Delisi and Krusee

A week after State Rep. Diane Delisi announced her intent to retire, a couple of prospective candidates for her seat emerged.

Samuel Murphey, of Harker Heights, said he is considering running, and John Alaniz, of Temple, said he intends to file for Delisi's soon-empty seat.

Murphey, a Democrat, has lived in Harker Heights for the past 44 years.

"I'm taking a hard look at it," Murphey said.

Alaniz, a Republican, has lived in Temple for the past 22 years.

"I have always had a passion for public service," Alaniz said. "It is something I have studied and pondered for a long time."

Murphey had a 22-year career in the Army, followed by 16 years working in the office of U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco. He has served on the Harker Heights Planning and Zoning Commission and as president of the Central Texas-Fort Hood chapter of the Association of the United States Army. He also has worked in various roles with the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce.

"I don't feel the least bit shy about my ability to pick up where she (Delisi) left off," Murphey said.

He said he has support from fellow Democrats, as well as Republicans and independents.

"I can't tell you how wonderful it's been to get the reception I've had," Murphey said.

He said he was asked by several peers, including Edwards, to consider running.

"He (Edwards) said he thought I'd be a dandy candidate," Murphey said.

He said he will decide in the coming days if he will run for the District 55 post, which represents most of Bell County, excluding only Killeen and the western corner of the county. The line between districts 54 and 55 is the Killeen/Harker Heights city line.

It's my understanding that Murphey has made up his mind and is now officially in. As I said before, this is a red district, but Murphey's relationship with Rep. Edwards (who clearly thinks highly of him) makes him a contender, because if anyone knows how to win in a district like that, it's Chet Edwards. Keep an eye on this one.

Meanwhile, Austin Political Report suggests that Rep. Mike Krusee, who's already a top target of the Dems, may take a state job and vacate his seat. That's good news. BOR and EOW have more.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on November 16, 2007 to Election 2008