1.   Harris said counties that fail to certify their vote by the deadline will not be included in the final state tally.

2.   Part of the agreement says the county and pool participants will split the proceeds from its litigation against Merrill and any suits filed against other firms.

3.   Part of the proposal says the county and pool participants will split the proceeds from its litigation against Merrill and any suits against other firms.

4.   The Sioux County Board of Supervisors nixed the idea, saying the county would be liable for the actions of any reserve force.

5.   Those who successfully opposed a sales tax increase last spring predicted as much, saying the county could muddle through without more cash.

6.   At the same time, the judge said counties still recounting ballots by hand at Democratic request may be able to make a case for filing those totals late.

7.   But he says counties still counting ballots by hand after the deadline can make a case for filing the results late and Harris must consider each request.

8.   Treatment proponents say counties like Los Angeles test far more often than necessary, driving up costs.