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Trump threatens federal intervention over looming Florida recounts – live updates Trump threatens federal intervention over looming Florida recounts – live updates
(35 minutes later)
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell said Friday that there’s no need for legislation to protect the job of special counsel Robert Mueller.
“It’s not necessary. The Mueller investigation is not under threat. The president said repeatedly that he’s not going to dismiss the Mueller investigation. He’s said repeatedly it’s going to be allowed to finish. That also happens to be my view,” McConnell told reporters in Kentucky, the Hill reported.
Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake is moving for a vote on the bill, after Trump fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
“It’s not going to come up because it isn’t necessary,” McConnell said, according to the Hill. “There has never been any indication that [Trump] wants to dismiss Mueller or the investigation.”
Fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions said after his dismissal he is “confident” that the special counsel’s Russia investigation will be handled “appropriately and with justification.”
Speaking to a Wall Street Journal opinion writer, Sessions said if he could do it again, he still would have recused himself from overseeing the probe - a decision that followed the advice of the Justice Department’s ethics officer, but infuriated Donald Trump.
“No one is above supervision,” he said.
Sessions told the Journal the long duration of the Mueller probe has been “unhealthy,” but said, “the country is committed to this course.”
Sessions said he hasn’t decided on his next step. “I want some family time and to let my head clear,” he said.
Sessions declined to take any parting shots at Trump, the Journal reported. “We’ve had a good run,” he said. “It’s been an adventure.”
He called the sendoff he got from 200 DOJ employees “heartwarming.” “I told them that we were all part of the executive branch and served at the pleasure of the president, that we had protected the legal process which was vital to our work, and that we should all feel proud,” he said.
Somali refugees in a camp in Kenya are celebrating the election of one of their own to the House of Representatives.
Ilhan Omar, 37, won a seat in Minnesota. She was born in the Somali capital of Mogadishu and fled the country’s civil war with her family, living for four years in the Dadaab camp in neighbouring Kenya.
“We are glad that she won. She made us proud as refugees and Somalis. This shows that even if you are a refugee, you can still succeed. We pray for her and hope she will support the refugees. She must know that we are here in Dadaab,” said Abdullahi Osman Haji Adam, who knew her back then.
En route to Paris, Donald Trump continues to tweet up a storm and is now disparaging Republican Sen. Jeff Flake for pushing a bill to protect the job of special counsel Robert Mueller.
Jeff Flake(y) doesn’t want to protect the Non-Senate confirmed Special Counsel, he wants to protect his future after being unelectable in Arizona for the “crime” of doing a terrible job! A weak and ineffective guy!
Mueller was not confirmed by the Senate and there is no requirement that he must be. He is a so-called inferior officer, reporting until this week to deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. The attorney general, by contrast, is a principal officer who reports only to Trump. That is the driver behind arguments that Trump’s appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting AG without Senate confirmation violates the Constitution.
Former Florida Congressman Patrick Murphy says his votes in the governor’s and Senate races were not counted because of a signature mismatch.Former Florida Congressman Patrick Murphy says his votes in the governor’s and Senate races were not counted because of a signature mismatch.
Hey @MarcACaputo, just saw notice from @PBCounty that my absentee ballot wasn’t counted due to ‘invalid signature’ match. Should be +1 @NelsonForSenate @AndrewGillum. Must overhaul these ridiculous barriers to voting #FloridaRecount #FLSen #FLGovHey @MarcACaputo, just saw notice from @PBCounty that my absentee ballot wasn’t counted due to ‘invalid signature’ match. Should be +1 @NelsonForSenate @AndrewGillum. Must overhaul these ridiculous barriers to voting #FloridaRecount #FLSen #FLGov
The rules for matching signatures and validating absentee and provisional ballots are at issue in a lawsuit filed Friday by Sen. Bill Nelson’s campaign.The rules for matching signatures and validating absentee and provisional ballots are at issue in a lawsuit filed Friday by Sen. Bill Nelson’s campaign.
Both races are headed for recounts, with narrow leads in the votes counted so far for the Republicans.Both races are headed for recounts, with narrow leads in the votes counted so far for the Republicans.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer told Donald Trump in a letter Friday that his appointment of an acting attorney general may violate the constitution.Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer told Donald Trump in a letter Friday that his appointment of an acting attorney general may violate the constitution.
Schumer wrote that the appointment of Matt Whitaker to replace Jeff Sessions ignored the established line of succession and may violate the appointments clause of the constitution, which requires the highest-ranking federal officials to have Senate approval.Schumer wrote that the appointment of Matt Whitaker to replace Jeff Sessions ignored the established line of succession and may violate the appointments clause of the constitution, which requires the highest-ranking federal officials to have Senate approval.
“Given that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has been confirmed by the Senate and is next in the line of succession established by law, I see no legitimate reason for you to have taken the unprecedented step of naming Mr. Whitaker instead,” he wrote. “As an unconfirmed political appointee, Mr. Whitaker has not been subject to the scrutiny that the Constitution requires.”“Given that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has been confirmed by the Senate and is next in the line of succession established by law, I see no legitimate reason for you to have taken the unprecedented step of naming Mr. Whitaker instead,” he wrote. “As an unconfirmed political appointee, Mr. Whitaker has not been subject to the scrutiny that the Constitution requires.”
Schumer asks if Trump got a legal opinion on the propriety of the appointment, and whether he asked for or received a pledge of loyalty from Whitaker.Schumer asks if Trump got a legal opinion on the propriety of the appointment, and whether he asked for or received a pledge of loyalty from Whitaker.
Read the full letter here.Read the full letter here.
Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee notes Trump’s pattern of attacking black female reporters, after he told a CNN reporter who asked him about the Mueller probe Friday she was asking a “stupid question.”Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee notes Trump’s pattern of attacking black female reporters, after he told a CNN reporter who asked him about the Mueller probe Friday she was asking a “stupid question.”
.@AprilDRyan & @abbydphillip & @Yamiche are 3 of the finest reporters in the @whca and custodians of the #FirstAmendment - dismissing them or their questions as dumb, racist or stupid says more about @realDonaldTrump and his #dogwhistle racism than it does about these fine women..@AprilDRyan & @abbydphillip & @Yamiche are 3 of the finest reporters in the @whca and custodians of the #FirstAmendment - dismissing them or their questions as dumb, racist or stupid says more about @realDonaldTrump and his #dogwhistle racism than it does about these fine women.
Florida Sen. Bill Nelson’s campaign is suing in an attempt to extend the deadline for local election offices to turn in vote counts, Spectrum News reported.Florida Sen. Bill Nelson’s campaign is suing in an attempt to extend the deadline for local election offices to turn in vote counts, Spectrum News reported.
The suit comes as the race between Nelson, the Democratic incumbent, and Republican Rick Scott is likely headed to a recount. Scott filed a separate suit Friday night over access to vote count records.The suit comes as the race between Nelson, the Democratic incumbent, and Republican Rick Scott is likely headed to a recount. Scott filed a separate suit Friday night over access to vote count records.
Nelson’s campaign and the state Democratic party are suing Secretary of State Ken Detzner in Tallahassee federal court, asking a judge to extend the deadline for county Supervisor of Elections Offices to turn in unofficial vote counts, according to Spectrum.Nelson’s campaign and the state Democratic party are suing Secretary of State Ken Detzner in Tallahassee federal court, asking a judge to extend the deadline for county Supervisor of Elections Offices to turn in unofficial vote counts, according to Spectrum.
Nelson’s lawsuit also seeks to set a uniform standard for the adjudication of provisional ballots, attorney Marc Elias said.Nelson’s lawsuit also seeks to set a uniform standard for the adjudication of provisional ballots, attorney Marc Elias said.
He said that the current lack of standards it to the “untrained opinions” of poll workers to decide whether signatures match, leading to a “complete lack of uniformity” in decisions, according to CNN.He said that the current lack of standards it to the “untrained opinions” of poll workers to decide whether signatures match, leading to a “complete lack of uniformity” in decisions, according to CNN.
“This serves as an outright disenfranchisement and burden on the right to vote,” Elias said on a call Friday.“This serves as an outright disenfranchisement and burden on the right to vote,” Elias said on a call Friday.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been released from the hospital, CNN reported.Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been released from the hospital, CNN reported.
The 85-year-old justice and liberal icon was hospitalized after falling in her office and breaking three ribs.The 85-year-old justice and liberal icon was hospitalized after falling in her office and breaking three ribs.
“She is doing well and plans to work from home today,” a Supreme Court spokesperson told CNN.“She is doing well and plans to work from home today,” a Supreme Court spokesperson told CNN.
The federal government may intervene in Florida’s election recount, Donald Trump said Friday.The federal government may intervene in Florida’s election recount, Donald Trump said Friday.
“What’s going on in Florida is a disgrace,” Trump told reporters outside the White House.“What’s going on in Florida is a disgrace,” Trump told reporters outside the White House.
Florida is expected to conduct a machine recount in the governor’s race between Andrew Gillum and Ron DeSantis, and a hand recount in the Senate race between Rick Scott and Bill Nelson. The Republicans are ahead in both races, but the margins have narrowed as votes continue to be counted.Florida is expected to conduct a machine recount in the governor’s race between Andrew Gillum and Ron DeSantis, and a hand recount in the Senate race between Rick Scott and Bill Nelson. The Republicans are ahead in both races, but the margins have narrowed as votes continue to be counted.
Trump cast doubt on the honesty of the recount process and said when asked if the federal government would get involved, “Well, it could be.”Trump cast doubt on the honesty of the recount process and said when asked if the federal government would get involved, “Well, it could be.”
“And all of a sudden, they are finding votes out of nowhere. And Rick Scott, who won by, you know, it was close, but he won by a comfortable margin, every couple of hours it goes down a little bit,” Trump said. “He easily won, but every hour it seems to be going down. I think that people have to look at it very, very cautiously.”“And all of a sudden, they are finding votes out of nowhere. And Rick Scott, who won by, you know, it was close, but he won by a comfortable margin, every couple of hours it goes down a little bit,” Trump said. “He easily won, but every hour it seems to be going down. I think that people have to look at it very, very cautiously.”
He went on to allege that “a lot of crooked stuff is going on,” without specifying what he was talking about.He went on to allege that “a lot of crooked stuff is going on,” without specifying what he was talking about.
“It always seems to go the way of the Democrat,” he said. “There’s a lot of dishonesty.”“It always seems to go the way of the Democrat,” he said. “There’s a lot of dishonesty.”
Of course there’s a tweet, too.Of course there’s a tweet, too.
You mean they are just now finding votes in Florida and Georgia – but the Election was on Tuesday? Let’s blame the Russians and demand an immediate apology from President Putin!You mean they are just now finding votes in Florida and Georgia – but the Election was on Tuesday? Let’s blame the Russians and demand an immediate apology from President Putin!
Donald Trump said his new acting attorney general should not recuse himself from supervising the Russia investigation, and refused to say whether he wants him to rein in the probe.Donald Trump said his new acting attorney general should not recuse himself from supervising the Russia investigation, and refused to say whether he wants him to rein in the probe.
Trump fired Jeff Sessions and picked Matt Whitaker, who has publicly expressed disdain for special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe, to take over the job on a permanent basis.Trump fired Jeff Sessions and picked Matt Whitaker, who has publicly expressed disdain for special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe, to take over the job on a permanent basis.
Because of his past comments disparaging the investigation, Whitaker has faced calls to recuse himself and allow deputy AG Rod Rosenstein to remain in control of the probe.Because of his past comments disparaging the investigation, Whitaker has faced calls to recuse himself and allow deputy AG Rod Rosenstein to remain in control of the probe.
“I see everybody on television, all these lawyers, all these law enforcement people making comments after comment. They never ask to get recused,” Trump told reporters Friday before departing on a trip to Paris. “All the time I’m watching many different people go on many different shows saying many different things. That doesn’t mean they’re unqualified.”“I see everybody on television, all these lawyers, all these law enforcement people making comments after comment. They never ask to get recused,” Trump told reporters Friday before departing on a trip to Paris. “All the time I’m watching many different people go on many different shows saying many different things. That doesn’t mean they’re unqualified.”
When asked whether he wants Whitaker to rein in the probe, which is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election and the possibility of collusion with the Trump campaign, Trump did not answer and instead attacked the reporter. “What a stupid question that is. What a stupid question,” he said.When asked whether he wants Whitaker to rein in the probe, which is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election and the possibility of collusion with the Trump campaign, Trump did not answer and instead attacked the reporter. “What a stupid question that is. What a stupid question,” he said.
Trump said he has not yet discussed the Mueller investigation with Whitaker.Trump said he has not yet discussed the Mueller investigation with Whitaker.
“I didn’t speak to Matt Whitaker about it. I don’t know Matt Whitaker. Matt Whitaker has a great reputation, and that’s what I wanted,” he said.“I didn’t speak to Matt Whitaker about it. I don’t know Matt Whitaker. Matt Whitaker has a great reputation, and that’s what I wanted,” he said.
In fact, Trump and Whitaker have met multiple times. Trump said the opposite when speaking to Fox News last month: “I can tell you Matt Whitaker is a great guy. I know Matt Whitaker.”In fact, Trump and Whitaker have met multiple times. Trump said the opposite when speaking to Fox News last month: “I can tell you Matt Whitaker is a great guy. I know Matt Whitaker.”
Trump in October: "I know Matt Whitaker"Trump in November: "I don't know Matt Whitaker" pic.twitter.com/2KDS134f7u
Trump went on to repeat his attacks on Mueller and the Russia investigation. “The Russian investigation is a hoax. It’s a phony hoax,” he said.Trump went on to repeat his attacks on Mueller and the Russia investigation. “The Russian investigation is a hoax. It’s a phony hoax,” he said.
Donald Trump lashed out at former First Lady Michelle Obama over a new book where she says she will never forgive him for spreading the false allegation her husband was not born in the United States.Donald Trump lashed out at former First Lady Michelle Obama over a new book where she says she will never forgive him for spreading the false allegation her husband was not born in the United States.
“She got paid a lot of money to write a book and they always expect a little controversy,” Trump said Friday, according to CNN.“She got paid a lot of money to write a book and they always expect a little controversy,” Trump said Friday, according to CNN.
“I’ll give you a little controversy back, I’ll never forgive [Barack Obama] for what he did to our US military. It was depleted, and I had to fix it...What he did to our military made this country very unsafe for you and you and you.”“I’ll give you a little controversy back, I’ll never forgive [Barack Obama] for what he did to our US military. It was depleted, and I had to fix it...What he did to our military made this country very unsafe for you and you and you.”
Trump, before running for president, was instrumental in pushing the “birther” conspiracy theory that Barack Obama was not born in the United States. He was born in Hawaii.Trump, before running for president, was instrumental in pushing the “birther” conspiracy theory that Barack Obama was not born in the United States. He was born in Hawaii.
Donald Trump threatened to yank the press credentials of more reporters who don’t treat him with “respect.”Donald Trump threatened to yank the press credentials of more reporters who don’t treat him with “respect.”
The comments come after the White House took the credentials of CNN’s Jim Acosta, falsely accusing him of putting his hands on a female intern during a contentious press conference. Video shows it was the staffer who initiated physical contact, attempting to remove a microphone from Acosta’s hands.The comments come after the White House took the credentials of CNN’s Jim Acosta, falsely accusing him of putting his hands on a female intern during a contentious press conference. Video shows it was the staffer who initiated physical contact, attempting to remove a microphone from Acosta’s hands.
“I think Jim Acosta is a very unprofessional man,” Trump said Friday, the Hill reported. He said he didn’t know how long Acosta’s credentials would be stripped for, and added: “It could be others also.”“I think Jim Acosta is a very unprofessional man,” Trump said Friday, the Hill reported. He said he didn’t know how long Acosta’s credentials would be stripped for, and added: “It could be others also.”
“You have to treat the White House with respect. You have to treat the presidency with respect,” he said.“You have to treat the White House with respect. You have to treat the presidency with respect,” he said.
Trump also singled out April Ryan of American Urban Radio Networks. He called her a “loser” and said she “doesn’t know what the hell she is doing.”Trump also singled out April Ryan of American Urban Radio Networks. He called her a “loser” and said she “doesn’t know what the hell she is doing.”
“I love this country and have the most respect for the Office of the President. I will continue to ask the questions that affect America, all of America,” Ryan tweeted in response.“I love this country and have the most respect for the Office of the President. I will continue to ask the questions that affect America, all of America,” Ryan tweeted in response.
The White House posted an apparently doctored video of the exchange between Acosta and the intern to justify banning him.The White House posted an apparently doctored video of the exchange between Acosta and the intern to justify banning him.
An independent video producer who examined the footage for the Associated Press found the video was sped up to make Acosta’s motions appear more dramatic, and then slowed down at another point to make the length the same.An independent video producer who examined the footage for the Associated Press found the video was sped up to make Acosta’s motions appear more dramatic, and then slowed down at another point to make the length the same.
Trump denied this. “Nobody manipulated it. All that is is a close-up,” he said.Trump denied this. “Nobody manipulated it. All that is is a close-up,” he said.
Donald Trump signed the proclamation Friday morning prohibiting people who cross the border illegally from applying for asylum.Donald Trump signed the proclamation Friday morning prohibiting people who cross the border illegally from applying for asylum.
As he departed the White House for a trip to Paris, Trump told reporters he had “just signed” the order, according to CNN.As he departed the White House for a trip to Paris, Trump told reporters he had “just signed” the order, according to CNN.
Legal challenges are expected.Legal challenges are expected.
Democrat Kyrsten Sinema has now taken a narrow lead in the Arizona Senate race, as votes continue to be counted.Democrat Kyrsten Sinema has now taken a narrow lead in the Arizona Senate race, as votes continue to be counted.
The Washington Post reports that the latest numbers show Sinema leading Martha McSally 49.1% to 48.6%. It’s a reversal of the lead McSally had held since election night.The Washington Post reports that the latest numbers show Sinema leading Martha McSally 49.1% to 48.6%. It’s a reversal of the lead McSally had held since election night.
There were still 400,000 votes yet to be counted as of Thursday night, so stay tuned.There were still 400,000 votes yet to be counted as of Thursday night, so stay tuned.
Meanwhile, there will be a runoff in the Mississippi Senate race on Nov. 27. Democrat Mike Espy and Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith have agreed to a debate before the new vote, according to the Clarion Ledger. Tuesday’s election was a non-partisan special election with multiple candidates on the ballot, so no one received the majority of the vote required to secure an outright victory.Meanwhile, there will be a runoff in the Mississippi Senate race on Nov. 27. Democrat Mike Espy and Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith have agreed to a debate before the new vote, according to the Clarion Ledger. Tuesday’s election was a non-partisan special election with multiple candidates on the ballot, so no one received the majority of the vote required to secure an outright victory.
New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand says she will give “long, hard thought” to running for president in 2020.New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand says she will give “long, hard thought” to running for president in 2020.
Gillibrand’s comments on Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show” that she was considering a run, just days after being re-elected to the Senate, came with an opening campaign pitch of sorts where she said she felt compelled to right the “moral compass” of the country after the damage done by Donald Trump.Gillibrand’s comments on Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show” that she was considering a run, just days after being re-elected to the Senate, came with an opening campaign pitch of sorts where she said she felt compelled to right the “moral compass” of the country after the damage done by Donald Trump.
But if she does run, the New York Democrat would be breaking a pledge she made during a debate just two weeks ago, where she promised to serve her full six year term.But if she does run, the New York Democrat would be breaking a pledge she made during a debate just two weeks ago, where she promised to serve her full six year term.
“I believe it is a moral question for me, and I believe in right versus wrong,” Gillibrand told Colbert when asked about the 2020 race.“I believe it is a moral question for me, and I believe in right versus wrong,” Gillibrand told Colbert when asked about the 2020 race.
“I’ve seen the hatred and the division that President Trump has put out into our country, and it has called me to fight as hard as I possibly can to restore the moral compass of this country. Our country was founded on the principle that we should care about one another, that we believe in the golden rule” she said. “I believe right now that every one of us should figure out how we can do whatever we can with our time, with our talents, to restore that moral decency, that moral compass.”“I’ve seen the hatred and the division that President Trump has put out into our country, and it has called me to fight as hard as I possibly can to restore the moral compass of this country. Our country was founded on the principle that we should care about one another, that we believe in the golden rule” she said. “I believe right now that every one of us should figure out how we can do whatever we can with our time, with our talents, to restore that moral decency, that moral compass.”
Gillibrand also said in the “Late Show” appearance that she believes Trump’s appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general is unconstitutional because he was not approved by the Senate. Under legal guidelines, Jeff Sessions should have been replaced by his deputy Rod Rosenstein, who has Senate confirmation, she said.Gillibrand also said in the “Late Show” appearance that she believes Trump’s appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general is unconstitutional because he was not approved by the Senate. Under legal guidelines, Jeff Sessions should have been replaced by his deputy Rod Rosenstein, who has Senate confirmation, she said.
She said Whitaker should recuse himself from overseeing the Russia investigation but there is no chance that he will do so.She said Whitaker should recuse himself from overseeing the Russia investigation but there is no chance that he will do so.
“He’s a lackey of the president. He’s been chosen because he is a political pawn,” Gillibrand said.“He’s a lackey of the president. He’s been chosen because he is a political pawn,” Gillibrand said.
Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton says newly elected House Democrats don’t want Nancy Pelosi back as speaker.Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton says newly elected House Democrats don’t want Nancy Pelosi back as speaker.
Moulton is staunch Pelosi critic and “is about to get some serious reinforcements” in his quest for new leadership, the Boston Globe reports.Moulton is staunch Pelosi critic and “is about to get some serious reinforcements” in his quest for new leadership, the Boston Globe reports.
Eight military and CIA veterans endorsed by a PAC formed by Moulton, who is a Marine veteran, won election and six of them pledged to oppose Pelosi. They include Conor Lamb in Pennsylvania and Max Rose in New York.Eight military and CIA veterans endorsed by a PAC formed by Moulton, who is a Marine veteran, won election and six of them pledged to oppose Pelosi. They include Conor Lamb in Pennsylvania and Max Rose in New York.
“The candidates who said that they will vote for new leadership are going to uphold that promise,” Moulton told the Globe. “They’re not going to go along with what the party wants them to do if it’s not the right thing for the district or country.”“The candidates who said that they will vote for new leadership are going to uphold that promise,” Moulton told the Globe. “They’re not going to go along with what the party wants them to do if it’s not the right thing for the district or country.”
Supreme court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is “up and working” after being hospitalized for fractured ribs, her nephew said.Supreme court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is “up and working” after being hospitalized for fractured ribs, her nephew said.
The 85-year-old justice fell in her office and went to the hospital Thursday with three broken ribs.The 85-year-old justice fell in her office and went to the hospital Thursday with three broken ribs.
Her nephew Daniel Stiepleman told Reuters she is “doing great”.Her nephew Daniel Stiepleman told Reuters she is “doing great”.
“The last I heard she was up and working, of course, because what else would she be doing, and cracking jokes,” he said. “I can’t promise they were good jokes but they were jokes.”“The last I heard she was up and working, of course, because what else would she be doing, and cracking jokes,” he said. “I can’t promise they were good jokes but they were jokes.”
The nephew spoke at the premier of a new movie he wrote the script for about Ginsburg’s early career, called On the Basis of Sex.The nephew spoke at the premier of a new movie he wrote the script for about Ginsburg’s early career, called On the Basis of Sex.
Good morning and welcome back to our live politics coverage.Good morning and welcome back to our live politics coverage.
It turns out the midterm elections aren’t over just yet, as candidates in Florida are now preparing for a likely recount.It turns out the midterm elections aren’t over just yet, as candidates in Florida are now preparing for a likely recount.
As of this morning, only 0.44% of the vote separates Republican Ron DeSantis, who is leading, from Democrat Andrew Gillum in the race for governor, the Fort Myers News-Press reports. That’s gotten even tighter since Thursday, and is close enough to trigger a machine recount.As of this morning, only 0.44% of the vote separates Republican Ron DeSantis, who is leading, from Democrat Andrew Gillum in the race for governor, the Fort Myers News-Press reports. That’s gotten even tighter since Thursday, and is close enough to trigger a machine recount.
The margin has gotten tighter this morning in the Senate race as well – Rick Scott leads incumbent Bill Nelson by just 0.18%, according to the News-Press. That’s close enough to trigger a lengthier hand recount.The margin has gotten tighter this morning in the Senate race as well – Rick Scott leads incumbent Bill Nelson by just 0.18%, according to the News-Press. That’s close enough to trigger a lengthier hand recount.
Scott, the Republican outgoing governor, on Thursday night filed a lawsuit to force counties to release records related to the vote count, Local 10 News reports.Scott, the Republican outgoing governor, on Thursday night filed a lawsuit to force counties to release records related to the vote count, Local 10 News reports.
Meanwhile in Georgia, the governor’s race also remains unsettled – at least it does if you ask Democrat Stacey Abrams, who says enough votes are outstanding that a runoff could be triggered. But Republican Brian Kemp says he has won the race and is proceeding with his transition. The Associated Press has not called the race.Meanwhile in Georgia, the governor’s race also remains unsettled – at least it does if you ask Democrat Stacey Abrams, who says enough votes are outstanding that a runoff could be triggered. But Republican Brian Kemp says he has won the race and is proceeding with his transition. The Associated Press has not called the race.