Money may not be everything in politics, but it sure helps, and if the latest campaign finance reports registered with the Texas Ethics Commission are any gauge, Central Texas Democrats aiming to take back the House may start to feel a little more confident. In the latest reports, covering the period from July 1 to Sept. 25, all three Travis Co. House Democrats facing a competitive race have outraised their Republican opponents and have more money left to spend. In House District 50, Jerry Mikus‘ $1,567 war chest leaves him severely lagging behind incumbent Rep. Mark Strama‘s $69,795 cash on hand. Next door in HD 48, Rep. Donna Howard has $53,822 to play with, more than four times challenger Pam Waggoner‘s $13,032, while in HD 47, Rep. Valinda Bolton‘s $125,448 cash on hand should serve her well in facing down Donna Keel‘s campaign, which has $36,778. But the big surprise is in the closely watched HD 52 race to replace retiring Republican Mike Krusee. GOP candidate Bryan Daniel raised $84,874 and still has $19,142 left, but he’s been obliterated in the cash race by Demo­crat Diana Maldonado, who raised $227,293 and still has a remarkable $278,368 total in her pocket. For more on the Texas House races, see “Taking Back the House.”

This article appears in October 10 • 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.