Battle for Dist. 35 State Rep. continues (Texas)

The Pleasanton Express ^ | December 01, 2004 | Gerald Black

[SwinneySwitch]

Republican Candidate for State Representative District 35, Eric Opiela, said Tuesday that the battle for the vacant seat is far from over.

In a telephone interview, Opiela said after two recounts Friday, Nov. 19, news reports said the vote count changed very little. However, Opiela alleges about 800 of his opponent’s votes – mail-in ballots – were illegally cast. He said, “That’s about the margin of the difference” between Opiela and Democrat opponent Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles, who won district wide in November.

Opiela said he has filed to have the state House decide the winner, or possibly a new election in February 2005.

The counties being contested at this time are Bee and Jim Wells. Opiela said the Attorney General’s Office is investigating. Atascosa County residents Patsy Tymrak Daughtrey and Texas Moore are assisting Opiela with the study of voting irregularities.

Opiela defeated Toureilles in the race in Atascosa County by approximately 1,500 votes.

Toureilles was unavailable for comment on Tuesday.

[SwinneySwitch]

Eric Opiela won 5 of the 7 counties in district 35.

Jim Wells County is the home of LBJ's infamous Box 13.

[vmivol00]

I hate this crap on both sides. How can we criticize what is going on in Washington State, if we are doing the same thing.

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure that something is probably not right.

If its not close, then they(Dims) can't cheat.

[Moral Hazard]

"He said, “That’s about the margin of the difference” between Opiela and Democrat opponent Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles, who won district wide in November. "

How is 800 about 1500?

[SwinneySwitch]

"How is 800 about 1500?"

Eric won Atascosa Co. by 1500, but he lost the district by 800.

[SwinneySwitch]

"How can we criticize what is going on in Washington State, if we are doing the same thing."

They are finding illegal voting here. People voting twice, early voters' signatures not matching the signatures on the ballot applications, people signing mail-in ballots with an X with no witness signatures and paid campaign workers assisting voters illegally.

Somebody needs to do some jail time here!