The Gossips have had time to look at the Tom DeLay resignation and now believe that Nick Lampson will have a hard time winning this seat against almost any Republican. In last year's Chronicle poll voters in the 22nd District were asked:

"Generally speaking when it comes to political parties would you describe yourself as a Democrat, a Republican, and independent or what?" Forty-two percent of the sample identified as Republicans, 27 percent as Democrats, 23 percent as independents and eight percent either didn't know, refused to answer or identified with some other party". So the GOP candidate only needs to pick up a third of the Independents to win the seat. The Democrat needs all the Democrats and all the Independents.

And the Gossips wonder if the DeLay withdraw will cause former Congressman Steve Stockman to end his campaign against DeLay. Stockman has made his displeasure with DeLay well known in the District and without DeLay Stockman might decide not to take the plunge.

And the Gossips were surprised by Dr.George Shipley announcing that he is advising Carole Strayhorn in her independent race for Governor. Shipley or Dr. Dirt as he is known is a longtime Democratic consultant in Austin and over the years has been close to the trial lawyers. Perhaps that is the link to Strayhorn.

And in the Governor's race some folks are saying not to write off Chris Bell to soon. An analysis of the race and some recent polls have Chris in second place against Governor Perry. The Gossips have watched Chris in many races and agree that he should not be dismissed to early. He will run a good race against the Governor and who knows what will happen in the special session of the legislature.