Howard recount appeal denied

CONCORD- The Ballot Law Commission has dismissed the appeal by presidential candidate Albert Howard (R-Mich.).

This was the latest step in a four month process that began with Howard challenging the results of the New Hampshire Republican primary.

After a six-week recount process, that resulted in Howard losing one vote, Howard decided to challenge the recount.

Even though three of his supporters showed-up, Howard personally did not appear at the commission hearing.

Appearing on a YouTube video on his website, Howard told supporters that he needed to raise $1 million to hire lawyers and attend the Commission hearing, it appears that he did not raise the amount.

Representing the Secretary of State's office, New Hampshire Deputy Attorney General Bud Fitch told the Commission the appeal should have been dismissed because the appeal should have been brought during the recount, not after it had been completed.

Fitch also said the appeal was brought under "somewhat unusual circumstances," and questioned whether the Commission should hear the appeal.

Deputy New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan called the dismissal the "appropriate decision" and said there could be backlash to the process.

"There could be some legislative backlash against the process and allows candidates to challenge results," Scanlan said.

Howard's argument centers on questions surrounding chain-of-custody issues and the validity of the voting machines.