[Theodore R.]

seems to me that primaries will lead to more conservative candidates emerging

Well, Ken, that did not happen in the 2002 legislative races: more liberal Republican candidates won many of the contested nominations.

And in 2004, the Perry-backed Judge Green unseated Justice Smith in the primary. Smith was considered the most conservative of all the Supreme Court members.

Of course, the GOP is at something of a "disadvantage" in that it has no where to go but "down" in that it has held all statewide elected offices since the 1996 elections.

I just think it will get difficult to hold all statewide offices for 12 straight years, but the Democrats have done such in many other states. It is very rare for a state GOP to hold ALL statewide offices for a DECADE.

[ken5050]

I'd agree that a decade long cycle is unusual, and sometime change results merely because of that, but from what I read, admittedly from a distant perspective, the changing demos of Texas would continue to work for GOP, especially conservtive GOP candidates...

and if I can go into self-pity mode, living in NY, and especially here in Chappaqua next door to you-know-who, I'd like to have, experience, and enjoy the "problems" that you conservative Pubbies have in Texas..(sigh)