RECOUNT

Leonard files for recount in Family Court Judge's race

by MATT HUGHES

Ben Leonard

J-E News Editor

On November 4, 2014, the three county race for  5th Judicial Circuit, 2nd Division Family Court Judge came down to the wire, with Crittenden County’s Brandi Hagen Rogers defeating Webster County’s Ben Leonard by only fifty votes as the final precincts reported. That outcome will now be questioned in court.

According to Crittenden County Circuit Court Clerk Melissa Guill, on Friday, Ben Leonard filed for a recount in the election proceedings. 

“We’ve never had a recount, at least not since I’ve been in office,” said Guill. “Brandi Rogers has been notified of the filing, and now we’re waiting to hear from the judge.”

Brandi Hagen Rogers

The final totals from the polls on November 4, 2014 had the margin of victory at only 50 votes. Ben Leonard won his home county 2,845 to 1,373 against Rogers, but that wasn’t enough to pull off the victory. Rogers defeat Leonard 6,193 to 6,143 in the overall vote, taking both Union County (2,819) and Crittenden County (2,001-1,183).

Under Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS), a candidate wishing to contest the outcome of an election has up to 10 days to file a claim in Circuit Court in the county of residence of the winning candidate. Once that claim is filed, the Circuit Court Judge will hold a hearing to set the bond amount to cover the recount. Once the filing candidate has presented the bond to the circuit clerk, the judge will issue an order directing custody of the voting machines, the ballots, boxes, and all papers pertaining to the election to be transferred to the Circuit Court. The judge then appoints a day for the recount proceedings to begin.

On Monday, Circuit Court Judge Rene Williams scheduled the bond hearing for Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. As soon as Leonard files his bond with the Crittenden County Circuit Clerk, a date for the recount will be announced.

On the day of the recount, the court shall proceed to recount the ballots if their integrity is satisfactorily shown and shall complete the recount as soon as practicable. The results will then be recorded and the judge will direct the state board or  county  board as to which candidate was victorious in the recount.

“I was made aware this afternoon that a recount has been requested from my opponent,” Rogers wrote on her “Vote4Brandi” Facebook page on Friday. “I would like to take this time to say I have full faith in the election process, the county clerks, and poll workers that conducted the election. I hope this process goes swift for all involved and I appreciate everyone’s support during this time.”

Ben Leonard could not be reached for comment.

Reach MATT HUGHES

 at 270-667-2068 or 

matt@journalenterprise.com