Recount set for close W. Warwick Senate primary
WEST WARWICK, R.I. --An incumbent state senator from West Warwick will soon learn whether he has lost his seat for sure.
Tallies show challenger Michael Pinga beating Sen. Stephen Alves in Tuesday's Democratic primary by 17 votes. The state Board of Elections will recount the ballots Monday at Alves' request.
Alves is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which gives him the power to shape the state budget. He is part of Senate President Joseph Montalbano's leadership team.
Alves has described the re-count as a longshot but says he owes it to his supporters. 