Jim Davis gave a final news conference in Tampa on Wednesday, saying he felt his campaign elevated important issues but, in the end, could not compete with the Republican money machine.

"I salute Charlie Crist on his win, but the amount of money spent in this campaign was dramatic. Governor-elect Crist and the Republican Party raised and spent almost $50-million in the general election and despite that, finished with just a 7 point margin," he said. "Yesterday was a day that many Floridians stood up and said, "This is about us; it's not about the money.' But it just wasn't a majority."

Davis said he had no regrets. "The only thing I would have done different was try to get the election moved a week later."

Davis, who returns to congress next week, hinted he intends to remain in politics. "I have relationships with a lot of wonderful people around this state - Democrats, Republicans or independents who believed in me. And I haven't stopped believing in them. After I get things settled at home, I'll have some time to think about my future."

- Photo by Associated Press