HD 29: It’s Looking Like A Runoff

The results of the November 7th election in House District 29 haven’t even been canvassed, a special election hasn’t been called (but is assured because the incumbent is deceased), but Republicans have vamped up their war over who is more “Republican.”

And Democrat Anthony DiNovo has decided to run in the Special Election, which basically guarantees a runoff.

As for the Republicans, now one GOP Candidate has the advantage of saying he’s endorsed by the family of the deceased Rep. Glenda Dawson (R-Pearland) while another touts the support of Shelley Sekula Gibbs (and which may not be a good thing in the present climate):

[Randy] Weber claims support from Rep. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, who is serving the final three weeks of Tom DeLay’s term. He also said he’s been endorsed by “most” of the Brazoria County Republican Precinct Chairs.

[Mike] O’Day supporters include State Rep. Dennis Bonnen, Palacios Mayor Joe Morton, several Brazoria County officials and the daughter and son-in-law of Glenda Dawson.

O’Day, who supported Shane Sklar, is by far more moderate than Weber, who appears to be a true right winger.

In this, Democrats have an advantage and a disadvantage. The advantage is that he’s not supported by the incumbent’s family and that such an endorsement bodes well for the more moderate candidate. However, the disadvantage comes in when you consider the runoff.

Assuming that O’Day and DiNovo get in the runoff (with Weber fracturing his party’s vote and taking the right wing with him) it will be a much closer race. However, if it is Weber and DiNovo, then the seat suddenly becomes a pick-up because people will pick the Democrat over the far-right wing radical.

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