Election Items

Given that incumbent state Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio (or "I-35 Sprawl Corridor"), was attacked from the right by John Shields, one might think that Travis County voters newly thrust into the realigned Dist. 25 might have been his salvation. But apparently, Travis Republicans don't veer to the left like their Democratic counterparts -- they narrowly favored Shields by a 50.43% majority. Overall, Wentworth retained the GOP nomination with 51.2% of the vote. Dist. 25 cuts into South Austin, up through Travis Heights; 4,001 Travis Republicans cast a ballot in the race.

Victor Morales may have again captured the imagination of Democrats statewide in his second run for U.S. Senate, forcing an April 9 runoff, but Austin is Ron Kirk country. The former mayor of Dallas and Austin native took 62.5% of the Travis County vote, leaving Morales well back at 22.8%. Statewide, the two were in a virtual dead heat at 33%.

Feliz cumpleaños to former Austin mayor and current state attorney general candidate Kirk Watson, who turned 44 on March 18. Well-wishers can join Mayor Vision at his birthday celebration and fundraiser on Thursday (today), March 21, including a performance by Robert Earl Keen. Paramount Theatre, 7-9pm. Individual tickets begin at $50; call 494-0042 for more info.