FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - James Comer has conceded the governor's race in Kentucky, ending a tumultuous Republican primary and handing the nomination to Louisville businessman Matt Bevin.
In a news release Friday morning, Comer said he called Bevin and conceded minutes after a Thursday review of the May 19 primary results showed Bevin maintained his 83-vote lead in one of the closest elections in state history. Comer delayed conceding publicly until the morning to give him time to contact some of his most important supporters.
Bevin has scheduled a news conference at the Republican Party of Kentucky's headquarters for 10 a.m. Friday along with the other Republican nominees in November's general election.
Comer said he enthusiastically endorses Bevin's candidacy, saying he grew to appreciate his knowledge of issues, his work ethic and his morals.
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James Comer released the following statement Friday:
"Within minutes of receiving the results of the recanvass, I called Matt Bevin to concede and congratulate him on a hard fought victory. I asked Matt to afford me the opportunity to personally contact a few of my strongest supporters across the state to again thank them for their support and tell them about my concession. I promised Matt that I would release my statement prior to his Friday morning press conference with the Republican down ballot candidates.
Throughout the entire primary campaign, I grew to appreciate Matt Bevin's knowledge of the issues, his work ethic, and his morals. Matt ran a clean campaign which focused on the issues important to Kentuckians. Matt Bevin will stand up to the special interest groups that have held our great state back and fight the corrupt elements that still exist in Frankfort. I enthusiastically endorse Matt Bevin for Governor and pledge to do everything I can to see that he wins in November."
