| Chris Cillizza, who writes The Fix column for the Washington Post, released a list of his top 10 most competitive U.S. Senate races earlier this morning. Although the possible special election in Texas did not make the top 10 (yet), Cillizza did have some advice on how Democrats could win their first statewide race since 1994. Texas is a bit more of a longshot although a special election race, which would be triggered by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's (R) resignation to focus full time for governor, would create an unpredictable dynamic where Democrats might have a chance. The party's preferred candidate is Houston Mayor Bill White although former state Comptroller John Sharp is running too. In truth, for Democrats to have a pickup opportunity, Sharp would probably need to step aside.
Cillizza is a Washington reporter and no Texas expert. However, others including BOR's Phillip Martin, have suggested that given his substantial experience in state government and lack of experience in federal government Sharp would make a stronger candidate for Governor. Although no well-known Democrat has entered the Governor's race yet, those close the Sharp campaign maintain that he is the Senate race to stay. |
