Burnt Orange Report

The 40/40 Project: A Year-Long Candidate Education Forum

By Phillip Martin

A couple months ago, I wrote a column titled "The Year of Change" that outlined what I believe we can do to bring change to Texas. Since those of us who write for Burnt Orange Report can't raise a million dollars and aren't in control of any large-scale message for Democrats, we must do the best we can with what we've got.

Today, BOR is announcing a major, year-long commitment to bring about that change we're always talking about. Starting next week, we're going to launch the 40/40 Project.

Our goal is to feature 40 candidates in 40 weeks, from January 9 until the start of early voting for the General Election on October 23 (with a week off for the primaries). Every week, we'll feature a certain candidate, and every day we will focus on a different aspect of that candidate and the campaign he or she is running. The breakdown for each day will go as follows:

Monday: "Get to Know the Candidate." A personal biography, any significant staffers/supporters of the campaign, and any important newspaper articles about the candidate.

Tuesday: "Get to Know the Race." An analysis of the district/area they're running in, and, once we get past the primaries, a quick look at their opponent.

Wednesday: "One-on-One." A personal interview a BOR writer conducted with the candidate.

Thursday: "On the Issues." A breakdown specifically on issues, expanded from the interview and any candidate forums we attend.

Friday: "In Their Own Words." A column the candidate writes him/herself.

I will be heading up this project for the first month or so, and will be the unofficial "Team Leader" for the 40/40 Project -- even though all BOR writers will, at one time or another, write for the project.

We will begin next week with a look at the candidates in the special election for House District 48. Donna Howard and Kathy Rider have already agreed to participate. For primary races, we're going to ask all candidates to participate and whoever says yes -- that's who we'll feature. I'm sure questions of fair/even coverage will arise, but I imagine we'll all be able to make it through just fine.

Anyone with any specific questions, comments, or complaints may e-mail me (phillip@burntorangereport.com), or leave a comment below. Any campaign managers and/or consultants who would like to have their candidate featured may also e-mail me with their expressed interest.