HD-20: AP Calls it for Schwertner

The Republican voters of Williamsom and Milam counties will be spared a runoff in the HD-20 race for outgoing state Rep. Dan Gattis' seat. Dr. Charles Schwertner, an orthopedic surgeon, has emerged with more than 50 percent of the vote in tonight's primary, and The Associated Press has declared him the winner. Schwertner beat out three others: former Lege Council head Milton Rister, former Cedar Park councilmember Stephen Thomas and auditor Patsy Williams. All the candidates expected a runoff.

Schwertner, who is backed by the Texas Medical Association, spent four times as much as Thomas and Rister from Jan. 22 to Feb. 20, according to campaign finance reports. It seems to have paid off.