Perriello certified as winner in Fifth

Tom Perriello is a big step closer to his swearing-in as the new congressman from Virginia’s Fifth District.
The Virginia State Board of Elections has certified Perriello’s 745-vote victory over longtime incumbent Virgil Goode. “The citizens of the Fifth District have spoken, every vote has been counted and certified, and they have elected Tom Perriello to be their new representative in Washington to bring the change and economic recovery they need,” Perriello campaign spokesperson Jessica Barba said.

It is still expected that Goode will ask for a recount that could push the final resolution of the matter well into next month. “We respect Virgil Goode’s right to ask for a recount, and we are confident the recount will not alter the outcome of this race,” Barba said. “The official vote canvassing process that took place in the days immediately following the election was extensive, thorough, and overseen by representatives of both parties. A retabulation of the results of the vote canvass will result in what the Virginia State Board of Elections certified today – that Tom Perriello has been elected as the new congressman for the Fifth District,” Barba said.

– Story by Chris Graham