Burnt Orange Report

40/40: The Race in HD47 is about Electability, Experience and Effective Leadership

By Phillip Martin

Ed. note: The following is an op-ed piece written by Valinda Bolton, one of two Democratic candidates we're featuring this week from the HD 47 race. To read the op-ed by Jason Earle, click here.

It’s time for Democrats to start winning elections. Right now it’s likely that Alito will be confirmed, Roe v Wade challenged and the wealthiest will continue to get tax giveaways. Texans will continue to have the highest homeowner’s insurance rates in the country, school vouchers will still threaten to pull money away from our public schools, and the revolving door from legislator to lobbyist will still be open. If we want the mainstream Democratic ideals held by the majority of our citizens represented in the policies we adopt, then it’s time to be pragmatic in our approach to campaigning against Republicans. It’s time to unite as Democrats and choose the candidate who is not only most qualified, but who can defeat the Republican nominee in November.

District 47 is one of the most winnable races in Texas and I was honored that experienced people that I respect and admire asked me to run. While HD47 leans Republican, rapid growth has brought an influx of voters who are independent thinkers.

• There was only a 6% differential between Kerry and Bush in 2004. Bush won.
• Down ballot, Democratic women won against Republican men.
• District 47 defeated Constitutional Amendment #2 by 5%.
• There is no Republican incumbent.

This tells us that HD47 is a swing district. That means Democrats have a real shot at winning. It doesn’t mean it’s a slam dunk. The Democratic nominee going into the November election must be able to capture 6-7% of the swing vote. We have to have those independent and disaffected voters come out to the polls, and a candidate with a targeted name will only polarize those folks and keep them from swinging our way. The absolute bottom line is to put a Democrat from this district back in the House

Since being asked to run and kicking off my grassroots campaign I have experienced a groundswell of support that reaches across District 47. The campaign has attracted many of the politically active and energized a whole new group of voters who’ve joined the effort to take back district 47. I’m proud to have their support and I will honor it by doing the work necessary to win the election and add a Democrat to the House.

I know what it is to tackle tough issues, to take a stand in the face of resistance and to build bridges to find solutions. My work has always been about building stronger and safer communities. Through this work I’ve gained a wealth of experience and established a proven track record of leadership that has prepared me to serve effectively in the Legislature.

• I’m a nationally recognized trainer for law enforcement on building community collaborations.
• I served for 3 years with the Congressionally-mandated Defense Dept. Task Force on Domestic Violence.
• I’ve served in leadership roles with local non-profits, state-wide and national organizations
• I co-founded an organization that provides transitional housing for women and their children. I’ve worked with several state agencies to develop training programs to improve services to clients.
• I’ve been a community and school volunteer and have served in leadership roles in my church.

My effectiveness as a leader is proven. My ability to get people from diverse backgrounds to work together is demonstrated. My electability is undeniable. Let’s ADD a Democrat from HD47 to the House this year.