There was a story about Rose in the Austin American-Statesman after he returned. The guy is just 24-years-old and apparently won because locals were mad at the incumbent Republican and this child was their only alternative on the ballot.
It's a suburban area south and southwest of Austin which is generally made up of ranchers and those who needed to get the heck away from Austin but still be able to drive there for work. There's no question he is ripe for the picking, even with the Statesman's cheerleading behind him.
Another object lesson on what happens when you stay home or don't vote Republican.
I don't think the walkout is going to cost the Dirtycrats very many seats however.
I don't think the walkout is going to cost the Dirtycrats very many seats however. I think it depends on how the Republicans respond.
If they recruit quality candidates, they might have a decent chance. Some of the Democrats are already just barely hanging on, or didn't have any significant opposition.
However, some of those apparently vulnerable (per the votes for the statewide races) are long-time incumbents, who vote with the Republicans just often enough to keep their job. If they can be tied to the entire Democrat agenda -- even that which they opposed -- they might lose a close election.
Next year is also an off-year election. That means the Republicans have an opportunity to boost turnout in their favor.
I don't think the walkout is going to cost the Dirtycrats very many seats however. It may not, but they are irrelevant anyway, unless they repeat this stunt ad nauseum. More GOP seats would obviously be better, but we'd have a very tough time ever getting to a 2-1 majority in either house.