Reliably Republican Williamson County could be taking a more Democratic turn if much-watched Texas House District 52 selects Democrat Diana Maldonado.

"It's an educated workforce; it's a informed community, and the leadership needs to reflect the values of the people moving into the county as well as the people have already been here established," said Maldonado.

She faces Republican Bryan Daniel in a race for retiring state Rep. Mike Krusee's seat in the Texas House. Democrats have zeroed in on the race as a chance for a possible pickup -- they need five more seats to regain the majority in the house.

Maldonado's campaign is hoping to capitalize on a growing district in a change election year.

"The growth has been swelling, and it seems like people have been taking notice," Maldonado said.

But House District 52, which includes Round Rock, Taylor, Hutto and parts of Georgetown still favored Republican candidates in recent elections, and Bryan Daniel says he's counting on it.

"If people are excited about turning out for John McCain then likely as not they're conservative voters and they'll appreciate my conservative message," said Daniel.

Daniel served as an agriculture policy analyst in the U.S. House before becoming a businessman. Maldonado worked at the Texas Comptroller's office before becoming a Round Rock ISD board member. He and Maldonado say they are both running on the issues. Maldonado sees public education as priority number one; Daniel says "pocketbook issues" like property taxes will be on his agenda, if elected.

"I'd like to see government do a more efficient job," Daniel said.

In the money race, Daniel trails Maldonado. The latest campaign finance reports show Daniel has about $19,000 in available cash to Maldonado's $278,000.

"I don't think she has an advantage whatsoever based on that report or anything she's done locally," Daniel said.

Maldonado says Democrats in Williamson County do remain the underdogs.

"It's okay to be a Democrat and be in Williamson County, and the underdog serves as a reminder of the struggle we've come through for a very long time," she said.