GOP Makes Huge Gains Over Dems In Texas House

AUSTIN (AP) - Texas Democrats have lost their state House leader and several longtime incumbents.

The biggest loss for the Democrats came when 14-year veteran Rep. Jim Dunnam of Waco, the longtime Democratic House leader, fell to retired rancher Marva Beck.

Republican House Speaker Joe Straus of San Antonio, considered a moderate in the now staunchly conservative chamber, could face a stiff race for a second term as leader of the chamber. But Straus claimed, in a news release distributed early today, that he has enough pledges from incoming members to prevail in the internal speaker election, which will be held in January.

Corpus Christi Democratic Reps. Solomon Ortiz Jr. and Abel Herrero, along with Rep. Paula Pierson of Arlington, all fell in upsets.

Other Democratic incumbents who lost yesterday included Reps. Patrick Rose of Dripping Springs and Valinda Bolton of Austin.

In Round Rock, first-term Democrat Rep. Diana Maldonado lost to Republican graphic designer Larry Gonzales.

Republican Rep. Linda Harper Brown in Irving won re-election. She was the subject of an ethics complaint involving her use of a Mercedes-Benz owned by a company that makes millions through state transportation contracts.

Republican Rep. Joe Driver of Garland, whose double billings to the state and his campaign for travel expenses have come under criminal review, also retained his seat.

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