AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Gov. Rick Perry has defeated Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in their tough primary fight to become the Republican Party’s nominee for Texas governor.
Texas’ longest-serving governor had 51 percent of the vote with about three-quarters of precincts reporting Tuesday. Hutchison had about 31 percent, while party activist Debra Medina had 18 percent.
Perry has spent months battering Hutchison with an anti-Washington message, accusing her of being part of the big-spending crowd in Washington. Hutchison conceded to Perry earlier Tuesday night.
The two spent millions of dollars on television ads and traveling the state. They also held two televised debates with Medina, who is a favorite of many tea party voters.