By AP/St. Louis Public Radio
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Republican Bill Brady has conceded the extremely close race for Illinois governor to Democratic incumbent Pat Quinn.
The state senator from Bloomington thanked supporters in his hometown Friday and says he's called to congratulate Quinn.
Brady was joined by his running mate Jason Plummer and family when he delivered his concession speech.
The Brady campaign has been searching since Election Day for possible uncounted votes to close the more than 19,000-vote lead Quinn held.
Election results have made it clear that Quinn won his bid for a first full term after replacing ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich nearly two years ago.