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July 26, 2006

Congressional Race Preview #10 - TX/CO

A Democrat pickup in Texas is a distinct possibility this cycle, and Tom DeLay may have no one else to blame for this one.

Texas 14 - Ron Paul (R) vs Shane Sklar (D) - Libertarian icon Ron Paul faces his first real challenge in over a decade with the campaign of Shane Sklar in the Houston area. While, in the end, Paul is likely to survive, it ties him up in his own district instead of being able to come to the rescue in the next one previewed. Leans GOP

Texas 22 - Tom DeLay (R) vs Nick Lampson (D) - DeLay is back on the ballot, for now, in a seat that he has virtually no chance of holding whether he retired or not. Even the GOPers in this district seem to have had enough of him. Former Congressman Lampson has put together an extremely strong campaign and is well known in the area. This is a seat the Republicans likely didn't think they would ever lose. But they're going to this year. Leans Dem

Texas 32 - Pete Sessions (R) vs Will Pryor (D) - Sessions won a tough race last cycle, and probably thought he'd have an easy go of it from this point on. Enter Will Pryor, Dallas attorney and nephew of former Arkansas Senator David Pryor. Pryor has the connections and the resources to make a run, but Sessions should be okay come election day. Leans GOP

Colorado 4 - Marilyn Musgrave (R) vs Angie Paccione (D) - Musgrave almost lost in 2004 to an underfunded candidate, thanks to an amazingly strong 527 campaign against her. This time her opponent may be able to do it on her own. Former Olympic basketball star and State Senator Paccione is an amazing campaigner and seems to draw people to her with just her presence and, despite concerns about weak campaign management, she shouldn't be underestimated. After all, Musgrave is often her own worst enemy. Toss Up

Colorado 6 - Tom Tancredo (R) vs Bill Winter (D) - Tancredo has been so focused on immigration and a possible run for President (a reminder of Bob Dornan with gays and a run for President in the 90's) that he may be losing touch with his own constituents - a no-no in politics. Enter veteran Bill Winter, who has quietly put together a credible challenge to Tancredo. This Colorado Springs district should be with Tancredo in the end, though. Leans GOP

Next up - The rest of Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico

Posted by Alan at July 26, 2006 05:20 AM