Kirk defeats Morales in runoff
Former Dallas mayor to face Coryn for Senate seat
By LISA FALKENBERG
Associated Press

DALLAS — Democratic Party favorite Ron Kirk defeated school teacher Victor Morales Tuesday in a sizzling Senate runoff to decide who battles the Goliath GOP nominee in the fall.

With 72 percent of precincts reporting, Kirk had 278,106 votes, or 58 percent, and Morales had 201,844 votes, or 42 percent.

In the end, Kirk’s money, party support and backing from several high-profile Hispanic leaders hoisted him to victory over Morales, a part-time campaigner who was grossly underfunded.

Kirk, the former mayor of Dallas, is the first black nominated in Texas for a U.S. Senate seat.

“I feel great, absolutely relieved and exhausted,” Kirk said after learning of his win.

Kirk battled hard in the neck-and-neck race against Morales, who reached celebrity status in 1996 by crisscrossing the state in his pickup truck in a bid to unseat Republican Sen. Phil Gramm, who is retiring.

Kirk now faces a grueling battle against GOP nominee Texas Attorney General John Cornyn, who boasts President Bush’s backing, a deep war chest and the advantage of being a Republican in a state where Republicans hold every statewide office.

“I look forward to a vigorous and civil debate on the issues with Mr. Kirk in the fall,” Cornyn said through spokesman Dave Beckwith. “I want to congratulate Ron Kirk on his hard-fought victory and compliment Victor Morales for raising important issues in a strong effort.”

Cornyn and Kirk will vie to replace Phil Gramm, who is retiring.

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