(Texas) Surprise could frost Republicans

[kskiska]

Cragg Hines returns to old stomping grounds in North Dallas to check on why some local GOP types are fretting about a supposedly safe district

ADDISON -- In the newly gerrymandered U.S. House seat centered on securely upmarket North Dallas, the biggest concern of the Republican candidate might normally be what kind of canapés to serve following the swearing-in next January.

George W. Bush, a former district resident, easily carried the area in the 2000 presidential election, with almost 65 percent of the vote.

It's hard to find a local Democratic officeholder except in the squiggly tail of the district south of the Trinity River.

So why do so many Republicans in the 32nd District seem a little nervous? They believe (as do I, grudgingly) that it would be almost a miracle for a Democrat to carry a district drawn precisely to include some of the most reliably Republican enclaves in the nation, encompassing Highland Park, Preston Hollow and Richardson. But they are unmistakably anxious.

The reason is that the Democratic nominee is Rep. Martin Frost, who has been in the U.S. House representing parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for 25 years. Frost, 62, is the senior Democrat on the Rules Committee (and in line to be chairman if his party regained a House majority). He is an assiduous fund-raiser and campaigner. He has done many favors for the generally Republican Dallas business establishment.

more…
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/editorial/hines/2802820

[girl gone mad]

1. In my experience..

North Dallas voters tend to vote on issues, and not out of party loyalty. Also, they won't vote for a corrupt Republican over a straight and narrow Democrat (if they are made aware of the corruption, that is).

[truthisfreedom]

2. best said by Nelson of the Simpsons:

http://www.moviewavs.com/TV_Shows/Simpsons/haha.wav