Now that Secretary of State Robin Carnahan (D-MO) has certified the results of the November 4th election, the time is ripe for challenges and recount requests. And, a couple of legislative outcomes are being challenged.

Democrat Senate candidate Joan Barry, who lost to Republican Jim Lembke by just 76 votes – 44,219 to 44,143 – in the contest in the 1st Senate District , has formally requested a recount. On the House side, Republican Representative Vicki Schneider, who lost her reelection bid by just 74 votes to Democrat Kenny Biermann – 10,945 to 10,871 – in the 17th House District contest, is asking for a recount, too.

The margin of victory, in both contests, is less than one percent. That means the challengers are entitled to recounts at taxpayer expense.