by J. Brooks Terry and Bailey White
Staff Writers
After a year of campaigning, it came down to 102 votes for Art Shad.
About 40 family members, friends and volunteers packed into Shad’s San Jose area residence Tuesday night to watch the results for the City Council District 5 seat. There was Mexican food, fresh squeezed juice and beer. There were neighborhood children playing in the backyard.
There were also plenty of tense moments.
A group, including School Board chair Kris Barnes, kept watch on the Supervisor of Election’s website at the computer in the kitchen, updating it regularly. Shad, too, spent time in front of the computer, but also slipped outside, taking a brief walk around 8:45 when, with five precincts left, he lead Jay Jabour by a little less than a percent.
A few miles away, there was a similar scene at the Mussallem Oriental Rug building, where Jabour and his supporters hovered around monitors and television screens.
“I wish they’d come faster,” said Jabour of the returns.”I do feel somewhat nervous, but I feel the support in this room. I’m not me by myself tonight. I’m very happy to be here with my family and friends. It’s just the waiting that gets to you.”
The results trickled in — it was close from the start. The screen would flash Shad 51% Jabour 49%. By the time the scrolling returned to the race, it was Shad 50% Jabour 50%.
At 9:15, one of Shad’s supporters got off the phone with news. He told the crowd that Shad had won but by not enough — that there would be a mandatory recount.
At 9:30, the last precincts were in — the final margin was 102 votes, enough to avoid the mandatory recount. Jabour, if he wants, may call for one today, but the margin indicates it’s a longshot.
“It looks like we won,” said Shad, standing on a chair so he could see everyone. “I look forward to being your district councilman. And we couldn’t have made the race any more exciting.”
At Mussallem’s, it also became clear the night belonged to Shad. The party fell silent, as some cried and others quietly left. Those that remained waited to hear what their former candidate had to say.
“I just want everyone to know that I couldn’t have gotten this far without you,” said Jabour to the group, which included Council members-elect Daniel Davis, Art Graham and Kevin Hyde. “I may not see you all tomorrow, but I thank you tonight. We ran a good race and I’m proud of the work we did.”
But it may not be over. Jabour added, “If a recount confirms what we found out tonight, I’ll give Art a call and pledge my support.” See more photos on page 5.