Is political change going to come to Texas in 2010?

[white cloud]

Get ready for some tough political fights.

In late January a group called the Tea Party Support is planning a national symposium in San Antonio. The event will feature Texas Gov. Rick Perry and other well-known conservative speakers such as former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and radio and television commentator Sean Hannity.
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Yet something happened a week ago that makes you wonder. In Houston, the voters elected Annise Parker, the first openly gay mayor in the city's history. As some pundits immediately noted, although only 16 percent of the registered voters went to the polls, the 52 percent who voted for Parker ignored last-minute gay bashing mailers from a conservative group and did something rare. They rejected the Houston business establishment's candidate.>>>>>>>>>
http://lubbockonline.com/stories/121909/col_537231096.shtml

[sonias]

1. The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal opinion piece

In the end, no one expects the Republicans to lose control of the state government but to stay in power some may have to put up a good fight - in the primary and in the general election.

I wonder what will happen when change does happen. I'm sure the LAJ was shocked Obama won the election in 2008. Seems to me someone's in a bit of denial about how fast things can change.
:eyes:

Sonia

[Lithos]

2. That's my take

I think the Pukes will keep government. However, I think they may lose a bit more of their grasp and a Dem or two will make it into state wide office.

L-

[derby378]

8. Nobody expected a Dem takeover of the US House and Senate in 2006, either

It's time to start expecting a few miracles...

[martymar64]

3. The tipping point is not quite there yet. Maybe in '12 but likely not later than '16.

We'll continue to see small changes each election cycle, driven mostly by the changing demographics of the state. I think the big indicators will be when we get a Senate seat or the Governor's Mansion. I hoping sooner rather than later.

[WolverineDG]

4. Did y'all read about Medina?

There was an article in La Empty (Laredo Morning Times, LMT) about her today & how some Repubs are worried that she'll cause a blood bath & run-off in the primary.

Goodie. :evilgrin: :popcorn:

dg

[crispini]

5. Hee hee hee.

If I weren't such a good Democrat I'd be awfully tempted to cross over and vote in their primary, just for the hell of it.

[sonias]

6. Here's a link to a AAS story I posted on the statewide database thread

Medina adds fire, uncertainty in governor's race Debra Medina snagged spot in Thursday's TV debate.

Tea bags anyone?


Sonia

[sonias]

7. 2010: Can Texas Democrats Dream Again?

Texas Observer 1/6/10
2010: Can Texas Democrats Dream Again?
(snip)
Maybe the best news for Texas Dems—aside from White's blessed reversal—is that they'll actually have party primaries that might create a few fireworks and stir some interest without tearing the party apart. The party's top statewide vote-getter from 2006, East Texas rancher Hank Gilbert, will face off against Kinky Friedman, who dropped his inexplicable run for governor to try for (Inexplicable Part II) Agriculture Commissioner. The winner could have an outside shot at knocking off the Republican functionary now running Ag, Todd Staples.

The Lite Gov primary will offer less sideshow entertainment than Gilbert vs. Friedman. But for Democrats—and potentially, for any Texan interested in good and honest government—it offers far more consequential stakes. Former Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle, a white-hatted hero to many progressives for prosecuting Tom Delay, Sen. Hutchison and even himself, threw his hat in the ring. And then Linda Chavez- Thompson—sharecropper's daughter, national labor leader and vice chair of the Democratic National Committee—followed suit, potentially giving Democrats a boost in Latino turnout. (See her announcement here.)

I'm sure having good 2010 dreams. And they're a lot better than our "dream ticket" year too!


Sonia