• Democrat runs away with 13-point victory
By LAURA ROMPF
and MAUREEN SMITHE
INDIANAPOLIS
Coming as no surprise to most Indiana voters, Democrat Frank O'Bannon was reelected as governor for a second term, beating Republican David McIntosh handily — 57 to 42 percent.
The outcome was evident early because O'Bannon led McIntosh by double-digits for much of the campaign season.
Some Indiana voters waited in lines for up to 90 minutes Tuesday, giving this year's election one of the highest turnouts in recent history.
At a celebratory party in Indianapolis, O'Bannon thanked his many supporters from across the state.
"I want to give thanks to all of you who believed we put Hoosier families first, and we will continue to put Hoosier families first," O'Bannon said. "It's been a remarkable, remarkable year, and we're glad to come to a victory on this night."
O'Bannon cited his improvements over the past four years, including adding 500 police to the streets and a $1.5 billion tax cut. He also said he intends to further improve education.
"We look at the next four years to make sure the community college system is up in the state of Indiana," O'Bannon said. "There are things that need to be done in the state of Indiana. We've got a lot more to do. ... We look forward to continued progress here."
From his political headquarters in Muncie, Ind., McIntosh delivered his concession speech around 7:50 p.m. Tuesday. McIntosh, who was elected to. Congress in 1994, thanked specific supporters, including his campaign manager, campaign chairperson, finance chairperson, volunteers and staff.
"I want to thank everyone here, everyone in this team ... You are all winners because you supported the cause," McIntosh said.
During the speech, McIntosh also highlighted the strong points of his political career, including protecting social security, tax relief for working families and increased jobs in Indiana.
"I plan to be forever dedicated to make sure Indiana's best days are here to come," McIntosh said. "I absolutely believe Indiana has a specific destiny ... It can be a great place to live, raise a family and own a home."
Lieutenant governor and Notre Dame alum Joe Kernan said his reelection signifies Indiana's movement in the right direction.
"The state of Indiana spoke loudly, clearly, wisely and decisively today in reelecting Frank O'Bannon as our governor. He has lead our state for four years with great distinction and our state today has never been stronger by every objective measurement you can imagine," Kernan said.
David Johnson, who lost his bid to unseat five-term Republican Senator Dick Lugar, expressed his support for O'Bannon at the post-election party in Indianapolis.
"Thank God he is going to be our governor for the next four years," Johnson said in his concession speech. "Many of us [Democrats] had conceded that the other side had so much more money to spend on the races this year."
Kernan and O'Bannon cited areas where the will focus over the next four years, including education, economic development and public safety.
O'Bannon has had a long political career. Prior to his position as governor, O'Bannon served eight years as the lieutenant governor and 18 years as a part-time legislator in the Indiana Senate.
All News Stories for Wednesday, November 8, 2000
