PORTLAND -- In conceding defeat in the Republican congressional primary tonight, Eloit businessman Dean Scontras vowed to never stop pushing the conservative message in the state and hinted that while this might be his first run for public office, this might not be the last.

"You haven't heard from me for the last time," Scontras ended his speech by saying.

Scontras urged his supporters to rally behind the Republican nominee Charlie Summers. Summers is expected to defeat Scontras by double digits. All along the campaign was one of the conservative grassroots behind Scontras with the Republican moderate establishment backing Summers.

"I know that every single person here has struggled with the dynamic of this race. I have always said it is a healthy dynamic to have two candidates. And it is healthy to have someone who is as wonderful as Charlie. Charlie is truly an admirable person." he said. "We should all rally behind him to make sure this seat gets back into Republican hands come November."

He later told supporters privately that he planned to have lunch with Summers in the next few weeks.

About 75 supporters showed up for the rally on along the waterfront. Many called Scontras a personal friend and the mood throughout the night was pessimistic.

Nonetheless many were happy with what they were able to accomplish given that Scontras was a first time candidate.