Bean Concedes In 8th Congressional District Race

Congresswoman Melissa Bean finally conceded to her Republican opponent, Joe Walsh, in the 8th Congressional District race. After all absentee ballots were counted, Walsh's final lead over Bean was reduced to 290 votes, a gossamer-thin margin that even Bean realized she couldn't overcome with recounts.

Walsh, who is in Washington doing freshman congressional orientation, said he was "ecstatic" that his lead held up. Bean announced her concession in a two-paragraph statement and will hold a press conference later today.