If either candidate has coat-tails that reach right down to state level, he can influence the party balance in the state legislatures which, after 2000, will be redrawing the lines of congressional districts (hence affecting future elections).

ECONOMIST: All sewn up?

The big balance in the Rainy Day Fund might also be tapped to help counties in the Eagle Ford and elsewhere in the state to fund the repair and improvement of county roads that are being impacted by the high volume of heavy truck traffic that comes along with rapid oil and gas development.

FORBES: The Blessing That is the Eagle Ford Shale