Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Election result: State Rep. Charles “Doc” Anderson, a local veterinarian, beat challenger Jonathan Sibley, an insurance attorney, in Tuesday’s GOP primary election, 10,030 to 5,753.
Up ahead: Barring a write-in candidate, Anderson has won a third term in the Texas House representing most of McLennan County. Democrats didn’t field a candidate for the fall election.
Late night, long lines at Carver Academy
Central Texas votes
- Primacaucus — Clogged caucus meetings, voter enthusiasm enlivens presidential race in Waco
- State Rep., Dist. 56 — Anderson tops Sibley in Texas House race
- Commissioner, Pct. 1 — Snell stuns incumbent Crunk in Precinct 1
- Commissioner, Pct. 3 — Mashek coasts to victory
- Sheriff — McLennan County sheriff: Lynch in a landslide
Issues: Accusations over lobbying dominated the campaign. Sibley suggested Anderson was beholden to special interests and high-powered lobbyists, especially Jim Leininger, a vocal advocate for private-school vouchers who donated $50,000 to Anderson’s campaign. Anderson supporters alleged Sibley lied about his own past as a lobbyist.
Winner’s reaction: “We are very, very pleased,” Anderson said. “A lot of hard work by a lot of volunteers, and it all came together. We kept it on the high road and refused to get into negative campaigning. All of our mailings tried to be informative and positive, and that allowed us to prevail. I’m looking forward to the 81st (legislative) session.”
Opponent’s reaction: Sibley, who rang Anderson at 10:30 p.m. to congratulate him, said, “I want to thank those who supported me during this campaign. I also want to congratulate Doc Anderson and commend his supporters. Doc ran an excellent campaign, and I’ll do whatever I can to make sure he is re-elected in November.”
— Tim Woods
