Recount ordered in Senate race; PAC made difference in close, key race

The state Senate race between Republican incumbent Jeffry Armbruster and Democratic challenger Sue Morano is headed for a recount, the secretary of state's office said Tuesday.

The certified vote showed Armbruster beat Morano by a margin of 47,856 to 47,482 -- a difference of 374 votes, Dana Walch, Blackwell's director of elections, wrote to boards of election in Lorain, Huron and Seneca counties.

The difference is four-tenths of 1 percent of the total vote, meaning a recount is mandatory under Ohio law.

Commentary by Chad D. Baus:
OFCC PAC's efforts on behalf of Sen. Armbruster have been labeled by a leading pro-CCW Senator as KEY to Armbruster's narrow victory. The PAC's efforts, mailings of thousands of voter guides to Armbruster's district, were only made possible by your generous donations! Your grassroots campaign assistance for Sen. Armbruster was also a big factor.

Regardless of the outcome in the 13th District, Republicans will continue to control the Senate. They picked up one seat on Nov. 5, meaning they will have a 22-11 advantage over the Democrats if Armbruster is still ahead after the recount is completed.

Click here to read the entire story in the Cleveland Dispatch.