He said, "I just don't think you can rely on this election as an expression of the will of the people of Medford."

Dropkin added, "The recount is laying the foundation for a court decision for a new election."

But David E. Sullivan, legal counsel to the Massachussetts Secretary of State Election Division said the Medford results are likely to stand. "No evidence has been brought to the Secretary of State's attention that would indicate any irregularities that would affect the outcome of the election," he said.

"He [Piro] wants to drag it out as long as he can," said Albano. "He has a right to take it to court but I'm satisfied that the results are accurate."

Albano added that he sees a new election as "not a possibility at all...If that happens, I've lost my faith in the whole system."

If the case goes to court, aside from the issues of double or miscounting, the Piro campaign will address the question of the legality of the stickers themselves, according to Michael J. Stabile, attorney for Piro.

Stabile said the Piro campaign will contest Albano's use of his nickname "Sal" on the sticker, adding that state election laws may require that write-in stickers use only a candidate's legal name.

Albano said the sticker was approved prior to the election by the Secretary of State's Office. He commented, "He knows there's nothing wrong with the sticker. He's just reaching for something to build his case on."

Sullivan said, "We don't officially approve stickers...but we certainly advised him [Albano] that the sticker would be proper."