By Catherine Cuellar and Sam Baker, KERA 90.1
Dallas, TX –
KERA reporter/announcer: One of the few bright spots for Dallas County Democrats was Lupe Valdez's 51 to 49% victory as Sheriff. She expressed gratitude for the chance to serve as a Hispanic woman and former migrant worker.
Lupe Valdez: We are an international county and this is what I want to represent. I'm excited about being able to do this, and most of all, thank you so much, Dallas County.
Nate Crain, the Dallas County Republican Party Chair, was generally enthusiastic about the overwhelming success of GOP candidates. But he was disappointed that Danny Chandler lost to Ms. Valdez, and surprised that President Bush only led Kerry 50 to 49%.
Nate Crain: That's something we didn't anticipate, so we'll go back and take a look at everything.