U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk is requesting a federal inquiry into what he's calling ``voting irregularities'' and ``mishandling of ballots'' during this month's election.
In a letter dated Monday and obtained by The Associated Press, the Illinois
Republican asks U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon to ``secure'' questioned ballots
and ensure proper handling.
Kirk references allegations raised last week by a lawyer for GOP candidate for
treasurer Tom Cross. Among them is that elections officials couldn't account for
all mail-in and provisional ballots.
The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners rebutted the majority of those
claims.
Cross is in a neck-and-neck race with Democrat Mike Frerichs.
A Fardon spokesman acknowledged receiving the letter Monday but wouldn't
comment. Chicago elections board spokesman Jim Allen says the allegations are
``uninformed, misguided, inaccurate and reckless.''
Frerichs spokesman Dave Clarkin says the state senator is within 312 votes of
Cross. Cross spokesman Kevin Artl said the former House Minority Leader leads by
381 votes.
An Associated Press analysis of election results since 1900 found no other race
that close.
The next closest was the 1982 contest for governor.
A recount isn't automatic. The Illinois Supreme Court must OK a request from a
candidate or voter.
Election authorities have until Tuesday to report results. The state Board of
Elections plans to certify results Nov. 30.
