Runoffs leave Dems weak in November
James Duerr was buoyant as he watched the early returns at the Nueces County courthouse, even Steve Ray, Blake Farenthold’s political consultant was afraid it might be over after the early voting numbers came in. The race, fueled by Tea Party anger, produced the largest runoff turnout of Republicans in history, but in the end Kleberg, Cameron and Willacy Counties put Farenthold over the top to face Solomon Ortiz Sr. in November. In the Democratic camp concern about the fall ticket ruled.