Burnt Orange Report

Janette Sexton Takes on Talton

By Karl-Thomas Musselman

Off the Kuff brings us an introduction to Janette Sexton, Democratic candidate against Robert Talton (R-HJR 6). I liked her words which I've syndicated below. Rock on Janette!

I am a woman, a mother, and a grandmother. I consider myself an ordinary person who feels called to action during extraordinary times. My three main campaign issues are education, the environment, and affordable healthcare for all, but I also have strong convictions about campaign finance reform, insurance reform, a woman’s right to choose, an increase in the minimum wage, and equality for all Texas' citizens (proponent on all issues).

The bottom line is that my opponent is attempting to legislate his prejudices into law. He was a co-author of House Joint Resolution 6 (HJR 6), the Anti-Gay Texas Marriage Amendment, which would write unequal treatment for gay and lesbian Texans into our Texas Constitution by permanently banning marriage for gay and lesbian couples. It would deny thousands of Texas families access to health care, fair inheritance and survivor rights, and the ability to make medical decisions for loved ones, but I feel sure you are well aware of the details of this amendment.

On March 9, my opponent voted for House Bill 2, the abominable education bill that could have been the beginning of the unraveling of public education in Texas. Companion bill, House Bill 3, did little to mitigate the shortfall in funding for our children, their schools, and their teachers. The bill proposed raising taxes on those who could least afford an increase and protected the wealthy. We are fortunate that the education and school funding bills did not pass.

This was the year Republicans in Texas were supposed to have proved they could govern, but, instead, they failed miserably. We can do better, and we must do better. Our Democratic legislators in Austin need reinforcement. Each additional Democratic vote is crucial. I want to be on the front lines...voting to keep bad bills from passing and, hopefully, putting forth legislation that will benefit my constituents, as well as all citizens of Texas.

I am in this race to win, but it will be difficult to unseat an entrenched Republican incumbent. Talton is in a leadership position, and I believe he is a deacon in his church. If the Republican machine believes Talton is vulnerable--and he is-- it will pour millions into his race. I will need to raise a minimum of $100,000-150,000 to run a credible campaign.

I want to be the voice of the under-represented in my district and throughout Texas: the old, the infirm, the young, and the working poor. I want to be your voice!

Challenge everywhere. Their weak, their leaders, their icons. Challenge it all. And to quote Andrew Dobbs who left the following comment on a different post of Kuff's...

State House Districts that had Democratic opposition in 2004 saw a 5% increase in Democratic performance while districts without opposition had none. Running candidates in every single district is the secret to winning statewide.