Democrat Tom Salmon conceded the auditor's race to Republican incumbent Randy Brock around 1:30 p.m. Salmon said he looked at the 800-vote gap between his tally and Brock's and the number of towns still outstanding and concluded he couldn't win. So he made the call.

Brock had said earlier in the day he didn't expect Salmon to concede with their tallies so close. He said he appreciated Salmon's decision.

Progressive Martha Abbott also was a contender in the auditor's race. She received 9 percent of the vote. That's enough to ensure that the Progressive Party retains its major party status. To become and remain a major party, a party candidate must receive at least 5 percent of the votes cast in a statewide race.

The Liberty Union Party also will retain its major party status -- if it meets the other local organizing requirements. Murray Ngoima, Liberty Union candidate for state treasurer, received 6 percent of the vote.

-- Nancy Remsen