One Mama Grizzly Concedes in Georgia

Sarah Palin still has a formidable record of backing winning candidates, but she's lost a close one in Georgia. Karen Handel has conceded the GOP's gubernatorial primary to Nathan Deal, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The race became a bit of a proxy fight among potential Republican presidential candidates, with Palin and Mitt Romney campaigning for Handel, and Newt Gingrich and Mike Huckabee backing Deal.

Handel lost by less than half a percentage point but opted not to request a recount. “The best thing for our party is to rally around Congressman Deal as our nominee in the fight against (Democrat) Roy Barnes,” she said. “I spoke with Nathan this morning and let him know that I endorse his candidacy."
(More Karen Handel stories.)