Things in which I won’t be placing too much stock in the future: Democratic club endorsements. After Dan Grant just rolled Larry Joe Doherty on the endorsement front, I figured he was a lock to become the Democratic challenger to Rep. Michael McCaul in the Congressional District 10 race. So much for my prognostication skills.
The most important battle front for the Democratic primary in this Austin-to-Houston district, obviously, is Austin. The Travis County portion of the district accounted for more than half of the votes cast, which is why Doherty moved from Washington County to Austin to run for the seat. I was pretty sure that at least Travis would break for lifelong Austinite Grant, but no: Doherty took 57% here. And that turned out to be his weakest county. Back home in Washington County, Doherty took 76%, and in the other major population center of the district, Harris County (where Doherty built his successful legal career) he took 65%. (County-by-county breakdown is here.)
A consolation prize for Grant: As he campaigned outside of Gullett Elementary in his home precinct – with Doherty’s wife campaigning just a few feet away – he told me, “I have to win this precinct.” He did. Precinct 239 went 68% in his favor.
Best campaign line I’ve ever heard, as he greeted voters going into Gullett: “Hi, I’m Dan Grant. I’m running for Congress, and I went to school here.”
This article appears in February 29 • 2008.