Fletcher's House seat

[bluestateguy]

I need information here about how this will work. Does outgoing governor Paul Patton (D) get to set the date for the special election, or can Fletcher set the date? These kinds of things matter: A constitutional amendment limiting lawsuit damages in medical malpractice cases in Texas was passed with 51% of the vote because Republicans (who run this state) quietly held the election in mid-September. Had it been held on the November election day with more time to campaign, and with higher turnout, it would have failed.

Also, does anyone know anything about possible candidates? Surely there must be a good state Rep., Sen. or mayor within the district who could win. The district breakdown is as follows:

2000 1996 1992

Bush 55% Clinton 46% Bush 42%
Gore 42% Bush 45% Clinton 41%

The district includes Lexington and surrounding counties, as well as Frankfort, the state capitol.

[mndemocrat_29]

1. I think that Fletcher selects the date (probably the end of January)

Here's a link:

http://www.myinky.com/ecp/gleaner_opinion/article/0,1626,ECP_4480_2380803,00.html

Jonathan Miller was rumored to want the seat and he would certainly win. However, I hope that Miller runs for the Senate and beats Sen. Jim Bunning.

I hope that State Rep. Susan Westrom or State Sen. R. J. Palmer run.

[amlouden]

2. could be tough

i heard fayette county attorney margret canenson(sp?) might be running, as a republican i think

[jiacinto]

3. This is a swing seat

It's the type of seat that we Democrats need to win if we want the House back.

[goobergunch]

4. I concur.

If we win this seat, it would be a very positive sign for 2004.

[ShaneGR]

5. I don't believe there will be a special election

Within 12 months of a future election, there usually is an appointment by the sitting Governor. The closest special election they could have would be March, which makes no sense because the winner will have to face ANOTHER election in November 04.