By Suzanne Sprague, KERA 90.1 reporter.
Dallas, TX – Suzanne Sprague, KERA 90.1 reporter: Early evening returns were not kind to Ron Kirk. Democratic turnout in North Texas, where Kirk was a favorite, had been light, and he was trailing both Victor Morales and Houston Congressman Ken Bentsen. But, he eventually surpassed Bentsen. And, shortly after midnight, with 77 % of the vote counted, Kirk gave faithful followers the news they had been anxious to hear.
Ron Kirk, Candidate for US Senate (addressing a crowd): We've gotten the latest figures from the Secretary of State and folks we are in the runoff for this Democratic primary. (cheering)
Sprague: And Kirk provided a glimpse into what his runoff campaign will sound like.
Kirk: We are going to continue to appeal to people across the board, just like we did when I ran for mayor. Nobody is going to put us in a box and tell us what we can't do for this state. Our children are too important. Our parents' futures are too important. Working together, we can turn this state around.
Sprague: Kirk and most political observers had long predicted the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate would result in a runoff. Many assumed Victor Morales, who consistently led in the polls, would likely be one of the advancing candidates. And, indeed, he held onto the lead all Tuesday night. When asked last night if his low-budget pickup truck campaign would translate to the political work of Washington, D.C., Morales answered with a resounding yes.
Victor Morales, Candidate for US Senate: Imagine yourself, running an 80-thousand-mile trip across Texas, single-handedly talking to the press, dealing with all the obstacles I did. I'm as tough as anyone in Washington. I guarantee it.
Sprague: Congressman Ken Bentsen placed third, apparently unable to raise as much money as Kirk or to capitalize on the strength of his family's political legacy. But Bentsen did outline what he thinks it will take for a Democrat to win back the U.S. Senate seat.
Congressman Ken Bentsen: What the Democrat will have to do is talk about the issues people care about - the need to increase access to health care, the need for a prescription drug program, and I think voters will look to someone with strong experience.
Sprague: Bentsen did not throw his support to either Morales or Kirk last night. And Kirk did not publicly seek it. He did joke with supporters that he may be the most prayed-over candidate in the state, citing his frequent campaign stops at churches. But just moments after declaring his success in the primary, Kirk asked those supporters for something more than their prayers.
Kirk: I believe in prayer, but let me tell you. I've got that prayer part covered. I need some money. (laughter and cheering)
Sprague: The runoff election between Ron Kirk and Victor Morales is April 9th. The winner will face Republican and Texas Attorney General John Cornyn in the November general election. In a five-way race, Cornyn easily won the Republican primary with more than 75 % of the vote. For KERA 90.1, I'm Suzanne Sprague.