By Catherine Cuellar, KERA 90.1 Reporter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-598677.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Trailing almost 20% the entire night, Oakley's watch party celebrated the end of the campaign, but not a victory. Oakley's concession focused on his accomplishments in office.
"I can't tell you what it's been like to have won races in districts you weren't supposed to win, serve the community, serve Dallas, change Dallas, and put Dallas on the path of greatness - and I truly believe I've been a part of that."
Oakley failed to match Leppert in fundraising efforts, but still generated 1.8 Million dollars in donations - making this the most expensive mayoral race in Dallas history. Despite the efforts of 250 Oakley volunteers working to get out the vote yesterday, turnout was hampered by rainy weather. Oakley's negative TV ads and endorsement by Democrats in a historically non-partisan race may have hurt him, as well as national attention to his open homosexuality in a historically conservative city.
For KERA 90.1, I'm Catherine Cuellar