Based on the number of votes cast and the margin separating the candidates, the recount will cost Wanggaard $5 for each of the 137 wards, or $685. Accountability board spokesman Mike Haas said Wanggaard's campaign paid the money when it filed its recall petition. Taxpayers will be on the hook for any remainder of the recount bill. The elections board will issue an order Monday for the recount to begin Wednesday at 9 a.m., Haas said. The county will then have until July 2 to complete the task. Once the count is done, the candidates will have until July 10 to appeal. If there's no appeal the GAB will make the outcome final by certifying the election, most likely on the same day, Haas said. Lehman, a former high school history teacher, held the 21st District Senate seat until Wanggaard defeated him in 2010. If he survives the recount, he will have 10 days to take the oath of office. The official canvass found Lehman had 36,351 votes, or 50.6 percent, while Wanggaard received 35,517 votes, or 49.4 percent. ___ Dinesh Ramde can be reached at dramde(at)ap.org. |