Florida’s U.S. Senate battle too close to call

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A bitter and expensive clash between Florida’s Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson remains too close to call, despite Scott’s declaration of victory.

Nelson has not conceded. His campaign said it’s preparing for a recount and will have observers in every one of the state’s 67 counties to monitor the process.

Scott’s lead narrowed slightly Wednesday to about 30,000 votes out of more than 8.1 million cast — a margin of less than one half of 1 percent. Under state law in Florida, a recount is mandatory if the winning candidate’s margin is 0.5 percentage points or less.

Counties have until Saturday to turn in their first set of unofficial returns. If the margin remains under 0.5 percent at that point, then Secretary of State Ken Detzner is required to order the recount.