It appears one of the three Republicans who sought the chance to face U.S. Senator Tom Harkin in the General Election has conceded, although that word was not used in a statement issued this morning.
George Eichhorn, a former state legislator from Stratford, wrote an "open letter" to Republicans, thanking them for their support and noting his strong showing in his home area. Eichhorn never mentioned rival Christopher Reed by name, although it appears Reed is now the GOP nominee for the U.S. Senate. Eichhorn merely said it’s time for Republicans to get behind their presidential nominee and senatorial candidate.
The letter never mentions a recount, which was an option Eichhorn could have exercised as the winner was less than one percent ahead of him when all the votes were counted. The primary was held June 3.
Here is Eichhorn’s letter:
Dear Republican Friends,
I want to thank all of the people who have sent kind words of encouragement for my campaign over the last several days.
I joined the Senate race late. But I did so because I wanted to help articulate our common sense conservative views of less government, lower taxes, a stronger economy, family values and national security with closed borders.
Our party is the party of liberty. We are the party that best represents the American spirit of strong will and determination to make our nation better for future generations.
The Secretary of State and pundits report that this election showed one of the lowest turnouts and one of the closest primary or major general election results anyone can remember. While the low turnout was expected following the high profile caucuses, it is important for every Republican to re-double our efforts to make sure Iowans understand the stakes of this fall’s election.
I was happy to receive close to 70% of the vote in my previous legislative districts and to win Dubuque, Scott (Davenport), Polk (Des Moines), Cerro Gordo (Mason City) and Pottawattamie (Council Bluffs) counties along with many, many others. We did very well in Linn, Johnson (Iowa City), Black Hawk and Story (Ames) County.
What is important now is for our party to come together behind our Presidential nominee, Senate nominee, our Congressional nominees and our local candidates. It is critical that we win our races at the federal and local levels. There is so much at stake.
In this short race Shelly and I met so many more Iowans who were committed to the principles and values of our party. I know together we can create a better future for Iowa.
I want to add that we send our thoughts and prayers to all of those who have been affected by the recent storms and flooding. In 2005 we experienced a Tornado near my home in Stratford. The cooperation and community spirit I experienced after Stratford’s storm showed me that we can rebound stronger than ever to face the challenges that lie ahead after these storms.
Thank you again for all of your support. I look forward to working with you to advance our party and build a stronger, brighter future for Iowa.
Sincerely,
George Eichhorn