Texas congressman loses another round

SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- A Texas congressman has lost what may be the final round in his nearly five-month legal fight for survival.

The Texas Supreme Court refused Tuesday to hear the appeal of Rep. Ciro Rodriguez, D-Texas, the San Antonio Express-News reported. It was the third legal defeat for Rodriguez.

Henry Cuellar, a former Texas secretary of state, has held the lead in the close race for the Democratic nomination in the 28th District since the last recount.

Les Mendelsohn, Rodriguez's attorney, said he is considering asking the court to reconsider its decision, but he is unsure if it will make any difference in the outcome.

Rodriguez won the March 9 primary by a slim 145 votes, but Cuellar called for a recount that put him ahead by 203 votes. Cuellar's lawsuit claimed voting irregularities, but another court-ordered recount only decreased Cuellar's lead.

Cuellar faces Republican Jim Hopson of Seguin in the Nov. 2 general election.