Graves Concedes 6th District Race To Rep. Bachmann
Election 2012: Live Results | Local Political News | Live Electoral Map
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) — Democratic hotelier Jim Graves has conceded the election to incumbent Republican and tea party favorite Michele Bachmann, who has now won her fourth term in Congress.
He announced he would not seek a recount on the 6th congressional district on Wednesday morning, tweeting "I want to congratulate Rep. Bachmann on her victory last night. We wish her and her family the very best. I want to thank all of the folks who worked so hard on our campaign over the last seven months. Their support has meant the world to me and my family and we are incredibly humbled by their dedication. We remain hopeful that our country can come together and address the pressing issues before us. Thanks again to all."
Bachmann cements her hold on a district that became more Republican under new political boundaries this year.
Graves was seeking to persuade voters to choose a successful businessman rather than Bachmann and her controversial national profile. Bachmann was running to keep her political home after an unsuccessful bid for president last year.
The race was hugely expensive as Bachmann fell back on a fundraising machine that drew from her national following. She brought in more than $20 million.
Bachmann won the race by about one percent of the total final vote. State law mandates an automatic recount if the margin of victory is 0.5 percent. She edged out Graves by about 4,000 votes.
Initially, Graves said there would likely be a recount but after the results weren't close enough to initiate an automatic one, he passed on paying for one.
When Bachmann learned she had won, she issued a statement thanking her supporters and volunteers.
"It has truly been an honor and a privilege to represent the people of Minnesota's Sixth District in Congress, and I am humbled that they have placed their trust in me for another term. I am extremely grateful to my dedicated volunteers for spending countless hours knocking on doors and making phone calls," said Bachmann. "I pledge to continue to work everyday to create jobs and do everything I can to make life more affordable for Minnesota's families. Our children and grandchildren deserve a future filled with opportunity in a country that is safe and secure, and that's what I'm fighting for in Washington."
Talking Points: Graves Vs. Bachmann | Both Sides Weigh In
Galleries: U.S. Hits The Polls | Long Voting Lines In The Twin Cities
(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
