Re: Prediction
I don't think anyone would begrudge a close loser a recount. I would be disappointed if Republicans in such a situation didn't ask for one, like in South Dakota. In some cases, it's mandated by law if the election is close enough. Normally, for machine ballots, a machine recount is done and suffices.
Now, if after a machine recount still showed him a loser, a Republican demanded hand recounts only in selected counties that were heavily Republican, we might be starting to move into the sleazy zone.