In the aftermath of the 2018 midterms, it hasn't been abnormal to see losing Republicans -- or Republicans whose victories are yet to be certain -- rail against their Democratic opponents and the electoral process as a whole. Rick Scott is currently doing this in Florida and President Donald Trump is echoing his sentiments.
That may be why Martha McSally, the Republican candidate in Arizona's senate election, received widespread praise for doing what - until 2018 - was expected of a losing candidate in any American election: she gracefully conceded.
After calling to concede to Democratic opponent Kyrsten Sinema, McSally said:
"I wish her all success as she represents Arizona in the Senate... I am convinced that Arizona is the best state in the country and our best days are still yet to come and I'm going to continue to pray for our success."
You can watch her concession in the video below.
Settled in her home with an adoring Golden Retriever beside her, it was a concession that could have been painted by Norman Rockwell. Yet, despite the concession, some aren't convinced we've seen the last of Martha McSally.
The death of former Republican Arizona Senator John McCain earlier this year led to Republican John Kyle filling the newly-vacated seat. However, Kyl has said he only intends to serve until 2019, leaving Arizona Governor Doug Ducey the prerogative to appoint Kyl's replacement. Under Arizona state law, Ducey must select someone from McCain's party, with many asking who better to appoint than a Republican Senatorial candidate who won nearly half of Arizona's vote?
Suddenly, people seem to know why McSally went so gently that good night.
But a graceful concession hasn't been enough to convince McSally's critics of her political integrity.
In fact, some Arizonans view the concession as calculated, buoyed by the assurance of a possible appointment to the seat.
Regardless of whether or not McSally does replace McCain, her opponent Kyrsten Sinema has already succeeded in turning the state blue for the first time in three decades, leading many to celebrate the victory.
Though Sinema's achievement is incredible, McSally may not be done just yet.
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