A Hillsborough circuit judge ruled in favor of U.S. Senate candidate and Governor Rick Scott on Wednesday, allowing campaign and party representatives access to the election recount in Hillsborough County.
The lawsuit filed by Scott's campaign argued that these representatives should be in the room where the recount is taking place. Prior to the ruling, observers at the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections main office were separated by glass windows. That was apparently in violation of state law, which says a representative from each campaign and party involved in a race subject to a recount is allowed to be in the room.
Gerri Kramer, spokesperson for the Hillsborough elections supervisor, said they are complying with the court ruling and campaign representatives are now being allowed in the room.
Gov. Rick Scott is currently about 12,500 votes ahead of Democratic incumbent U.S. Senator Bill Nelson. The deadline for the automatic recount for the U.S. Senate, Governor and Agriculture Commissioner races is Thursday at 3 p.m.
You can read Judge Cheryl Thomas' full ruling here.
Copyright 2018 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7
