A Republican judicial candidate who lost a district court election in Harris County, Texas, is the first of almost two dozen disappointed contestants to have their case reach a civil trial. The case comes as the Democratic stronghold, home to Houston, faces unprecedented intervention from the state’s GOP-led Legislature. Challengers allege ballot shortages, equipment problems and other issues reported last year fowled election outcomes. GOP judicial candidate Erin Lunceford is suing to have her election results thrown out and a new election ordered. Lawyers for her Democratic opponent say there's no evidence that voting problems affected the outcome. The trial started Tuesday in Houston.
