Political People and their Moves

Gov. Rick Perry set a special election to replace the late Rep. Ken Legler for November 6 — the same day as the general election. Legler's widow, Barbara Legler, is planning to run for the rest of his term, which ends in January; filing for that election ends August 23. The winner of the special election will be replaced by the winner in a newly drawn HD-144. That general election race will pit Republican David Pineda against Democrat Mary Ann Perez against Libertarian Robb Rourke

Ray Sullivan, late of Perry's presidential campaign, is reopening his public affairs business. Sullivan was Perry's chief of staff and worked in the George W. Bush administration, too. 

Jay Pritchard joins The Richards Group, where he'll work for political and lobby clients. He's a veteran of several campaigns and worked in the Legislature a decade ago.

Jesse Lewis resigns as executive director of the Republican Party of Texas, and will lobby. He'll be replaced by Beth Cubriel, the party's organization director. And Chris Elam adds the deputy executive director title to his job handling communications. 

This week's endorsements include:

Rep. Jodie Laubenberg, R-Parker, for Steve Nguyen in the HD-115 runoff against Bennett Ratliff.

Attorney General Greg Abbott and state Sen. Dan Patrick of Houston for Greg Bonnen in the HD-24 runoff against Ryan Sitton.

Heidi Theiss, the third-place finisher in that HD-24 race, for Sitton.

The Texas Hospital Association's PAC for Ken Sapp in the HD-91 Republican runoff against Stephanie Klick.

Scott Sanford, the only candidate still standing in Collin County's HD-70, for Jeff Leach over Jon Cole in the GOP's HD-67 runoff.

The PAC affiliated with the Texas Association of Manufacturers for Barry Smitherman, who's seeking election to the Texas Railroad Commission.

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Surfside, for Rep. Randy Weber, in the race for Paul's CD-14 seat. Paul, running for president, decided not to seek another term in Congress.

U.S. Rep. Ted Poe, R-Conroe, for Felicia Harris in that CD-14 race.

U.S. Rep. Al Green, D-Houston, for Jamaal Smith in the Democratic runoff for HD-137 against Gene Wu.