The recount of the first round in the Alabama Republican gubernatorial primary has come to a close — with the status quo seemingly reaffirmed, that state Rep. Robert Bentley edged out businessman Tim James for a spot in the July 13 Republican runoff.
The first-round June 1 primary saw Bradley Byrne, the former chancellor of the state’s two-year colleges, come in first place with 28% of the vote — far short of the 50% needed to avoid a July 13 runoff. Bentley and James were virtually tied at 25% each, leading James to request a recount.
The fun part: The self-funding businessman James, a son former Gov. Fob James, spent $200,000 for the recount. And for his trouble, he lost a net 104 votes against Bentley. James has a press conference scheduled for Monday afternoon, to discuss what his next move will be.
