So, what's keeping the media from declaring Webb and Tester as the winners?

[ck4829]

What's going on? It looks like they've both won.

[justiceischeap]

1. Absentee and Provisional ballots still need to be counted in VA

The results won't be certified for 3 weeks, and then and only then can either candidate ask for a recount.

[davekriss]

4. Recount rule

Either candidate can ask only if the margin falls within 1% of total votes counted. I think the total votes counted rose to 2.4 million, meaning the margin has to be less than 24,000 after all votes are counted. Right now I think Webb's margin of victory is around 8,000; it's not likely to rise 16,000 with the military and other absentee ballots still to be counted. Allen is sure to request a recount, it's necessary for his political survival. So, on this one, hold on to our seats -- patiently, as a recount would not occur until December.

[2008]

5. Allen would still have to wait three weeks...

...until the votes are certified, before he can request a recount.

[FlaGranny]

2. Drama, ratings, and

uncertainty?

[NewJeffCT]

3. Karl Rove is telling them they can't

Or else they'll have the FCC get medieval on them

[Tommymac]

6. Their corporate masters. n/t

[Atman]

7. They declared Lieberman the winner with no precincts reporting...

...and a guy named Bernie telling them "Joe looks good!"

:shrug:

.