Just how badly did Republicans do in two Texas special elections over the weekend? Not as badly as apocalyptic headlines in left-leaning outlets would suggest — but badly enough that Republicans nationwide have to learn some searing lessons. The GOP lost both races , but one was for a US House seat that’s been in Democrats’ hands for decades. Christian Menefee’s victory narrows the GOP’s congressional majority only because that safely blue seat had been vacant since Rep. Sylvester Turner died