Rep. Donna Howard Almost Wins, Again
By karie | February 13, 2011
Though it's been almost four months since the elections, the matter of who will be state representative for House District 48 has been a little muddy. Now, after numerous hearings, Rep. Donna Howard has been declared the winner by Rep. Will Hartnett, R-Dallas - and that still doesn't guarantee the incumbent her seat until the House takes a final vote.
Her Republican challenger, Dan Neil, called for a recount back in November.
Howard's win was originally thought to be by 16 votes, then 12 and now, according to Hartnett, just four. House Speaker Joe Straus appointed Hartnett "master of discovery," to act as a judge during the "trial" of the recount. According to the Statesman, now the matter will move to a special House committee.
Howard's supporters are celebrating, although the fight isn't completely over.
Here's what Statesman columnist John Kelso wrote on Howard's Facebook wall:
Congrats. You made it.
No truth to the rumor that I voted for you 48 times, then expense accounted the mileage.
Seriously, way to go.
And a comment on the Austin Post's election bio of Dan Neil:
What a sore loser! You refused to accept the election results even after the recount upheld them.
I voted for you but you can rest assured that you u have lost my respect and any future vote. Your actions are those of a spoiled child.
You can surround yourself with people who tell you otherwise but, I know lots of folks who felt the same way I do.
Ouch.