The winner of Katherine Harris’ congressional seat might not be known for a week or more. Sarasota Republican Vern Buchanan currently leads Democrat Christine Jennings by 368 votes. But as Alex Newberry reports the race has triggered a recount and a controversy.

Sarasota County Elections Supervisor Kathy Dent is trying to explain why more than 18-thousand people did not vote in this high-profile race. Dent says, like her, many people were turned off.

“There are a lot of disillusioned voters in Sarasota County. I left that race blank because I was disillusioned with the candidates.”

Dent says her electronic touch screen voting machines performed well.
Democratic Candidate Christine Jennings differs.

“Sarasota voters have been victimized by having their vote count”

Jennings supporters wonder if a glitch with the electronic balloting lost votes for her. Sarasota Democratic Party official Steve Runfeldt says it might take a lawsuit to allow them to look inside the touchscreen machines.

“What’s more important, a valid vote? Or the protection of corporate rights to own their software?”

Vern Buchanan’s campaign says the numbers will confirm their candidate won.