Pharr San Juan Alamo High School - Bear Memories Yearbook (Alamo, TX)

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1IHS November 4, 1980 marked a day of record-breaking history as former California governor Ronald Reagan. Republican. became the United States' 40th president by defeating incumbent President Jimmy Carter by a landslide. Although many Democrats believed Carter could defeat Reagan, it was known that a number of undecided toss up states would contribute greatly to the outcome. This did happen as Reagan ran away with the election by an overwhelming 51 percent to Carter's 41 percent at the polls and took 483 electoral votes to Carter's 49. The immense victory displayed by the GOP in elections nationwide was not the only thing to shock the country. The Republican party, after years of struggling had taken control of the Senate by picking up eleven seats. This was the first time in 26 years Republicans had gained control. And yet. another shock hit as liberal after liberal fell under the New Right attack. Democrats George McGovern. Frank Church and Warren Magnuson all fell to their conservative rivals. The election also brought in a lot of heavy campaigning consisting of hardhitting television commercials, some with celebrities, scores of campaign speeches and a televised debate between Carter and Reagan. Although there were two other candidates for president, lack of money kept them off the trail more than on it. John Anderson, formerly Republican but turned Independent, and Ed Clark, Libertarian candidate, tried their best to sway votes, but to no avail. a) President-elect Ronald Reagan shortly aftar arriving at Burbank Airport, (photo courtesy of Wide World Photos) b) Republicans ware too strong for incumbent president Jimmy Carter. c) Republican campaign literature. d) Although this button was popular, it wasn't enough to get J. R. to run.

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HOMECOMING

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For A Responsible America Tomorrow Re-Elect President Carter Vice President Mondale On the local level, the Democrats swept all races in Hidalgo County. A record 59 percent of all registered voters turned out for the election. President Carter carried the county with 56 percent of the vote to 42 percent for Reagan. Clark and Anderson shared the other 2 percent. Kike de la Garza won re-election to the 15th Congressional District against Republican Lendy McDonald. Brig Mar-molejo. incumbent sheriff, also won a second term by a big margin over Republican George Cuevas. In the race for State Representative. District 59-A. Juan J. Hinojosa defeated his Republican challenger Joe Summers with 58 percent of the vote. In other races. Democrats Don Lee. State Representative District 51 and Norberto Salinas. Precinct 3 County Commissioner, won their elections. Voters statewide also approved nine proposed Constitutional amendments by voting for such items as bank teller machines being located at different areas in a city and bingo games. While the stunning victory achieved by Reagan was the hottest upset, students at PSJA will long remember it as the election that could and probably will change the nation. At 70. Reagan will be the oldest president to ever take office, the first divorced president, the first professional actor and the only candidate to switch political allegiance and win the presidency. A year of changes, not only for our school, but for our nation.