Note to readers: I am getting my information from the state Democratic party’s list of candidates who have filed. Candidates may also file in their home counties, so the list on the TDP’s web site should not be regarded as complete. Mark Homer — A lot of Democrats were worried that he would not file for reelection after Hopson switched parties, but he has filed. Tara Rios Ybarra — She was the target of some nasty web videos, laden with gossip, after the end of the 09 session, and a restaurateur from Kingsville was going to run against her, but she has lots of money and no one has filed against her so far. “Vulnerable” Republican seats in Harris county — The targeted Republican seats were Bohac’s and Legler’s. The Democratic challengers for both seats filed in Harris County. Previously, I wrote that a couple of incumbent state reps have not appeared on the Democratic filing sheet: Thibaut (Harris) and Maldonado (Williamson). Both are freshman in tough districts. I have since been informed that Thibaut filed in Harris County. Primary races and open seats: –Norma Chavez is being challenged by Antonio “Tony” San Ramon –Patrick Rose is being challenged by Andrew Backus –Terri Hodge is being challenged by Eric Johnson –Kino Flores’s seat is being contested by Sandra Rodriguez, who lost to Kino in 08, and Sergio Munoz, son of an undistinguished former state rep. –Loretta Haldenwang has filed against Linda Harper-Brown. –Democrats have a challenger in the seats where Corte, Farabee, and Swinford are retiring. Republicans should pick up Farabee’s seat and hold the other two. –Former Court of Criminal Appeals judge Morris Overstreet (1990-1998) has filed for a position on the First Court of Appeals in Harris County. –Several sites are reporting that Hector Uribe has filed for the Democratic nomination for land commissioner. Uribe was a rising star in the state Senate in the late eighties. His career took a downward plunge when a session ended with a filibuster by John Leedom over a bill for workers comp for farmworkers, if my recollection is correct. After the session expired at midnight, Uribe held a press conference and blasted Lieutenant Governor Hobby for recognizing Leedom to filibuster, thereby killing the bill. That was the end of Uribe’s legislative career, or at least the end of his effectiveness. Hobby punished him for the public rebuke. Uribe should have kept quiet and held a press conference the next day at which he could have indicated his disappointment and also his understanding of Leedom’s right to filibuster under the rules. There is always another day in the Legislature, except when you alienate the chair.