Canvass: Lehman added to lead in Wis. Senate race

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Wisconsin Democrats moved closer to a recall win in the state Senate after a vote canvass in Racine County padded their candidate's lead over state Sen. Van Wanggaard by 55 votes.

Tuesday's canvass found Democrat John Lehman extending his unofficial lead over the Republican incumbent to 834 votes.

Lehman had 36,351 votes or 50.6 percent, and Wanggaard 35,517 votes or 49.4 percent.

The numbers aren't official until the state elections board certifies the results, likely next week.

The winner will give his party control of the Senate, although it may only be temporary. The Legislature isn't to convene again until January, and November's elections could lead to the other party taking over.

Still, a win would help Democrats salvage their pride after coming up short in five other recall races.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)