Deuell retains state senate seat

State Senator Dr. Bob Deuell defeated Kathleen M. Shaw by a margin of 13,653 votes to 3,891. The East Texan called Dr. Deuell's victory shortly after 9:30 p.m.

Dr. Deuell, the Republican candidate, has served District 2 since his first election in 2003. The senator took his victory as a stamp of approval from the voters.

"It's gratifying in the sense that having been a senator for eight years, that the people in the district still want me back," he said. "They're sort of telling me I've done a good job and that they want me to continue."

His impressive victory margin was expected from his constituents.

"I am as confident in [Deuell's] election as I am in the sun coming up tomorrow," Don Forse, Dr. Deuell's chief of staff, said.

Deuell already has plans for his next term as senator.

"It's my hope that we can write a budget that's fair to all the people of Texas for the services we provide and how much or how little we tax them," he said.

Deuell was particularly critical of the U.S. government's healthcare bill.

"We have to sort out the healthcare that's being thrust down our throats by the Federal government," he said. "That may change somewhat now. The Obama healthcare plan is mandating some things for us to do, so as a physician, I would hope to help with that. "

Texas' education system is one of the senator's major priorities.

"Whatever we have to do to do it in the best way possible to protect the taxpayers and do the right thing for the people of Texas," Deuell said. "Education is a big priority of mine with 80,000 new kids a year in Texas public schools, so hopefully we can fund public and higher education in the way that we need to."