In the least surprising news out of a statewide election of surprises this year, Republican Attorney General Candidate Mark Obenshain is requesting a recount after the official canvass of this month’s election shows him trailing Democrat Mark Herring by 165 votes out of the 2.2 million cast.

Recounts are virtually automatic in such races and the AG election has a history of close elections and recount.  Losing candidate Creigh Deeds requested a recount in the 2005 AG race after losing to McDonnell by 323 votes.

The recount didn’t help Deeds as McDonnell netted 37 additional votes and was declared the winner, again, by 360 votes.

A recount means the race won’t be decided until at least mid to late December.