(KT asked me to promote -- looks like most of the Austin State Reps. are going to be there. - promoted by Phillip Martin)
 Almost ten months ago, I announced my intention to seek an open seat on Texas' Third Court of Appeals in 2010. Since then, my campaign has taken me from enjoying Texas Independence Day with the Democratic Party of Bastrop County to celebrating the first hundred days of the Obama administration in Bell County. I have given speeches in Llano and Lampasas, and eaten barbecue in Kyle and steak in San Angelo. Putting my judicial impartiality to the test, I judged a chili cook-off in Rockne. And to my kids' delight, we have taken part in Texas traditions like the Bluebonnet Festival Parade in Burnet County, the Fourth of July Parade in Round Rock, and the Lexington Homecoming in Lee County. All along the way I've been introduced to an untold number of great people and organizations in Austin and beyond that I otherwise might never have met.
As I have traveled around the 24 counties that make up the Third District--and yes, I can name them--I have repeatedly been impressed with the people I meet and their interest in the Third Court. You can follow all of my adventures on the campaign blog on my website, www.votekuhn.com. Now, as the campaign season begins in earnest, I'd like to share with you why this court--and this race--matter, and encourage you to get involved in my campaign.
In many ways, the Third Court is the most important court in Texas. Not only does it hear both civil and criminal appeals from the counties it covers, but since Austin is the capital of Texas, the Third Court hears a large number of cases involving state agencies or officials, as well as administrative appeals. While some of these cases can go on to be reviewed by the Texas Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals, the Third Court will have the final say in the vast majority of these cases. As a result, the Third Court has a huge impact on the legal issues that affect the entire State of Texas.
If you care about the issues that affect the everyday lives of Texans--the environment, education, energy, public corruption--you need to care about the Third Court. Unfortunately, the Third Court's docket is clogged with a backlog of cases, and in some instances, people have been waiting up to four years for cases to be resolved. As I travel across the district, I hear the same concerns from attorneys, judges, and voters alike: the Third Court needs to be more productive and less partisan. Texans care about the Third Court, and want to know that it has been entrusted to individuals who take their charge seriously.
That's why I'm running for the Third Court of Appeals: because justice matters.
If given the opportunity to serve on the Third Court, I cannot promise that you and I will agree on every case. But I can promise that in each case I will work tirelessly, apply the law evenhandedly, and never forget the importance of each opinion to the parties, their counsel, and the jurisprudence of the state. The Third Court of Appeals' current backlog is unacceptable, and I will work to end it. I am a Democrat, but politics will play no role in my decisions. And I will staunchly defend every citizen's right to a fair trial.
Now, as we kick the campaign into high gear, I'd like to invite all of you to join me in my campaign to ensure justice for the people of Texas. On my website, you can become a supporter of my campaign. You can also become a Fan on Facebook. But most importantly, I want to hear from you.
Join us for our kick-off event next Wednesday, October 7th, at Threadgill's. We'll have music from the Double Eagle String Band. I am especially proud of our fantastic host committee of elected Democrats across Central Texas. The information is below. As we look towards next November, I look forward to meeting you, and hearing your thoughts on our court system and how we can ensure that Texans receive the justice they deserve.
Kurt Kuhn Campaign Kick-Off
Hosted By:
Senator Kirk Watson
Rep. Valinda Bolton * Rep. Pete Gallego * Rep. Donna Howard * Rep. Diana Maldonado * Rep. Elliott Naishtat * Rep. Eddie Rodriguez * Rep. Mark Strama * Councilmember Chris Riley
Wednesday, October 7th, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Threadgill's World Headquarters
301 W. Riverside, Austin, Texas
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On the Internet:
Kurt on Facebook ♦ @Kurt_Kuhn on Twitter ♦ @VoteKuhn on Twitter |
