ALTUS -- Local Democrats had reason to celebrate Tuesday night on an otherwise dreary night for the state and national Democratic Party when the final results came in declaring state Rep. David Braddock the winner of the House race against Blair businessman Gary Davis. Braddock came out with 55 percent of the votes and Davis had 45 percent.

"I thought Gary was going to run a very tight race and I didn't really know what to expect," said County Commissioner Dale Dunn at the Braddock watch party at the Altus Ramada Inn.

"We came out for a victory party and we got it," said Altus Democrat Ellen Tudor.

"I feel great just knowing he's been re-elected," said Fred Gallagher. "We knew it was going to be close, but he pulled it off."

"I knew he would win," said Braddock's mother-in-law, Carol Downs. "We know that he's the best man for the job and we're glad that everyone else must think so, too."

"We're looking forward to the next session and David will work hard as usual," said Braddock's wife, Susie. "We've got another election over and that's a good feeling."

As for Braddock himself, he said it's been a long summer and they are excited to be done with the race.

"I was really concerned that the first day of winter seemed to hit on election day, which is not a good day, but there was a great turnout and I'm really pleased that all those folks decided to get out and vote today," Braddock said. "I think that they were just not going to be denied the right to vote."

He said the first things he plans to do during the next session is to look over some issues concerning the Strategic Military Planning Commission, as well as issues such as infrastructure and other state needs.

"We're wanting to make sure that we take care of those infrastructure needs in the best possible way we can," he said. "On BRAC, we're competing with several different states, obviously, we'll be trying to put ourselves in the best position, so I intend to be spending some time working on that very soon."

He says he's already thinking about the $4 million shortfall in next year's budget and state infrastructure improvements that need to be made.

"Natural gas sales will hopefully get us up there, so we're going to have a lot of challenges," he said. "I think it's going to be an exciting session and I look forward to working with Gov. Henry."

In the end, Davis offered his congratulations.

"It's been a fun race," Davis said. "I definitely would not rule out running again. I think that is in the future and, good Lord willing, I think we'll continue that way. I'd like to congratulate Rep. Braddock and I want him to go up and represent us and take care of business." Davis said he was grateful to all those who supported his candidacy.