New journalism group Texas Watchdog takes a look at the Dallas sheriff's race, which pits incumbent Lupe Valdez against GOP challenger Lowell Cannaday. For many the race is seen as a bellwether on how the GOP will fare statewide this election season.

She's pictured here to the left with some famous superheroes at last year's National Night Out in Dallas. (Opponents of Lupe might argue all those pictured have something in common -- they're all fictional crimefighters.)

An analysis by former Dallas Observer political scribe Matt Pulle examines the question: If the Republicans can't win in Texas against this character, who can they defeat?

Texas Watchdog interviews key players in the race and examines the now controversial chicken video and the even more controversial Web site offwithherbadge.com - neither of which portray Lupe in a flattering light.

But Texas Watchdog also finds Democrats who say that some of the less-than-flattering press has little to do with juvenile chicken videos and more to do with Lupe herself.

Texas Watchdog is a news Web site and training center that scrutinizes the actions of government agencies, bureaucracies and politicians in Texas. It is an independent, nonpartisan entity founded on the belief that our American democracy depends on transparency in government.

For more information:

Trent Seibert, editor

713-366-7974

trent@texaswatchdog.org