Five for CD 21



Then there were five. The addition of Independent Tommy Calvert to the race for CD 21 means that there are now five candidates running for the seat: Lamar Smith, Rep. incumbent; John Courage, Dem; Jim Stohm, Lib; and Gene Kelly, perennial loser. Before the redistricting court decision, this seat was looking very competitive. But, the court moved solid Dems in Hays County and South Austin out of this district and into Doggett's district and added new counties to the western side of the district where Courage has to introduce himself and start from the ground up.

There is some optimism that the dynamics of this open race and the multiple candidates will force a runoff after the November election. The challenge will be to ensure that Smith's votes are held down below 50% and that Courage runs strong enough to be a very credible second. It will be a challenge.

As for Kelly, will no one rid us of this meddlesome also ran?  ¶ 5:46 PM