Portsmouth and Board of Elections staff recount ballots from November 4.

With 51 ballots pending review, Democrat Jim Seveney maintained a 23-vote lead over Republican challenger Joe Robicheau for the 7th seat in the Portsmouth Town Council election, according to numbers released this morning by the RI Board of Elections. The outstanding ballots must be reviewed by the Board, and that may not happen in time for Portsmouth's canvasser to certify the results prior to Monday's Town Council meeting.

"You can certify everything but this race," RI Director of Elections Bob Rapoza told Portsmouth Canvasser Madeleine Pencak, who was on hand with other town administration to assist in the recount effort. The Board of Elections was scheduled to meet on Friday, but "that may not happen," Rapoza said.

The final number this morning was Seveney 3,724 to Robicheau's 3,701.

Both Seveney and Robicheau were on hand to watch the recount, which took about 90 minutes and involved two dozen people re-feeding ballots by precinct as well as the almost 500 mail and provisional. Also on hand, taking notes and asking questions, was PCC, Inc. President Larry Fitzmorris, who stood with Robicheau the entire time I was there. Just for those who can't tell the players without a scorecard.

Both candidates saw their totals decline slightly, with Seveney losing 8 and Robicheau 13 from the election night tally. But with Seveney maintaining a 23-vote lead, and only 51 ballots pending review by the Board, it would seem a steep hill for Robicheau to climb unless there is something unusual about the distribution of the uncounted ballots.