Burnt Orange Report

Andy Brown to Run in HD 48 Special Election

By Katie Naranjo

A Note: Brown intends to run in the March Primary with Donna Howard and Kathy Rider no matter the outcome of the legal status of the special election. Howard and Rider are already filed for both elections. Brown has filed with the Secretary of State for the special election as it is a required step to force a decision on his legal status as a candidate to stand in that election (due to residency). That question remains unresolved. Candidates officially approved for the Jan. 17 special will show up here. -KT

Press Release just sent out from the Brown Team indicates that Brown will run in the Special Election called by Gov. Perry to be held Jan. 17th.

BROWN TO BENTZIN: 'LET’S HAVE A FAIR FIGHT'

State Representative candidate Andy Brown, already a candidate for the March 7, 2006, Democratic Primary for House District 48, has filed an application for a place on the January 17, 2006 Special Election ballot with the Texas Secretary of State.

Andy Brown, a long time resident of Austin and a graduate of both Austin public schools and the University of Texas School of Law, resides in District 48, works in District 48, and is eligible to serve the families of District 48 in the 80th Texas Legislature.

"My aggressive campaign against Todd Baxter and the DeLay/Perry machine resulted in Todd Baxter's decision to cut and run. That decision resulted in this orchestrated maneuver to call the election in January."

"In the spring of 2005, no one realized Todd Baxter would resign from the Legislature with a pending and vitally important Special Session looming," said Mr. Brown. "Todd Baxter’s decision to cash in on his office for a six figure-lobbying contract began an orchestrated effort by Todd Baxter, Rick Perry, and the Republican leadership to call an election that they hoped would benefit their hand picked candidate, Ben Bentzin."

"I'm calling on Ben Bentzin to come clean about his role in this special election plot to have an unfair election in District 48. Ben Bentzin and the corrupt Republican machine politics we've come to endure in this district should tell the voters why they called this election on such short notice? What did he know and when did he know it? This deliberate attempt to coincide with the holiday season and the University's calendar will disenfranchise thousands of the ability to vote early with convenience."

"They are attempting to deny the families of this district a choice in this election," said Mr. Brown, "but the law clearly shows that I have a right to be on this ballot."

"I am waiting for a response from the Secretary of State’s office regarding my status on the ballot, and I plan to fight for the families of District 48 for their right to choose."

Brown will continue his campaign for real school finance solutions and ethics and insurance reform. Over the past six months, Brown and his volunteers have campaigned vigorously across the district. Brown is a successful local attorney and community advocate who is mounting an aggressive race for House District 48.