District Ninety-Sizzle: Hot Topic
Everyone, but everyone, has been offering their opinions on what happened in HD 97 last night, in which Democrat Dan Barrett pulled out a win in a district drawn to be a Republican stronghold. Some say it's a referendum on Craddick, which seems to be the narrative that will drive most Texas House races in the March primary, and perhaps, beyond. Here's a super short clip of State Representative Mark Strama, D-Austin, weighing in on the win this morning.
Also, here are some more short takes by various folks, speaking to various outlets:
"I'm in a district of independent-minded voters who were smart enough and cared enough to vote for change." -Winner Dan Barrett, as reported by the FWST
"I still believe this is a conservative district. We had a very low voter turnout today. I think this is fully a function of voter turnout" --Losing candidate Mark Shelton, to the AP.
"Tonight's outcome in the HD97 special election proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick is a sinking ship for the Republican Party in Texas." --State Rep. Jim Keffer, R-Eastland, in a statement
"The unexpected certainly took place. It wasn't about Craddick. It was a special election in the middle of Christmas season." -Austin consultant and HillCo partner Bill Miller, to the AP
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