Missourians Overwhelmingly Elect Jay Nixon Governor

SAINT LOUIS -- Today, the people of Missouri overwhelmingly elected Jay Nixon to be the state's 55th Governor and to bring about the change we need.

Tonight, Governor-elect Nixon addressed 1,500 supporters at the Pageant Theater in St. Louis. The following are excerpts from the Governor-elect's speech. Complete Speech
 
"It's been a great day. Today, millions of Missourians went to the polls, and they spoke loudly and clearly. Missourians voted for change, and with me as their Governor, change is what they'll get.

"I've traveled all across this state over the past few years, but today, Election Day, I took some time and went home to where it all began. Back to DeSoto. My hometown.

"I stopped by my old high school. I walked down Main Street. I said hello to some old friends and I made some new ones. I saw in DeSoto many of the same challenges that I have seen throughout our great state over the past few years. But I also saw the same hope. The same belief in our common opportunity. The same strength of our people.
 
"Because whether you live in DeSoto or St. Louis. Kansas City or Cape Girardeau. St. Joe, Hannibal or Springfield and everywhere in between. We all know that Missouri's best days are ahead of us. We share a common belief that we can protect our unique way of life here in Missouri, while at the same time moving boldly to embrace the future. I've seen that hope and that optimism everywhere. On family farms and in our factories, in our biggest cities and our smallest towns.
 
"It's the hope of hardworking families who want steady jobs and good health care, and a chance to get ahead. Most importantly, I see the basic hope that unites us all: the hope that our kids will do better than we did. The hope that the next generation will be able to seize opportunities that we cannot even imagine today.
 
"Together, we need to see that future, and boldly move forward to meet it. We'll embrace science, not fear it. We'll build a climate in Missouri that encourages more research, more technology and more innovation. A place where employers want to create the jobs of tomorrow. . . .

"Loudly and clearly, today the people of Missouri have called for change. And make no mistake, change is what you'll get.

"Now, let's talk about what that change means.

"Change means creating new jobs, training new workers, and seizing the new economy. We're in the midst of an economic crisis, and we can't wait for Washington to fix it. Here in Missouri, we must take matters into our own hands and get folks back to work. That's the kind of change we'll fight for.

"Change means restoring the 2005 health care cuts. Making our health care system more efficient. And access to affordable health care for every child in our state.

"And change means helping more Missouri families realize the dream of a college education. Too many middle-class families are unable to afford college for their children ... and too many students who make it to college are graduating with tens of thousands of dollars in debt.  So we'll create a pathway for middle-class students to get a four-year degree and graduate debt free.

"Some will stand against us. Some will say change is impossible. They'll fight to keep things just the way they are. But the status quo is unacceptable. It's unacceptable to me, and it's unacceptable to the people of Missouri. With your help, we will succeed in bringing about the change our state needs, and succeed in building a better future.

"It has been a long campaign. But now is the time to put the politics behind us. It's time to put aside our party labels, and to come together as Missourians.
 
"If you supported me in this campaign, I still need your help. If you voted for someone else, join us now. We must end the partisanship that has divided us for so long.

"To bring about real change, we'll need every voice and every idea. Everyone will have a seat at the table. We won't solve every problem overnight. But I make you this promise: With your help, we'll make progress again.
 
"As I was driving through DeSoto today, I recalled how I spent my summers as a young man. For seven years -- all through college and law school -- I worked in construction. I was part of a hard-working team, and we built things. Everyone came to work early, and nobody left until the job was done.

"I learned a lot from those guys. And on my last day as a part of that team, my fellow workers gave me a gift -- a beat up old shovel that I had used every day for those seven long summers. They knew I was moving on, but they didn't want me to forget where I had come from. I treasure that old shovel. And throughout my time in the State Senate and as Attorney General, it's been in my office. Right where I could see it.
 
"Now, in a few short months, I'll move that old shovel into the Governor's office. And when important decisions must be made, it will be in the corner of my eye. That old shovel symbolizes the millions of hardworking Missourians who wake up early everyday and build this great state. And it helps me never forget who I am, where I'm from, or who sent me.
 
"So tonight, I say to the people of Missouri, thank you. But more importantly, I say join me. Our job is just beginning. Now comes the real challenge.

"But working together, we can achieve anything. Working together, we will move Missouri forward."