| Sorry to say, I think you are mistaken. The subjective and arbitrary nature of the hand recount has been discussed at length. After two passes through the machines, who knows if a chad were legitimately askew or not, and how can there be "evolving standards" that vary widely from place to place? The logical basis of the deadline is simple: unless there is good enough reason to overlook it, it is written into law. Now, as it stands, whatever county is doing and had not finished a hand recount at the time of the deadline (at this point, it looks like it will only be Palm Beach)will have the opportunity to make a case for extension on Wednesday (I write on Tuesday night). If the case is sound, the extension may be granted. If it is not, not. Palm Beach may very well get its extension. Finally, the Secretary of State is empowered to make the decision, and all major state offices are partisan. Someone with prior allegiances was going to be on the hot seat. In fact, this works in Gore's favor, insofar as it puts pressure on her to bend over backwards. Meanwhile, pressure is put on everyone to expedite matters, and the door is left open for the Bush campaign to demand similar consideration in other counties, if there is reason to feel that there is chicanery, on a basis similar to the Palm Beach request......... |
