CHEYENNE - Democratic newcomer Gary Trauner decided Thursday not to seek a recount in his narrow loss to Republican Rep. Barbara Cubin in Wyoming's closest U.S. House race in 36 years.

"It is time to put this election to rest and look to the future," Trauner said in a statement released through his campaign. "Wyoming is counting on Mrs. Cubin to provide first-rate representation for all the people of the state, and I trust she will do so."

In a telephone interview, Trauner said he had not talked to Cubin and wasn't sure if he would.

"That's something I will think about," he said. "It's probably something between me and her if I do."

During the campaign Trauner complained that Cubin campaign ads misrepresented his stances on issues. In his statement Thursday and in other comments since the election, Trauner complained about the "negativity and animosity in our political process."

The State Canvassing Board on Wednesday certified the Nov. 7 election results, in which Cubin beat Trauner by 1,012 votes out of 193,369 cast.

The margin was too great to mandate an automatic recount. Trauner had until Friday to request a recount, which he would have had to pay for.