Rep. Etheridge to Concede to Ellmers

The North Carolina Democrat will call it quits.

2:14 PM, Nov 19, 2010 • By MICHAEL WARREN

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Democratic congressman Bob Etheridge, who caused controversy for his physical engagement with a student this summer, will concede to Republican Renee Ellmers, the congressman-elect who won a surprising victory November 2. National Journal's Tim Sahd reports:

Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-N.C.) is expected to concede this afternoon after results from a completed recount are likely to show he didn't make up any significant ground in his race against Rep.-elect Renee Ellmers (R), according to campaign sources.

Etheridge has scheduled a 3 p.m. press conference to make the statement.

Officials certified Ellmers as the winner last week, but because her 1,489-vote lead over Etheridge was less than one percent of the total votes cast, the incumbent was legally permitted to ask for a recount.

The results of the recount will be announced this afternoon, but preliminary reports suggest they show no significant difference from the certified numbers.