November 10, 2011

Seven-term Democratic state Sen. Edd Houck has conceded defeat to Republican Bryce Reeves, guaranteeing the Republicans control of not only the Senate but state government.

"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under the heaven, a time to search and a time to give up," Houck said in a statement posted to his Facebook account. "Following a conference call with my legal team and campaign advisors, I determined that I must concede this election."

Houck is holding a 5 p.m. news conference in Fredericksburg to announce he will not contest results of Tuesday's election in which he finished 222 votes behind Reeves out of 45,077 cast.

That is a margin just below the half of a percentage point that, under state law, would entitle Houck to a recount if he chose paid for by local governments in his Fredericksburg-area district.

Houck continued:

"To the hundreds of my supporters, I wish I could have given you the victory you deserve. But, it simply did not happen. At 4:00 p.m., I called Bryce Reeves, made my concession, wished him well and offered my assistance as he enters into the Senate of Virginia. At this uncertain economic time in Virginia, he deserves your full support and prayers.

"I can never express to each of you my most sincere heartfelt thanks for your support over the past 28 years. I have been blessed by your friendship. I hope to see each of you in the near future."