Recounts are possible in three Wisconsin Assembly elections from Tuesday, along with one Senate race. Despite the results of those races though, Republicans will still have control of both the state Senate and Assembly.
In most cases, the losing candidates say they will review their options after the ballots are officially canvassed in the next few days.
There’s only one contest in which the margin of defeat is less than 0.5 percent, which means taxpayers would cover the cost of a recount. It’s in the 72nd Assembly District, where first-term Republican Scott Krug of Wisconsin Rapids holds a 114-vote lead over fire-fighter Justin Pleuss.
In the 70th Assembly District, Democratic incumbent Amy Sue Vruwink of Milladore has a 168-vote lead over car dealer Nancy VanderMeer of Tomah. In the Eau Claire’s 93rd District, Republican Warren Petryk had a 500-vote lead over former Representative Jeff Smith.
One state Democratic campaign official doubted there would be a recount, saying the result is not that close.
In the Senate, Oshkosh Democrat Jessica King, who won a recall election last summer, is waiting for the canvass to decide on a recount after losing by 590 votes to Fond du Lac Republican Rick Gudex. The race is being closely watched because a Gudex victory would let Republicans pass what they want without having to deal with moderate Republican Dale Schultz. The Richland Center Republican was responsible for killing GOP’s mining package by voting with Democrats to oppose the plan.