Sam George appears to be losing hope in his effort to overtake state Rep. Bob Stump (R-Peoria) for a seat on the Arizona Corporation Commission, as ballot counting enters its final day and Stump maintains a steady lead over the Democrat.

The ACC race is the last major race left undecided, as only a few thousand votes - and at times a few hundred - have separated the two since Election Day. However, the lead in votes Stump has maintained continues to hold up, and at latest count tops George by 2,568.

Pima County wrapped up its official results Tuesday, leaving only Maricopa County - by far the most populous in the state - left to finish. However, officials at the Maricopa County Recorder's office estimate their counting will be concluded by Wednesday. The official canvass of results, which aggregates the official results of the counties, is due from the Arizona Secretary of State's office by Dec. 1.

If the trend continues, there won't be much Sam George can do to contest a win by Bob Stump. State law provides for a recount only if the difference between two candidates is 200 votes or less, and there is no provision for a candidate-instigated recount unless due to allegations of serious misconduct.