McCormick-Casey recount cost to top $1M; GOP slams blue counties defying high court
The Pennsylvania Senate recount is expected to cost over $1 million as Republicans push to prevent three Democratic-friendly counties from counting ballots against the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, a Philadelphia Republican appointed by Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, stated that automatic recounts are triggered if the unofficial margin is within 0.5%.
GOP Sen.-elect David McCormick and Democratic Sen. Bob Casey Jr. are separated by 0.43%, with around 80,000 provisional and mail-in ballots yet to be counted. In a press call, McCormick representatives claimed that there is no path for Casey to overtake their boss, regardless of a recount.
The last automatic recount, between McCormick and cardiothoracic surgeon Mehmet Oz, cost Pennsylvania taxpayers $1.053 million and led to Oz advancing to the general election against John Fetterman. In Casey’s case, approximately 7 million ballots will be subject to recount, with counties required to report their data to Schmidt by Nov. 27.
House Minority Leader Bryan Cutler criticized Casey for not waiving the costly recount, stating that the election was fair, McCormick is the new U.S. senator, and a recount is unnecessary. He urged Casey to concede and end the recount and litigation related to the race across the state.
McCormick’s campaign revealed that Bucks, Centre, and Philadelphia counties were prepared to count undated or misdated ballots, which Republicans argue goes against a recent ruling from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The RNC filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Court to reaffirm its decision on counting ballots.
While the Casey campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment, campaign manager Tiernan Donohue stated that they are working to ensure all Pennsylvanians’ voices are heard. The Pennsylvania GOP has sued Centre County for its decision to count undated ballots, with a hearing scheduled for Friday.
Philadelphia’s city commissioners voted to count questioned ballots, and Bucks County Board of Elections Chairman Bob J. Harvie Jr. expressed his preference for counting ballots despite potential lawsuits. The boards of election in these counties are reviewing GOP litigation regarding the balloting process.
The ongoing recount and litigation highlight the political tension in Pennsylvania, with both parties vying for control of the Senate seat. The outcome of the recount could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate.
