checked against paper ballots."

So - check them!

[LaurenG]

2. I'm glad Kucinich is questioning this, the results were not what anyone suspected they'd be,

but things may well be on the up and up. I don't think a recount will hurt anything and perhaps calm those who are suspicious of the results.

[Lucinda]

3. I see plenty of reasons for the outcome we got, especially when you look

at the polls and check the registered Dem numbers for Obama and Hillary...but if it clears the air, it's a good thing.

[katmondoo]

5. So every time Hillary wins we have a recount

[Lucinda]

6. I can see the reason for questioning it in this case. Even though her win makes sense to me.

I was watching the polls before the vote and she was either ahead or within a point or so of Obama with registered Dems in several of the polls. So her win makes sense to me since there was a large registered Dem turnout and Obama got less Indys than expected. Plus Zogby said his last day numbers showed the swing to her...But some wont be happy with that. Not with the polls so wacky.

[VotesForWomen]

19. correct; obama outperformed polls in iowa and nobody cared. nt

[harmonicon]

4. a few things that do worry me though:

1. if a recount shows that the initial count was fine (which, from what I've read so far is likely), people will be even less likely to accept doing a recount even under more dubious circumstances.
2. it could make people constantly ask for recounts.

Ok, #2 is okay, but a lot of election (I hope.... right?) are perfectly legit, and that could bog things down.

[Lucinda]

7. The difference in this case seems to be that the machines aren't linked.

So the case can still be made in other states where it would be simpler to tamper on a larger scale.

[harmonicon]

8. I know, but it would be harder to make that case.

especially to a busy public that doesn't follow these details closely, if at all.

[Lucinda]

11. I think it's still better to deal with it and put peoples minds at ease.

[harmonicon]

12. so do I. I'm not arguing against it.

I just think we should be aware of possible consequences, good and bad, of doing so.

[Lucinda]

13. True. Especially since it is apparently unnecessary.

[harmonicon]

15. I hope a recount is done, and I also hope it proves to have been unnecessary.

[onenote]

16. exactly right

[demnan]

9. I have to say this, Obama people

but unless your man stands up and says something about this now, I have no use for him in the general election. Either he asks for a recount because of the discrepancy, or we go down in flames again like we did with his chum, John Kerry.

He doesn't have to be nasty about it or implicate Clinton, just ask for a recount.

:rant:

[Lucinda]

10. DK already has. There is no reason for Obama to do it. And NH says the machines aren't linked and

and would be very hard to commit large scale fraud, but they plan to do a recount anyway.

[demnan]

14. I don't even care about that

I want to see the measure of the man before I work to put him in the White House. I want to see him stand up and say something or do something that makes some sense to me.

[Lucinda]

18. I think it would be a big negative for him though, unless there is some reason to think

there is a problem.

[Lucinda]

17. Kicking for the day peeps

[suston96]

20. I demand a recount in Iowa....

I definitely saw attendees raise two hands when being counted. There must be video proof.