Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin (D-Windham) says it looks like he's won, while state Senator Doug Racine (D-Chittenden), only 182 votes back, is not ready to concede in the race for the Democratic nomination for governor of Vermont. Even when the official results are posted it might not be over. Both Racine and Secretary of State Deb Markowitz are less than 2 percentage points behind Shumlin, which would allow either to call for a recount. According to Vermont Public Radio, with all precincts reporting, the unofficial results show Shumlin with 18,239 votes to Racine's 18,057. Markowitz is more than 600 votes back in third, with Matt Dunne of Hartland in fourth and state Senator Susan Bartlett (D-Lamoille) in fifth.
Racine declared Wednesday morning: "We are seeing discrepancies in the online, unofficial results, and we want to wait for the official results before making a decision about next steps. I have not conceded and I have talked with Peter Shumlin, who has agreed that we should see the official results before announcing a winner."
The Secretary of State told Racine that the official results would be available Tuesday, August 31.
In an email to supporters, Shumlin said, "Thanks to your incredible support, it looks like we have won the Democratic gubernatorial primary!
"I am honored by the support that you have given me and honored by the opportunity that it appears we have before us. I would like to thank each and every one of you for your support. Thank you for sharing your stories and your experiences. Thank you for inviting me into your towns and into your homes. And finally, thank you for believing in my vision for Vermont.
"I would also like to thank my opponents for engaging in a respectful campaign that elevated the political discourse in Vermont and did a service for our democracy. Our record number of forums presented an incredible opportunity for Vermonters to engage with us on the important issues facing our state.
"Yesterday's record turnout was an indication of the strength and enthusiasm of our Party and our ability to beat Brian Dubie in November."
Below are links to several reports about Tuesday's election:
VPR
Unofficial Total Places Shumlin In Lead
Secretary of State: Condos Wins For Dems; Gibbs For GOP
WCAX
Vt. statewide primary races
Democrats for governor hold unity rally
Burlington Free Press
Shumlin: 'Looks like we've won'
By Terri Hallenbeck, Free Press Staff Writer
With all precincts reporting, State Sen. Peter Shumlin was leading Sen. Douglas Racine by 190 votes, with Secretary of State Deb Markowitz in third place trailing by 684 votes.
Photos: Democratic Unity Rally
Results: Unofficial numbers from Governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. House races
Breaking: Dunne concedes race
Photos: Vermont Primary Day