I’m beginning to sense a slight shift in emphasis from one of the candidates for the Texas House of Representatives District 87 Republican primary. It came the other night from Walter “Four” Price of Amarillo, one of two GOP hopefuls seeking the nomination; the other candidate is Victor Leal, also of Amarillo.

Price talked a bit more openly Sunday night in a TV interview about his long-standing relationship with District 87. Price said he grew up in the district, and has lived in it for most of his life. The contrast with his opponent, Leal, is unmistakable, who only recently moved into District 87 from neighboring District 86.

And this campaign is beginning to take on a more aggressive tone as well, even though the two Republicans have few philosophical differences between them.

I’m guessing the aggressiveness will center on the issue of who is more attuned to the district. The media are reporting now on questions that have surfaced about Leal’s residency and whether he’s actually living in District 87. And this thread is bound to make partisans on both sides a bit uncomfortable, given how unfamiliar many folks here are with contested races among non-incumbent state legislative candidates.

David Swinford has held the seat since 1991 and has won re-election handily ever since. His pals John Smithee and Warren Chisum hardly ever draw opponents. So, with Swinford’s impending retirement from the House, District 87 voters are facing a serious debate between two serious and well-financed GOP candidates. What’s more, the winner of this battle is going to face Democrat Abel Bosquez and Libertarian James Hudspeth this fall.

So, this campaign is just getting warmed up.

Isn’t it fun?