After holding out for two weeks, U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean (8th) conceded to Republican challenger Joe Walsh, giving the GOP another pickup in the House. The three-term incumbent closed the gap after additional provisional and absentee ballots were counted yesterday, but still trails by 291 votes. Bean is expected to speak at a news conference today.

UPDATE (12:05 p.m.): In speeches today, Walsh thanked his thousands of volunteers, including tea party supporters, while Bean noted that this election serves as a reminder that every vote matters. Here's video of their remarks courtesy of ABC 7: