Another week, another update on some of the developing issues around the Lege: And yes, that’s mostly means primary business.
If there’s one big local race to look forward to in 2010, it’s going to be Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, holding back a general election challenge from John Courage. The San Antonio Dem has changed his target after unsuccesful runs against Republican Congressman Lamar Smith in 2002 and 2006.
Apart from that, the Travis County primary scene looks dull so far: With Sen. Kirk Watson deciding he’d like to stay that way, rather than run for governor, a potentially nasty war of succession for his upper chamber seat has been averted.
And there’s nothing like an empty seat to attract some candidates. With Rep. Joe Crabb, R-Kingwood, standing down, there are three GOPers looking to fill his place: Humble ISD chair Dan Huberty (running on a “fiscal conservative” message); former Higher Educaton Coordinating Board member Martin Basaldua (who ran unsuccessful primary challenges against Crabb in 2006 and Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, in 2002); and ex-Houston council member Addie Wiseman.
Next door in HD 146, the revolving door may start spinning again. Incumbent Al Edwards, D-Houston, was kicked out in 2006 by the gun-toting Borris Miles (he of the death row art removal fiasco), who lasted a whole session before Edwards came back. Now Two-Time Teddy is facing a challenge from registered lobbyist Billy J. Briscoe.
The list of reps getting challengers is also getting longer. Names reportedly considering a run include El Paso lawyer Mike Torres against freshman Dem Marisa Marquez, while Kingsville restaurateur J.M. Lozano against Rep. Tara Rios Ybarra, D-South Padre Island.
Oh, and btw, don’t bother trying to contact Rep. Carl Isett, R-Lubbock for comment. Naval Reserve Captain Carl Isett is currently on deployment in Singapore.
This article appears in August 21 • 2009.
