Annex Endorsements, 2006 Democratic Primary, Part 1

[Author's Note: This is the first of two pieces on Annex endorsements. Today, we'll cover the major races, i.e. Governor, Lt. Governor, etc., and Texas Congress and State Senate Races. Tuesday, we'll make our State House endorsements (look for a surprise or two here)].
After a lot of consideration, much research and the like, I’m proud to issue the Capitol Annex 2006 Democratic Primary Endorsements. Keep in mind that, regardless of who wins the primary, we’ll support only Democrats in November:

Governor of Texas: Chris Bell. This is an endorsement that I feel is of particular importance. Both major candidates in this race, Chris Bell and Bob Gammage, have excellent records of service to the people of Texas. Both are reformers, and both are fine people. However, I believe the race for Texas governor is about the future—not the past. While I believe Bob Gammage would make a fine governor, I believe Chris Bell would make a better one. Neither the attacks on Bob Gammage’s record nor on Chris Bell’s record have impressed me. Every Congressman has votes they aren’t proud of and every Congressman must vote their constituants once in a while even though it may be against what they believe in personally. I have no doubt that both Bell and Gammage are pro-choice, pro-education and pro-most everything else Democrats stand for. But, what sets Chris Bell apart is that, in my view, is that he’s a leader for a new generation of Texans. He’s a leader who’s fought the fight against Republicans in recent years as a public official. Chris Bell is the real deal. He’s not Rick Perry lite or an unprogressive Democrat. He knows what is wrong with Texas, and has a plan for how to fix it. I support Chris Bell for Governor.

Lieutenant Governor of Texas. Maria Luisa Alvarado.  I came dangerously close to making no endorsement in this race whatsoever. Before telling you why I support Alvarado, let me tell you why I almost made no endorsement in this race. First of all, though I have information about both candidates, I found it shocking that, given the importance of the web to campaigns today, that Ben Grant didn’t have any web presence whatsoever until recently. He now has a website. Second, with regard again to Judge Grant, it seemed as though his late entry into the race had more to do with helping other candidates win than with winning the race himself. Although his more recent comments are a departure from that, he does not seem to be as viable a candidate as I initially thought he was. Yes, he has mounds of experience, and, as a member of the Dirty 30, he’s a bona fide hero to millions of Texans, including me, but that doesn’t mean he’s a good candidate. With regard to Ms. Alvarado, I have extensive concerns about her underfunded effort, although she was working and had a website up months before filing. I decided to support Ms. Alvarado because I believe she has a reason for running more than just to support down-ballot candidates. From her website:

It is due to her analyses and critical thinking                about current issues affecting Texans and the lack of appropriate                response by state leaders that has challenged her to run for elected                office.

Granted, Ms. Alvarado has no experience as an elected official. But, neither did David Dewhurst before he became Land Commissioner. However, I do believe Ms. Alvarado has a desire within her heart to work for change in Texas. This does not mean I don’t have concerns about her candidacy which I’d like resolved: I don’t know her position on a woman’s right to choose, an important thing for the presiding officer of the Texas senate. However, I will vote for Alvarado in the Primary.

Attorney General of Texas. David Van Os. Although this is an unopposed race, I would feel remiss in not showing my strong support for David Van Os. Over decades of work, David has demonstrated that he has the qualities to be the People’s Lawyer.

Agriculture Commissioner. Koecadee Melton, Jr. This, too, was a difficult race to decide upon. Mr. Gilbert has experience as an elected official with the Walnut Springs WSC Board, while Mr. Melton has experience in the TxDOAg. I support Mr. Melton because I believe that his knowledge of the agency (having worked for Hightower) will enable him to better run the agency, and point out what the Republican Ag Commissioner, Susan Combs, screwed up and what her pre-ordained successor, Todd Staples (R-Palestine) will likely continue to screw up.

U. S. Representative, District 1. Duane Shaw. First, some concerns: Neither candidate has any information at their respective websites on whether or not they are pro-choice, and Roger Owen has little information about his positions at all on his site and both candidates seem to be doing a little pandering to the hyper-religious climate in this district. That said, I believe Mr. Shaw is the better candidate. In contrast to his opponent, he appears to have well-articulated positions on a number of issues including the war in Iraq and education. Furthermore, we believe his professional experience will be beneficial to the citizens of the First District.

U. S. Representative, District 7. David Murff. This district pitts two very desirable candidates against each other. Former school teacher Jim Henley and David Murff would both make fine Congressmen. However, Mr. Murff stands out to me. As a practicing attorney with involvement in the securities business, I believe that the variety of knowledge and experience (including military service) Murff brings to the table will be an asset to voters. Without reservation, I endorse David Murff.

U.S. Representative, District 10. Ted Ankrum. Though I admire the fisty, outspokenness of 95-year-old DeLay hater and candidate in this race Sid Smith, and the desire to be a “Sam Rayborn Democrat” serving the people of Paul Foreman, I believe Ted Ankrum has the experience and leadership ability to best serve the people of CD 10.

U. S. Representative, District 28. Ciro Rodriguez. I’ve previously endorsed Mr. Rodriguez in this race, so I won’t elaborate on it much except to say that the people of his district need his experience in Congress, and the people of Texas need a real Democrat who will stand up for the people of Texas. That Cuellar is endorsed by Club for Growth and other groups is very trubling, along with his record of failing to vote in the best interests of his district.

State Senate, District 19. Carlos Uresti. Having previously made my endorsement in this race, I’ll leave you with this: Uresti is a leader for the people of Texas who will stand up for what is best for his district. He won’t lock the Democratic Party in his trunk.

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