Nelson to pursue recount as Senate race remains too close to call

Sen. Bill Nelson (D) said he will pursue a recount after results on Tuesday night showed his reelection race against Gov. Rick Scott (R) was still too close to call.

Scott leads Nelson by a little over 34,500 out of the 8.1 million votes cast, which could trigger a recount because the margin of victory is within one half of a percentage point.

“We are proceeding to a recount,” Nelson said in a brief statement on Wednesday morning.

However, Florida’s Department of State office said it has not yet ordered a recount.

“The Secretary of State has not ordered a recount at this time. We will keep you informed of any updates,” said Sarah Revell, Communications Director at the Florida Department of State office.

{mosads} All of Florida’s 67 counties would need to recheck tally totals before the Nov. 10 deadline to determine whether the recount proceeds under law.

Chris Hartline, spokesman for Scott for Florida, said that a recount would not change the result of the race.

“This race is over,” he said.

“It’s a sad way for Bill Nelson to end his career. He is desperately trying to hold on to something that no longer exists.”