Final Filers Flurry for State Rep

Were they keeping their powder dry, or did it take to the last minute to find some candidates? Either way, in the last two days of filings for the March 4 primary, five GOPers have filed with Travis County Republican Party to take on the local incumbent Democratic state reps.

Donna Keel, who hopes to run against Valinda Bolton in District 47, now has some company in the pack. Business consultant Jim Hasik has filed to challenge Elliott Naishtat, while financial adviser and former failed Lloyd Doggett opponent Jerry J. Mikus has his sights on Mark Strama's office in District 50 (not the first time: He was beaten out by Strama's predecessor, Jack Stick, back in 2002.) There'll even be a Republican primary in District 48, Donna Howard's seat, between Dr. Joseph Donnelly and insurance agent Pamela Waggoner.

Out of all the state reps from Travis County, this only leaves Eddie Rodriguez and Dawnna Dukes without Republican challengers (but since Dukes' primary opponent, Brian Thompson, is portraying her as a Democrat in Name Only, that would seem redundant).

State House Races
(* denotes incumbent)

Dst. 46
D: Dawnna Dukes*, Brian Thompson

Dst. 47
D: Valinda Bolton*
R: Donna Keel

Dst. 48
D: Donna Howard*
R: Dr. Joseph Donnelly, Pamela Waggoner

Dst. 49
D: Elliot Naishtat*
R: Jim Hasik

Dst. 50
D: Mark Strama*
R: Jerry J. Mikus

Dst. 51
D: Eddie Rodriguez*