> You may try the ULNxxxx chips. Go to DigiKey.com and search for 'uln'. I
> think they have high gain (darlington) and already include the base
> resistor and reverse voltage diodes.

here is the techsheet for the ULN series:

http://www-s.ti.com/sc/ds/uln2004a.pdf

Now... I'm a little confused with the COM connection.  Would that go to,
say, +12V, in the case where the relay coil is connected between +12V and
output C?  And E would just get tied to ground?

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