Is the 5th district recount worth the cost?

Recently, I have had several people ask me if Virgil Goode was wasting taxpayer money requesting a recount in his tight re-election bid. It’s a good question, since his challenger, Charlottesville attorney Tom Perriello, is leading Goode by less than half a percent. That means the localities in the 5th district will have to pick up the tab for the recount.

But, the cost for a recount is relatively low. In 2005 for the attorney general recount, Roanoke County spent just over $400. That doesn’t seem over the top. In fact I was surprised at how cheap it was.

The recount is Goode’s right and really, who would want to live wondering if the vote total was correct or if a recount could have changed the results? I know I wouldn’t.

So, while history shows that it’s unlikely for the recount to change the outcome, for the legitimacy of our system and for the candidates’ and their supporters’ peace of mind, why not proceed with the recount… especially since it doesn’t cost much.

That’s my take…