More changes in statewide political campaigns

There have been a few more changes in statewide political campaigns since last week’s TABulletin report on the topic – the campaign for U.S. Senate got a little more crowded and the race for state railroad commissioner a little less so.

And there’s a high-volume rocker now involved.

Houston attorney Linda Vega made it official and announced she will challenge John Cornyn in the Republican primary for his U.S. Senate seat.

Political watchers say she had been eyeing the race for several months.

Vega, a Weslaco native, specializes in immigration and labor law.

State Rep. Stefani Carter, R-Dallas, has dropped her bid for Texas Railroad Commission.

Carter said she will seek a third term in the Texas House instead, though she now faces several strong candidates in the primary.

The move is a blow to hopes for a more diverse Republican field in statewide 2014 races.

There are a few Hispanic Republicans seeking statewide office, but no other Republican African Americans.

In 2010, Carter became the first black Republican woman elected to the Texas House.

Six others have expressed interested in the RRC seat -- Becky Berger, Malachi Boyuls, former state Rep.             

Wayne Christian, Ray Keller, Joe Pool, Jr., and Ryan Sitton.

In the ”rockers and political campaigns” category, the former “Motor City Madman” guitarist Ted Nugent has joined former state Rep. Sid Miller’s campaign for state Commissioner of Agriculture as treasurer and campaign co-chair.

Nugent, now a Texas resident, is no stranger to political campaigns and has stumped for several Republican candidates over the past two decades.

Questions?  Contact TAB's Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.