Democrats eye run for Hunter's office

Abilene Reporter News: Local: "Democratic Party leaders say interest in the Texas House of Representatives District 71 seat has surged since state Rep. Bob Hunter announced his plans to retire when his term ends next year.

For the first time in almost two decades, Hunter, a Republican, won't seek re-election. That means there will be no incumbent - particularly one as popular as Hunter, who was unopposed in eight of his elections - in the race.

Some Democratic leaders said their party will have a better chance to claim the seat without challenging an incumbent, but Republicans say the GOP still has an advantage in the district, which encompasses Taylor and Nolan counties. Voters in both counties favored Republicans in the 2004 presidential and statewide elections.

Five people have expressed interest in running as a Democrat for the seat, though none has announced candidacy, said Dave Haigler, chairman of the Taylor County Democratic Party. Before Hunter's announcement, only one potential candidate had expressed a desire to run."