November 02, 2010 06:22 PM UTC

Recount scenarios

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• by: NoCo_Indy

I don’t think it takes a great mind to know there will be several recounts after returns are counted tonight — and into tomorrow — in some counties.

Every election, there’s a mayor or city council race that ends up being tied or split by one or two votes. Usually those take place in smaller cities, and the fun is seeing how the charter deals with them: flipping a coin, drawing lots, pulling cards from the deck or MMA cage match (that might only be in Vegas …)

My question: Which of the largest races will require a recount, and which one would be the most fun to see.

Here’s my list.

1. Senate. At the end of the night, both Bennet and Buck have 49.4 percent of the vote. Chaos ensues, as each county goes back over its ballots to find one or two that would help the cause. Adding to the drama is newly elected SoS Scott Gessler openly criticizing the process while also hoping to draw it out so he can change the rules somehow next January. Meanwhile, in Washington, nothing happens because the outcome of the Colorado race will determine the majority of the Senate. Yes, it’s the Franken-Coleman scenario, and it means we have to watch politics on the telly for another six months.

2. 4th CD. Markey wins Larimer County, comes reasonably close in Weld and Boulder counties and gets drubbed on the plains. So, how can the Markey campaign find more votes from the university campuses while Gardner finds relatives in Yuma, Otis, Iliff and elsewhere whose votes weren’t counted. Of course, the missing ballots are found in Crook, giving the media some sweet headline material.

3. SoS. Wouldn’t it be juicy to see Gessler and Buescher with their contrasting “styles” trying to put the squeeze on the county clerks without torching the bridges they will need to keep intact to do their jobs effectively in the next four years?

4. Major Party. OK, this one is unlikely, but the one I’m really, really, really hoping for is the one where Dan Maes gets 9.99999 percent of the vote, and the GOP decides it’s worth the cost to fight for a few more votes. They’ve done the math and realize the fundraising limit will bring in more money than their little exercise in political theater will cost. Even better, Maes gets 10.0000001 percent and the Dems challenge. Now THAT would be reason enough to buy popcorn and go to a canvassing board meeting.

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