Rouzer concedes to McIntyre in race for Congress

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Republican David Rouzer has conceded to Democratic incumbent Mike McIntyre in the race for the 7th North Carolina congressional district.
    
Rouzer announced his decision Wednesday night after a completed machine recount in the 7th Congressional District showed McIntyre keeping a 654-vote lead over Rouzer from more than 336,000 votes cast.
    
McIntyre had a 655-vote lead before Rouzer requested the recount that began this week. The 12th and final county recount finished Wednesday evening. Rouzer could have asked for a more detailed hand-to-eye recount.

The concession means McIntyre will represent southeastern North Carolina on Capitol Hill for a ninth term. Rouzer is an outgoing state senator who once served in U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms’ office.

In a statement released tonight, Rouzer said, "Now that the recount has been completed and the tally of votes is official, we can move forward satisfied that each vote was counted properly and accurately. I have called Congressman McIntyre to congratulate him on a hard-fought victory, and I wish him well as he joins a new Congress that will be dealing with very difficult issues facing our country."

On his win tonight, Congressman McIntyre said, "I am very grateful to have the honor of serving the citizens of Eastern North Carolina My commitment has always been to serve the people back home. We have many challenges facing our great nation, and I will continue to seek bi-partisan solutions to help create jobs, protect Social Security and Medicare." McIntyre concluded with, "I thank Senator Rouzer for his commitment and dedication to public service, and I wish him well in his future endeavors."