After two weeks of refusing to accept that vote-counting by officials in St. Lucie County, Florida, favored his opponent Patrick Murphy, including a recount which extended Murphy's lead, Rep. Allen West (R-FL) conceded the race late Tuesday, Politico reports:
West acknowledged that he couldn't surmount his 1,904-vote, or 0.58 percent, deficit. That difference was just outside the 0.5 percent threshold to automatically trigger a recount of all votes.
Said West in a statement:
“For two weeks since Election Day, we have been working to ensure every vote is counted accurately and fairly. We have made progress towards that goal, thanks to the dedication of our supporters and their unrelenting efforts to protect the integrity of the democratic process. While many questions remain unanswered, today I am announcing that I will take no further action to contest the outcome of this election…I pray he will serve his constituents with honor and integrity, and put the interests of our nation before his own.”