[update: Benishek statement on Allen’s announcement, is pasted below the fold:]

Jason Allen has announced that he will NOT seek a recount in his primary race against Dr. Dan Benishek:

Petoskey, MI – Michigan First District Congressional candidate Jason Allen, R-Alanson, will not pursue a recount of the official election results certified by the State Board of Canvassers on Friday.

“Over the last few months we had a spirited campaign and I am truly humbled by the support I have received across the First Congressional District,” Allen said. “This past week I have been speaking to Republican leaders across the state, my supporters and most importantly my family, to determine the best course of action. As a result of those conversations, I have decided not to pursue a recount.”

After all the precincts had reported on election night, the Secretary of State website showed a one vote difference between Allen and his primary opponent Dan Benishek. The certification process resulted in the numbers changing to give Mr. Benishek a 15 vote lead.

“It is time to put the primary behind us and move to the general election. It is time for all conservatives to band together to defeat Gary McDowell. I look forward to working with Dan Benishek in the fall campaign. The First Congressional District is long overdue for conservative representation in Congress. I believe Dan Benishek will be an outstanding Congressman for Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula,” Allen said.

The record turnout in the Republican primary holds promise for a strong showing November. Over 70,000 voters turned out to vote in the Republican primary, which has historically seen about 40,000 voters participating in the last 10 years.

Jason Allen is to be commended for doing the right thing here, and stepping aside so that Upper Peninsula Michiganders can get on with their lives, and the Candidate they chose can get on with fighting the Dem. opposition through to victory in November.

We appreciate you Mr. Allen, and we root – now – for Dr. Dan Benishek.

Benishek’s statement:

“After a hard fought six way primary where many good candidates, who care about their country, stepped into the arena to fight for a new direction for our country, I am proud to be the Republican nominee for Congress in Michigan’s 1st district. All of the candidates are to be commended for their hard work and for the massive number of voters that turned out to vote in our primary on election day- twice as many as voted on the democrat side. When the votes were tallied the count between Senator Jason Allen and myself came down to one of the closest margins in history. Today Senator Allen demonstrated that he is a man who puts his country, his conservative principles and his party ahead of his own interests. While I am new to this political arena, I have learned very quickly how invested you become in winning, along with your family, your friends and your supporters. It is not easy to step back and do what is in the interest of the party, and ultimately the country, and to give Republicans the best chance of winning by laying down arms as adversaries and moving forward together as allies. To make the decision to step aside when your instincts are to fight, takes great courage and selflessness. I will never forget, nor should the voters of this district forget, the courage that Jason has shown. Today we stand together as Republicans. I greatly appreciate Jason’s support and would be honored to have him and his supporters stand with us as we work to defeat Gary McDowell and take back our government from the failed policies of Nancy Pelosi and her liberal friends in Congress.”

Classy men…both…perhaps Michigan turns the tide for us?