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Tuesday, Nov 20, 2012 12:45 PM UTC

Allen West finally gives up

The Tea Party lawmaker concedes to Democrat Patrick Murphy VIDEO

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Topics: Fox News, U.S. House of Representatives, Tea Party, Video, Allen West, Election 2012,

Allen West finally gives up Allen West (Credit: Reuters/Molly RIley)

Another Tea Party icon has fallen, but he did not go down easy.

Rep. Allen West, the Florida Republican best known for his impressive innovations in congressional crazy, has finally conceded to his Democratic challenger, Patrick Murphy, two weeks after Election Day. When early results showed him narrowly behind Murphy, West demanded a recount, alleging a conspiracy to steal the election from him. He had no legal right to a recount under state law — Murphy’s lead was outside the percent margin stipulated by Florida election law — but a recount went ahead anyway. Unfortunately for West, the recount only put the Tea Partyer further behind Murphy.

And so, finally this: “While many questions remain unanswered, today I am announcing that I will take no further action to contest the outcome of this election,” West said in a statement to Politico. “I pray he will serve his constituents with honor and integrity, and put the interests of our nation before his own,” West added of Murphy.

Fox and Friends apparently didn’t get the memo right away, however. Teasing an appearance from West this morning, host Brian Kilmeade said he would have West on live to discuss ”his bid to get a recount.” “Many believe he actually won that race,” Kilmeade  added.

When West appeared a bit later, he let Kilmeade down easy. “We’re not going to go forward and contest the results,” West said, “even though … we brought up some incredible voting irregularities.” West said that though he’s lost his seat in Congress, he will continue to be a leader in some capacity. (Perhaps a Fox News hosting gig?) ”Right now, God knows the plan for my life,” West added.

Congressman, we salute you. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

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Alex Seitz-Wald is Salon's political reporter. Email him at aseitz-wald@salon.com, and follow him on Twitter @aseitzwald. More Alex Seitz-Wald.

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