Texas Supreme Court Won't Hear RodriguezElection Appeal

AUSTIN, Texas - (08/05/04) -- The state Supreme Court rejected arequest by Rep. Ciro Rodriguez to appeal his narrow loss in March'sDemocratic primary, virtually dooming the credit union-backedcandidate's chances. In its brief order, the state's high courtsaid it dismissed Rodriguez's appeal because it does not havejurisdiction over electoral disputes, with the state's appealscourts, which already rejected Rodriguez's bid, the final judge insuch cases. Rodriguez, elected seven years ago with heavy creditunion support, appeared to win the March primary by 145 votes, butfell behind his challenger, former Texas Secretary of State HenryCuellar, and ended up losing by a mere 58 votes in a recount.Rodriguez sued, claiming irregularities in the recount, but hischarges were dismissed last month by the state's appeals court. TheDemocratic nominee is almost assured of winning the congressionalseat, which encompasses the San Antonio area, in November's generalelection.