If the request goes through, there will be a thorough recount of all votes in Ohio due to “voting irregularities.” The party candidate statement:

“Due to widespread reports of irregularities in the Ohio voting process, we are compelled to demand a recount of the Ohio presidential vote. Voting is the heart of the democratic process in which we as a nation put our faith. When people stand in line for hours to exercise their right to vote, they need to know that all votes will be counted fairly and accurately. We must protect the rights of the people of Ohio, as well as all Americans, and stand up for the right to vote and the right for people’s votes to be counted. The integrity of the democratic process is at stake.”

So, you might think that Republicans are going to go nuts on this one and call John Kerry a sore loser, right? Except that it’s not John Kerry demanding the recount. It is, in fact not just one, but two other presidential candidates: David Cobb and Michael Badnarik, the candidates for the Green Part and Libertarian Party, respectively. And it’s legal.

What this means is that we’re going to see a real, honest-to-god recount here, and if Bush tries to stop it, he’ll look really bad–since Kerry already conceded and he’s claiming to have won by a comfortable margin. But the recount might include factors not taken into effect in the original count–like paper trails, and possibly discarded punch-card votes–heavily uncounted in Democratic districts. Wait, you might say–punch cards? Didn’t Ohio get $113 million to replace those? Yes, but the Republican Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell decided not to spend the money, claiming that none of the other voting techniques were “more secure.” Just coincidence that punch cards get more Democratic votes thrown out.

Not that I expect things to change. But it will be interesting.