VA-11: Republican Fimian to Concede Close Race

In Virginia's 11th Congressional District, Republican challenger Keith Fimian has fallen just short in his underdog effort to unseat Gerry Connolly. Fimian will concede the race to the incumbent Democrat later today -- forgoing a full recount, to which he is entitled under state law. Connolly's victory margin was a paltry 981 votes:

Republican Keith S. Fimian will concede defeat today in Virginia's 11th District congressional race, according to reports in The Washington Post.

Fimian's campaign has said only that he plans to release a statement today about his plans. A concession would give Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, D-11th, a second term in the Northern Virginia district.

Yesterday, Connolly was released from a hospital after treatment for a blood clot, according to a spokesman. Connolly's office said the clot was discovered during a routine doctor's visit.

Connolly's margin over Fimian in the 11th District race is about 0.4 of a percentage point out of more than 225,000 votes cast. That qualifies under Virginia law for a court-supervised recount at state expense.

Well played, DCCC. Connolly's cliffhanger win prevents a GOP sweep of all four contested races in Virginia. Republicans there ousted three Democratic Congressmen last week: Glenn Nye (VA-02), Tom Perriello (VA-05), and Rick Boucher (VA-09).