Final, unofficial numbers in Idaho congressional races, concession comments…
Here are concession comments from the Democratic challengers to Sen. Mike Crapo and Rep. Raul Labrador, Idaho GOP congressional incumbents who rolled up big wins last night, Crapo with 66.1 percent and Labrador with 68 percent:
Jerry Sturgill, who got 27.8 percent against Crapo, said, “It’s been a great honor to run for the U.S. Senate. I feel like we’ve made tremendous progress. I feel like politicians should be about educating and helping people understand issues. I wish we’d had more of that in my campaign and between me and Sen Crapo. But I’ve called him and congratulated him and offered to help, if I can help as a regular citizen and as one of his constituents. He actually said he prides himself on working with both sides of the aisle and was grateful for that offer.”
James Piotrowski, who got 32 percent against Labrador, said in a statement, “I congratulate Congressman Labrador on his election victory. The people have spoken through our democratic process. I honor and respect those results. This year, I have had the distinct honor of visiting the people of Idaho in the towns and communities that they love. I have held meetings and given speeches, attended rallies, parades and socials from Owyhee County to Boundary. The people I’ve met along the way are some of the finest there are. And, they deserve the finest representation. I look forward to a full two years of Congressional work from Mr. Labrador."
Labrador’s 68 percent win was the biggest in his four congressional elections; Crapo’s 66.1 percent was the lowest margin he’s had more than two decades. Crapo has been among Idaho’s top vote-getters for years; in 2004, he actually ran unopposed, but for a write-in, for re-election to the Senate, receiving 99.2 percent of the vote. In 2010, he took 71.2 percent of the vote. Bill Mauk got 28.4 percent against Crapo in 1998, when Crapo had 69 percent. This year, a 6.2 percent chunk of the vote went to Constitution Party candidate Ray Writz.
Labrador’s previous congressional election margins were 65 percent two years ago; 63 percent in 2012; and 51 percent in 2010.
2nd District GOP Rep. Mike Simpson won his 10th term with 63 percent. Democratic challenger Jennifer Martinez had 29.3 percent, and Constitution Party candidate Anthony Tomkins had 7.7 percent.
