UPDATED: In battle for 46th LD nomination, confusion reigns

SEATTLE -

Ten hours after the meeting ended, the 46th District Democrats still do not have a clear nominee for State Representative in position 1.

Politicker PhotoAt the end of a long Legislative District meeting that saw a passionate exchange of ideas, and nearly a last minute change of procedure to take the nomination power away from the Precinct Committee Officers, Gerry Pollet was announced the winner of the PCO vote just before 10PM.

The tally, complete with weighted votes, was 329 to 326 for Pollet over his opponent Scott White. The result came as a surprise to many on hand, as White had the backing of nearly every elected official in the district and a massive fundraising advantage over Pollet.

However, the apparent would victory only last a few hours. Early the next morning, White contacted PolitickerWA.com with news that a third recount had been completed showing White ahead of Pollet 334-329.

Then today Gerry Pollet sent out a press release declaring victory in the race with the initial 329-326 count.

"There's a result," Pollet later told PolitickerWA.com. "It was announced. The meeting ended. His people had the opportunity to recount yet again; the only recount asked for was from my supporter."

Pollet maintains that he is the true victor in last night's election. Even if extra votes are added to White's total, Pollet says he has the support of an uncounted ballot that would put him over the top regardless, but chose not to pursue its inclusion last night strictly to pad his victory.

He also said he found the idea that a midnight recount occurring at someone's home after the meeting ended unusual, and smacked of unfair politics.

"The whole thing smells like a vote in Zimbabwe," he said.

UPDATE: The 46th LD Chair confirms that no official recount has taken place. That news suggests that Pollet is, in fact, the nominee. More to come.