On one hand is the well-financed front-runner, state Sen. Todd Staples, a Republican who has taken a public leadership role in preserving the train. "For 12 years I have been an ardent supporter of the Texas State Railroad," he says.
But on the other is his Democratic opponent, Hank Gilbert, who says that although Staples may talk a good game, as a state senator he sponsored a measure that could have literally sunk the rail line. "It's all a sham, and it's politics, and the people are tired of it," Gilbert says.
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Staples, the Republican from Palestine, says he's committed to protecting the railroad. "In order to chart a course for the future, I have worked with the local officials and helped establish the Texas State Railroad task force; I have assembled an advisory committee of people across the state," he said.
He also has helped sponsor fundraisers, including one scheduled for Saturday at the Palestine Depot.
That's all well and good, says Gilbert, but what about Staples' sponsorship of a resolution last year supporting the creation of the Fastrill Reservoir on the Neches River? The reservoir, which would provide water for Dallas, would also wash over part of the tracks - effectively shutting down the railroad.
At least that's what Gilbert and local activists say.
"The economic impact of that railroad is huge to his hometown - and the fact that it's a state park, and a historic monument - and he was willing to sacrifice it for a reservoir; that's unacceptable," said Gilbert, 48.
Hank has the support of locals in rural areas across the state and I remain convinced that he'll be the highest vote getting Democrat on the ballot. Be prepared for a major endorsement to come his way this week, too...
