| November 4, 2009 Menino defeats Flaherty, claims historic 5th term
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(NECN: Boston, Mass.) - Boston's 2009 mayoral election brought an unprecedented return, as Mayor Thomas Menino was voted into a record fifth consecutive four-year term as the city's mayor.
"Thank you for giving us four more years," Mayor Menino said, then thanking his wife for her advice and support.
He also thanked his volunteers for "turning Beantown into 'Greentown'."
Mayor Menino held off challenger City Council President Michael Flaherty, who said during his campaign that the mayor had been in office long enough. In declaring victory, Mayor Menino thanked Flaherty for making the race a true contest.
"Thank you Councilor Flaherty, for your leadership and for what you brought to this campaign," the mayor said. "You made us earn this spot, and that's the way it should be. Your voters reminded us how urgent the mission is -- and their votes matter, too."
In his victory speech, the mayor played off the historic win, saying that this accomplishment would mean little if his administration did not make improvements to the city over the next four years.
"The headlines may read that today we were elected to a fifth historic term. Let's be clear: we haven't made history with this election, but we will (in) what we create of it," Mayor Menino said. "Celebrate this evening and rest up tonight, because our work begins tomorrow."
The mayor has already held office for 16 1/2 years, longer than any in the city's history. No incumbent
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