The Final Stretch: A Look At Texas House District 149
By Vince Leibowitz on Nov 2, 2006 in 2006 Texas Elections, The Final Stretch
“I am focused on this election this time. Two years ago, I had other issues and responsibilities elsewhere I was dealing with, and I didn’t focus completely on the election. And we were lacking a message of performance, being able to accomplish things for Texas. This year I am focused, and we have a message that tells the people what we want to accomplish when I am elected.”
—Talmadge Heflin
That’s what Talmadge Heflin has to say about why he will defeat Hubert Vo on November 7th in the hotly contested House District 149 race.
There are several telling things about Heflin’s comments. First, he mentions things that must have been going on in his personal life, like his attempt to take his former maid’s baby (which also included such stunning statements as “we all know the terrible problem that black male children have growing up into manhood without being in prison”), and admits that Republicans in the Texas legislature had no real record of accomplishment after their first session in power.
He’s wrong in that he thinks they will be able to accomplish something this time, or that Republicans have a better record than they did a couple of years ago.
After a failed bid to become the executive director of the Texas Lottery, Heflin got in for a rematch against Hubert Vo.
Few will ever forget the months-long election contest that followed Vo’s victory—which wasn’t final until it was affirmed on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives. And, fresh with new backing from Speaker Tom Craddick’s Leadership PAC, “Stars Over Texas,” and an infusion from voucher advocate Dr. James Leininger, Heflin is doing his best to turn his defeat into a victory.
There is no question that the race will be close. However, Vo has represented his district well enough to earn the endorsement of the Houston Chronicle in spite of the fact that Heflin would paint him as a liberal who is out of touch with the district.
Will this race be as close as it was last cycle? It’s not likely it will be that close, but expect it to be within 500 votes, with Vo having the edge.
My VNese babysitter who does not like to go out, went to vote for Hubert Vo during the Early Election. Guess what Mr Heflin? That 500-votes margin has just been shaved.