Washington Gubernatorial Election

It appears there's a real election cliffhanger playing out in the state of Washington with neither Democrat Christine Gregoire nor Republican Dino Rossi able to post a commanding lead. The vote counting, and recounting, along with the 'discovery' of overlooked votes and voting machine errors, indicates that much of the drama is occurring beneath the radar. As of midday, Rossi led by a margin of less than 100 votes with counting continuing.

Today is the deadline for certification of the election results, but that won't happen if the difference between the candidates is small enough for an automatic recount to be required. For example, less than 150 votes difference in the totals requires a hand recount.

Since election day was two weeks ago, Washington seems to be repeating the fun of the Florida 2000 election. For those desiring to experience all the laughs, AnalogKid has been closely chronicling the soap opera at Random Nuclear Strikes. Go visit.

[Update 11/18] According to a media advisory from the Washington Secretary of State, Sam Reed, all counties have certified their election returns and Republican candidate Rossi wins by 261 votes. As such, Reed ordered a mandatory, machine recount assuring continued election entertainment. (via Wizbang)