Dallas, Tarrant County Primary Races (FINAL FOR BOTH)

On the Tarrant Chair race (0.00 / 0)

Some background:

Brender is the incumbent, Geiger is the DFA/DFT netroots candidate, so this would seem to be a defeat for netroots candidacy in Fort Worth/Arlington. But it's not quite that simple, for two reasons.

1. Brender is the incumbent, but to many party regulars he still wears the reformer label. His rise in the local party coincided with the mass defection of old guard conservative Dems to the GOP, so to those of us who were around then, his progressive credentials are still strong. (Note: I know Art personally a little and like him, so my opinion on this should be understood in that light.) So Doreen was running against an incumbent whose negatives were low, essentially. Always a tough task.

2. With that in mind, her 42% result is actually pretty impressive. Art has been slow to acknowledge and embrace the new blood brought to the party by Howard Dean and DFA/DFT, and especially has been slow to adopt the net-driven fundraising and organizing tactics they do so well. I think/hope that her strong showing will get his attention such that reconsiders his stance on this.

As a precinct chair who likes Art but supported Doreen, I'm hopeful I can help bridge the gap between the party establishment and the new blood, building a partnership that benefits both. The TCDP is in dire shape these days and especially needs to capitalize on the energy and ideas that Doreen and her DFT supporters have to bring.

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by: chris @ Wed Mar 08, 2006 at 04:23:10 AM UTC

Good comments (0.00 / 0)

Your assesment is fairly accurate although I'd hesitate to label the contest as a netroots versus establishment race.

Everyone needs to take a deep breath and set about electing Democrats this November.  We have an excellent slate of candidates.  Leading the countywide ticket will be Terri Moore.  She's running for Tarrant County D.A.  Terri is one the smartest and most charismatic person I've ever met.  She's a brawler who won't be intimidated by the Republican machine in this county.  She has the name I.D and credentials to lead the Tarrant County Democratic ticket. Mary DeSantiago is running for County Clerk.  She's a political newcomer but she has the personality and commitment to run hard in November.  B.C. Cornish is running for the 322nd Family Court. I've known B.C. as long as I've been alive.  She's tough as nails and a committed Democrat.  We need to make sure all our countywide candidates have the grassroots support neccesary to drive out our vote in all areas.

The Arlington area presents some excellent opportunities for Democrats. Arlington is the fastest growing suburban area in Tarrant County and will be an area of focus in November. Paula Hightower Pierson will be running for H.D. 93 against longtime incumbent Toby Goodman.  Paula is a strong candidate with a clear message and has already amassed the means to run an excellent campaign against a tough incumbent.  The GOP has already made the commitment to spend whatever it takes to hold onto this seat.  That means Paula will need folks on the ground from now till November. This is a House District we can and will win. 

David Pillow will take on Diane Patrick for H.D. 94. This district encompasses most of Arlington. We need to organize the Democratic support that pushed Patrick past Grusendorf to support Pillow.  Judging by Ms. Patrick's campaign, she won't be much of an improvement over Grusendorf.  Again, we need people on the ground to win this seat.  Let's make it happen.

Byron Sibbett is running for H.D. 91.  This district encompasses most of North Richland Hills and surrounding areas.  Byron is one of the classiest and nicest guys I've ever met.  When my father ran for Senate, Byron showed up every week walking blocks.  Byron knows how to run a grassroots campaign and has the sort of drive and determination it'll take to when back H.D. 91.  We need to gather and organize the type of grassroots support neccesary to help Byron win this seat.

Dan Barret is facing incumbent Anna Mowery for H.D. 97. This district stretches from central Fort Worth all the way to the southwest corner of Tarrant County. Like most Tarrant County Repubs, Mowery is an empty suit.  Dan is a longtime Democratic supporter and activist who has the personality to unseat this incumbent.  Everytime I see Dan, he impresses me more.  Dan is incredibly sharp and I have no doubt he'll run a smart campaign.  It's our job to make sure he has the support he needs.

Chris Youngblood is running for H.D. 96.  This district runs from southern Arlington, through Kennedale, all the way to south Fort Worth.  Chris is sharp guy making his first run at political office.  Chris has politics in his blood and has the energy to run an effective campaign.

Sheila Ford is taking on Charlie Geren for H.D. 99 which encompasses most of western Fort Worth all the way to northwest Tarrant County.  Charlie is coming off a bruising primary contest.  Sheila is another impressive candidate with a bright political future.  She'll need all our support to unseat this incumbent.

In short, we have OPPORTUNITY.  Clearly, there is dissatisfaction with Republican leadership in Tarrant County. Like a cornered animal, Republicans will fight like hell to maintain their grip on Tarrant County.  It's our job to exceed their effort.  As usual, we'll be outspent but we cannot allow ourselves to be outworked.  Every Democrat in Tarrant County needs to make a commitment to do all that is neccessary to insure victory. Let's get it done!

John Brender Precinct Chair #3382

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by: JohnUT32 @ Thu Mar 09, 2006 at 05:47:09 AM UTC

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