CLEARFIELD – By an almost 2-to-1 margin, incumbent state Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, won his 17th consecutive term in Tuesday’s General Election.
When the results came in at 12:32 a.m. Wednesday, it was clear that George defeated Republican challenger Richard Hansel.
“I am greatly humbled and honored to be able to continue representing the people of Clearfield County,” George said Wednesday.
Hansel said that he and his camp were not discouraged by the outcome, which showed about 63 percent of the vote going to George.
Both George and Hansel thanked Clearfield Countians who supported them in their campaigns.
For Hansel the results did not just signal a loss.
“Many people in the community agreed that it was time for a change, and we’re happy to have done our work,” he said by phone Wednesday morning.
In an e-mail Wednesday afternoon, George said Clearfield County has exciting times ahead.
“We have great things on the horizon, including two ethanol plants, a massive power plant, a great job incubator at the Firemen’s Industrial Park and an expansion at the Clearfield Campus of Lock Haven University.
“These ventures will pay dividends for the people of Clearfield County for many years to come. Working for all the people — Republicans and Democrats — has been a labor of love and one that can only benefit Clearfield County in the long run.”
The veteran legislator was gracious in his correspondence about the election returns. “My wife Edna and I extend our utmost gratitude for the support shown us. We’ll be working for a better Clearfield County day-in and day-out because that’s what the people deserve.”
As for Hansel, he was back at work Wednesday, and he said he was planning to take time to recouperate from a long campaign.
“It’s an extremely time-consuming process, one that takes a lot of energy.”
Asked whether he plans to make another bid in 2008, Hansel replied that the decision would come after reviewing detailed results.