Senate draws reelection terms

[TexasTowelie]

One by one, by pulling envelopes from a crystal bowl, Texas senators this morning drew lots to determine their reelection dates — a once-every-decade lottery that provided political theater and could affect political futures.

The senators who drew odd numbers — between one and 31, in slips of paper inside capsules inside unmarked white envelopes — get four-year terms. The ones who drew even numbers got two-year terms.

Nine Republicans and six Democrats drew two-year terms, including Austin Democrat Kirk Watson and Central Texas Republicans Donna Campbell and Charles Schwertner.

Eight Republicans and seven Democrats drew coveted four-year terms, including Democrat Judith Zaffirini, who represents parts of southeast Austin, and Troy Fraser, who represents parts of southwest Austin.

More at http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/politics/entries/2013/01/23/senate_draws_reelection_terms.html/#comments .

[font color=green]The empty seat for Senator Gallegos was given a four-year term.

Overall, good news for the Democrats and I think that the counts mentioned above are incorrect. The only four Democrats facing re-election in 2014 are Wendy Davis, Kirk Watson, Royce West and John Whitmire. The only tough race IMO will be the seat for Wendy Davis.[/font]

1 R Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury: 1
2 R John Carona, R-Dallas: 2
[font color=red]3 D Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo: 3[/font]
4 R Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville: 4
[font color=red]5 D Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio: 5[/font]
6 R Kelly Hancock, R-Richland Hills: 6
[font color=red]7 D Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso: 7[/font]
8 R Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown: 8
[font color=red]9 D Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville: 9[/font]
10 R Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo: 10
11 R Glenn Hegar, R-Katy: 11
12 R Robert Deuell, R-Greenville: 12
[font color=red]13 D Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen: 13[/font]
[font color=red]14 D Kirk Watson, D-Austin: 14[/font]
15 R Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock: 15
16 R Joan Huffman, R-Southside Place: 16
17 R Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler: 17
18 R Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls: 18
19 R Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands: 19
20 R Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels: 20
21 R Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood: 21
[font color=red]22 D Royce West, D-Dallas: 22[/font]
[font color=red]23 D (Open seat, Senate District 6): 23[/font]
24 R Dan Patrick, R-Houston: 24
[font color=red]25 D Rodney Ellis, D-Houston: 25[/font]
26 R Ken Paxton, R-McKinney: 26
27 R Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound: 27
[font color=red]28 D Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth: 28[/font]
29 R Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay: 29
[font color=red]30 D John Whitmire, D-Houston: 30[/font]
[font color=red]31 D Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio: 31[/font]

[TexasTowelie]

1. GOP thrilled that Wendy Davis drew a two year term:

The second-term Democrat immediately set her sights on another re-election race. State Republicans celebrated what they called the luck of the draw and vowed to make the race a top priority in 2014.

"We danced a jig," said state GOP Chairman Steve Munisteri, describing the buoyant mood among Republicans after they learned that Davis had drawn an abbreviated term.

Former Rep. Mark Shelton, the Fort Worth Republican who challenged Davis last year, described the drawing as "a great opportunity" and indicated that he would be interested in a rematch.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/01/23/4570662/davis-hancock-draw-short-terms.html#storylink=cpy

[font color=green]It looks like w8liftinglady has another battle to fight. The rest of us Democrats need to rally to assist![/font]