FIFTEEN VOTE DIFFERENCE IN WALKER-BLANKENSHIP RACE COULD CHANGE

(05/15/2008)

Clay resident David Walker (left) is ahead of Calhoun's Ron Blankenship by a narrow 15 votes By Dianne Weaver After the votes had been counted in Tuesday's Democrat race for the House of Delegates in the 33rd District, there is a narrow 15 vote difference between Clay resident David Allen Walker (1189) and Calhoun's Ronald R. Blankenship (1174). Those totals could change following the canvassing of the ballots in the three-county district, which includes all of Calhoun, and sections of Clay and Gilmer. Calhoun Clerk Richard Kirby says at least 30 provisional ballots will be reviewed by the Calhoun Commission when it meets Friday. Provisional ballots are what used to be called challenged ballots. The canvass is not a recount. Calhoun Commission president Bob Weaver said extra measures are being taken to insure the outcome is accurate. Kirby said candidate Walker is aware of the issue, and has been encouraged to either attend the canvass or have a representative present. Blankenship is expected to have a representative at Gilmer and Clay canvasses. It was not clear how many provisional ballots will be considered in those counties. Kirby said he and the commission will have extra help to do the over-all canvass Friday. The county's two ballot commissioners, a Republican and a Democrat, while having no official capacity during the process, are being invited to participate as observers. Some reasons that ballots are challenged include not being registered, not being a legal resident of the district or voting out of precinct, said Kirby. The county's commissioners will actually decide on each contested ballot. "Some of the ballots using legal guidelines, are approved and entered into the count," said Kirby, "Others are not." Such provisional ballots in all three counties could tip a close election. The tally, according to Secretary of State's office: David Allen Walker 1189 Ronald R. Blankenship 1174 Rick W Frame 754 Larry Dale Cottrell 655 Diann Clothier 150 The Democrat nominee will be facing Republican Larry Cole of Procious, Clay County in November's General Election.

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