Burnt Orange Report

If the best we can say about our chances for winning the Governor's race in 2006 is "well, crazier things have happened," we're in a heap o' trouble. Not just statewide, either. For those of us in Dallas--where demographic trends point to an increasingly Democratic county--if we can't get a decent candidate at the top of the ticket, I fear for our judicial and other countywide candidates.

I'm sure Chris Bell is a wonderful, wonderful man. But if we can't get somebody a bit more high-profile than him to step up, next November is going to be a bloodbath.

I wish that yummy Rafael Anchia had a bit more political experience under his belt. In time, in time...

Democrats in Texas need to focus where factors are in their favor. Several House races across the state should be the focus. Competitive House races will bring more Democrats to the polls, thereby lifting all boats with a rising tide of support.

What I am afraid of is becoming "whining:" as in the party that bitches about what Republicans have done.

We need to say where we stand: Supporting teachers by addressing their health care needs, saying "I want educators able to focus on a child's ability to learn their lessons, not worry about their own ability to pay premiums." Support for CHIPs, were we must explain Texas gets $2.59 from the feds for every dollar the state spends but that our money has currently been going to states like California, or worse New York. We should say, "I don't know about Republicans, but $600 million of Texas federal tax dollars deserves to be spent on Texas children." We need to say that we value the envirnoment and Republicans have sold out. "From the boss to the busboy, every Texan deserves to breath clean air. Quality of life is an issue for all of us, and we will stand up to those industries that refuse to answer to anyone except Repblican fundraisers."

Democrats should change their language, using terms like "investments" instead of "spending." Voters are neccessarily the smartest people on the planet (please note that Rick Perry is currently our Governor) but they are willing to listen to a clear, personal message. John Sharp damn near won in '02, and Bush ain't on the ballot any more, so let's quit bitching and start winning.

Challenge to every Democrat that reads this: Is you current State Representive a Democrat? If not, are they in a competitive district (did the incumbant face opposition or polled below 55%)? There are too many places where we did not do enough, so start looking at what you can do for your local candidates and make a difference.

An even better environmental message that won the governor's race in Montana (a state known for its opposition to traditional environmentalists) is that development is destroying hunting and fishing lands. Too many ranchers and other rural types see environmentalists as a bunch of hippie city types who want to take their land, take their guns and take their trucks. If we instead make it clear that the same forces that are pouring chemicals in our air and water are trying to turn that great patch of dove hunting down the road from your house into a shopping center, they are more likely to listen.

I know that my dad is a hardcore right wing Republican and he is always bitching about how too much of our natural beauty is being overdeveloped. A message that says that we will make sure that our kids and grandkids have places to hunt and fish will resonate. As someone who loves hunting and fishing, I know it resonates with me.

I'm Hispanic, 67 years old and remember well all of the discrimination against blacks and Hispanics as well. Of course, blacks suffered more that we Hispanics did, however, where there were no blacks around to kick around (like in South and West Texas) we were the racists punching bags. Hey ya'll, guess which party was in control here in Texas? The all loving and all caring Democrats! What a damn laugh. Since the late 60s I've been voting Republican and I think other Hispanics will eventually do likewise.

Well at least your not a self hating gay Republican. But you can't let the past define your present if the present is kicking you around. Not saying that it is for you, but hey, wouldn't surpise me from that party.

Blaming today's Democrats for racial discrimination in the 20th century is like blaming today's Republicans for McCarthyism. Was there discrimination and injustice? Yes. Is the Republican Party the civil rights hero in this story? No.

Most Latinos vote for Democrats. I hope you do to.