In “I thought you’d already filed” news: Chris Bell has become the first Democrat to throw his hat in the ring to replace the retiring Sen. Kyle Janek, R-Galveston, in Senate District 17.

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Bell may still carry the stigma of being caught in the crossfire between battling independents Kinky Friedman and Carole Keeton Strayhorn when he tried to dislodge Gov. Rick Perry from the mansion in 2006. But there was a lot of speculation at the time that it was right guy, wrong race, and a solid policy wonk (and, not to forget, former U.S. Congressman) like Bell would prosper in a more hands on legislation-centric race.

Bell made the announcement Sunday: But the surprise was slightly spoiled on Saturday morning by the campaign for Joe Jaworski (running in neighboring SD-11 against incumbent Sen. Mike Jackson, R-La Porte) sending out invitations to a joint reception for the two candidates.

This article appears in July 18 • 2008.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.