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News

Perry vows unity after re-election

by JOHNNY PEÑA
The Daily Cougar

Gov. Rick Perry put away his opponents gubernatorial hopes Tuesday night as he was re-elected by voters and pointed Texas toward "a limitless future."

"I'm deeply humbled by the people of the state of Texas that they have chosen me to be their governor for four more years," Perry said in a televised speech from Austin. "It is a blessing and an honor to be the governor of the greatest state in the union."

Perry was voted in to his official second term, beating out a foursome of some of the most colorful candidates Texas has seen.

Perry thanked Democrat Chris Bell and independent Carole Keeton Strayhorn, both of whom seceded from the race, but put away partisan politics in his speech.

"In the end, campaigns are not about the candidates, they're about the people. Tonight the people have spoken. I want you to know that we have listened," Perry said.

"Whether you call yourself a Democrat, a Republican or whatever. For the next four years I will be your governor."

Perry had about 40 percent of the votes, while his closest challenger Bell had almost 30 percent. Strayhorn received about 18.5 percent. Richard "Kinky" Friedman and James Werner had 11 percent and 0.6 percent respectively.

Perry was running under a Republican platform that emphasized higher and tougher testing for Texas education. On the hot-button issue of immigration Perry promises to split the cost between the state and the federal government. 

Perry told supporters and viewers that the government belongs to the people and talked about diverse social issues.

"It belongs to the single mom whose working to make ends meet. The young couple who are looking to own their first home without being taxed out of it … It belongs to the student looking to be the first in his or her family to attend college. The recovering addict trying to find his or her way past despair to find hope in the future. The child who faces the future without a parent or guardian. To each and every person looking for a future that is better than the past," Perry said.

Perry thanked his wife and family for their support throughout his campaign across Texas. He plans to work collaboratively with other officials to improve the state.

"I will serve you with humility, recognizing that Texas is better when we all work together. No party controls the government. It belongs to the people." Perry said.

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