Barbara Ann Radnofsky, the Harris Co. lawyer who challenged U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison for her seat in 2006, announced yesterday that she will run for Texas Attorney General, the job held by Greg Abbott since 2002.
In her 2006 race, Radnofsky (who last month filed the paperwork necessary to run) failed to broaden her support beyond the Dem base, losing to Hutchison with just 36% of the vote. Unless she steps it up in her bid for AG, and can earn the middle, Radnofsky may have a difficult time against Republican opponent Ted Cruz, Abbott’s heir apparent who served as Texas’ first Hispanic solicitor general from 2003-2008. (Cruz’ campaign website oozes with political-right chest thumping, which could help Radnofsky if moderates feel creeped out enough to jump ship. Unlikely, perhaps, but possible.)
Also in the AG race: Wild card Barry Cooper, the former Texas drug cop turned Drug War foe who now uses his narco knowledge to help people avoid getting popped.
This article appears in May 15 • 2009.