Como Concedes In State Senate Dist. 15

Anthony Como announced in a statement Monday evening that he is conceding the race in state Senate Dist. 15 to his opponent, Joe Addabbo Jr.

Como, a former city councilman, ended his bid almost exactly a week after learning on Election night that

The seat was being, who were hoping to use it to swing the state senate back into GOP control.

Como refused to concede the race on Nov. 2 because of what he called "discrepancies" in the voting, but by the time the night was over, Addabbo had opened up a large enough lead that there was little that could have been done to reconcile the numbers in his favor.

Como, for his part, said he was sad to throw in the towel but thought it best for the residents of the 15th District.

"It was important to me that every vote be properly counted and although there are remaining discrepancies with some of the machines, it is in the best interest of the community that we move forward and put politics aside," Como said.  "I spoke with Senator Addabbo this afternoon and congratulated him on his successful campaign. This was a hard fought race and I am proud of the campaign we ran."

Como said he still intends to work in public service to help lower taxes on working New Yorkers and reform the partisan logjam that Albany has become.

While the New York State Board of Elections has yet to finalize the vote tallies across the state, a certification of the vote is expected soon in nearly every race.

"We raised issues of great importance to New Yorkers, like lowering taxes and creating a more attractive climate for small businesses," Como said. "I am also hopeful that some of the government reforms I advocated during my campaign will become a reality."

With Como's concession, the only race in Queens that remains technically undecided isfor state Senate Dist. 11, in which Avella has claimed victory but Padavan has yet to concede.