Just a couple of thoughts regarding this Chron overview of the SD17 special election. First, not to sound like a one-note Johnny or something here, but it would be nice to see some updated poll numbers for this race. Have the attacks on Bell dragged him down a bit? Have Furse or Huffman (or heck, Harpold) raised their name ID enough to be within shouting distance of Bell? If there is a runoff, who’s in line to participate in it? What effect, if any, has pseudo-Dem Stephanie Simmons had on the race? I realize we’re practically awash in polls these days, and I don’t want to sound like I’m never satisfied. But this is a high profile race that can have a huge impact on the next legislative session, and what we know about it is outdated. Maybe one of the campaigns will release some polling data soon.
Second, speaking of Simmons:
Also running as a Democrat is attorney Stephanie Simmons. Bell, who contends Simmons was covertly recruited by Republican operatives, challenged her last-minute candidacy on residency grounds but lost in the courts. Simmons says she came to her decision independently and will represent the everyday person with passion.
“I want to offer choice,” Simmons said.
Just as a reminder, Simmons has been exclusively bankrolled so far by Republican interests, and in fact has been endorsed by Texans for Lawsuit Reform, who have also endorsed Joan Huffman. There’s one real Democrat in this race, and I hope Democratic voters remember that.
Allen Blakemore and his recent attacks on Joan Huffman which continued after Austen Furse’s “rendezvous” with Joan Huffman under the street light in Southside Place may have cost Austen Furse the chance at even a runoff and Joan Huffman may garner enough support to win outright. It really depends on how many Democrats vote and how many Republicans vote. If there is a runoff most likely it will be between Bell and Huffman.
I doubt Stephanie Simmons is a factor but you never know. If African-Americans vote for her simply because she is an African-American, that would dilute Bell’s support and probably guarantee Joan Huffman winning outright. Which may be what whoever is behind her intended.
If African-Americans vote for her simply because she is an African-American, that would dilute Bell’s support and probably guarantee Joan Huffman winning outright.
Moving a Democratic vote from Bell to Simmons doesn’t increase Huffman’s percentage, nor her chance of winning outright. The only thing it does is reduce Bell’s chance of an outright win.