Sen. Mark R. Herring, D-Loudoun, and Sen. Mark D. Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg.
RICHMOND -- A Richmond Circuit Court judge today set Dec. 17-18 for the statewide recount in the attorney general's race but gave populous Fairfax County a one-day head start.
In a four-hour hearing, lawyers for Democrat Mark R. Herring, the contest’s certified winner by 165 votes, and Republican Mark D. Obenshain clashed over several issues, including access to poll books, the rights of recount observers and testing procedures for voting equipment.
In spite of their differences, both sides said after the hearing before Richmond Circuit Judge Beverly W. Snukals that they expect no major problems with the tally.
“It will be a well-run recount,” said Kevin Hamilton, member of Herring’s legal team.
William H. Hurd, attorney representing Obenshain, said he was happy with the timeline set by Snukals, who heads a three-judge panel that is overseeing the recount.
“A lot of preparation will be have to be done,” Hurd said in an interview after the hearing. But Hurd was careful not to predict the final result: “It could go either way,” he said.
