By Bill Zeeble
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-883654.mp3
Dallas – Terri Hodge has pleaded guilty to federal tax fraud. The District 100 House Representative will resign her seat when sentenced. But she remains on the March 2nd primary ballot, and some say she could win. KERA's Bill Zeeble reports on what could happen next.
Hodge's guilty plea was a shock to many, including Senator Royce West. He had endorsed her in the Democratic primary race against Eric Johnson.
West: It was a surprise to me. I have and will continue to stand by Terri Hodge.
West may not be alone. And if enough District 100 voters stand by her and cast a ballot for Hodge, she may win even though cannot serve under the law. Managing Editor Gordon Jackson, of the predominantly African American Dallas Weekly, says Hodge's challenger is unknown to many District 100 voters where personal knowledge of a candidate matters.
Jackson: I would not be surprised if the election did come out closer than what people expected and very possibly Terri Hodge still get the majority of the votes, because she's so well liked and respected. Terri, she didn't gloss over her position. She was hard-core, she saw what had to be done and got it done.
It's too late to withdraw Hodge's name from the primary ballot. Dallas County Democratic Party chair Darlene Ewing says that makes things interesting in the race between Hodge and challenger Eric Johnson, whose name is also on the ballot.
Ewing: So if she gets more votes than he does then, she'll win the election. And since she will be an ineligible candidate, then the Precinct chairs from House District 100 will get together and choose a replacement for the November ballot.
Dallas City Council woman Angela Hunt hopes it doesn't come to that. She endorsed Hodge, but has withdrawn that support, given Hodge's guilty plea. Hunt says Johnson would be a capable Representative.
Hunt: Eric has been an appointee of mine on city boards and commissions and I've worked with Eric for several years now and found him to be tremendously capable and I think he'll do a terrific job representing that district. He does have to win. He will win.
That's yet to be decided. Meanwhile, Senator West wants voters to recall Hodge's accomplishments. He says she fought for low income residents, education, and worked against the long-time racial divide between north and south Dallas. He says that's why she sponsored the House bill supporting the designer Calatrava Bridge, linking affluent North Dallas with south Dallas across the Trinity River.
West: She wanted to make certain it symbolized the coming together of two cities, one north and one south.
Hodge faces up to 3 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, in addition to restitution of unpaid income taxes. In a statement, Hodge apologized to her constituents, legislative colleagues, friends and family, for letting them down. A judge has yet to schedule a sentencing date. Bill Zeeble KERA news.