Why the Travis Co. DA's Race Matters

by: Richard Morrison

Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 01:14 PM CST

Who will replace the man who brought down Tom DeLay?  And why should anyone outside of Austin care?

Simple -- because legal battle over DeLay's campaign to subvert democracy with illegal corporate contributions and mid-decade redistricting schemes continues. DeLay and three accomplices are currently indicted on multiple felony counts, including money laundering. Several corporations have already entered guilty pleas for their role in the 2002 Texas election scandals.

Gary Cobb Is In

by: Matt Glazer

Tue Dec 18, 2007 at 00:25 PM CST

The Statesman recently profiled the likely entries and had this to say about Cobb:

Grew up in Mississippi before attending the University of Texas School of Law from 1983 to 1986. He's been a prosecutor at the Travis County district attorney's office since 1990.

Among his many prosecutions, Cobb got a life sentence against George Weldon Smith, a Del Valle youth coach, for sexually abusing a young boy for four years. He also prosecuted Celeste Beard, who was sentenced to life for plotting to have her wealthy husband killed for his money.

Cobb said he would encourage prosecutors to get involved in the community to build trust.

"Ronnie Earle has established a tradition of responding to the community," Cobb said. "We need to be more pro-active."

With Earle retiring this easily becomes one of the most interesting races this primary season.