Republican Temp Smith finished 3,534 off the pace for four open seats on the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, but he wants a recount. That will cost Pennsylvania taxpayers $1.3 million.

Let me go out on a limb and predict that Smith will still finish sixth in the race where the top four candidates get seats on the court.

Two other candidates, including one who finished higher than Smith, waived their right to a recount but state law says all candidates must agree to opt out ... or an automatic recount kicks in.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortes Orders Recount in Close Superior Court Election