A couple of comments on the state-wide down-ballot races in the Republican primary:

(1) On paper, Steven Wayne Smith was a well-credentialed candidate, and he ran a clever, if very cynical, campaign. (One tin-earred exception was when he criticized his opponent based on his law school alma mater, St. Mary's in San Antonio.) And Smith ran as an incumbent. Notwithstanding these advantages, the fact that he lost to a moderate-conservative opponent speaks well for the voters in the Republican primary IMHO. Smith is an extremist, a divisive force. I oppose racial entitlement programs, and will give Smith the benefit of the doubt as to whether he's a closet racist; but I still found Smith to be an unappealing candidate and rejoice in his defeat.

Likewise, Victor Carrillo's heavy plurality achieved against three opponents with Anglo surnames is a very encouraging sign that rank and file Texas Republicans are willing and able to render votes based on the candidates' respective qualifications rather than their obvious race or ethnicity. Carrillo's prospects for the run-off now look pretty solid.

It's always tempting to paint everyone from the political party one opposes as being extremists, racists, demons, etc. But I would hope that Dems might express at least grudging recognition (if not necessarily approval or endorsement) to these results. Both Green and Carrillo enjoyed support and endorsements from the Texas Republican Party leadership, and the rank and file voters responded well. Perhaps my friends from the Left will keep this in mind in the future when choosing whether to select the broadest brush in your political rhetoric paintbox.

Right on, Beldar.

And I think it's worth noting that the Republican primary electorate this year was probably a little different than it was in 2002.

I believe turnout in the GOP primaries were lower than in '02, which probably put more power in the hands of the establishment types.