Going into 2008, Democrats knew they had a couple of opportunities to make gains in the State Senate, which has not traditionally been fertile ground for such pickups, at least outside of redistricting years. But Joe Jaworski and Wendy Davis both established themselves early on as contenders, with Rain Minns in the mix as well, making this year one of the more exciting ones for State Senate watchers in awhile.

And if that weren't enough, Sen. Kyle Janek announced his retirement in January, opening up his seat in SD17 for a special election. While Republicans have bickered among themselves, Democrats found themselves a great candidate in Chris Bell, whom an early poll identified as a strong frontrunner for the office. Bell is well known in the district thanks to his 2006 run for Governor as well as his term as Congressman for what was then CD25 and his time in Houston City Council. I chatted with him about this race and what he would hope to do as the next Senator in District 17. It's all here in the usual MP3 format. Let me know what you think.

PREVIOUSLY:

Vince Ryan, Harris County Attorney
Diana Maldonado, HD52
Eric Roberson, CD32
State Rep. Juan Garcia, HD32
Ernie Casbeer, HD59
Joe Moody, HD78
Chris Turner, HD96
Robert Miklos, HD101
State Rep. Dan Barrett, HD97
Wendy Davis, SD10