Runoff Election For Tulsa County Clerk Headed For A Recount

The race for Tulsa County Clerk is headed for a recount after a close election Tuesday.  Current Chief Deputy Clerk Pat Key won the election, but challenger Dean Martin is calling for a recount.

The margin of victory for Key was slim, she won by less than 180 votes or just over 50 percent of the vote. Tulsa businessman Dean Martin says he wants a recount. 

"With almost 17,829 votes cast, the margin of victory was only 179 votes, which is 1% of the vote. And it's important that we ensure the accuracy of this election.  With over 263 precincts in Tulsa County, we are talking a difference of less than 1 vote per precinct.  And where I come from, that definitely calls for an 'instant replay.'"  

The recount adds to what has already been a contentious race for County Clerk. 

Lee Alan Belmonte of Bixby who is connected to the Key campaign was arrested for possession of stolen property, what turned out to be Dean Martin signs. 

Pat Key denied that she authorized that and went on to say the whole situation was blown out of proportion.

8/26/2012 Related Story: Stolen Tulsa County Campaign Signs Traced To Opponent's Campaign