Chris Bell for Texas Senate

by: colin

Fri May 30, 2008 at 08:01 AM CDT

Regardless of when Perry calls the special election (though it will surely be November 4th), it is imperative that Texas Democrats unite behind a quality candidate from Day 1 to maximize our opportunity to pick up this seat.

From the onset of the 2006 race for Governor of Texas, I have been openly harsh and critical of Chris Bell in public and in private.

But this is a race tailor-made for Chris Bell. It plays to all of his strengths, minimizes any chance for the exploitation of his weaknesses and is the type of district and constituency where Chris Bell has a proven record of raising money, building constituencies and earning election.

No Texas Democrat is better prepared from both political and public policy ends to pick up this senate seat and serve effectively in the legislature.

After losing to Al Green, Bell brought him to DC, introduced to colleagues and lobbyists, and tried to speed Green's ascension.  Virtually unheard of in challenger victories.

No, Chris Bell did not run the best campaign in the world in 2006. The money came too late and when it did, the ads didn't highlight Bell's strength as a leader and substantial record of legislative and policy accomplishments.

I'm sure the pollster found some thematic concerning "vision" and "aiming high for the future" that the media consultant was trying to harness.  It didn't work and I've said so repeatedly.

Bell's personality and profile doesn't lend itself to "dreamweaver" so much as it does "tough guy, policy guy".  Bell should have been showcased with powershots of "the guy who took down Tom Delay" striding through the halls of congress, speaking forcefully, etc.

Damn near every Democrat in the country used Tom Delay as a battering ram...except the one guy who arguably made it all happen. That was a huge mistake that likely cost him a real shot at the election.

Since 2006, Chris Bell has addressed major issues affecting Texas families through his column and his organiztion, www.faithintexas.com. This is in stark contrast to other Dems who have run statewide and lost.  When's the last time anyone heard Gammage, Hobby, Overstreet, Bentsen, Kirk take on progressive issues and remain in the fight in some way?

Bell's May 8 column on voter ID is an early reminder that we BARELY escaped last session. And badly need to pick up another seat.

I would urge every Texas Democrat to take a keen interest in this race and--if you've soured on Bell--take another look and consider the manner in which his skill-set matches the challenge.

I, for one, have taken another look at Bell and like what I see for this Texas Senate race.