INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Republican challenger Greg Ballard has scored a stunning upset in winning election for mayor of Indianapolis.
After trailing in polling as recently as last month, Ballard finished his long uphill climb by beating two-term Democratic incumbent Bart Peterson. With 98% of the precincts counted, Ballard had an insurmountable lead of more than 6,000 votes -- a margin of 51% to 47%.
Peterson has conceded the election, saying he called Ballard and
congratulated him on his victory. Peterson also promised his full support and urged Democrats to rally around the new mayor.
Meanwhile, Ballard is calling it a huge upset over the two-time
incumbent mayor.
In his victory speech, the 52-year-old retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel called it "really unbelievable."
He said six months ago he was the only one who believed he could
win; now everyone believes.
Ballard capitalized on public discontent over property tax increases, a hike this year in the Marion County income tax and the city's crime rate.
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