A third-party opinion on SD10

Arlington Libertarian Richard A. Cross is new to politics.

But so far, he's enjoying his role as the low-profile challenger in the Texas Senate District 10 race, joining incumbent Republican Kim Brimer and Fort Worth Democrat Wendy Davis at forums.

He said he sees both candidates as "pretty much the same." But he doesn't like either campaign so far, adding that "from what I've seen in the mail, Brimer is being vilified."

Cross also said he disagrees with an Austin writer who wrote Friday that Libertarians might help Democrats win close races.

"I'm a former Democratic precinct chairman, and all my friends used to be Democrats," he said. "If we take votes away from anybody -- and I don't think we do -- I don't think we affect the Republicans."

--Bud Kennedy