Ron Paul's Former Seat Up for Grabs

Democrats see an opportunity for a pick-up

In Ron Paul's congressional district of 15 years, Democrats such as art gallery owner Elisabeth Lanier feel this could finally be their year to take the seat — and not because of the political climate or how district lines were redrawn.

It's because "Dr. No" is no longer on the ballot.

"I'm sure he's a nice man and so forth," said Lanier, whose Galveston storefront was swamped with seven feet of water during Hurricane Ike in 2008, when Paul absorbed criticism for not doing more for his storm-battered constituents. "But he did virtually nothing and feels that government should do nothing."