DeLay watching military and provisional ballots, may seek recount

Fort Smith attorney Gunner DeLay is waiting to see if the 53 uncounted ballots in Sebastian County are enough to help him narrow the gap before he requests a recount.

DeLay finished third in the GOP primary election (May 18) for the 3rd Congressional District with 8,053 (unofficially) votes, or 13% of the tally. Sen. Cecile Bledsoe of Rogers ended the primary election with 8,211 votes (unofficially), or 13.3%.

What is at stake with the 158-point difference between Bledsoe and DeLay is the right to challenge Rogers Mayor Steve Womack in the June 8 runoff election. Womack captured 19,358 votes (unofficially), or 31.2% of the tally. The winner of the runoff will face Fayetteville attorney David Whitaker in the November general election.

Arkansas law provides a candidate the right to petition for a recount within 48 hours after certification of the votes. The candidate seeking the recount has to pay for the effort unless the election results are overturned as a result of the recount.

Sebastian County Deputy Clerk Angie Hatwig said there are 38 military ballots and 15 provisional ballots yet to be counted.

Michael Goessling, who has worked as DeLay’s finance director, told The City Wire that they estimate 220 military ballots and 50 provisional ballots remain uncounted within the 3rd Congressional District.

“I think we are going to let it play out a little bit and see where the numbers come up. … We’ll want to see if we are within striking distance” Goessling said when asked if DeLay would seek a recount.

Goessling said the campaign is especially interested in the results of the 53 votes in Sebastian County.

“That alone could make a substantial difference,” he explained.

DeLay captured 3,940 votes, or 38.79%, in his home county. Womack and Bledsoe collected 16.54% and 8.91%, respectively.

Bledsoe issued a statement Wednesday (May 19) expressing certainty that she is in the runoff with Womack.

“We have journeyed many miles, but we still have a ways to go to nominate a true conservative to represent our party in this race. Join me in this fight and I will never let you down,” Bledsoe said in a statement titled, “Bledsoe Earns Runoff Bid.”

Goessling said the DeLay camp is focused on the recount question and has not yet decided who DeLay might support if he does not make the runoff.

“We certainly have leanings, but we’re not going down that road for the time being,” Goessling said.

For his part, Womack spent the day visiting key cities in the District, including a Harrison stop attended by former and legendary 3rd District Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt.

Womack attended a 7 a.m. meeting with Fort Smith regional business and civic leaders. The Womack campaign issued a late Wednesday statement that included the following comment from Fred Williams, a business leader in Fort Smith and Van Buren: “I’m a big believer in Steve Womack, and he’s a big believer in Fort Smith. He has already reached out to many community leaders about ways he wants to help move this community forward as its Congressman. We have such potential. Steve is someone who knows what it takes for community and economic development. I am thrilled that we can have a partner like him in Congress.”