Few Democrats willing to stand up for statewide races (in Texas)

[Thom Little]

On the eve of an election year when the governorship, a U.S. Senate seat and other statewide posts are on the ballot, the Texas Democratic Party last week was urging visitors to its Web site to get behind four hopefuls — including the mother of NFL quarterback Drew Brees — running for the Austin-based 3rd Court of Appeals. Activists insist that their focus on races such as the 24-county judicial contest is not a sign that the party is giving up in the larger elections.

.......

"It's important for us to see how the filing period goes," said Ruben Hernandez, executive director of the Texas Democratic Party. "We're optimistic that credible candidates will present themselves."

By this time four years ago, Democrats already had drawn seasoned politicians to run in several key races. Now, the party appears to be focused on down-ballot races and peeling off a handful of legislative seats.

"Democrats might win an isolated election due to peculiar circumstances related to that one election," said Thomas Myers, a political science professor at Baylor University. "But as far as making any kind of systematic comeback across the state, I don't see that happening."


http://www.statesman.com/hp/content/metro/stories/12/4democrats.html

[bluestateguy]

1. If every Texas Democrat moved to a swing state, we could change America

Does it really do any good to even have a Texas Democratic Party anymore? They have not won an election since 1994. We were promised a comeback in 2002 with the infamous "Dream Team". They all lost. All but one lost by double digits. But if every Texas Democrat moved to Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Colorado or Nevada, national politics could be changed dramatically.

I'll be out of Texas within 12 months.

[pop goes the weasel]

2. The headline is misleading

Which isn't surprising for the Austin American Realestateman. The rest of the article goes on to say that, since Democrats have been out of power in Texas, they are concentrating on winning more seats in the Lege and that the candidates who have declared for state-wide races are not people who currently hold office. They also quote quisling Ron Kirk, who thinks Dems shouldn't run if they can't win. Good strategy there, Ron--giving up. Of course, he couldn't just be bitter about loosing the 2002 primary, could he?

[MagickMuffin]

3. The Only Reason the TX Supreme Court

is filled with Repubs, is the simple fact that they are almost always running unopposed.

It's sad really and I can't for the life of me figure out why! Surely there must be Dems that are qualified.

Then of course there is always the issue of voter fraud. I know it exist in our state.
Just this last election I was told I was not on the voter rolls. The clerk did not even attempt to look for my name. I felt like I was being profiled because of my attire.

We can only win back seats if we have candidates. Otherwise our state will continue to give the illusion that we are all Repubs.