Texas House of Representatives Districts 71, 72, 53

As stated in the endorsements for state Senate that witnessed only Libertarian challengers, the Reporter-News has seen nothing from Libertarians that would move it to not stand firmly behind incumbents. While it is their right to run for office, Libertarians have shown little interest in serving these offices and the public.

District 71

Representative Susan King chose to meet with the board and update it on her first term in the state Legislature. Her Libertarian opponent Michael Walton could not be located, and the Reporter-News has been told he has moved to San Antonio.

Of the candidates to meet with us, Mrs. King was the most well-versed and well-spoken on the issues and commanded the respect of both the Republicans and Democrats who sit on our board -- leaving them asking her at the end if she would consider running for the 19th Congressional District of Texas seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her positions came off as fiscally conservative and socially progressive, which some would say is impossible to do. It was one of only two unanimous sentiments expressed by the board, and we hope that she will seriously consider the suggestion.

District 72

Representative Drew Darby was another first-term legislator during the 2007 session, and the Reporter-News hopes that he will be returned for a second term. His voting record indicates that he is conservative, as is his district, and votes its interest.

There were a number of coups during Darby's first term. He authored legislation that helped make Angelo State University part of the Texas Tech system. The growth in San Angelo that will be centered around this move in coming years should be phenomenal for the city. He served on the House Appropriations committee and worked to pass legislation that reduces ad valorem taxes for homeowners.

District 53

Representative Harvey Hilderbran has served the House since 1988 and his list of accomplishments are significant -- from serving as chair of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism (which oversees hunting and fishing, by the way) and trying to procure funds to improve state and local parks during the last session to pushing for welfare reform and the protection of nursing home residents. The Reporter-News enthusiastically endorses Representative Hilderbran over his Libertarian opponent.