In GOP vs. GOP recount, Pennsylvania officials battle to restore trust

The Pennsylvania recount shows how much distrust in elections has seeped into the Republican mindset – even when it’s a GOP-vs.-GOP fight. What does that mean for the democratic process going forward?

Nearly two hours into the meeting, Berks County Commissioner Kevin Barnhardt loses his cool. 

Mr. Barnhardt and his fellow commissioners had gathered to hear complaints about Pennsylvania’s Republican primary election, in which Trump-endorsed Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund CEO David McCormick are currently separated by fewer than 1,000 votes. With a recount beginning June 1, both campaigns have been clawing at the margins – as evidenced by the two lawyers shuffling their stacks of paper-clipped files before Berks’ top election officials.

The first complaint has to do with extended poll hours. After some precincts had equipment trouble, a judge ruled that county polling stations would stay open one hour later. Not fair, says a lawyer with the McCormick campaign – polls were only supposed to be open for 13 hours. (Of note: In-person ballots have slightly favored Dr. Oz.)