As Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert weighs Senate run, analysts call success a long shot

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In a special election for U.S. Senate, anything can happen, which probably explains why Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert is considering a bid to fill the potentially open seat now held by Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Dreams aside, a Leppert campaign for Senate would probably lead to a humbling defeat and leave the city in political turmoil, political analysts say.

Leppert, who has served just over half of his term as mayor, is virtually unknown in the rest of the state and could be competing against some of the biggest names in Texas politics.

In Dallas, a city at a critical juncture, Leppert's departure would put many of his initiatives in jeopardy.

Conservative radio host Mark Davis says there's already a diverse group of candidates in the race, leaving little room for Leppert.

"He does not have a statewide base and there's no oxygen left for him to consume," Davis said of a Leppert Senate bid. "It's not crazy, but it's a big long shot."

Jonathan Neerman, chairman of the Dallas County Republican Party, said Leppert, with his ability to develop a significant campaign chest, could make a "credible" run. But he stopped short of saying Leppert could win.

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