Primary Countdown

Last fall, local Democrats openly acknowledged the threat of the Republican Party making inroads into Travis County and wresting power from Democratic officeholders. That threat appeared especially vexing at the Commissioners Court, where - if local old-timers' memories serve - a Republican has never sat on the dais. With all five Commissioners Court seats up for grabs this year, the Democrats felt especially vulnerable. Republicans at once began lining up in earnest, hoping to make good on the GOP's goal of gaining a foothold in county politics. At least one longstanding Democrat - Bob Honts - capitalized on that sense of foreboding and jumped over to the Republican side to run for county commissioner in Pct. 2. For the first time in local history, the threat of a Republican coup seemed imminent. Well, three months later, the Republican threat never materialized. With less than four weeks remaining before the March 10 primaries, only Honts, the former Democrat, appears poised to give the Democratic incumbent, Karen Sonleitner, a run for her money in November. Travis County Republican chair Jan Galbraith is still holding out hope that the GOP candidates will make a strong showing in other county races as well. "The odds are with us and that's very encouraging," Galbraith said. Jay Brim, the new county Democratic Party chair, thinks not: "The Republicans make a lot of noise, but I don't think they can beat us this year. We have in Travis County the best organized Democratic Party in the state, and Democratic officeholders in Texas have generally been able to count on us to provide the significant swing in state elections."

In this issue, the Chronicle begins its march toward the primaries with coverage of the Travis County Commissioners Court races, with 22 candidates vying for the four precinct seats and the County Judge's post. Each race has its own set of issues and personalities, but the overriding concern is, of course, regional growth. Where does Travis County go from here, and who will lead the way?

Early voting begins February 21 and continues through March 6. For more information, contact the Travis County Elections Division, 708-4996, or visit the Travis County website at http://www.co.travis.tx.us.