Here's some of the latest scoops in the campaign during the month just past:
(1.) THE DEAL IS SEALED--AND THE RACE TO NOVEMBER IS ON!!!
After what originally shaped up as very interesting campaigns, the whole thing turned out to be a blowout after all on both sides of the fence. McCain might have thought that he still had a realistic chance--but all hopes were gone come Super Tuesday I (March 7th). When McCain lost New York and California, the results of Super Tuesday II (March 14th) were pretty moot. Barring any unexpected surprizes, Bush has now all but captured the GOP nomination. Even if McCain threatens to hold his delegates and keep them from being released for Bush pending certain concessions on his crown jewel issue of campaign finance reform--it will prove to be of no use.
Meanwhile, the Democrats have also anointed, in a sense, Vice-President Gore as their candidate. Bradley turned out the lights after the Democrats' Super Tuesday--and Gore is now focusing his thoughts on the election ahead.
(2.) THE BENEFITS OF FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES
[Plainview Daily Herald:] [http://www.plainviewonthe.net]
A couple of Bush's state Republican appointees are finding that it helps to have a friend not only in the Texas Governor's Mansion--but also one that's running for President of the U.S. Railroad Commission Chairman Michael Williams and Supreme Court Justice Al Gonzales are pretty much sure cinches to win in November since they survived some hefty primary challenges--but will not have to face any Democratic opposition in November. (See last section below for details!!) Even the State Board of Education was no different. A more moderate Bob Montgomery ousted incumbent Bob Offutt (who broke with Bush and campaigned for Steve Forbes--and who is currently the leader of a small, but vocal faction on the Board) for one of the seats on the Board.
Important GOP runoffs to watch include Sharon Keller and Tom Price for the Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge slot and Barbara Parker Hervey and Jim Wallace for Place Two. State Rep. John Culberson and Houston businessman Peter Wareing will square off for the seat of retiring U.S. Congressman and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Archer. Also, a couple of GOP races to note--"Walker, Texas Ranger" star Noble Willingham will be the GOP challenger to incumbent U.S. Rep. Max Sandlin (Dem.; Marshall); and 95% of Texas Republicans overwhelmingly approved a non-binding referendum on student-led prayers at school sports events...
