Recount Can Wait, Federal Judge RulesFrom Times Wire Reports
November 24, 2004
A federal judge in Toledo denied a request by third-party presidential candidates who wanted to force a recount of Ohio ballots before the official count was finished.
Judge James G. Carr ruled that the candidates have a right under Ohio law to a recount, but said it could wait. The judge wrote that he saw no reason to interfere with the final stages of Ohio’s electoral process. Officials have said the results will be certified by Dec. 6.
The lawsuit by Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb and Libertarian candidate Michael Badnarik had asked Carr to issue an order requiring the state to immediately begin a statewide recount.