San Bernardino Councilman Rikke Van Johnson, who beat Betty Dean Anderson four years ago by a handful of votes, has officially avoided a runoff after the final tallies of a recount were posted today by the San Bernardino County registrar.

Johnson finishes with 790 votes, while Anderson finishes with 601 votes.  In the recount, Anderson was only able to pick up a net gain of one vote.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this recount was the $8,000 bill sent by the registrar.  Not bad for two days worth of work.  Hmm...I was only a finance major, but assuming a wage of $100 per hour, that is 80 man hours over...

Somewhere under home plate, Jimmy Hoffa is rolling in his grave.