THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
December 6, 2004
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Two major challenges are expected to unfold today when Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell certifies the state's final presidential election results, declaring President George W. Bush the winner by about 119,000 votes.
Lawyers representing voters upset about problems at the polls plan to contest the results with the Ohio Supreme Court, citing documented cases of long lines, a shortage of machines and a pattern of problems in predominantly black neighborhoods.
In addition, third-party candidates, bolstered by a favorable federal court ruling, plan to file requests for a recount in each of Ohio's 88 counties. About 400 people rallied at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus on Saturday to demand a recount begin immediately.
The efforts represent "an incredible long shot," said Steven Huefner, an Ohio State University law professor. "Courts are just incredibly reluctant to overturn the results of an election absent a really strong showing that something happened that affected the outcome."
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http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/ny-usohio064068269dec06,0,7893066.story?coll=ny-uspolitics-headlines