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Antigay Allen West Concedes Defeat

Antigay Allen West Concedes Defeat

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Allen West, the Florida congressman who proudly held antigay positions, has conceded defeat to his LGBT-supportive challenger, Patrick Murphy.

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Allen West, a Tea Party congressman from Florida who supported "don't ask, don't tell" but opposes antidiscrimination laws, conceded defeat Tuesday to his Democratic challenger, Patrick Murphy.

West announced that he would not take further actions to contest the outcome of the closely watched election after nearly two weeks of battle. The incumbent acknolwedged that "he couldn't surmount his 1,904-vote, or 0.58 percent, deficit," according to Politico. The difference put West just outside the 0.5 percent threshold that automatically triggers a recount of all votes.

"For two weeks since Election Day, we have been working to ensure every vote is counted accurately and fairly," said West, Politico reported. "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."

The Republican also congratulated Murphy, the congressman-elect in the South Florida district.

"I pray he will serve his constituents with honor and integrity, and put the interests of our nation before his own," he said.

With 100% of precincts reporting, West was more than 2,400 votes behind Democratic challenger Patrick Murphy. West demanded a recount, which showed Murphy actually gaining more votes. The Democrat, supportive of marriage equality and other gay rights, called for West to concede. Read more about the recount here.

Read more about West here.

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Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.
Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.