Eye on Williamson brings word that Diana Maldonado, currently a trustee with the Round Rock ISD, will challenge State Rep. Mike Krusee in HD52. This is a top-tier pickup opportunity for Democrats, as Krusee, who has made himself a target by being the biggest booster of the Trans Texas Corridor in the Lege, barely achieved a majority of the vote in 2006 against the good but underfunded candidate Karen Felthauser. But it isn't just Krusee's personal charms that make HD52 attractive. As you can see from the election returns, the district is becoming quite purple, and with Krusee running five or more points behind most other Republicans there, this one is well within reach. Keep an eye on how Maldonado does in fundraising - if she has a good report in January, this race will be on everyone's radar.