Karnes Co. TX - NEWS - November 2004 This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Kimm Antell Copyright. All rights reserved. http://files.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************ Lady Cougars beat Runge RUNGE - Maegan Thomas tossed in 15 points and sparked the unbeaten Faith Academy Lady Cougars to a 43-34 win over Runge. Thomas hit one 3-pointer as the Lady Cougars improved to 4-0. Ashley Oldham, with 11 points, was the only Lady Yellowjacket to score in double figures, but Runge, now 0-1, also got eight points from Krysta Hynes and five points from Tiffany Vaughan. Faith jumped out to a 27-19 lead at the half. The Lady Cougars will host the Memorial freshmen B on Monday at 5:30 p.m. ************************************************ Opiela files election challenge in race for District 35 seat November 27, 2004 ROBIN M. FOSTER Victoria Advocate KARNES CITY - Eric Opiela, the Republican candidate for District 35 state representative, is asking for a recount in three counties of the district and has filed an election challenge with the state House of Representatives. Opiela, a Karnes County lawyer and rancher, lost the Nov. 2 general election to the Democratic candidate, Alice lawyer Yvonne Gonzales Toureilles, by less than 1 percent of the total votes cast, he said. The district includes Atascosa, Bee, Goliad, Jim Wells, Karnes, Live Oak and McMullen counties. "There was an 835-vote difference, and we believe, not in regards to the recount but in regards to the election challenge, that there were more than 835 illegal ballots that were cast and counted as part of those totals," Opiela said. Opiela said he is asking for a recount in Jim Wells and Bee counties because of known voting irregularities and in his home county to satisfy potential concerns that could be raised by Toureilles. Toureilles called the recount and challenge "unfortunate." "I find it extremely interesting that he's alleging voting irregularities in the two counties he's lost," Toureilles said. "I think it's unfortunate he's putting the constituents through this process. It's not in the best interests of the voters, and, historically, the odds are not in his favor." Voting irregularities cited by Opiela include blocks of voters signed by one person, voters who appeared to have voted twice - once in early voting and again on election day - and several instances of people who voted although it appeared they were not registered to vote. He said his campaign found these types of irregularities in both Jim Wells and Bee counties, and that the Bee County Sheriff's Office is also investigating. Opiela further claims that Toureilles' filings with the state Ethics Commission indicate that she paid individuals who are now under investigation for providing "illegal assistance" to voters during the election. "This is very troubling," Opiela said. "We don't think it's appropriate for people to try and buy the election, and we fear that's what's happened." Toureilles denies the claim and said she has not been contacted by anyone for any type of investigation. She said she contributed to get- out-the-vote initiatives sponsored by the local Democratic Party in each of the counties of District 35. "There is nothing illegal about that," she said. "He needs to accept the fact that he lost and move on," Toureilles said. "Nothing's going to change. He's not going to gain anything, and history shows this type of contest in not successful in the House of Representatives." The election challenge Opiela filed can have three outcomes, he said. One would approve the challenge and seat Opiela; another would deny the challenge and seat Toureilles, and the third would be an inconclusive finding that requires a special election, he said. Robin M. Foster is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact her at 361- 275-6319 or cueroadv@vicad.com