Texas went for McCain, big whoop. But the real story is in the margins. George W. Bush carried Texas over John Kerry by a 61%-38% margin. Four years later John McCain has carried the Lone Star state by a comparatively weak 55%-44%. The gap has shrunk by 12% points in the democrats favor.
Here's the quick scorecard post election day:
US Senate: Cornyn 55%-43%, no change
US House: Dems - 1 for 20 R - 12 D
State Senate: Dems +1 for 18 R - 12 D and 1 outstanding (R defense)
State House: Dems +3 for 75 R - 74 D and 1 outstanding (R defense)
Dallas County moves to hard democratic, from weak democratic
Harris County (Houston) emerges as a purple county from solid republican
Tarrant County (Fort Worth) reflects the state as a whole
Bexar County (San Antonio) has a slight democratic lean
Travis County (Austin) is a liberal bastion of democrats
