Primary still undecided after recounts

WPRI 12

Reporting by Walt Buteau

Updated: Sep 17, 2012 7:08 PM

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) -- A local General Assembly race that was too close to call on primary night is still in question after multiple recounts have turned up multiple results.

The first recount involving Pawtucket Rep. William San Bento and his Democratic challenger, Carlos Tobon, ended in a tie on Monday. Although, a single mail-in ballot, which could have decided the race, went missing and raises several questions about the integrity of the election.

The political roller coaster ride began after the first recount, which revealed that both candidates had 543 votes. A second recount was called for after the mail ballot was found to be missing, and this count put San Bento on top by two votes.

"I think we're going to start looking for hanging chads now," said San Bento.

The third recount produced a third different tally, with San Bento winning by only one vote.

"It's allowed us to be back in the contest, so it's not over," added Tobon.

Tobon's attorney says he plans to file a temporary restraining order to at least delay the Board of Elections from certifying the results, which we've learned won't happen until at least Wednesday.

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