Following Thursday state-wide recanvass of votes that showed Louisville businessman Matt Bevin still leading Comer by 83 votes, Comer e-mailed the following statement just before 8:00 a.m. Central time Friday morning.
“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.”
Comer had until the close of business Friday to call for a full re-count of the votes from last week's gubernatorial primary but that was seen as politically divisive within the Kentucky Republican party and also very expensive; some estimates were as high as $300,000.
Comer's concession sets up a race between Bevin and Kentucky Democratic Attorney General Jack Conway in a rare off-year election that serves as a precursor to the 2016 Presidential contest.
The state board of elections won't officially certify the results of the race until June 8th.