TRO lifted, hearing Monday

The temporary order which prohibited the Texas GOP from going forward with their DeLay replacement plans has been lifted. There's supposed to be a trial on Monday in front of federal judge Sam Sparks.

I'd be very surprised if Democrats win. DeLay might've been circumventing the spirit of the law, but he certainly appears to be within the letter of the law. Combine that with the fact that courts historically tend to rule in favor of electoral choice, and I'd expect a GOP win. Also, the expedited process would tend to favor the GOP.

Stockman not on the ballot

Here's the Chron's Clay Robison:

Former congressman Steve Stockman, however, failed to qualify as an independent candidate for the 22nd Congressional District seat vacated by former U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay of Sugar Land.

Stockman turned in about 600 signatures, but fewer than the 500 he needed were ruled valid, Williams' spokesman, Scott Haywood said.

The Legend of Steve Stockman continues to grow.