JUNEAU -- Unsuccessful U.S. Senate candidate Joe Miller won't appeal a judge's order that he pay more than $17,300 in legal fees incurred by the state in fighting his challenge to last year's race.

Miller said Thursday that given the amount at issue, it didn't make financial sense to pursue an appeal. He said in a statement that the court fight is now over.

Miller had sued over the state's handling of the election and its counting of votes for Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who ran as a write-in after losing the GOP primary to Miller. Three courts, including the Alaska Supreme Court, ultimately refused to overturn results favoring Murkowski.

In state court, winning parties can seek up to 20 percent of their attorney fees in cases with no money at issue.