Tonight, a victory by Dan Barrett has narrowed the GOP majority in the Texas State House to only 79 seats out of 150. Local legislative races are obviously never going to get the attention that statewide or federal elections receive, but are just as significant because of the domino effect they have on higher offices. Ironically, the prospect of a long career in the House of Representatives for new Congressman Rob Wittman would suddenly become endangered if Albert Pollard replaces Wittman in the 99th House District via special election in a few months. After already winning control of the State Senate last month, Democrats need to pick up 6 more seats in the House of Delegates for control over the entire General Assembly. They would then be able to redraw the 11 Congressional Districts in Virginia as they see fit (hopefully in a non-partisan fashion, which is really the right thing to do).
Pollard received 53%, 61%, & 65% of the vote during his three succesive elections to the 99th District in 1999, 2001, & 2003. He also won 57% of the vote against Richard Stuart in the 99th during their race for the 28th District seat in the State Senate last month.
Filed under: Local Politics
Any word on what Republicans are considering running for the 99th District?
Tim, Austin Roberts is rumored to be the GOPs candidate in the race:
http://fred2blue.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/is-austin-roberts-a-threat-to-take-over-wittmans-hod-seat/