Politics
Gonzalez, Caceres in runoff for Precinct 2 commissioner
# By Sara Foley, Corpus Christi Caller, March 2, 2010
The race for the Democratic nominee for Precinct 2 Nueces County commissioner will go to a runoff between Democrats Joe A. Gonzalez and Gloria Caceres.
James Duerr and Blake Farenthold advance to April 13 runoff
By Jaime Powell, Corpus Christi Caller, March 2, 2010
Corpus Christi real estate agent James Duerr and lawyer and computer consultant Blake Farenthold will be in a runoff election after a four-way race for the Republican nomination to challenge Democrat incumbent U.S. Rep. Solomon P. Ortiz.
Republicans beat Democratic turnout
By Denise Malan, Corpus Christi Caller, March 2, 2010
Drawn by a marquee race for governor, Republicans outnumbered Democrats in Nueces County primaries for the first time in recent memory.
Republican Perry runs away with nomination
KELLEY SHANNON Associated Press, March 3, 2010
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison conceded the Republican nomination for Texas governor to Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday night following a heated, multimillion-dollar fight between the party heavyweights.
Primary election results: Hutchison concedes to Perry; McComb upsets Cazalas
by Corpus Christi Caller Staff, March 2, 2010
We'll have updated primary election results from federal, state and counties of Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces and San Patrico tonight after the polls close at 7 p.m. (fingers crossed).
Ex-commissioner to face 2002 foe again
By John Lowman, The Brazoria Facts, March 3, 2010
A former two-term Brazoria County commissioner will battle for the Precinct 4 seat he once held, taking on an incumbent he beat once and who was elected to that spot when he stepped down.
Burridge, Davis face runoff in JP 2, 2 race
By Katlynn Lanham, The Brazoria Facts, March 3, 2010
After no candidate walked away with more than 50 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s Republican Primary, Pearland resident Mel Burridge and Danbury resident Richard Davis are set to face off in an April 13 runoff for the position of Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Place 2.
Miller reclaims JP 1, 2 position
By Katlynn Lanham, The Brazoria Facts, March 3, 2010
Incumbent Milan Miller reclaimed his seat as the Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 2 after beating Republican challengers Tuesday and facing no opposition from a Democratic candidate.
Republican party chairwoman holds job
By John Tompkins, The Brazoria Facts, March 3, 2010
Brazoria County’s Republican Party leader held off a strong challenge to keep the job, according to results late Tuesday.
Kersh takes JP 4, 2 spot
By Katlynn Lanham, The Brazoria Facts, March 3, 2010
Incumbent Sherry Kersh retained her Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 2 spot after beating a Republican challenger in the primary.
Incumbent Blackwell wins Republican nod
By The Brazoria Facts Staff, March 3, 2010
Incumbent Nelson Blackwell, 47, of Alvin beat out challenger Janie Taylor, 59, of Alvin in the Republican primary for the Brazoria County Conservation and Reclamation District 3, Place 1 seat.
Lambright, Laird land in runoff
By Nancy Flake, The Courier of Montgomery County, March 3, 2010
After coming oh-so-close to winning a runoff election two years ago for the County Court-at-Law 5 bench, prosecutor Claudia Laird will battle in another runoff against attorney JD Lambright to become County Court-at-Law 2 judge.
Tight 221st race leads to a runoff
By Nancy Flake, The Courier of Montgomery County, March 3, 2010
With the slimmest of margins separating them, attorneys John Devine and Lisa Benge Michalk will face each other in a runoff April 13 for the 221st state District Court bench.
Brady sweeps primary, faces Libertarian in November
By Kassia Micek, The Courier of Montgomery County, March 3, 2010
U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, ran away with the vote during Tuesday’s 2010 Republican primary in his quest for an eighth term in office.
Rinehart makes it 4 in Precinct 4
By Howard Roden, The Courier of Montgomery County, March 3, 2010
For the second time in four years, Precinct 4 County Commissioner Ed Rinehart faced three challengers in his bid for re-election.
November race set for District 14 seat
By John Tompkins, The Courier of Montgomery County, March 3, 2010
The November challenger to longtime Congressman Ron Paul for the U.S. District 14 seat will have to wait for a runoff next month that likely will include the Galena Park police chief who lives in Brazoria.
Gordon, Holder to face off in 149th
By Nathaniel Lukefahr, The Brazoria Facts, March 3, 2010
A defense attorney and a prosecutor for prison system crimes will face off in the November general election for the 149th District Judge’s seat.
Pearland resident wins clerk nomination
By Nathaniel Lukefahr, The Brazoria Facts, March 3, 2010
A Pearland court reporter said she knew the race for the Republican nomination for Brazoria County District Clerk would be close Tuesday, but she did not think she’d pull it out by less than 20 votes.
Warren wins Court at Law 3 primary
By John Lowman, The Brazoria Facts, March 3, 2010
Incumbent Jeremy Warren beat a former Brazoria County district attorney in primary voting Tuesday in his bid to remain only the second person to preside over Brazoria County Court at Law Place 3.
Rios-Ybarra ousted by Lozano
THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD, March 2, 2010
State Representative Tara Ybarra Rios was handly defeated in her bid for re-election by J.M. Lozano.
Betancourt wins against Hasse in landslide
By JAZMINE ULLOA, The Brownsville Herald, March 2, 2010
Cameron County Treasurer David Betancourt is one step closer to re-election.
Trevino leads over Wood; winner will face Republican Cascos
By EMMA PEREZ-TREVINO, The Brownsville Herald, March 2, 2010
Former Brownsville Mayor Eddie Treviño Jr. led in the Democratic Party primary for Cameron County judge late Tuesday, but was unable to avert a runoff election with John Wood.
Lopez to serve another term
THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD, March 2, 2010
Cameron County 197th state District Judge Migdalia Lopez will serve another term.
Gonzales avoids runoff in Court-at-Law No. 3 race
By STEVE CLARK, The Brownsville Herald, March 2, 2010
David Gonzales III is the victor in the Democratic primary race for the Cameron County Court-at-Law No. 3 judge’s seat, and will represent the Democratic Party on the ballot for the seat in the general election Nov. 2.
Pena, Hernandez to battle in commission runoff
By LAURA B. MARTINEZ, The Brownsville Herald, March 2, 2010
The race for the Cameron County Precinct 2 commissioner seat continues as none of the six candidates in Tuesday’s Democratic Party primary received more than 50 percent of the vote to prevent a runoff.
County voters mirror state vote
Rich Flowers, The Athens Review, March 3, 2010
Henderson County voters stayed close to the fold in statewide races Tuesday, reflecting in most cases the state preference.
Gooden upsets incumbent Brown
Lauren Ricks The Athens Review, March 3, 2010
Dist. 4 State Representative Betty Brown lost a bid for a seventh term to the Texas House of Representatives to newcomer Lance Gooden in the Republican primary Tuesday.
Bolls wins decisively in county judge race
By Sarah Kleiner Varble, Abilene Reporter News, March 2, 2010
Former KRBC news anchor Downing Bolls resoundingly won the support of Republicans Tuesday in the race for county judge.
Rick Perry, Bill White win Texas governor nominations
By CHRISTY HOPPE / The Dallas Morning News
Rick Perry, riding a wave of anti-Washington fervor, declared a decisive win Tuesday, sweeping away both a Republican standard-bearer and a Tea Party-fueled insurgent on his quest to continue as the state's longest-serving governor.
For Hutchison, an 'abrupt end to dream'
By TODD J. GILLMAN / The Dallas Morning News
Right to the end, virtually until the polls closed, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison kept a game face as her yearlong quest to oust a sitting governor came to a head.
Johnson leads Hodge for Democrats' nod in Texas House District 100 race
By DIANE RADO / The Dallas Morning News
Dallas lawyer Eric Johnson took a commanding lead over disgraced lawmaker Terri Hodge on Tuesday evening in the closely watched Democratic primary for the Texas House District 100 seat.
U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall bests 5 challengers in bid for 16th term
By IAN McCANN and TOM BENNING/The Dallas Morning News
The North Texas congressional delegation held off challenges in Republican primaries, many beating back Tea Party opponents.
Embattled Dallas County constable Jaime Cortes faces runoff; Evans wins outright
By KEVIN KRAUSE / The Dallas Morning News
One of Dallas County's embattled Democratic constables easily defeated three opponents in Tuesday's primary election despite controversies swirling around him.The other is headed for a runoff.
Gilbert beats Friedman to become Democrats' ag commissioner nominee
By JESSICA MEYERS / The Dallas Morning News
East Texas rancher Hank Gilbert roped in the Democratic nomination for agriculture commissioner Tuesday, beating author-musician Kinky Friedman in an unusually lively primary race.
Tea Party activists coming up short in Texas Legislature races
By THEODORE KIM and BRANDON FORMBY/ The Dallas Morning News
For all the recent Tea Party talk, moderate Republicans were on their way toward carrying a number of closely watched contests for the Texas Legislature.
Editorial: Perry, White must hone messages for November
Dallas Morning News Editorial Board, March 2, 2010
Now, with a Perry-White match-up set for November, both gubernatorial contenders must recalibrate their messages and give voters a clearer sense of their visions for the next four years.
Rick Perry swears in military recruits, goes for a run as primary votes are cast
By ROBERT T. GARRETT / The Dallas Morning News
Rick Perry capped a long slog for his party's blessing to stay put, to remain in the office he's been in for nine years, with quintessential Perry events Tuesday.
Analysis: Hutchison failed to make compelling case for change
By WAYNE SLATER / The Dallas Morning News
Kay Bailey Hutchison had many reasons to believe she'd beat Rick Perry for governor. But the anti-Washington wave swept them all away.
Rick Perry, Bill White win Texas governor nominations
By CHRISTY HOPPE / The Dallas Morning News
Rick Perry, riding a wave of anti-Washington fervor, declared a decisive win Tuesday, sweeping away both a Republican standard-bearer and a Tea Party-fueled insurgent on his quest to continue as the state's longest-serving governor.
Perry wins GOP nomination without a runoff
By Corrie MacLaggan, AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF, March 2, 2010
Republican Gov. Rick Perry overcame his fiercest primary challenge ever Tuesday by defeating U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and moving on to a November showdown with Democrat Bill White, who easily won his party's nomination.
Seeds of Hutchison defeat were sown years ago
Jason Embry, Austin American-Statesman, March 2, 2010
The blame for U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's overwhelming defeat should be spread rather evenly among her confidants, her paid staff, her former paid staff and Hutchison herself.
Barton, Cobb to face off for Hays judgeship
By Patrick George, AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF, March 2, 2010
County Commissioner Jeff Barton unseated his Democratic opponent in the Hays County judge race, incumbent Elizabeth "Liz" Sumter , in the primary election Tuesday.
Ogden jumps ahead of Bius in bitter House race
By Mike Ward, AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF, March 2, 2010
Charles Schwertner, a 39-year-old Georgetown orthopedic surgeon, on Tuesday won Williamson County's four-way Republican dogfight to replace retiring state Rep. Dan Gattis.
Republicans Lampo, Starnes elected as new constables
By MICHELLE CASADY, The Bryan-College Station Eagle, March 3, 2010
Two of the three races for Brazos County constable ended Tuesday with the Republican primary.
Catalena, Cauley win commissioner races
By MAGGIE KIELY, The Bryan-College Station Eagle, March 3, 2010
Tuesday's election left Republican Sammy Catalena with just more than the majority needed to win the seat for Brazos County Commissioner Precinct 2; Democrat Irma Cauley easily secured the seat for Precinct 4.
Ogden will face Wyman
By VIMAL PATEL, The Bryan-College Station Eagle, March 3, 2010
State Sen. Steve Ogden trounced Huntsville businessman Ben Bius and won the Republican spot to represent Senate District 5, according to incomplete returns.
Peters, Conlee set for county judge race
By VIMAL PATEL, The Bryan-College Station Eagle, March 3, 2010
The Brazos County judge's race slimmed down after Tuesday's primary with Commissioner Duane Peters now facing Bryan Mayor Mark Conlee in an April runoff.
GOP candidates advance to runoffs
By MATTHEW WATKINS, The Bryan-College Station Eagle, March 3, 2010
The race for the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards will come down to a runoff between a wealthy Bryan businessman, Bill Flores, and the unsuccessful 2008 GOP candidate for the District 17 seat, Rob Curnock.
Carroll relishes hard work of all in defeat of Crownover
By Brian Bethel, Abilene Reporter-News, March 2, 2010
As election night drew to a close Tuesday, Sam Carroll wanted to sit down for a moment, tired from entertaining a room of supporters ranging from law enforcement and lawyers to college officials.
Civil attorney bests appellate judge in Travis race
By Andrea Ball, AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF, March 2, 2010
Amy Clark Meachum claimed victory Tuesday night in the heated race that pitted a young lawyer against a veteran judge for the 201st District Court judge seat.
Board of Education member Mercer wins primary
By Kate Alexander, AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF, March 2, 2010
State Board of Education member Ken Mercer bested challenger Tim Tuggey in a pivotal Central Texas Republican primary Tuesday. In the other state board race involving Austin-area voters, the Republicans are headed to an April runoff.
Goodwin squeaks past Field in 3rd Court of Appeals race
By Chuck Lindell, AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF, March 2, 2010
Republican voters Tuesday selected former District Judge Melissa Goodwin in a tight Republican primary for the 3rd Court of Appeals in Austin.
Three GOP congressmen defeat challengers
By Tim Eaton, AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF, March 2, 2010
Three Republican congressmen representing Central Texas have headed off challengers who came at each of the incumbents from the political right.
GOP candidates headed for a runoff in Supreme Court race
By Chuck Lindell, AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF, March 2, 2010
State Board of Education member Ken Mercer bested challenger Tim Tuggey in a pivotal Central Texas Republican primary Tuesday. In the other state board race involving Austin-area voters, the Republicans are headed to an April runoff.
No erasing Perry; now we'll see if White-out works
Ken Herman, Austin American-Statesman, March 2, 2010
Remember when you dismissed Rick Perry as kind of a wise-guy ag commissioner who had peaked as farmer-in-chief? And how you were less than awed by his razor-thin, George W. Bush's-coattails win over John Sharp to become lieutenant governor in 1998?
All the election drama was down ballot
Austin American-Statesman Editorial Board, March 2, 2010
The high-profile races didn't yield surprises, but there was a big upset in the Railroad Commission race in which an unknown, underfunded candidate who barely campaigned knocked off incumbent Victor Carrillo. Carrillo, a former Taylor County judge, lawyer and geologist, expressed a fear earlier this week that his Latino surname made him vulnerable, and his premonition proved right.
Margo to face Moody for House District 78 seat
By Adriana Gómez Licón / El Paso Times
Businessman Dee Margo will get another chance to become a state legislator. He won a tight Republican primary Tuesday, holding off newcomer Jay Kleberg for the nomination for the House District 78 seat.
Miles squeaks by Edwards to reclaim House seat
By MIKE TOLSON, Houston Chronicle, March 3, 2010
In a race that went down to the wire and may be headed to a recount, Borris Miles reclaimed a seat Tuesday that he had previously taken from Al Edwards, a longtime fixture in the state House of Representatives.
Perry, White to square off in November
By R.G. Ratcliffe, San Antonio Express-New
Republican Gov. Rick Perry and Democratic former Houston Mayor Bill White clinched their parties' nominations for governor Tuesday, setting up a fight over whether the problems in Washington or Austin are more relevant to Texans' everyday lives.
Merritt stunned, loses Texas House seat
By ANGELA WARD, Longview News-Journal
Challenger David Simpson won the Republican nomination for District 7 state representative over incumbent Tommy Merritt on Tuesday.
Chávez, Gonzalez in runoff for House 76
By Gustavo Reveles Acosta / El Paso Times
State Rep. Norma Chávez, D-El Paso, a fixture in Austin for seven terms, will have to fight another day to get an eighth.
Perry cruises, now turns focus to White
By DAVE MONTGOMERY, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Gov. Rick Perry, tapping into voter disenchantment with Washington, forged a decisive victory over U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in Tuesday's Republican primary.
Northeast Tarrant state House members fending off challengers
By AMAN BATHEJA, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 3, 2010
Incumbents were leading in two heated Republican primary legislative races in Northeast Tarrant County on Tuesday, while an Arlington state House GOP primary race was in a dead heat, according to incomplete voting results.
Jones to face Perry in April 13 runoff for Dist. 83
By Enrique Rangel, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, March 2, 2010
The political future of longtime state Rep. Delwin Jones won’t be decided for another six weeks. The Lubbock Republican, who has served in the Texas Legislature for 29 years, beat his two challengers in Tuesday’s primary but didn’t get the required 50 percent of the vote. Thus, he will face accountant Charles Perry, also of Lubbock, in an April 13 runoff.
Flores, Curnock advance to runoff in Republican U.S. House primary
By Michael W. Shapiro, Waco Tribune-Herald
Republicans Rob Curnock and Bill Flores are bound for a runoff. The two men were the top two vote-getters Tuesday in a five-person battle to take on Waco Democrat Chet Edwards for his U.S. House seat.
Waco judge threatens suit over political allegations
By Tommy Witherspoon, Waco Tribune-Herald
Justice Felipe Reyna of Waco’s 10th Court of Appeals is threatening to sue a supporter of his primary election opponent for what he alleges are false and defamatory statements made about him.
Incumbent state Sen. Kip Averitt wins Republican primary despite pulling out of race
By Michael W. Shapiro, Waco Tribune-Herald
State Sen. Kip Averitt beat Burleson’s Darren Yancy in Tuesday’s Republican primary, a coup for his supporters who sought to re-elect the senator despite his decision not to campaign.
Governor wins by playing the outsider
by Scott Stroud, San Antonio Express-News
This year's award for best performance in a political drama goes to Gov. Rick Perry for successfully casting himself as the outsider in a bid for re-election to an office he's held for a decade.
Mercer wins but two SBOE colleagues get upset
By Gary Scharrer, San Antonio Express-News
Ken Mercer of San Antonio survived a vigorous Republican primary challenge from former VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority Chairman Tim Tuggey on Tuesday, but two of his veteran State Board of Education colleagues were upset victims.
Chavez-Thompson leads, claims victory
Peggy Fikac, San Antonio Express-News
Labor leader Linda Chavez-Thompson claimed victory over two opponents Tuesday in the race for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, setting up a November showdown with GOP incumbent Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.
Bexar incumbents keep seats
By Tracy Idell Hamilton, San Antonio Express-News
The makeup of Bexar County Commissioners Court remains unchanged, as all three incumbents staved off their upstart challengers Tuesday.
Conaway takes place
by Laura Dennis, Odessa American
Incumbent Rep. Mike Conaway held onto to his seat in the primary despite a challenge from two Republicans who wanted him thrown out — mainly for his vote to on the first bank bailout.
Craig wins
BY DIANNA WRAY, Odessa American
Incumbent Bob Craig held his seat in the Republican primary for despite a challenge from former Ector County Independent School District board member Randy Rives.
Government
Dallas County may create toll agency
By MICHAEL A. LINDENBERGER, The Dallas Morning News, March 2, 2010
Dallas County commissioners are considering eying a plan that would give them the same legal powers as the North Texas Tollway Authority, including the right to issue bonds guaranteed by future toll traffic and to enter into long-term contracts with private toll firms.
Schools to begin spring TAKS testing
By CHRISTINA LANE, Longview News-Journal, March 2, 2010
Spring is the season of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, and Wednesday elementary, middle and high school students will begin a fresh round of testing.
UTMB partners with Texas Medical Center
By Hayley Kappes, The Galveston Daily News
University of Texas Medical Branch officials hope to broaden the instiution’s education, health care and research endeavors through a partnership with the Texas Medical Center.
Trafficking probe nets 10 Mexican migration agents
The Associated Press, March 3, 2010
Mexico's interior department says prosecutors have detained 10 Mexican immigration agents and three airline workers at Cancun's international airport on suspicion of trafficking Chinese migrants.
News
Turnout lighter than expected, problems few
By T.J. Aulds, The Galveston Daily News
Turnout was much lighter than expected, a half-dozen polling locations were unable to open on time, and the police were called to one when campaign volunteers got a bit rowdy Tuesday for the Democratic and Republican primary elections in Galveston County, election officials said.
Murder trial under way
By MATTHEW WATKINS, The Bryan-College Station Eagle, March 3, 2010
Prosecutors used the first day of testimony in the murder trial of a former Marine to begin to piece together how a Rice University basketball player was fatally stabbed outside a Northgate bar in April 2007.
Man jailed for posting Medina sign on city property in Watauga
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 2, 2010
After spending several hours in the Watauga Jail on Tuesday for refusing to get rid of a political sign, a supporter of Republican gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina's was out campaigning at another site in Fort Worth late Tuesday.
Texas boy dies, apparent choking on marshmallow at school
The Associated Press, March 2, 2010
A service will be held Wednesday for a Victoria boy who was doing a school project on camping when he died after apparently choking on a marshmallow.
Apart from turnout, election runs smoothly
By LAURA TILLMAN, The Brownsville Herald, March 2, 2010
Despite scores of campaigners standing in front of voting precincts on Tuesday, holding signs and waving frantically to passing cars, turnout for the primary elections was lower than election officials had hoped.
University Park approves rezoning land for Bush library
By LORI STAHL/ The Dallas Morning News
The City Council voted unanimously to rezone land for the George W. Bush Presidential Library on Tuesday, with officials saying they favored the good of the city over protests from some homeowners.
Execution set for police killer
By Tony Plohetski, AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, March 2, 2010
A state district judge has set an execution date for David Lee Powell, convicted and sentenced to die by three separate juries in the fatal shooting of an Austin police officer more than 30 years ago.
Jury awards $58 million to Mansfield couple in home builder lawsuit
By SANDRA BAKER, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
A Mansfield couple's nearly decadelong legal battle with their home builder, Perry Homes, and a home warranty company took another step toward closure Monday when a Tarrant County jury awarded them $58 million in damages.
People
Speaker discusses race in America
By Carl Kieke, March 2, 2010
Tim Wise insists he does not hate white people. What he says he is simply trying to do is point out to the white majority the privileges they have that they don’t realize, and the extra hurdles that can place before nonwhites in American society, even in the “colorblind” society many perceive.
George, Laura Bush honored as 'history-making Texans'
By Isadora Vail, AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, March 2, 2010
Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush accepted the History-Making Texan Award from the Texas State History Museum Foundation on Tuesday night.