News
Handel concedes Georgia GOP race to Deal
By: cnn.comPosted On: 08/11/2010 3:27 P
Former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel conceded the Republican gubernatorial primary runoff Wednesday after an extremely close vote between her and ex-Rep. Nathan Deal.
"As of this morning, we are 4/10ths of a percentage point behind Nathan Deal, with absentee ballots and overseas military votes yet to be counted," Handel said in a statement. "We certainly have the option of requesting the automatic statewide recount. But we are not going to do that."
Deal at one point led Handel by only 2,489 votes.
Handel said the best thing for the party is to rally around Deal in his fight against former Gov. Roy Barnes, who was the clear victor in the July Democratic primary.
"I spoke with Nathan this morning and let him know that I endorse his candidacy and look forward to the fight against Barnes," she added. "I have also called on all who were supporting me to give their same commitment and energy to Nathan."
Georgia entered the national spotlight when several potential 2012 Republican presidential candidates weighed in on the race to replace retiring Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue. Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney endorsed Handel, while Mike Huckabee and Newt Gingrich backed Deal.
Meanwhile, an incumbent U.S. senator with help from the White House held off a tough primary challenge in Colorado and a former wrestling executive easily won the Republican nomination for the Senate in Connecticut.
Four states went to the polls with high-profile primaries for governors and the U.S. Senate.
In Colorado, incumbent U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet claimed victory in the Democratic primary after staving off a fierce challenge from former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff. Bennet will face Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck, who -- with the support of many Tea Party backers -- defeated former Lt. Gov. Jane Norton for the GOP nomination.
In Connecticut, former World Wrestling Entertainment executive Linda McMahon won the GOP nomination for Senate, besting former Rep. Rob Simmons and businessman Peter Schiff. McMahon will face Attorney General Richard Blumenthal in November.
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