Texas 14: Paul, One-Time Libertarian, Wins for GOP

(AllPolitics, Nov. 5) -- Republican Ron Paul won a nasty war of words with Democrat Charles Morris to win Texas' 14th District seat, vacant after the incumbent switched parties and lost the GOP primary.

Paul labeled Morris a "liberal lawyer lobbyist" who favored tax increases, and claimed in one television ad that Morris "made millions on frivolous lawsuits."

Morris accused Paul, the 1988 Libertarian Party nominee for president, of supporting the legalization of drugs, which Paul denied. Morris turned it into a credibility question. The AFL-CIO threw in its weight, running ads criticizing Paul's positions on pensions and education.

Four-term Republican Rep. Greg Laughlin, who switched parties in office, lost to Paul in April.

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