[conservative in nyc]

Kerry didn't bow out gracefully either. Bush had 120,000 vote margin in Ohio before Kerry decided he couldn't win it.

Allen should just accept he lost and get on with his life.

7,000 (or 4,000 or 2,000 or whatever the real margin in Virginia is) isn't 120,000. Allen likely lost, but I really don't see the harm in letting all the votes be counted and canvassed before Allen concedes. This isn't crying fraud in a crowded room, like the Democrats always do. It's just letting the process run its course.

I also don't see the harm in asking for a recount, if allowed under state law for free, but can see why Allen might not want to do that if he's behind by more than a few thousand after all the votes have been tallied and canvassed. Recounts usually don't change the ultimate result.

[oceanview]

the "count" won't help Allen.

Webb won with votes that came in with the last .5% that reported - I believe those votes were provisioinal ballots, cast in Dem district held back from reporting until they knew how many votes Webb needed to move ahead.

unless Allen is prepared to challenge those, its over.