The Special Election of Senate District 17

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When former State Senator Kyle Janek resigned from his seat, and moved to Austin, it left a gaping hole in the local election landscape.  Now, half a dozen candidates have jumped in.  Some names are new, others are oh-so-familiar.

Former Congressman, City Council member, and most recently the Democratic Party's nominee for Governor is at it again.  We even found an old Bell for Governor T-shirt in his campaign office.  This time, Chris Bell wants to turn Janek's seat from red to blue.  His campaign got some attention during the early stages, after he unsuccessful attempted to take the one other Democrat off the special election ballot.

"I did not believe she was a legal candidate and we took that to court and they said she could remain on the ballot and that's that and we've moved forward," said Bell.  That other Democrat is attorney Stephanie Simmons, who told me over the phone that she is a legitimate candidate. She really is running, really.

Of the four Republicans on the ballot, attorney Grant Harpold says he wants to lower property taxes.  Lake Jackson business owner Ken Sherman is also on the ballot, as well as former prosecutor and judge Joan Huffman.  I met Joan in her West U. area campaign office.  Her colors? A teal and pink campaign theme.

"It's a good cast of Republicans. I don't see one of them as more formidable than the other," said Huffman. "I think I am the candidate that is going to end up going head to head with Chris Bell and I think I'm the Republican who can beat Chris Bell."

The final of the four Republicans is Austen Furse, who believes his endorsement by former President George Bush and his experience as a White House staffer will set him apart.

"I led a series of conservative grass roots reforms here in the Houston area," he said. "That gives me some knowledge that you just can't pick up at the grocery store."  Furse is working out of the office of his consultant, Allen Blakemore. Blakemore just happens to be buddies with Janek.  Janek has endorsed Furse.  Coincidence?  Come on! This is politics!

If no one gets more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two candidates will go into a runoff. For Bell, he likes his chances.

"After you've done this a couple of times, youi do get sort of a gut feel and start picking up signs," he said. "And I like those signs we're starting to pick up out on the street."  With four Republicans splitting the vote, Bell is hoping to garner enough Democratic votes to avoid a run off.  If that can't be done, getting voters to come back to the poles on a Saturday in December won't be easy.

Comments

[Charles2]

I know I have placed several signs down in the neighborhood. They do disappear when I am not looking. He quoted :And I like those signs we're starting to pick up out on the street." With four Republicans splitting the vote, Bell is hoping to garner enough ... enough what; signs for his next campaign?? I do notice the only sign standing belongs to Chris Bell ... I think I will set a trap! Leave my signs alone Chris Bell ... Vote for Joan Huffman

[ronald blankenship]

I hope I'm wrong, but I think we are in for a very costly 4 years. I listened to what O'bama said & if he does what he says, it's going to come directly out of our pockets. For those of you who voted for him just brcause he is african american &/or because he is going to fix all your problems, you deserve what you are going to get. I didn't, & I don't. rb