If DeLay had stayed in....

[ag]

It would have been close, and I think that DeLay might have pulled it off, simply because the district would try and keep another Republican in office. It would probably spur a recall as well.

 But, if he stayed in, I would agree that it would sealed a lot more fates for other Republicans who won in very tight elections.

Exactly. DeLay would have, probably, survive - and Dems would have taken over another 10-15 districts elsewhere.