Rick Perry elected to third term as governor

Governor Rick Perry retained his position after a race filled with negative advertising from both sides.

The race was called only an hour and a half after the polls closed.

Perry gave his acceptance speech shortly after 10 p.m. after being introduced by his wife, Anita.

"Folks, Texas has spoken," he said. "Texans are optimistic, they believe Texas is heading in the right direction."

Perry said although times have changed, what Americans want has stayed the same.

"Freedom still matters greatly to people all across the country," he said. "Our citizens are tired of the government killing jobs. The people are fed up."

As a republican, Perry said he does not think he will be alone in his victory tonight.

"When the outcomes of this election are certified, we will see a substantial conservative presence in both the Texas House and Senate," he said. "We are one day closer to seeing the changes we want in Washington."

Protecting the people's money is an area Perry promised he would work on in his next term.

"We need to be ready to make tough decisions without raising taxes," he said.

Perry's opponent, former Houston Mayor Bill White, conceded the race at nine p.m. He congratulated his opponent and although he said he expected the margin of defeat would narrow through out the evening, but he did not think it was small enough for him to overcome.

He said he was thrilled with the work of his staff.

"I appreciate all the tens of thousands of Texans who supported this camp," he said. "I hope this campaign has been worthy and I thank you all for your support. They're the most remarkable group of people we've ever worked with."

White said the work done by his supporters created a new coalition of Texans.

"You've created a bi-partisan movement that wants Texas to move forward," he said.

White reserved his greatest praise for his constituents.

"We can not express the honor my family and I have felt from the confidence you've had in us," he said.

This race was considered by many as a test for Perry, who may be gearing up to run for president in 2012.