By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-931042.mp3
Dallas, TX – The editor of the Quorum political report says next week's election could give suburbs greater power in the legislature.
Harvey Kronberg says Republicans expect to increase their clout in the Texas House where they now have a slim, three-vote majority. If that happens suburban interests could drive decisions in Austin.
Kronberg: Overwhelmingly the republican base of power is in the suburbs. If you are trying to figure out how to distribute scarce resources you obviously have most of your votes in the suburbs so which leaves rural Texas, South Texas and inner city Texas at the mercy of the suburbs.
Kronberg's Quorum Report has produced at list of the 12-hottest races to watch in Texas. Four North Texas races are on it. He says democratic incumbents Robert Miklos of Mesquite; Carol Kent of Dallas; and Chris Turner of Burleson are fighting to keep their seats. Republican incumbent Linda Harper-Brown of Irving is also in a tight race.