SD17 special election date set

As expected.

Gov. Rick Perry today set the Nov. 4 general election day as the date for the special election to replace retiring state Sen. Kyle Janek, R-Houston, in Senate District 17.

The winner will serve until Janek's current term expires in January 2011.

The filing deadline for the special election is 5 p.m. Aug. 29 with the Texas secretary of state. Early voting will run from Oct. 20 to Oct. 31.

Perry's choice appears to knock out state Reps. Scott Hochberg, D-Houston, and Charlie Howard, R-Sugar Land, because they would have to give up their legislative seats to run for the Senate on the same day they are seeking re-election.

Republican activist Austen Furst (sic) has said he will run for the seat.

Former Harris County Republican Party chairman Gary Polland also has indicated an interest in running.

Other possible candidates include former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell, D-Houston, and former state Rep. Brad Wright, R-Houston.

That's the first I've heard of Brad Wright. A fellow named Grant Harpold had tossed his hat in the ring a couple of weeks ago. It's almost surely the case that some folks will drop in and out of this; the Republicans would prefer to have one candidate, so as to avoid a runoff for a seat they believe they will win. As such, expect there to be some arm-twisting, at least if Furse gains enough traction among the powers-that-be, or conversely if they decide they can do better. And regarding Bell, I hope the recent polling numbers are enough to get him in the game. I believe he'd have plenty of support if he chooses to make the run.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on June 04, 2008 to Election 2008