By Bill Zeeble, KERA 90.1 Reporter
Dallas –
Bill Zeeble, KERA 90.1 reporter: Pete Sessions won his second term in the Dallas County-based District 32, confirming, he said, that the district is solidly Republican, conservative, and pro-President Bush.
Pete Sessions: Congressman, District 32: We made sure we were talking about the thoughts and issues and ideas that would be important not only to our party, but to our country. Tonight, we have heard from the voters of the 32nd Congressional District. And I want to say thank you to the voters because what they have done is they have helped me and you to make sure that the next Congressman from the 32nd Congressional District will be a conservative Republican.
Zeeble: Hardcore Republicans and Democrats had been watching this contest for months. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay was heavily involved in redrawing the Congressional district boundaries and targeted the 26-year Texas Democrat, along with the state's other white incumbent Democrats. Frost acknowledged the uphill battle.
Martin Frost, Democratic Candidate, Congressional District 32: This was a race I couldn't win. We sure as hell tried. This was a tough district for a Democrat. I did well as a Democrat in a district drawn for a Republican, and I congratulate my opponent on a hard-fought campaign.
Zeeble: Frost hoped his hard fight against the odds might inspire Democrats in the future to take on Republicans. Eventually, he said, Democrats will retake seats in Texas now held by Republicans. But SMU Political Science Professor Matthew Wilson isn't so sure.
Matthew Wilson, Political Science Professor, Southern Methodist University: If Sessions could win against a guy with the name recognition of Martin Frost, who ran that strong a race, he's in good shape. Sessions will not be seriously challenged for the next couple of electoral cycles. Republicans have got to feel pretty good about that.
Zeeble: Pete Sessions certainly does.
Sessions: I couldn't be happier. Dallas County has a brand new congressman in Pete Sessions, and I'm dedicating myself to the success of each and every person in Dallas County to make sure they understand what our Republican message stands for, and how we're going to make sure we govern.
Zeeble: That message has been lower taxes and smaller government. Although Sessions calls himself a brand new Congressman, in fact, he's just won his fifth term in Washington. But soon, he will be joined by five brand new Republican members of the Texas Congress. As of yesterday, Texas Republicans are giving the GOP 21 seats and control of the Texas Congressional delegation. As for Martin Frost?
Frost: I expect to stay active in politics and government, but I'm not looking to make any particular race.
Zeeble: Frost said he may teach, but will certainly spend more time with his wife. For KERA 90.1, I'm Bill Zeeble.
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