Burnt Orange Report

Chris Bell

By Byron LaMasters

I posted this last week, but I'll post it again:

AUSTIN - Chris Bell, the congressman who filed the ethics complaint against Tom DeLay, will give the first speech by a potential statewide Democratic candidate this year to an Austin gathering of Democracy for Texas. Chris is exploring a Democratic bid for Texas Governor.

An informal media availability will take place after his remarks. He can also squeeze in individual interview requests if scheduled earlier.

WHAT: Chris Bell speaking to Democracy for Texas
DAY: Wednesday, March 2
TIME: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Scholtz Beer Garten, 1607 San Jacinto Street

Andrew and I had the opportunity to sit down with Chris Bell earlier today and speak with him about his campaign. I saw it less of an interview than of a discussion on Chris Bell's positions on various issues, how to frame the debate, possible primary opponents, etc. Overall, I came away very impressed. I don't know if Democrats have much of a chance statewide in 2006, but Chris Bell is certainly a breathe of fresh air whose support spans from the activist base that appreciates his courage in taking on Tom DeLay to those who are more in line with his relatively moderate voting record while on the Houston City Council and in Congress. The themes in his speech will reflect this background. Bell offers broad concepts in his theme of a "New Mainstream" in Texas, and I look forward to hearing more about the details. Overall, I think that the speech will go over well. It includes the mandatory red-meat-for-the-base Tom DeLay and Rick Perry bashing, but Bell also offers a coherent vision that should unite Texas Democrats - and probably attract a good deal of Independents and moderates as well. Time to head out...