Perez Seeks Recount In California Controller Race

SACRAMENTO (AP) - Former Assembly Speaker John Perez says he's requesting a recount of votes cast in the June 3 primary race for state controller, with preliminary results showing he doesn't have enough votes to advance to November's general election.

Vote tallied so far show Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin, a Republican, placing first and Board of Equalization member Betty Yee, a Democrat, placing second, barely ahead of Perez.

Perez wants the votes in 15 counties recounted, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Fresno and Merced.

Perez says he is dedicated to defending voter rights, and he wants a final count to happen as quickly as possible.

Yee spokesman Parke Skelton says Perez is on a fishing expedition, selecting counties where there is the best chance of scoring some random votes.