Texas Voters Narrow The Field

Some fall congressional matchups won't be decided until an April 14 runoff, though

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, March 11) -- In 1998's first primary, Texas voters went to the polls Tuesday, but some November congressional matchups won't be decided until runoff elections next month.

At the top of the Texas ballot there was no suspense, as Gov. George W. Bush demolished his token GOP opponent, Round Rock businessman R.C. Crawford, with 96.6 percent of the vote. Bush, mentioned as a possible presidential contender in 2000, will face Democrat Gary Mauro in the fall.

But there were some lively congressional primary races, especially in San Antonio's 20th district, where veteran Democrat Henry B. Gonzalez plans to retire.

The lawmaker's son, Charles Gonzalez, captured 43.9 percent of the vote to 22.3 percent for former San Antonio City Council member Maria Antonietta Berriozabal. But with no one getting a majority, Gonzalez and Berriozabal will meet in the April 14 primary. On the Republican side, James Walker easily beat John Shull, though the San Antonio district is considered a Democratic stronghold.

This fall, several first-term members of Congress from Texas could be in a fight to retain their seats. In the 14th District, in rural southeastern Texas, Democrats have targeted Rep. Ron Paul, who beat incumbent Greg Laughlin in 1996. Democrats Loy Sneary, a former judge, and auto dealer Tom Reed finished 1-2 in the Democratic primary and will compete in next month's runoff. Paul was unopposed in the primary.

In the 9th District, Republicans are out to unseat freshman Rep. Nick Lampson, who two years ago beat one-term Rep. Steve Stockman. In next month's runoff, insurance executive and GOP activist Tom Cottar and lumber businessman Adonn Slone will face off for the chance to run against Lampson in the fall. Lampson was unopposed in the primary.

Also looking to the fall, in Dallas' 5th District, freshman Republican Pete Sessions could face a spirited challenge from Victor Morales, the school teacher who unsuccessfully ran against Sen. Phil Gramm in 1996. Morales easily beat his Democratic primary opponent, William A. Foster III.

Here are some of the results; you can go to our Congressional Quarterly chart for all the numbers:

Wednesday March 11, 1998

• Prosecutors Interested In Clinton Testimony
• Court Reinstates Carollo As Miami's Mayor
• House OKs Bill To Spur African Trade
• Burton: White House Is 'Keeping Secrets From Congress'
• Capps Replaces Her Late Husband In Congress
• Texas Voters Narrow The Field
• A Historical Tutorial On Impeachment, Censure
• White House Scandal At A Glance
• Grand Jury Focuses On Tripp Tapes
• No Little "Buddies"; First Dog To Be Fixed