Video: Ann Marie Buerkle's full statement
SYRACUSE -- Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle concedes the 24th Congressional District race to Dan Maffei.
Buerkle made the announcement Friday afternoon in front of the James M. Hanley Federal Building in Syracuse.She told reporters that she called Maffei and conceded the race.
At a brief press conference, Buerkle thanked her staff and praised Green Party candidate Ursula Rozum. She called upon the public to hold their representatives accountable. She also called on the public to thank their veterans this Veterans Day.
Buerkle says that, even with the absentee ballots that have not been counted, it is not possible for her to overcome Maffei’s lead. She implied that Maffei won the election due to the overwhelming win of President Barack Obama in Onondaga County.
On Friday afternoon, Maffei issued the following statement in response to Buerkle's concession: "I appreciate Congresswoman Buerkle's service to the district and the people of Central New York. I am looking forward to working hard to address the priorities of the district, improving the economy and growing the middle class."
Maffei was projected to oust incumbent republican Buerkle although absentee ballots will not be counted until next week. Maffei has a lead of over 12,000 votes, not counting the absentee ballots.
On Wednesday morning, Congresswoman Buerkle issued a statement saying she wanted to wait until all of the votes were counted. "In 2010, we were trailing on election night, only to see more votes come in and the outcome changed. With so many ballots still to be recorded, it is important that we make sure there is an accurate counting of all votes," Buerkle said.
Shortly after Buerkle issued that statement, Maffei issued a statement declaring victory in the race of the 24th Congressional District. "I am honored that the people of Central New York have elected me to represent them in Congress. We have won an important victory for Central New York’s middle class," Maffei said.
Green Party candidate Ursula Rozum conceded the race on Tuesday night.
