Florida Representative Allen West has finally conceded his re-election fight on Tuesday after court appearances, two partial recounts, and a mass of accusations by his campaign that the vote count wasn’t fair.
West, a Republican freshman, stated on Tuesday that “there are certainly still inaccuracies in the results,” but he acknowledged that these inaccuracies were not enough to change the outcome of the race, reports Boston.com .
West’s concession gives Democratic newcomer Patrick Murphy the victory. West stated:
“While a contest of the election results might have changed the vote totals, we do not have evidence that the outcome would change.”
Murphy’s campaign manager, Anthony Kusich, stated that he was not aware of any concession call made to Murphy, saying that an email was publicly distributed. Murphy made his own statement afterwards, however, which said he was “humbled by Congressman West’s gracious concession” and was looking forward to getting to work in Washington on behalf of all voters.
The Washington Post notes that the end of the Florida race means that Republicans hold a 234 to 200 majority in the House. During his time in Congress, Allen West was one of the most controversial and outspoken members of the freshman class. In West’s concession email, he added:
“Only God knows what is in store for each of us. I have dedicated my life to serving this nation, and the results of this election will not change my purpose. Just as I did in the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, just as I did on Capitol Hill, I will continue to fight for our Republic.”
Allen West also congratulated Murphy in his concession speech, saying, “I pray he will serve his constituents with honor and integrity, and put the interests of our nation before his own.”