5th District recount set

GOOCHLAND — A recount requested by Rep. Virgil Goode is set for Dec. 16 and 17 in Virginia’s 5th District election.

Circuit Court Judge Timothy Sanner set the dates Tuesday to recount the 315,000 votes cast Nov. 4. The election results gave the Republican incumbent a narrow loss to Democrat Tom Perriello.

A three-judge panel will oversee the recount, which Goode said will end the matter.

The results certified by the Virginia State Board of Elections showed Perriello the winner by 745 votes. The margin of 0.24 percentage point entitles Goode to a recount at taxpayer expense.

Sanner entered an order setting the dates following a hearing in Goochland with attorneys for both sides on procedural matters. Sanner is chief judge in the circuit that includes Albemarle County, Perriello’s home.

Goode said Tuesday he hasn’t decided yet what he will do if the election result stands. He has been in Congress since 1997.