Post Election Results
Race Summary
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November 12, 2004
Dear Tort Reform Supporters,
The 2004 General Elections are over and TLR PAC has successfully backed a number of pro-tort reform candidates for legislative and judicial offices all over the State of Texas. Attached for your review is a complete summary of our election results.
TLR PAC endorsed 57 candidates in contested races this general election cycle and 47 candidates were successful. Unfortunately, in 10 of these races, pro-tort reform candidates and legislators were defeated. Many of these losses were by very close margins and some are undergoing recounts and/or election challenges so the outcome could change in the near future.
All of our judicial candidates were successful in winning re-election to the bench. Supreme Court Justice Scott Brister prevailed over his opponent in a statewide election, garnering 59% of the vote. On the 3rd Court of Appeals (Austin area), incumbent Justices Jan Patterson (D) and Bob Pemberton (R) were re-elected to office.
On the legislative front, the three contested State Senate elections were decisive victories for incumbent pro-tort reform legislators: State Senator Kim Brimer (R-Fort Worth), State Senator Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls), and State Senator Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo).
In the Texas House, TLR PAC played a significant role in many seriously contested general elections. Continuing our long-standing bipartisan tradition, we supported many pro-tort reform Democrats who were facing strong challenges from Republican candidates.
In HD 45, State Rep. Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs), a member of the House Civil Practices Committee, easily defeated his Republican opponent, 55% to 45%.
In HD 3, State Rep. Mark Homer (D-Paris) prevailed in his close re-election effort by just under 400 votes. State Rep. Chuck Hopson (D-Jacksonville) won his race in an unexpectedly close election as did Rep. David Farabee (D-Wichita Falls). In HD 123, Rep. Mike Villarreal (D-San Antonio) defeated his opponent 62% to 38%.
Of particular significance was the race for State Representative in House District 56. Incumbent anti-tort reform legislator and personal injury lawyer John Mabry (D-Waco) was defeated by Waco veterinarian Charles “Doc” Anderson (R-Waco) in a costly and contentious general election.
This election cycle saw an unprecedented level of spending on the part of the personal injury trial lawyers and their various funding conduits. This effort was a calculated attempt to punish many pro-tort reform legislators and elect obstructionists to continued civil justice reform.
Without your help and support, we would not have been able to offer these pro-tort reform candidates the resources to get their message out to voters. Thank you for believing in a fair and balanced civil justice system.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Trabulsi, Jr., Chairman
Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC
Matt Welch, Director
Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC