The Alabama Republican gubernatorial primary is headed into its next phase — a recount before a 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. In the second position, however, it was a near tie, with state Rep. Robert Bentley and businessman Tim James at 25% each — and Bentley edging out James by 167 votes in the final certified count.
A recount requested by James will begin tomorrow, with James having sent counties checks to cover expenses that could add up to as much as $200,000. It should be noted that recounts rarely produce enough swing to change a result — but if James’s efforts pay off here, and he overtakes Bentley, the state would be a in real mess here, having already certified Byrne and Bentley as the two candidates for the runoff next month.
