In the March 4 Texas Democratic Primary, Democrats across Texas have important choices to make. There are a number of candidates in contested Democratic Primary races across the state where Democrats’ choices are exceedingly important. In some cases, Democrats’ votes will help determine control of the Texas House of Representatives (or, at least the 2009 Speaker’s race). In other cases, Democrats’ votes will help ensure that voter registration is carried out properly. And, in one race, a small number of Texas voters are privileged to actually be able to cast the only votes in this election cycle which can be considered a mandate against the ignoring of longstanding corruption at the Texas Youth Commission.
Capitol Annex is proud, after much research and thought, to offer our endorsements in the following races.
President of the United States: Hillary Clinton. Please see our previous endorsement in this race.
United States Senate: Rick Noriega. In the race for United States Senate, there is only one clear choice for Texas Democrats: Rick Noriega. Rep. Noriega brings to the race unique qualifications, both as a legislator and as a soldier, which no other candidate in the race offers. Noriega is the only candidate in this race who can and will defeat John Cornyn in November. Rick Noriega has both the grassroots support and appeal to truly make him the people’s candidate. Noriega’s record as a legislator stands out as well, and he has the qualifications and experience necessary for this race.
Texas Railroad Commission: Dale Henry. Even if we did not work for Mr. Henry, he would be the clear choice in this race. He possesses far more than the minimum experience necessary to do this job and do it well. In addition, he is the only candidate in this race who proposes real reform and change for the Texas Railroad Commission. His principal opponent, Art Hall has, as the Dallas Morning News noted, a “forum shopping” aspect to his candidacy and clearly is seeking the position merely so that he can use it as a stepping-stone to higher office. Additionally, he has no experience in the oil and gas industry although he does have some worrying ties to the industry.
Supreme Court of Texas, Place 7: Sam Houston. In this race, Houston, a longtime litigator and appellate attorney, is the clear choice. His credentials and qualifications are superior to those of his opponent. Houston will also help bring balance to a court that is sorely lacking and is presently dominated by right-wing justices who are looking out more for corporate interests than anything else.
Supreme Court of Texas, Place 8: Susan Criss. Again, there is a clear choice in a statewide judicial race. Susan Criss is by far the candidate best suited to this position. Although some major newspaper editorial boards have cited her opponent’s experience on an appellate court as a major factor in making their decision, we believe that is not necessarily an asset for Yanez. The Texas Supreme Court, with its significant backlog and seemingly institutionalized pro-corporate, anti-consumer mindset, needs genuine change. Criss, a state district judge who has held major corporations like British Petroleum accountable to Texas law in her courtroom by ensuring justice is done in accordance with state law when it comes to corporate abuses, is the right choice for Texas Supreme Court and exemplifies that change. Criss will provide a stark contrast to the typical appellate justices and appellate lawyers who often seek seats on the Texas Supreme Court. She has, in all areas, truly qualified for this post. For those who still believe that a justice with “appellate court experience” is a requirement on the state’s highest civil court, we remind readers that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren, one of the most revered jurists in the nation if not the world, actually had no judicial experience when he took the job.
[This is the first in an ongoing series of endorsements leading up to the March 4 Primary Elections.]
It is a difficult task, picking a person to cast a ballot for in the race for President. That task is made especially difficult for us since our first choice, John Edwards, has suspended his campaign and left the race.
We have toiled no small amount over which candidate we believe has earned our support. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) both have much to offer our party, our state, and our nation. In making our endorsement back in September, we noted:
As Texas Democrats who still believe strongly in the dream of Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society, we at Capitol Annex believe that John Edwards is best suited–and has the best vision and plan–to roll-back the eight years of destruction that has been done to the policies of the New Deal and the Great Society by the Bush administration.
Since Senator Edwards left the race, we’ve been on the search for the candidate we believe is best for Texas, and our nation. We’ve carefully examined both candidates, and find much to like about each. We also find some things lacking–such as the fact that neither candidate has truly picked up Edwards’ banner to bring forward the great social reforms we need for the 21st Century–such as a new ‘War on Poverty,’ and his “Smart Trade” policy.
Last week, Capitol Annex released its endorsements on the 16 Amendments on the November 6 ballot. However, much of that was eclipsed by the news that day that Mikal Watts was leaving the race for U.S. Senate. So, we’re going to summarize our endorsements below and refer you to ourfourendorsementposts.
A quick and dirty list of our endorsements is below. Refer to the linked posts above for the reasons behind our choices.
There is a truly marvelous field of Democratic candidates seeking our Party’s nomination for President in 2008. We have longtime stars of our party like Hillary Clinton and rising stars like Barack Obama. But, to us here at Capitol Annex, one candidate stands out above the rest: John Edwards.
As Texas Democrats who still believe strongly in the dream of Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society, we at Capitol Annex believe that John Edwards is best suited–and has the best vision and plan–to roll-back the eight years of destruction that has been done to the policies of the New Deal and the Great Society by the Bush administration.
Lyndon Johnson’s dream was, as John Edwards’ is, for One America. We believe strongly in this. Edwards believes we can end poverty in America in a decade. It is a lofty goal, and America needs leaders with lofty goals willing to do everything possible to achieve them.
Too, John Edwards’ positions on a wide range of issues are, we believe, appropriately progressive. In particular, Edwards’ vision for protecting and restoring rural American resonate with us. Issues like rural recovery, rural broadband, and rural lending policies–and Edwards’ vision in that regard–should resonate with many Americans.
And, though Hillary Clinton has for a generation been America’s leading voice on universal health care, we believe John Edwards’ plan for health care for all, with emphasis on taking on big pharma and big insurance, is right for the time in which we live.
Edwards’ “Smart Trade” approach to trade policy (which has helped him earn the support of several labor unions) is also something we sorely need. After more than a decade of seeing an economic decline as a result of trade agreements like NAFTA, CAFTA, and more, now is the time for a progressive approach to trade that helps keep American jobs in America and doesn’t serve to deflate American wages. Edwards’ support of the Employee Free Choice Act is also a major plus for him.
A couple of other issues relating to working Americans also make us believe John Edwards is the clear choice for America:
# Make Work Pay: Edwards will increase the reward for working by raising the minimum wage to $9.50 by 2012, tripling the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for adults without children and cutting the EITC marriage penalty. In 2001, a $1 increase in the minimum wage alone would have lifted an estimated 900,000 people out of poverty. [Sawhill and Thomas, 2001]
# Protect Prevailing Wages: Edwards pledges to protect the Davis Bacon Act, which ensures that workers on federal construction projects receive the local prevailing wage. The Act prevents contractors from slashing wages in order to win federal contracts with low-ball bids. It was shocking when President Bush intervened to keep workers from earning a decent wage after Hurricane Katrina, but we must be vigilant every day against abuses.
# Help Families Save and Get Ahead: Half of American families say they are living paycheck to paycheck, and three out of 10 American workers have not been able to save a dime for their retirement. Edwards will crack down on abusive lenders by creating a new Families Savings and Credit Commission to protect families and with strong national laws against abusive and predatory credit cards, payday loans and mortgages. Edwards will create Work Bonds to help families save and invest, providing financial safety nets for hard times. Work Bonds, a new tax credit of up to $500, would help low and moderate-income, working Americans save for the future. [MetLife, 2003; Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2006]
Edwards’ environmental policies are also top-notch. Ending global warming in a generation; the New Energy Economy Fund; and promoting electric efficiency instead of generating more electricity and more are all worthy ideas that should be implemented. In a state where new coal plants have caused significant controversy in recent years, the energy efficiency plan is especially important.
There are far more reasons to support John Edwards, and we encourage readers to go to his website and examine him as a candidate. We believe, when you do, that you will realize that John Edwards is best suited to restore the legacy of the Great Society and make America great once again.
When Texas Democrats gather in Fort Worth this weekend to elect a new party chairman, the delegates will be faced with at least four choices: Former State Representative Glen Maxey, Young County Attorney & SDEC member from SD 30 Boyd Richie, Texas Democratic Veterans founder and longtime grassroots activist Charlie Urbania Jones, and Harris County Precinct Chair and LaRouche Youth Movement activist Lakesha Rogers.
Each of these candidates brings something to the table of interest to Texas Democrats. Each is to be commended for their desire to serve our party. I am particularly impressed that this race includes a candidate under the age of 30 (Miss Rogers), regardless of prevailing opinion on her candidacy.
This is the most important race for Party Chairman our party has seen in its history. A decision on casting a vote in this race should not be taken lightly.
For Texas Democrats, this race boils down to selecting an individual that can bring our party back to its former glory. We need someone with the political accumen and guts of Lyndon Johnson, the populist appeal of Sam Rayburn, the eloquence of Barbara Jordan, and the grace and humor of Ann Richards all rolled into one.
Our party also needs someone who doesn’t just understand the important concepts like communication, fund-raising, grassroots training, Internet-based fund-raising and communication, candidate recruiting, sustained giving, messaging, diversity, voter databases and more. We need someone who has lived these things and who has practiced these techniques on a large playing field with a proven record of success.
Further, our party needs a leader who can motivate people to become further involved in activities. We need a leader who has the energy and time to dedicate to revitalizing our party. Texas Democrats need a leader who can put every candidate—from constable to Governor—on a level playing field with Republicans in areas from fund-raising to messaging.
For me, that person is Glen Maxey.
There has been much discussion in this race about Rep. Maxey and Mr. Richey, both of whom are considered the front-runners in this race. In some instances, the level of discourse has been high and appropriate; in other instances, the level of discourse has been terrible and would be more at home in the bottom of a city sewer than any conversation between people who call themselves by the hallowed name, “Democrats.”
That aside, I have probably read and studied more of this discourse than many have. In spite of the voluminous discourse on blogs and listservs, I fear that most delegates attending the convention this weekend will be fairly unaware of any of the candidates’ positions and backgrounds.
This is one reason I feel it is important to make an endorsement in this race.
This race is not only about who the best candidate is for the job of Texas Democratic Party Chairman. It is also about a major paradigm shift in our party that is a long time in coming and, in this writer’s opinion, sorely needed. I have no qualms with Chairman Charles Soechting. I have said many times I respect him and believe he has done good for our party. However, the longtime practice of having the same people within the party run things and make key decisions that affect us all must end.
It must end now.
It must end if we are to retake the Capitol. It must end if we are to correct the imbalance in our Congressional Delegation caused by Tom DeLay’s redistricting scheme. It must end if we believe in our vision of Turning Texas Blue Again and retaking courthouses, the Legislature, and our high courts. It must end if we are to have a true stake in the national party and in the nomination of future presidents.
I believe, in addition to meeting the party’s needs with regard to what kind of chair we need as discussed above, Rep. Maxey represents the start of a new era for Democrats and an end to the cliques and heavy-handed individuals who govern the party, the SDEC, and many of the party’s allied caucuses and organizations.
A Maxey Chairmanship will, in my view, serve to bring new people into the fold of our party and help bring about an even greater shift in party governance which will ultimately make our party great again.
I have no personal grievance against anyone holding any office I have mentioned above; I am aware, however, of dozens upon dozens of others who do. I am aware of many who view our party and the SDEC as being run by one or two cliques led by a handful strong, powerful—and, yes, talented—leaders.
These men and women have, indeed, served a mighty purpose for our party. They have led us through lean times, helped us remain relevant and vital, and helped us win some elections.
But, they have not led us to the Promise Land.
On Saturday, after a drought of more than two decades, the Dallas Mavericks made it into the final bracked of the NBA playoffs.
This coming Saturday, Texas Democrats can follow the lead of Mark Cuban’s Mavericks and work to end a drought of victories that has lasted so long that an entire generation of Texans has been born under the stars of the corrupt and oppressive Republican rule of the Bush-Perry-DeLay era.
Even some of our most revered operatives say we are in a fight for our lives to remain relevant. Now is our time to show Texas we are relevant. Now is our time to show Texas we are unafraid of the Republicans and will elect a Chairman who will help this state’s Democrats show Rick Perry and his cronies the back door to the State Capitol.
A lot has been said on this race—a lot. I’ve just added more to that. But, before I close, I do want to address one final issue that has baffled me.
People seem to believe that, because Glen Maxey—the candidate I endorse today—is a ‘consultant,’ he is somehow unfit to hold this job.
As one who has been a grassroots activist, county chairman, TDCCA officer, credentials committee member and campaign staffer let me tell you something: who do you think has engineered our victories? Who do you think has been behind the scenes of Take Back Texas—the movement that helped put Hubert Vo and others in the House and gave us our first net gain in the Texas House in more than a decade—and other party initiatives that have been a success? Who do you think has done a lot of our fund-raising? Who do you think has engineered voter data files? Who do you think does all this?
Was it Charles Soechting? Molly Beth Malcom? Boyd Richie? While Charles may have put the wheels in motion and made the decisions concerning how they would be funded, it was consultants who ran Take Back Texas. While Molly Beth Malcom helped ensure that the 2002 ticked looked good and had party backing while criss-crossing the state, it was consultants who engineered the message.
People hear the word “consultant” and they develop an instant phobia. But, I challenge you to look at campaigns—in Texas and anywhere else in the nation—and find more than a scant handfull of campaigns (Democrat or Republican) that won difficult, uphill races without the help of professional communication, messaging, and/or fund-raising consultants. The candidates can’t do everything any more than the SDEC can do everything, any more than the state chair can do everything. It takes professionals with specific knowledge to run some parts of the show from behind the scenes.
We as Democrats—myself included—talk constantly about the “grassroots,” and the “netroots,” and putting “people on the ground.” Who coordinates this? Who comes up with this? Who decides where to put people on the ground? All those decisions are made with the assistance of knowledgable people (sometimes they go by other names, but mainly, they are all consultants) who can look at a state, district, county or precinct and tell you “here.” It’s not rocket science, but it sure isn’t first grade math, either. Targeting and similar practices are a refined science, and it’s not just about counting votes.
So, don’t let the rhetoric in this race fool you. Make an informed decision for yourself. Look at the facts. Look at the experience of the candidates. Look at where we are as a party and where we need to go in the future. When you do, I believe you will come to the same conclusion:
For many Texas voters, determining who to support for Lt. Governor in the April 11 Democratic Primary Runoff has been a touch choice. Today, it is my pleasure to endorse the candidate who has made a tough choice on behalf of Texas: Maria Luisa Alvarado.
In early 2005, I found myself with one of two choices for what role I would play in the future of this place I call home, Texas. The easy choice was to let someone else with more money, experience, and connections take up the task of challenging elected officials that have forgotten that they are elected by and accountable to the citizens that get out and vote.
Alvarado made the tough choice. While others may bemoan her lack of government experience over her challenger, former legislator and judge Ben Z. Grant. Those who have endorsed Grant have cited his experience, participation in the “Dirty 30,” and the fact that he is a veteran of public service as reasons for supporting him.
While Mr. Grant should be commended on making his run, this is a new era in Texas politics, and Texans Democrats need a new voice and new ideas to be part of our ticket.
I have not tried to convert anyone from his or her political reference group. I have only offered everyone a place at the table if they would set aside politics as usual and instead consider that a candidate without connections and millions of dollars would be accountable only to the people.
Although Alvarado lacks experience in the legislative arena, I believe her message is one that can resonate with voters on both sides of the aisle this November. And, it’s a worthy one:
The “why” of my campaign is to put the people back in control of their government so that priorities are given to public education, healthcare, and a prosperous future for all. Tied to a prosperous future are all the issues that I have been informed about during my visits across the state. I have listened and I will continue to listen. As your lieutenant governor, no lobbyist will mute your voice.
[Editorial Note: This is the first of several "Annex Endorsement" posts you'll be seeing over the next couple of days. This particular post is an edited version of a guest post I was asked to make at RGV Politics yesterday.—VL]
I was honored to have had the privilige of being among the first voters in my part of the state—East Texas—to meet Barbara Radnofsky, get to know her, and hear her speak back in the summer of 2004. And, I was honored by being the first Blogger to break the news to the world back in 2005 that Barbara had ended her exploration and would, in fact, be a candidate for United States Senate.
I am honored today to tell you why I support Barbara Ann Radnofsky for United States Senate.
[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: → continue reading
Capitol Annex will be announcing its endorsements of candidates for election in the March 7 Democratic Primary this Friday.
As you already know, we’ve informally endorsed Borris Miles, Ciro Rodriguez, Barbara Radnofsky, David Van Os and Carlos Uresti. We’ll be making endorsements in other statewide and regional races Friday. And, you’re welcome to leave your comments telling us what you think.
And…be prepared for at least two surprises in our endorsements at the state representative level…stay tuned!
First of all, my appologies for misspelling HD 146 Candidate Borris Miles’ name wrong in a post earlier this week. Second, following all of that, I did want to bring up something that was mentioned in the comments about Borris Miles. I believe community and political activisim like his is exactly what we need in the Democratic Party in Texas:
All in all, there’s nearly $60,000 donated to Democratic candidates as well as over $200,000 to community groups and organizations [by Borris Miles] during a time when Borris wasn’t a candidate for anything … just a good citizen helping his community.
Amen to that. Help out Borris if you can by volunteering (I didn’t notice a contribution link on his site) if you are in that district. We’ll make him Capitol Annex’s first Primary endorsement. Actually second, I think we de-facto endorsed Ciro Rodriguez earlier. (That we support Donna Howard and Katy Hubener goes without saying.)
Do you know that you can 
