Sunday, August 14, 2005
The Ballot Fills Up
Texas Democrats finally have more than one reason to get excited about November 2006, and maybe even March 2006.
Chris Bell made his run for the Governor's Mansion official yesterday.
Topping the ballot will be the race for Governor. With his appearance in Austin yesterday, former Congressman Chris Bell (ousted by Tom DeLay's redistricting) made his run for the job official. After exploring a run for months he revealed his decision to bloggers and other supporters via e-mail July 28.
Bell will face at least one other Democrat in the primary. A brother and sister pair from Fort Worth are running for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, respectively. They're long shots, but I admire their drive. My vote is far from decided, and they could get it. They do have a very slight advantage in being the first to officially declare their candidacies. So far, she's the only declared Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
The spoilers in the race come from an independent campaign gaining steam and a GOP primary that could pull Democratic primary voters across the aisle.
Kindy Friedman asks voters, "Why the Hell not?"
That independent spoiler is legendary Texas author, musician, and humorist Kinky Friedman. Running as an independent for anything in Texas is extremely difficult, but a lot of people like Kinky. He has vast appeal to the middle and to liberals who are frustrated with repeated failures and squabbles on the part of the Texas Democratic Party establishment.
Another Texas author (and liberal), Molly Ivins, is said to be helping Kinky. She's the brains behind his excellent slogan. This Texas liberal is also giving Kinky a serious look. As per Texas election law, in order to sign Kinky's massive petition drive liberals like me cannot vote in the Democratic primary. It's a tough decision, but so far it's the direction I'm leaning in.
On the GOP side, Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton...skip a few...Strayhorn (a.k.a. One Tough Wife) is looking to crossover Democrats to help her beat the sitting governor Rick Perry. The Austin American-Statesman reports:
Strayhorn shot back Tuesday on Austin radio station KVET-FM: "November is great, but first I need you to vote on March 7. I want Republicans, Democrats, independents. All are welcome," Strayhorn said. "And bring all your friends with you."
Elsewhere on the ballot are a race for Attorney General and the race to unseat Tom DeLay.
David Van Os is Melder's choice for Attorney General
David Van Os is my choice for Texas Attorney General, regardless of who else may enter the race. I've been a longtime admirer of Mr. Van Os. He is a student of this state's populist roots and will make the A.G.'s office do what it's supposed to do: represent the people.
The incumbent Republican A.G. Greg Abbott worked hard to bring tort reform to Texas. That's after he won his own personal injury lawsuit. That makes him the honorary conductor on the Republican Hypocrisy Express.
Nick Lampson could be getting revenge.
Another race of interest is in Congressional District 22, the home of Tom DeLay. Nick Lampson, another victim of DeLay's redistricting, will take on the King of Corruption at home.
He's been doing his best to keep DeLay's ethical problems on the public radar screen, and had a good day Friday. A federal grand jury in Fort Lauderdale indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, someone whom Tom DeLay called one of his "closest and dearest friends," on five counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy.
Meanwhile, the FEC is also looking into DeLay's activities, and the American Jewish Committee thinks DeLay is "insidious" to speak at today's Justice Sunday II. Haliburton seems to be the only group happy with DeLay, as they just got the same amout of money the Veterans Affairs administration needs.
Chris Bell made his run for the Governor's Mansion official yesterday.
Topping the ballot will be the race for Governor. With his appearance in Austin yesterday, former Congressman Chris Bell (ousted by Tom DeLay's redistricting) made his run for the job official. After exploring a run for months he revealed his decision to bloggers and other supporters via e-mail July 28.
Bell will face at least one other Democrat in the primary. A brother and sister pair from Fort Worth are running for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, respectively. They're long shots, but I admire their drive. My vote is far from decided, and they could get it. They do have a very slight advantage in being the first to officially declare their candidacies. So far, she's the only declared Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
The spoilers in the race come from an independent campaign gaining steam and a GOP primary that could pull Democratic primary voters across the aisle.
Kindy Friedman asks voters, "Why the Hell not?"
That independent spoiler is legendary Texas author, musician, and humorist Kinky Friedman. Running as an independent for anything in Texas is extremely difficult, but a lot of people like Kinky. He has vast appeal to the middle and to liberals who are frustrated with repeated failures and squabbles on the part of the Texas Democratic Party establishment.
Another Texas author (and liberal), Molly Ivins, is said to be helping Kinky. She's the brains behind his excellent slogan. This Texas liberal is also giving Kinky a serious look. As per Texas election law, in order to sign Kinky's massive petition drive liberals like me cannot vote in the Democratic primary. It's a tough decision, but so far it's the direction I'm leaning in.
On the GOP side, Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton...skip a few...Strayhorn (a.k.a. One Tough Wife) is looking to crossover Democrats to help her beat the sitting governor Rick Perry. The Austin American-Statesman reports:
Strayhorn shot back Tuesday on Austin radio station KVET-FM: "November is great, but first I need you to vote on March 7. I want Republicans, Democrats, independents. All are welcome," Strayhorn said. "And bring all your friends with you."
Elsewhere on the ballot are a race for Attorney General and the race to unseat Tom DeLay.
David Van Os is Melder's choice for Attorney General
David Van Os is my choice for Texas Attorney General, regardless of who else may enter the race. I've been a longtime admirer of Mr. Van Os. He is a student of this state's populist roots and will make the A.G.'s office do what it's supposed to do: represent the people.
The incumbent Republican A.G. Greg Abbott worked hard to bring tort reform to Texas. That's after he won his own personal injury lawsuit. That makes him the honorary conductor on the Republican Hypocrisy Express.
Nick Lampson could be getting revenge.
Another race of interest is in Congressional District 22, the home of Tom DeLay. Nick Lampson, another victim of DeLay's redistricting, will take on the King of Corruption at home.
He's been doing his best to keep DeLay's ethical problems on the public radar screen, and had a good day Friday. A federal grand jury in Fort Lauderdale indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, someone whom Tom DeLay called one of his "closest and dearest friends," on five counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy.
Meanwhile, the FEC is also looking into DeLay's activities, and the American Jewish Committee thinks DeLay is "insidious" to speak at today's Justice Sunday II. Haliburton seems to be the only group happy with DeLay, as they just got the same amout of money the Veterans Affairs administration needs.
