Gov. Rick Perry today set the Nov. 4 general election day as the date for the special election to replace retiring state Sen. Kyle Janek, R-Houston, in Senate District 17.
The winner will serve until Janek’s current term expires in January 2011.
The filing deadline for the special election is 5 p.m. Aug. 29 with the Texas secretary of state. Early voting will run from Oct. 20 to Oct. 31.
Perry’s choice appears to knock out state Reps. Scott Hochberg, D-Houston, and Charlie Howard, R-Sugar Land, because they would have to give up their legislative seats to run for the Senate on the same day they are seeking re-election.
Republican activist Austen Furst (sic) has said he will run for the seat.
Former Harris County Republican Party chairman Gary Polland also has indicated an interest in running.
Other possible candidates include former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell, D-Houston, and former state Rep. Brad Wright, R-Houston.
That’s the first I’ve heard of Brad Wright. A fellow named Grant Harpold had tossed his hat in the ring a couple of weeks ago. It’s almost surely the case that some folks will drop in and out of this; the Republicans would prefer to have one candidate, so as to avoid a runoff for a seat they believe they will win. As such, expect there to be some arm-twisting, at least if Furse gains enough traction among the powers-that-be, or conversely if they decide they can do better. And regarding Bell, I hope the recent polling numbers are enough to get him in the game. I believe he’d have plenty of support if he chooses to make the run.
Perry just did his erstwhile opponent a favor. Pimping my own diary at BOR, look at the overlapping Congressional Districts CD-7 (53K votes), CD-10 (40K), and CD-22 (65K). Now, look at the fundraising in those three districts from opensecrets.com:
John Culberson (R)* $589,053
Michael Peter Skelly (D) $853,294
Michael McCaul (R)* $721,969
Larry Joe Doherty (D) $557,004
Nick Lampson (D)* $1,346,313
Peter Graham Olson (R) $893,161
That has the term “coordinated campaign” written all over it. Run Chris! Run!