Rep. Howard: Can't a man just get comfy in a seat?

What is it with Sugar Land?

Local Republican state rep Charlie Howard had to fight off a threatened primary run in 2006 from former city mayor Dean Hrbacek. Now Paula Stansell has announced that she’d be entering the 2008 primary against him. Currently a City of Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commissioner, she made the standard primary challenger claim that it’s time for a change. Of course, Howard should recognize that mantra, since he only entered the House in 1994 after defeating Republican incumbent (and Tom DeLay replacement) Jim Tallas. Not that Hrbacek is going to be taking 2008 easy. He’s already announced that he’s after the seat of US Rep. Nick Lampson, D-Texas.

Meanwhile, and to little surprise, in neighboring House District 27 Democratic incumbent Dora Olivio confirmed yesterday that she’ll be running again. No word on a primary challenger yet.

This article appears in September 28 • 2007.

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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.