Determining how to cut the 2009 state budget will be the biggest challenge, said State Senate incumbent Republican Ralph Hudgens on Tuesday

With 93 percent of precincts reporting, Hudgens beat Democrat Tim Riley for District 47.

Hudgens stuck to an economic theme during a telephone interview Tuesday, saying more money has been appropriated to the budget than is available already, so spending will have to be cut, but in a fair manner.

“We don’t want to cut the budget across the board. We’re going to have to prioritize our spending.”

University students should not expect any major changes, he said. Although the economy is suffering, education is a top priority in Georgia, with it receiving more than half of the budget.

Tuition rate increases are determined by the universities and the Board of Regents, not by the General Assembly.

The General Assembly could cut back on the amount given to the Board of Regents.

Hudgens said he has not attended any committees regarding this but said a cut “probably would be unlikely.”

Despite his defeat, Riley said he wanted his candidacy to make a difference to his supporters.

“I just hope the election will get a lot more people interested,” Riley said. “So they can get involved at the local and national levels.”