Gov. Jim Doyle made Wisconsin history Tuesday, becoming the first Democratic governor to secure a second four-year term, defeating challenger Mark Green, Republican representative from Green Bay.
Doyle is also the first Democratic governor to win re-election in 32 years—Patrick Lucey accomplished the feat in 1974, when he captured a two-year re-election.
""Candidates said with one voice they want a governor that stands with Wisconsin values,"" Doyle said amid periodic cheers of ""four more years"" during his victory speech.
Final results showed Doyle with nearly 53 percent of the vote compared to 45.3 percent for Green.
Green preceded Doyle with his concession speech, thanking his family and all campaign volunteers, as well as congratulating the victor.
""This is a challenging year for Republicans in many ways,"" Green said, referring to Republican losses nationwide.
Green vowed to work with Doyle and the Democrats to meet the challenges facing Wisconsin.
Doyle agreed it is time for Wisconsinites to unite regardless of party allegiance.
""We can do so much in this state if we come together,"" he said.
Steve Leistikow, a Doyle spokesperson, attributed the victory in part to the governor's stem cell research policy, calling it ""one of the most fundamental differences"" between Doyle and Green.
Doyle stood by stem cell research throughout his campaign. He claimed in addition to cures for disease, promoting the research will lure high tech companies to the state, thereby creating thousands of new jobs.
Doyle said he would never turn his back on the people of Wisconsin ""hoping for a cure"" through stem cell research.
Originally a way to turn out support for Republican candidates in the election, the vote that adopted a gay marriage ban may have sealed Doyle's victory.
According to state Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, the amendment was possibly the issue that drew left-leaning young people to the polls. While there, they likely cast votes for Doyle.
""The Republicans hatched what they thought was a very clever scheme, but it...backfired,"" he said.
With his term in office renewed, Doyle promises to continue stem cell research and make health care more affordable.
The election was also more expensive than any election in Wisconsin history, with campaign spending exceeding $30 million.
Mike McCabe, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, said the Doyle campaign, as of Monday, had already spent an all-time Wisconsin record. On the right, Green raised more money than any previous challenger, though final campaign expenses are not published until January.
The election also marked one of the dirtiest fights to the Capitol the state has ever seen.
Both campaigns and special interest groups spent millions on mudslinging advertisements that often attacked candidates.
