Darcy Burner, the Microsoft program manager and cause célèbre of the liberal blogosphere who was challenging Republican Rep. Dave Reichert for Washington's 8th District seat conceded late Friday after the Associated Press called the race for the incumbent. Three days after the election, 81 percent of precincts had reported and Reichert captured 52 percent of the vote (143,012) while Burner received 48 percent (134,480).

"It is likely at this point that Congressman Reichert has won re-election, and while we will certainly ensure that every valid vote is counted, we accept the decision of the voters," Burner said in a statement thanking her supporters and trumpeting Democratic President-elect Barack Obama's win over GOP Sen. John McCain. Obama's selection "will ensure that the change to the direction of our country called for in this campaign is realized in the new year," she said.