Vulnerable Texas Dems Hope To Hang On

AUSTIN (AP) - Democrats in the Texas House are trying to hang on to gains they made in recent years against an oncoming Republican wave.

Republicans have a majority in the House now, but barely. And the GOP grip is expected to tighten after Tuesday's elections.

Several incumbents, mostly Democrats, are considered vulnerable in their districts, as hostility over Wall Street bailouts, the national debt and government spending is expected to guide the decisions of many voters. A couple of Republicans who have been embroiled in ethics scandals also are considered vulnerable.

A Republican sweep could also determine whether moderate Republican Speaker Joe Straus wins another term in the face of a challenge from a more conservative candidate.

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