WENTWORTH, N.C. (NCN News) – A hand to eye recount of selected precincts in Rockingham and Guilford Counties shows no change in the razor-thin state senate race where Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page continues to lead Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger.
Page leads the Republican primary in District 26 race by 23 votes.
Berger requested both a machine and a hand-to-eye recount and has filed formal complaints with elections boards in both counties.
County election officials hand-counted about 5% of the 26,000 ballots cast.
A spokesman for Page says the lack of a change in the results means it is time for Berger to concede.
“After these ballots have been counted three times, the result remains exactly the same — Sam Page defeated Phil Berger,” Patrick Sebastian said, “It’s time for Senator Berger to give his complete and total concession.”
Should the results hold, it would mark a tectonic shift in North Carolina state politics, as Berger is arguably the most powerful policy maker in the state. Changes over time have shifted power from the Governor, and in some cases the Lieutenant Governor, to the Senate Pro Tem position.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections will certify other races on Wednesday (March 25) but will continue to hear protests in the district 26 race. The local boards could still hear additional protests later in that contest.
Longtime Political Writer Rob Christensen is scheduled to be a guest to talk about the race and other political news in the 4 p.m. hour on WPTF Afternoon News today on FM 92.9, AM 680 WPTF.