[59] According to The Atlantic, the race "featured a rumor that she was a lesbian, along with a rare instance of such a tactic's making it into the public record – when a regional chairman of the Bush campaign allowed himself, perhaps inadvertently, to be quoted criticizing Richards for 'appointing avowed homosexual activists' to state jobs".[60] The Atlantic, and others, connected the lesbian rumor to Karl Rove,[61] but Rove denied being involved.[62] Bush won the general election with 53.5 percent against Richards' 45.9 percent.[63]
Bush used a budget surplus to push through Texas's largest tax cut, $2 billion.[57] He extended government funding for organizations providing education on the dangers of alcohol and drug use and abuse, and helping to reduce domestic violence.[64] Critics contended that during his tenure, Texas ranked near the bottom in environmental evaluations. Supporters pointed to his efforts to raise the salaries of teachers and improve educational test scores.