Hollywood couldn’t have written a better script.
A longstanding state representative decides not to run for reelection and what follows is a heated primary runoff where bankruptcy, booze and babies take center stage. Then the representative resigns immediately, not finishing her term. Now a void and a special election. But it will be held on the same day as the general election. And an independent candidate enters in the 11th hour. But he’s using the special election as a platform to fight child abuse. Meanwhile, the other two “serious” candidates hurl accusations of slander and cheating on a questionnaire at each other like gladiators trading blows.
Welcome to the 2008 race for Texas House District 55.
“I haven’t seen anything like this in 22 years. It’s been pretty spirited, I’d say, puts it mildly,” said Hugh Shine, the representative who held the seat back in the late 1980s when it was known by a different number.
Although the presidential race may be a factor, events such as record turnout in early voting, a woman casting an absentee ballot from her hospital bed, and campaign workers block-walking neighborhoods like foot soldiers are evidence how politics have changed in Bell County.
Now, a few days before the election, political observers give a Democrat a fighting chance to represent Bell County for the first time in more than 20 years.
“Mr. Murphey is a formidable candidate, with his ties to Chet Edwards,” said Hans Klingler, Republican Party of Texas communications director. “We’ll be working that race all the way through the polls closing on Tuesday.”
State Democratic Party spokesman Hector Nieto agrees. He says Murphey’s work with Edwards - a popular Democratic congressman who survived redistricting - is an advantage.
“We have a very good possibility,” Nieto said. “But he can only win with help from both sides of the aisle.”
An example of crossing party lines to vote can be found in a comment from a political science professor at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Dr. David Holcomb said some Martha Tyroch backers (Mrs. Tyroch lost in a heated May runoff) who are unhappy with Sheffield are going for Murphey.
Sheffield, in an attempt to deliver the district to the GOP in what looks to be a poor year for the Republicans, has apparently left no stone unturned. Walking door-to door tirelessly for months, he and his bright red signs seem to be everywhere at once. He uses his cell phone like a walkie-talkie, even has the number listed on his Web site. And he answers.
“I’ve knocked on literally thousands of doors and listened to the hopes and dreams of voters in every corner of this district,” Sheffield said. “I know District 55 like the back of my hand. I believe I’m the only candidate who can faithfully respect the conservative views of this growing district.”
Murphey said he likes his chances because voters never had much choice for so long.
“Those that think this is a big Republican district are misanalyzing what has happened here over the past few years,” Murphey said. “Dianne Delisi hasn’t had a serious challenger since she went into office (18 years ago). So if that’s their unit of measure I just think they’re taking it for granted and I think they’re taking the voters for granted. There’s a whole lot more people in this county who have their eyes open and vote for the person they prefer and not just pull the straight party lever.”
Another example of how unconventional this race has become is manifest in the following two voters.
Like Ralph Sheffield, Dan Curtis owns a Temple restaurant. He knows what it’s like to run a small business, the French Quarter hamburgers, yet he backs Murphey.
“I like Murphey because I think he can get things done. I think he’s well connected. And ultimately that’s what you got to have in elected officials in Austin,” Curtis said.
Stan Curry is a retired U.S. Army veteran like Murphey But he voted early for Sheffield.
“His ideas are agreeable with mine in what he plans to do. And he’s in line with Dianne Delisi,” Curry said.
Both campaigns have raised sums of money heretofore unseen in this district. And it continues flowing up to the last minute. Sheffield just pocketed $15,000 from former gubernatorial candidate Clayton Williams. And the Chet Edwards campaign dropped $20,000 more on Murphey.
Murphey and Sheffield have election night parties planned in different restaurants on opposite sides of town. And only one will experience that Hollywood ending.
