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Rick Perry (R) defeated Chris Bell (D), Kinky Friedman (I) and Carole Keeton Strayhorn (I), 39% to 30%, 18% and 13%, respectively.
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Gov. Rick Perry (R)

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Ascended to chair when President Bush was elected in 2000; First elected through popular vote in 2002; Seeking second full term; Perry was nominated with 84% in a four-way primary.

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About The Candidate
- Born: March 4, 1950; Paint Creek, Texas
- Family: Married (Anita); two children
- Education: Texas A&M University, B.S., 1972
- Professional Career: Farmer & rancher
- Military Career: Air Force, 1972-77
- Previous Elective Office: Lieutenant governor, 1998-2000; state commissioner of agriculture, 1990-98; state House, 1984-90
Chris Bell (D)

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Bell, a former congressman from Texas-25, was nominated with 64% of the vote in a three-way primary.

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About The Candidate
- Born: Nov. 23, 1959; Abilene, Texas
- Family: Married (Alison); two children
- Education: South Texas College of Law, J.D., 1992; University of Texas, B.J., 1982
- Professional Career: Attorney; reporter
- Military Career: None
- Previous Elective Office: U.S. House, 2002-04; Houston City Council, 1997-2001
Carole Keeton Strayhorn (I)

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Strayhorn, the Texas comptroller, was certified by the Texas secretary of state to run as an independent with the required number of signatures.

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About The Candidate
- Born: Sept. 13, 1939; Austin, Texas
- Family: Married (Ed); five children
- Education: University of Texas
- Professional Career: Teacher
- Military Career: None
- Previous Elective Office: Texas Comptroller, 1999-2006; state railroad commissioner, 1994-99; Austin Mayor, 1977-1983
Kinky Friedman (I)

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Friedman, a musician, was certified by the Texas secretary of state to run as an independent with the required number of signatures on June 21, 2006.

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About The Candidate
- Born: Nov. 1, 1944; Chicago, Ill.
- Family: Single
- Education: University of Texas, B.A., 1966
- Professional Career: Country music singer/songwriter; author
- Military Career: None
- Previous Elective Office: None
Previous Election Results

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2002 general
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Candidate
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Total Votes
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Percent
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Expenditures
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Rick Perry (R)
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2,632,541
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58%
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Tony Sanchez (D)
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1,819,843
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40%
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Other
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101,598
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2%
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2002 primary
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Candidate
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Total Votes
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Percent
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Expenditures
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|
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Rick Perry (R)
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unopposed
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1998 general
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Candidate
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Total Votes
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Percent
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Expenditures
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George W. Bush (R)
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2,550,821
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68%
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Garry Mauro (D)
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1,165,592
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31%
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Other
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21,665
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1%
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