Republican Mitch Daniels ended 16 years of the Democrats' holdon the governor's office Tuesday.
Daniels, who took an early lead, beat Democratic incumbent JoeKernan with 53 percent of the vote. Kernan won 45 percent, andLibertarian Kenn Gividen had 2 percent with only 43 percent of theprecincts reporting.
"Welcome back from the wilderness," Daniels said to the crowd ofRepublicans. "After 16 long years, I think we're entitled to aparty."
Daniels, the former budget director for President George W.Bush, has campaigned on helping businesses grow in Indiana andgovernmental reform.
"We must tackle Indiana's problems and achieve Indiana'spotential in a way that brings honor to our state," Danielssaid.
Daniels congratulated Kernan on a good race.
"We salute your valiant service to our country in days gone by,"Daniels said.
The gubernatorial race has been a close race with no clearwinner ever called before the elections.
Daniels traveled the state for the past year and a half in anRV, toting the slogan "My Man Mitch."
Becky Skillman, Daniels' running mate as lieutenant governor,thanked the volunteers for their help.
"I've been very touched by the enthusiasm," Skillman said. "Wecould not have been successful without you."
However, Daniels said everyone still had jobs to do.
"This was never the goal line," he said. "Tonight is thestarting line for when Indiana must again be a place of promise andprosperity.
"The real work starts tomorrow."
Delaware County gave Daniel's 47 percent of the vote, Kernan 50percent and Gividen 1 percent.
Jennifer Taylor, Ball State student, said she voted for Danielsbecause he approached more people.
"He got around to a lot of places Joe Kernan wasn't able to --not just the big town people but also the small town people,"Taylor said.
Daniels will take office in January 2005.
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