Ruling makes recount likely in Delaware County,Ohio-Four Lucas Country election employees suspended

Ruling makes recount likely

COLUMBUS (AP) — A federal judge on Friday ruled against a county’s attempt to stop a presidential election recount, likely setting the stage for a county-by-county recount in the coming weeks.

The decision by U.S. District Judge Edmund Sargus denied the Delaware County Board of Elections’ request to stop the recount. Sargus’ ruling was a victory for candidates for the Green and Libertarian parties, which requested the recount.

But Sargus also ruled against the third party candidates’ request for the recount to begin immediately, before the official count is certified Monday.

The effect of the ruling is that a recount will still occur but probably won’t be over before Ohio’s electors meet Dec. 13.

Elections officials suspended

TOLEDO (AP) — Four employees of the Lucas County Board of Elections were placed on paid suspension due to a possible clerical error in the Nov. 2 election process, a board member said Friday.

Paula Ross said the four-member board asked director Paula Hicks-Hudson and her deputy to complete an internal investigation and report to the board Wednesday.

The four employees are on paid suspension until then, she said, declining to elaborate on the possible error.

Originally published Saturday, December 4, 2004

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