IL-08: Bean Thanks Supporters, Congratulates Walsh

SCHAUMBURG - Noting the "national tsunami" which swept away so many of her fellow House Democrats, Rep. Melissa Bean (D/IL-08) stood before reporters this morning to congratulate her opponent, Republican Joe Walsh. When the counting of all the absentee and provisional ballots in the district ended last night, Walsh prevailed by a slim 291-vote margin out of over 200,000 votes cast.

Bean called Walsh to congratulate him on his win and scheduled this news conference this morning. You can view Rep. Bean's remarks by clicking on the link below.

The three-term Democrat later side-stepped question from reporters about possibly seeking public office again noting, "I think today is Joe Walsh's day. The next thing for me is 'Turkey Day' and making sure I order a fresh turkey." Bean said she thought her campaign "worked as hard as we could" and there wasn't anything she would do differently.

Walsh, in Washington for congressional 'freshman orientation', said today in a conference call Bean was very gracious and thanked her for her public service.