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Poll: Almost half in U.S. creationist
MONTGOMERY, Ala., Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman conceded the Nov. 5 election to Republican Bob Riley Monday after nearly two weeks of demanding recounts in all of the state's counties.
Siegelman said he feared a prolonged battle over the final decision would be damaging to the state.
"This decision has been painful, but I truly believe it would hurt Alabama to go through this divisive process," Siegelman said. "Congressman Bob Riley will be Alabama's next governor."
Certified election results gave Riley a 3,117-vote lead, but Siegelman supporters had filed requests for recounts in all 67 of the state's counties.
Siegelman made the announcement in front of friends and supporters in the archive room of the State Capitol. He said he feared that a recount would generate never-ending lawsuits and counter suits. He promised to support Riley as the state's next governor.
Riley had asked the court to issue a stay of recounts in all of the state's counties after Siegelman had asked for them. By the end of business Monday, no injunction had been issued.
The court already had agreed to hear the case, accepting briefs Tuesday and Wednesday, and hearing oral arguments Thursday but that process is expected to be canceled.
A Mobile Register and University of South Alabama poll showed over the weekend that Alabamians favor a recount by a 57 percent-43 percent margin, but they also favored Riley as governor 46 percent-41 percent over Siegelman.
The poll was taken from 426 Alabama residents last Monday through Thursday by USA Polling Group, and has a 4.7-point margin of error.
After indications last week that some counties would go ahead with the recount, Riley's attorneys filed an emergency motion with the Alabama Supreme Court, asking the court to block recounts and issue guidelines for handling the election results.
Riley's staff has begun interviewing candidates for posts in his administration. His transition team chairman says applications have been received from almost 1,000 people.
Inauguration of Riley as Alabama's next governor is scheduled to take place on Jan. 20.
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