Conaway takes place

Incumbent Rep. Mike Conaway held onto to his seat in the primary despite a challenge from two Republicans who wanted him thrown out — mainly for his vote to on the first bank bailout.

Conaway was grateful for his spot on the November ballot. "I’ve had a great staff for five years now and have answered the needs of the people in my district," Conaway said in a phone interview from Washington, D.C. "It’s very gratifying for people to put their trust in you ... it is very humbling."

Conaway complimented challengers Austin businessman Al Cowan and San Angelo resident Chris Younts on running good campaigns.

Cowan, who said District 11’s huge geography presented a challenge in getting his message out, also thanked his supporters. He complimented the campaign Younts ran while throwing his support behind Conaway for the November election.

Conaway took 52,885 vote to Cowan’s6,489 votes and Younts’ 9,038 as of midnight.

"The night belongs to Mike Conaway, and I congratulate him for getting the Republican nomination. We have our nominee, and I expect his re-election," Cowan said.

Younts was disappointed but thanked his supporters. "I appreciate them more than they know," he said by phone from San Angelo. He said he is a lifelong Republican and will probably support Conaway in November.

Conaway was glad that a national anti-incumbent movement didn’t hit him — but added that the message from voters is loud and clear. "The government is spending too much money," he said. He hopes to work for earmark reform and pushing for a balanced budget.

"I will continue to treat the trust shown in me for the last five years with the same high regard," Conaway said.

The Odessa native had not faced a primary challenger since he barreled over Bill Lester in 2004. Conaway won re-election without a fight in 2006 and easily cruised to victory in the 2008 general election, defeating Libertarian John R. Strohm.

Conaway will face off this November against James Quillian, a Monahans conservative who says he can be more effective running on the Democratic side of the ticket. Independents Buzzy Terrell of Andrews and Wendell "Clayton" Tindle of Odessa have also filed with the secretary of state to be on the November ballot.

The House seat has a term of two years and pays an annual salary of $174,000.