And he brought y'all a great present today when George Allen dropped any delusions of a recount win and conceded his Senate seat to James Webb.

Allen decided (or was convinced by campaign consultants) that he had the proverbial snowball's chance on a summer day of overcoming the almost 7,500-vote deficit.

A protracted but ultimately futile battle would only make him look at best, stupid and at worst, vengeful.

If Allen wants any shot whatsoever at a political future, in Virginia or elsewhere, bowing out was the right, and only, move.

And all of us, not just residents of the Old Dominion State, are grateful for the decision.