Lawson concedes hard-fought race to Southerland

The underdog Congressional campaign of FAMU alumnus Alfred “Al” Lawson fell short in its quest to unseat incumbent Rep. Steve Southerland.  Lawson received 47 percent of the vote to Southerland’s 53 percent.

“I recognize the fact the people have spoken and while it didn’t go the way we wanted it to go, it is my sincere hope that Congressman Southerland will serve North Florida in the 113th Session of United States Congress with honor and dignity,” Lawson said in a quote published by the Tallahassee Democrat.

Lawson faced an uphill battle against the deep pockets of the wealthy Tea Party interests and big businesses that flooded money into the reelection fund of his opponent. He raised $499,000 while Southerland raked in about three times more with $1.5M.