In the still-undecided congressional race between incumbent Democrat Gerald Connolly and Republican challenger Keith Fimian, both sides on Wednesday claimed they would ultimately prevail in a contest that could come down to a recount.
With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Connolly held about a 900-vote lead over Fimian out of more than 220,000 votes cast, according to unofficial results from the Virginia State Board of Elections. Connolly, who beat Fimian by 12 percentage points in 2008, is seeking a second term in Congress.
Some provisional ballots, those cast by voters who had encountered a problem at the polls, were still being counted Wednesday and precinct totals were being double-checked. But the Connolly campaign claimed the math was on their side and Connolly delivered what amounted to a victory speech late Tuesday, even though Fimian has not yet conceded the race.
“I think we won,” said James Walkinshaw, Connolly’s campaign manager. He said it would be “absolutely unprecedented” for Fimian to later be declared the winner.
Depending on what vote tallies reveal, a recount is a distinct possibility. There are no automatic recounts in the state. The losing candidate can request one after the election results are certified if the margin is 1 percent or less of the total votes cast in the race.
But Tim Edson, Fimian’s campaign manager, stressed that their focus on Wednesday was simply on getting the outstanding votes counted.
“We’re optimistic that when all the votes are counted that Keith will be the next congressman for the 11th District,” he said.
The board of elections will meet to certify the election results on Nov. 22. Fimian would have until Dec. 2 to request a recount.
