from the NYT
Virginia officials began canvassing each county before certifying the election, with both sides monitoring the process. Some members of Mr. Allen’s camp suggested that he would challenge the vote count, in which the winning margin amounts to less than one-half of one percent of the votes cast.
But a senior adviser to Mr. Allen, speaking candidly only on condition that he not be identified, said that it is likely that Mr. Allen will concede the election if the canvass does not radically narrow the vote margin, and perhaps even before it is completed.
“As a rule of thumb, a 7,000-vote margin is pretty hard to overcome,” this adviser said. “Although it’s heartbreakingly close, he’s not looking to be bullheaded here.”
Elections officials expect to canvass until November 14. If the margin then is less than one percent, the losing candidate may request a recount, which would not be done until Nov. 27.
