Filing news: Two more for SD18

The Republican field for the now-open SD18 seat has gotten more crowded as State Rep. Glenn Hegar of Katy and a veterinarian from Wharton named Dwight King have jumped in. Here's the Chron on Hegar:

Hegar, a rice and corn farmer, is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and a newly appointed member of the Sunset Advisory Commission.

He is one of four Republicans who have lined up to replace Armbrister in the significant race. A gain of one Republican in the Senate would give the GOP 20 of 31 seats, one short of the two-thirds majority that could prove crucial on partisan issues. Senate rules require a two-thirds vote to advance legislation.

One of Hegar's rivals in the March Republican primary will be Gary Gates, who is in the real estate and ranching business in Fort Bend County and lost two races to Hegar for the House seat he holds.

Others who have filed for the Republican nomination include David Stall of Fayetteville, the city manager in Shoreacres, and rancher-businessman Herman W. Brune of Columbus.

As I've said before, while the likelihood of the Senate going to 20-11 GOP is high, in practical terms it doesn't mean much since Armbrister was at best a sporadic supporter of Democratic initiatives. I'd just about prefer having someone like David Stall in that seat, assuming State Rep. Robby Cook declines to make the challenge here.

Don't know a thing about Dwight King - Elam has some info from the Wharton newspaper. I'll be shocked if this race doesn't go to a runoff, as it doesn't look like there's a clear frontrunner. Well, if hair quality counts for anything, it's Hegar by a mile, but beyond that, expect overtime.

No word yet on who will run to replace Hegar. Quorum Report mentions State Republican Executive Committee member Michael Franks as a possible contender. Filing deadline is in a week, so we'll know soon enough.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on December 27, 2005 to Election 2006 | TrackBack