Parnell concedes, declines recount

Alaska Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell has decided not to pursue a recount of his 304-vote primary loss to Rep. Don Young (R), conceding the race Thursday and setting up one of the toughest defenses for House Republicans this cycle. 

Parnell said in a statement Thursday that he trusts the state Division of Elections’ original count and does not want to waste more taxpayer money.

{mosads}“If I thought there was anything wrong, inappropriate or unprofessional about the way this election tally was conducted, I would not only call for a recount, I would demand one. But that is not the case here,” Parnell stated. “While a recount could change the outcome of this exceedingly close election — normal human error being what it is — such a result is unlikely. As such, I do not believe it justifies an expenditure of taxpayer funds.”

Young came out on top when the Division of Elections announced the final vote tallies on Wednesday. The primary was held Aug. 26 but has been too close to call ever since, as both sides have waited for absentee ballots to be counted.

A candidate has the right to request a state-funded recount if the margin of victory is less than half a percent. The 304-vote margin, out of more than 100,000 votes cast, is less than a 0.3 percent margin.

A statewide recount would have taken about three days to complete, said state elections director Gail Fenumiai.

Young declared victory Wednesday, taking a magnanimous tone and turning his efforts toward the general election, where he will face former state Rep. Ethan Berkowitz (D).

“Sean will continue to be a key leader in our state for years to come,” Young said. “I am chomping at the bit to return home and work hard for reelection. I have much respect for Ethan Berkowitz and am confident that we will focus on issue-oriented campaigns.”

Young’s win comes as bad news for the national GOP, which appeared to be in much better shape with Parnell as its nominee.

While Young trails Berkowitz by double digits in early polling on the race, Parnell polled even or ahead.

Berkowitz led Young, 54-37, in the most recent Ivan Moore Research poll, which is conducted independently for local news media.

As of their pre-primary reports in early August, Young held a wide advantage in cash on hand — $370,000 to $95,000. But Young has also been spending heavily on his legal defense and faced the tougher primary, meaning that advantage could be significantly smaller.