13. November, 1996 Election - Contested Elections

District 3 - Jose De Lara, Republican, incumbent, San Antonio, appointed by Gov. Bush to fill the term of Esteban Sosa who retired, will be opposed by Democrat Joe J. Bernal.

District 4 [Central Harris County]- Alma Allen, Democrat, Houston, incumbent, is opposed by Republican Earl J. Ehlers. Alma Allen's district is primarily Democrat and she has actively campaigned.

District 5 - Robert Offutt, Republican, San Antonio, a pediatric dentist, incumbent, will be opposed by Democrat Nettie Ruth Bratton, a retired teacher from Kingsland. Dr. Offutt is highly respected in his profession and for his contributions to the SBOE.

District 7 [Brazoria, Galveston, Chambers, Jefferson, and southeast Harris County]- David Bradley, Republican, Beaumont, Texas, is the nominee. He is self employed in insurance and real estate management. He is opposed by Democrat Rema Lou Brown of League City. Bradley has made significant inroads with mainstream Democrats. Rema Lou Brown is former Chairwoman of the Texas Chapter of the National Organization of Women and has been endorsed by Gay/Lesbian groups in Austin and Houston, and similar organizations, and has more appeal to the liberal faction of the Democrat party. The make up of the district is probably 50/50 liberal/conservative.

District 10 [Ft. Bend County]- Will Davis, Democrat, Austin, is opposed by Republican Charlie Weaver, a retired businessman. Will Davis is an articulate member of the SBOE and has generally supported liberal causes. He is also a registered lobbyist. Charlie Weaver is actively supported by Tom Landry, and while lacking the personal resources of Will Davis, is expected to run a strong race.

District 11 - Richard Neil, Republican, Ft. Worth, a dentist. He is opposed by Democrat Robert M. Platt of Ft. Worth. The district is 70% Republican.

District 12 - Republican Geraldine "Tincy" Miller, incumbent, Dallas, opposed by Democrat Barbara V. Montgomery, a retired teacher from Rockwall. Mrs. Miller has gone head to head with liberal members of SBOE who support the whole language approach to reading and oppose going back to phonics because the change would be too expensive. Mrs. Miller articulately makes the case that continuing failed teaching methods is the most expensive in terms of dollars and people.

Voting Tendencies by SBOE members

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