Testimony is underway before a Special Master of Discovery and members of a House select committee to determine a winner in last November's House District 48 election.
Democratic incumbent Donna Howard won the election by 12 votes, following a recount. But Republican challenger Dan Neil claims that a handful of votes were cast by people not eligible to vote in the Travis County house district.
State Rep. Will Hartnett (R-Dallas) is presiding over the hearing. He was appointed as Special Master by House Speaker Joe Straus last month, serving as chief factfinder in the dispute. He will issue a report to the House Select Committee on Election Contest, recommending whether Ms. Howard or Mr. Neil should represent House District 48.
