TEMPLE, Texas -- Longshot U.S. Senate candidate Paul Sadler likes to point to his record of bipartisanship as an influential member of the Texas House for 12 years.

But the Democrat left the Legislature nine years ago and in today's political climate, a willingness to work with the other side may be a liability.

Still, Sadler says that obstructionism by conservative officeholders is to blame for congressional gridlock. He says that's not what Texas voters want, even if a Democrat hasn't won statewide office here since 1994.

Sadler says "when you do good things together, good things happen."

That's a far cry from his opponent, Ted Cruz, a tea party darling calling for a great conservative awakening.

Cruz is the prohibitive favorite to replace retiring Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in next month's election.