Allen West's not-so-gracious concession in loss to Rep-elect Patrick Murphy

A statement from soon-to-be-former Rep. Allen West:

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.

While there are certainly still inaccuracies in the results, and the actions of the St. Lucie County and Palm Beach County Supervisors of Elections rightly raise questions in my mind and for many voters, after much analysis and this past weekend's recount in St. Lucie County, our legal team does not believe there are enough over-counted, undercounted or fraudulent votes to change the outcome of the election.

While a contest of the election results might have changed the vote totals, we do not have evidence that the outcome would change.  Given the extremely high evidentiary hurdles involved in a successful challenge, I will not ask my generous supporters to help fund a drawn-out, expensive legal effort with little chance of success. Therefore, we will not contest the certification or challenge the seating of Congressman-elect Murphy.

Serving the people in the House of Representatives has been among the highest honors of my life, but this seat does not belong to me, or for that matter, to any individual.  It belongs to the people.

I want to congratulate my opponent, Patrick Murphy, as the new Congressman from the 18th Congressional District. I pray he will serve his constituents with honor and integrity, and put the interests of our nation before his own.

I must thank my wife Angela, and my daughters Aubrey and Austen for their support, patience, understanding and most of all, love. These are three of the toughest women I know. They have sent me off to defend our nation overseas at war, and to Capitol Hill to serve our nation in the House of Representatives. They have all handled the challenges of these last few months, and the last many years, with amazing grace. I know they will be by my side for whatever is our next chapter.

I want to thank my congressional and campaign staff for their service, and most importantly, I want to thank all of our tremendous supporters who provided their time and money to power our campaign. I am humbled by the dedication and perseverance of our supporters, and their commitment to a free and prosperous America.  I cannot thank them enough for all they have done for our campaign, but most importantly, what they have done, and will continue to do for our country.  None of us should let the outcome discourage us. We should only redouble our resolve.

Above all, I want to thank God for his blessings, and for blessing me with the opportunity to serve.

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.

Our nation will not overcome our challenges overnight, and the road ahead for each one of us will not be easy. But this nation would never have become that shining beacon of light if our founders had chosen the easy path 236 years ago.  We all must proudly continue their legacy.

For the protection and preservation of our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, I shall remain steadfast and loyal.  God bless you and God bless these United States of America.

Comments

[naplesbob]

West reminds me of a Cruise Liner heading into a fog bank. The fog horn sounds loud and clear; it sounds, LOOOOOOOSSEEER!!

[Gringo Infidel]

Naplesboob: Florida and the United States are the losers.

Enjoy the hippie free stuff while you can - it will not last.

[Marc S.]

Can't wait for Allen West to run next year and retake the seat.

[Another1BitesTheDust]

Ha ha. Another radical out of a job. Good news for Florida and the nation.

[gail]

Good riddance to this boorish man. One less embarassment for Florida.

[ellen sweets]

allen west: a very strange and essentially ineffectual member of congress. no way he's a house loss.

[Dave R]

Why is this concession "not so gracious"? I'll ask a question that strikes fear in the heart of any liberal - where's the evidence of your claim?

[Les Auerbach]

The thing about Allen West was that although he was, fo the most part, ineffective and polarizing (the traits least needed in today's Congress), he was clever enough to make himself seem somewhat sensible during the campaign. It's when he's back in Washington that he becomes this uncertain, unpredictable and largely embarassing figure, calling Democrats members of the Communist party, etc. He's better suited as an entertainer on Fox News than a lawmaker.

[Pedro]

Allen West is an extremist, an embarrassment to Floridians. He insulted and offended so many people, including those of us who have Obama bumper stickers on our cars. Good riddance! I am so happy Patrick Murphy will be representing that district. Patrick will make an excellent congressman.