Not enough for newcomer

Before the election results came in, Prall said he talked to a lot of Bloomington residents. He estimated that he knocked on 9,500 doors in Bloomington and thought people had received him well. "It was just unexpected turnout with the Democrats," said Sandy Parkes-May, Prall's campaign manager. "(Prall) knows he ran an excellent race."\nPrall received 37 percent of the vote, compared to Democratic opponent Mark Kruzan's 63 percent. Of the 62,646 registered voters, only 12,935 actually voted, a 20.65 percent turnout, according to the Monroe County Board of Elections. \nPrall and his supporters knew the mayoral race would be tough, but said they didn't anticipate being beaten by such a large margin. \n"The reason he came out (to run for mayor) was because he thought he had the support of the people," said Carla Carter, a campaign volunteer. "He felt like he was stepping up, doing something that needed to be done."\nCarter said although the loss was disappointing, she feels issues affecting the community were raised and that is a small victory in itself. \n"Hopefully the new administration will be more accountable," she said.\nAfter it became clear he would lose the election, Prall separated from the group gathered at Republican headquarters. He stood quietly on the dim sidewalk outside with close friends and family nearby. \n"We put together a hell of a team," Prall said, shaking his head. "If the voters made that decision, we'll live with it."\nHe expanded later at the Monroe County Library, where he was interviewed by WTIU. \n"Voters had a clear choice between someone who has not been in politics before versus business as usual," Prall said. "I'm disappointed that we can't lead the community."\nWhen asked what his plans are now that the election is over, Prall, who owns a local accounting firm, laughed, "I gotta go to work tomorrow."\nAbout his future political aspirations, and another run for the mayor's office in four years, Prall said, "It's been said never say never, but it seems unlikely right now."\nParkes-May said although a run for mayor four years from now is one of the last things on Prall's mind, she isn't sure he will disappear totally from politics. \n"I don't think he gives up that easily," she said.\nThe evening concluded at Kilroy's Sports Bar, 319 N. Walnut St., where Prall joined approximately 50 friends, family, and fellow candidates who had gathered there. Although it wasn't quite the victory celebration they had all hoped for, those present talked, laughed and even danced to the music coming from the stage. No one in the room paid attention to the election results scrolling across the bottom of the wide screen TV positioned onstage.\nPrall appeared to be in good spirits, sitting at a small table with a few of his friends. He talked with his two sons, Ryan and Kevin, who had come in from out of town for the day. \n"Smile!" he told them, grinning, as someone snapped a family picture. \nSupporters seemed relieved the hard work was over. \n"It's been a total team effort," Prall said, motioning to those in the room. "We all rise and fall. We'll get through this."\nGary Kent, a longtime friend of Prall's, said the loss came as a surprise.\n"We all thought it was going to be a tossup," said Kent about the race. "We weren't prepared for this, but it's not the end of the world"