Update at 11 p.m.: With all but one precinct reporting, Republican Morgan Meyer will roll up a double-digit victory over Democrat Leigh Bailey. He’s got 61 percent of the vote.
Update at 10:20 p.m.: Meyer, the Republican, is still leading in House District 108. He’s got 60 percent of the votes with 40 of 66 precincts reporting.
Update at 9:50 p.m.: Republican Morgan Meyer continues to hold on to the lead as election returns roll in. He’s got 60 percent of the vote with 26 of 66 precincts reporting.
Update at 7 p.m.: Morgan Meyer is in the lead with 61 percent of early votes. His Democratic rival, Leigh Bailey, trails behind with 39 percent of early votes.
Original post: Texas House hopefuls and political newcomers Morgan Meyer and Leigh Bailey face off Tuesday for an open Dallas legislative seat.
Morgan Meyer and Leigh Bailey
Meyer, 40, the Republican, has an apparent edge in the GOP-heavy House District 108. The district covers central Dallas, the M Streets, the Park Cities and Preston Hollow. It’s been held by a Republican for over a decade.
But Bailey, 35, the Democrat, said she’s reached out to the area’s new and sporadic voters to try to make inroads. She said she’s run a more aggressive campaign that other Democrats who have competed in the district.
During the general election, Meyer and Bailey — both University Park lawyers — have clashed on abortion and fair pay laws. On abortion, Bailey supports it. Meyer opposes abortion except when the life of the woman is in danger.
Bailey knocked Meyer for opposing fair pay laws, aimed at abolishing wage disparity based on sex. In a mailer, she said Meyer’s policies “would set Texas back decades.”
Meyer rejected her criticism. He said he would support an equal pay bill, if it doesn’t duplicate federal law.
They also disagree on same-sex marriage, raising the minimum wage and whether Texas should issue driver’s permits to undocumented immigrants. Bailey favors all three, Meyer opposed.
Bailey says that Texas should accept federal money to expand Medicaid under the new health care law. Meyer backs Gov. Rick Perry’s decision to decline the funds.