Third Recount Puts Candidates in Tie

A recount of ballots in the Lewis and Clark County auditor’s race made the contest closer than ever--a tie. County officials in Helena said that their latest tally shows both incumbent Republican Bob Lindgren and Democrat Alicia Pichette with 10,669 votes. Lindgren asked for a recount after unofficial results showed Pichette winning Tuesday’s election by three votes. A second count narrowed the lead to two votes. State law allows the county commissioners--two Republicans and a Democrat--to appoint one of the candidates in the event of a tie. But lawyers have urged them to wait at least five days to see if one of the candidates wants another count.