Close results in Missouri primary could lead to recounts

The Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzSenate nearing deal on defense bill after setback Congress's goal in December: Avoid shutdown and default Overnight Defense & National Security — US, Iran return to negotiating table MORE and Bernie SandersBernie SandersOn The Money — Powell pivots as inflation rises Pence-linked group launches 0K ad campaign in West Virginia praising Manchin Senators huddle on path forward for SALT deduction in spending bill MORE presidential campaigns are weighing whether to ask for a recount in Missouri following results that found them just two-tenths of 1 percent behind Donald TrumpDonald TrumpOmar, Muslim Democrats decry Islamophobia amid death threats On The Money — Powell pivots as inflation rises Trump cheers CNN's Cuomo suspension MORE and Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonCountering the ongoing Republican delusion Republicans seem set to win the midterms — unless they defeat themselves Poll: Democracy is under attack, and more violence may be the future MORE, respectively.

 

Media outlets have yet to call the race due to the extremely close margins. The Missouri Secretary of State’s office said that all results are unofficial until they’re certified, which could take up to four weeks. 

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Trump leads Cruz by 0.2 percent, and the two are separated by about 1,700 votes.

On the Democratic side, Clinton also leads Sanders by 0.2 percent, and they are separated by about 1,500 votes. 

Stephanie Fleming, spokeswoman for the Missouri Secretary of State's office said the state still has to count military and oversees absentee ballots, as well as provisional ballots. Those military and overseas absentee ballotst have until noon on Friday to arrive to be counted.

Under Missouri law, candidates can ask for a recount if they are defeated by less than half of 1 percent.

So far, according to The Associated Press delegate tracker, Trump has been awarded 15 delegates of Missouri’s 52 total delegates. Cruz has yet to receive any.

Clinton has been awarded 43 of the 84 total delegates, while Sanders has received 32.

 

A spokesperson for the Cruz campaign said the campaign has seven days to decide about a recount. Fleming, of the Missouri Secretary of State's office, said the seven day limit to request a recount kicks in once the results are certified by her office.