Pharmacy's best friend in the Texas House of Representatives handily won a three-man primary race in his East Texas district yesterday, avoiding an expensive runoff.

"The support of pharmacists across the state has been wonderful," Hopson said. "The appeals in the TPBC newsletter brought in contributions and volunteers who walked the district or filled in as relief pharmacists for me.

"The calls of support from fellow independent pharmacists has been especially gratifying. Billie and I are so appreciative of your help."

Retired pharmacist Bill Morgan and his wife drove from Kerrville to Jacksonville and he worked an entire week for Hopson. Others gave up time off from their own pharmacies to spend a day as relief pharmacists for him.

This is Rep. Hopson's sixth campaign, but his first as a Republican. Last year he switched parties, much to the pleasure of the state's Republican leadership. House Speaker Joe Strauss designated Chuck's re-election a priority campaign. Yesterday's primary win positions Chuck for prime House committee assignments.

The final count shows Chuck pulled in 61.22 percent of the votes, way ahead of his opponents whose totals are 21.58 percent and 17.19 percent.

The strength of Chuck's win in this primary shows how well respected he is by both Republicans and Democrats. Everyone knows Chuck and everyone respects him as an independent pharmacist and as their voice in Austin.

He has a Democrat opponent in the November general election, but we believe he'll win that race strongly, too.

Stay tuned!

Richard E. Beck, RPh
Executive Director