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What's the Matter with Texas Democrats?


by: SmartyPants

Wed Nov 22, 2006 at 09:33 PM CST


(What do we have to do around here to get folks to comment? Must be all that turkey. Maybe this will do. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)

The fine folks at Texas Kaos are trying to figure out how to take over the state party -- great, Glen Maxey will need the help when he takes over in 2008. But I'm arguing that taking over the party won't do s*** if we don't bring the large and small donors on board with supporting some exciting candidates in 2008.

Check out my new blog What's the Matter with Texas?

Crusades are great and all, but without some understanding of what's actually going on, they don't amount to squat.
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What's the Matter with Texas Democrats? | 185 comments
Be careful (3.67 / 3)
You have to be ever vigilant for the Gay Mafia.

Ready to strike when you least expect.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

YES! Sweet! (1.00 / 1)

[ Parent ]
Easy... (3.00 / 1)
Texas is a mostly conservative state, much more than the rest of the country.  As long as Democrats represent the liberal end of the spectrum, and the Republicans the conservative, we aren't going to change Texas unless we change the ideological balance.  Placing all or most of the blame for our minority status on the party establishment is unfair.

"I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually."- James A. Baldwin
This is manifestly stupid (4.33 / 3)
When the man who wants to be known as the "the Texas Democratic Party's most influential donor" gives $12,500 to Strayhorn, we've got problems with the party leadership in this state.
When the best performer on the statewide ticket in 2006 underperforms the weakest performer on the statewide ticket in 2002, we've got a problem Austin!
Texas Democrats moved backwards in 2006 -- the best year for Democrats nationally since 1992. And this is with a Governor whose re-elect number never got above 40%!


Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Underperformance? 2006 vs. 2002 (3.00 / 1)
Gilbert outperformed all of them except John Sharp and he did it with less than 100k. 


[ Parent ]
You are correct (5.00 / 3)
I forgot about Gilbert -- what a great candidate, what a great race.
As long as we're nitpicking though, he tied Kirk Watson and did about 200,000 votes worse than Ron Kirk.
Nevertheless, Gilbert's not what I'm complaining about -- I'm mad at the big decision makers who deliberately avoided the statewide races in 2006.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
View from the moderate left (2.00 / 1)
I think Timothy hits the nail right on the head.  My two cents is that Texas Democrats can continue to make momentum if they do not run to the left.  I wouldn’t say that we picked up 5 house seats or that Hank Gilbert did so well because so many Texans decided to become democrats.  They became worried and frustrated with how far and fast the Texas GOP moved to the right and decided to give moderate and wise minded democrats a chance to counter the extreme policies and actions of the far right.  Moderate democrats are the best chance the TDP has to increase its prominence and viability in Texas.  I am not claiming to be any sort of expert here, just offering the view of a Southern Democrat. 
[ Parent ]
Sure sure (0.00 / 0)
I'm not trying to make a point about ideology -- beyond the fact that good candidates project a clear message and identity -- not empty mush like Chris Bell.
I'm just trying to educate folks on who and what were behind the debacle of 2006.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Your way to hard on Chris Bell (0.00 / 0)
He offered good ideas and a pretty well spoken voice.  Part of the reason he outperformed and crushed the more well funded and publicized independents is because he focused on the issues, instead of running as a celebrity (Friedman) or on hollow image (Strayhorn.)  Giving his inability to play the celebrity game (part of his personality) to get attention, he did very well.

"I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually."- James A. Baldwin
[ Parent ]
We should stay where we are. (3.00 / 1)
I'm a pretty liberal Democrat but I have to agree, we shouldn't move to far left.

I think we can make some effort to make Texas less conservative.  Especially on issues such as education, I don't think Democrats need to moderate our views, we just need to push our views more.  I don't think most Texans like that the GOP would rather have lower taxes than well-funded schools and higher education, or the GOP's abandonment of state parks or environmental quality.  We need to challenge the dominance of social issues in elections.

"I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually."- James A. Baldwin

[ Parent ]
And your experience is??? (1.00 / 1)
smartypants - what campaigns have you worked on over the past 10 years or so?  just want to get an idea of your background as I consider what's actually going on.
Since 1994 (4.00 / 3)
Worked for the last successful Dem statewide campaigns. Also worked for some of the statewide disasters in 1998 and 2002. Congressionals in 2004.
I'm blogging anonomously for a reason but I believe the points I'm making need to be made and speak for themselves -- I'm not asking to be accepted as an authority, I'm asking that folks consider my arguements on their merits and respond.
And if you don't believe me, check this quote from Harold Cook.

Democratic political consultant Harold Cook agreed that his party's growth in Dallas and Houston is mostly the result of white Republicans moving out of the counties. He said Dallas has been trending Democratic for several election cycles.

"Harris County is right behind them. Demographically, if Democrats did nothing right and nothing wrong, they will have gains over time," he said.



Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Well, let's talk then... (0.00 / 0)
Bell didn't officially announce for Governor until the end of July 2005. The donations made to Strayhorn came in June 2005. At the end of the election cycle, a $25,000 donation was made to Bell. The response from the Bell campaign:
But Bell campaign manager Jason Stanford said Bell won Dallas County because Baron paid for an effort there to push straight-ticket voting.

"It's impossible to complain about someone 'only' giving $25,000 or so to a long shot challenger," Stanford said. "But it would be idiocy to complain about someone who has found a piece of the puzzle to winning statewide. Chris Bell carried Dallas County by 4 percent in part because of the great work Fred Baron did."

Let's keep the facts straight.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.
[ Parent ]
Good spin mouthpiece (5.00 / 2)
You're full of it Phillip. Sure Bell officially announced in July, but he was setting up a team and running a web site in the first quarter of 2005.
Baron knew Bell was running when he gave Strayhorn the money and more importantly, when other, stronger, candidates called and asked for his support he said he was backing Strayhorn.
I'm told both John Sharp and Pete Laney got the cold shoulder from Baron, Umphries, et al.
Either of those guys could've beaten Perry.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Wow (0.00 / 0)
That didn't take long to get mad at me for telling another side. :)

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.
[ Parent ]
that's because... (0.00 / 0)
...you are not remembering those glorious six months of the Exploratorium.

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[ Parent ]
Yeah (0.00 / 0)
I also remember our blog being not so kind to the Exploratorium, and us talking about how that could damper excitement and cost Bell down the line...

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.
[ Parent ]
that assumes... (0.00 / 0)
...there was excitement to damper in the first place you know. :)

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[ Parent ]
the only thing that could do (0.00 / 0)
that was watching chris give a speech when all he talked about was the vague "new mainstream" and that god awful mississippi joke he said 5000 times
[ Parent ]
He/She isn't angry... (4.00 / 2)
just calling your statement what it is, bullshit.

You know it is, Phillip. Hell, Chris was here in May, 2005 and there was no doubt he was running for Governor.

Baron made a mistake in supporting Strayhorn. However, it's his money and if they want to set it on fire, it's their right. Don't make Baron out to be a fool by saying 'Bell hadn't announced yet'. He decided to go with her, no need to sugarcoat it.

Yes, he did decide eventually to hedge his bet. However, that's all it was.

I honestly don't care to whom he gives his money. What I care about is why. Why did he give where he gave? Why did he make the decisions he made?

Those, to me, are far more interesting questions.

[ Parent ]
and even if HE hadnt announced (0.00 / 0)
its not like there wasnt going to be a Democrat running.

Baron made the choice.

Chris Bell was all but in the race.

[ Parent ]
not angry (0.00 / 0)
Just being a SmartyPants.
; )

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
come on now (0.00 / 0)
Bell was all but officially running in the beginning of 2005
[ Parent ]
oh god I hate to do this... (4.50 / 4)
...but since you're quoting me, I should clarify my opinion, and also clarify that the Houston Chronicle article from which that quote was snipped was the result of a very long and in-depth conversation with the reporter, whom I respect very much. But of all the things discussed during our conversation, I believe the quotes he cherrypicked don't reflect the totality of my position.

So, let me be clear on my position: I do believe, and said to the reporter, that of course demographics are an important factor. But I especially stressed that absent a Party organization poised and funded to take advantage of those changing demographics, you'd forever be stuck at 49%, give or take. Which is where I believe we'd be in Dallas but for a very well executed program.

I completely believe that the wins in the state House and in Dallas County are the result of a tremendous effort by many, including a Democratic Party that is going in the right direction instead of the wrong one, and which is funded better now than it has been in a while.

Debate can legitimately be held about our relative satisfaction about the speed with which the Party is going in the right direction, or the speed with which Party funding is increasing, but to claim that they're doing little or nothing is to misunderstand where they have been before now. And that is in no way to slight previous officers and staff -- they have all had their considerable strengths and lacked resources to a ridiculous level. But Progress is happening, and I am delighted.

Also, it is simply a fact that the considerable efforts the Democratic Party did on behalf of the Democratic ticket were for the benefit of the entire ticket. It might cause concern to some that those efforts were physically located in geography covered by the most heavily-targeted state house races, but in my humble opinion that is simply a matter of killing as many birds as possible with the fewest stones, and the smartest way to spend limited resources until a political Party has the resources to cover an entire state. Those efforts were ticket-wide, not candidate-specific, so everybody on the ticket, statewides to constables, benefited from those efforts. And as Party funding increases, the amount of real estate targeted on behalf of the entire ticket will be increased as well.

This is the first time I'm posted on BOR, and really hadn't intended to ever do so (although I'm an avid reader, so thank you for countless hours of enjoyment). But if others are posting my quotes to support their thesis, I decided to clarify where I stand, with respect to differing opinions.

Thanks for reading.

LettersFromTexas.com

[ Parent ]
thanks (0.00 / 0)
I'm not saying they're doing little or nothing. I'm saying they're doing some great, long overdue stuff.
BUT I'm also saying that it's unfortunate that the same donors who are investing in and controlling the party were backing Strayhorn to the tune of millions. Which I said was stupid back in 2005 and what do you know, it was stupid.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Thanks (0.00 / 0)
I gave you a courtesy 5 for dropping in with your thoughts. Though we do get into it in the comments, we really do all get along for the most part.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.
[ Parent ]
One thing I always like... (0.00 / 0)
Is that BOR uses our real names on this blog, and don't post anonymously. It's one of the things, I think, that actually gives credibility to the reporting, praise, and criticism we dole out around here. Even some of those Friedman bloggers, like Jeremy, put their name behind the posts they write.

Ah well.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

See above (4.00 / 2)
I'm posting anonomously because I have to in order to speak freely. In my decade + in Texas Dem politics I've made one or two friends I'd like to keep, including your dad for one!
The point I'm trying to make is that Texas Democrats did much worse than we had to in 2006 and it's critical that we work together better in 2008.
The party leadership made numerous bad decisions -- not fielding strong candidates for the statewide races, supporting strayhorn for governor, making serious challenges to only the most obviously vunerable state rep seats -- Krusee didn't merit a challenge?
My blog started in response to this effort on Texas Kaos to take over the state party.
An effort I whole-heartedly support but the point I'm trying to make is that just taking over the party won't do anything if we can't unite our biggest donors and our potential small donor base (which went for Kinky in 2006, shame on everyone!) behind the strongest possible candidates in 2008 and beyond.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
wait a sec... (0.00 / 0)
Criticizing the State Party for the candidates 'they fielded' is dumb. They had no choice in the matter. However, blaming them for not helping those who won the primary is more than a little appropriate.

Honestly, I've heard so many people bitch about this and the plans to 'get rid' of people are so numerous that it kinda irritates me. Why? BECAUSE NO ONE HAS A REASONABLE ALTERNATIVE. Who are you going to replace folks with?


[ Parent ]
I pretty much agree (5.00 / 2)
although I think Glen Maxey would be a fine state party chair. (Having said that, I think Boyd Richie's an improvement over his immediate predessessors).
The point I'm trying to make is that the official state party are pawns in the game.
As long as Fred Baron and the money folks are listening to the same-old advisors (Matt Angle, Russ Tidwell), we're going to have the same old problems.
Likewise as long as the candidates we do have fail to excite enough online support to build a critical mass of small donors we're screwed. I firmly believe that the more than 100,000 MoveOn members who live in Texas could fund a credible state-wide campaign, but the message and messenger would have to be damn exciting.

Having said all that -- it's vital that folks get involved in their local party organization. Don't bitch if you don't go to your precinct meetings.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.

[ Parent ]
Oh, I agree... (3.00 / 1)
On all of it. I will say this... I have a lot of respect for Angle, but he's far too cautious and seems hell bent on looking in the rear view mirror. That being said, this was the first year I saw real improvement on messaging and I know a lot of that came from him and the LSP. That's something we've needed for a while and it was good to finally see.

I would just like to see it with better issues.  And yes, I have more than a few in mind...

Other than that my biggest problem was with top down communication. People at the top were not listening to what people in the field were seeing. The Republicans are great at being able to take an issue ordinary people are talking about and turn it into press. We need to get better at that.


[ Parent ]
I'm glad you said that (0.00 / 0)
Matt Angle is the most competent operative I've seen in 15 years of TX politics. He's also one of the nicest to deal with. He ran a goddammned good operation for Martin Frost and for the DCCC in 1996.
Having said that, he's not the world's best strategic thinker -- Frost's decision to run to the right of Sessions didn't help him in the race and killed him when he tried for DNC chair.
Angle should have a role in the party's direction -- a big role. He's got a lot to contribute. But he shouldn't be the only advisor who has the ear of the state's biggest donor. We need a Matt Angle but we also need a Howard Dean of Texas and a MyDD Stoller/Bowers of Texas.
And they all need to work together.
And part of what we do as Democrats is have open debates.
That's what this is about.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
you're so hard on folks =) (3.00 / 1)
I think there is merit in both. I like having front page writers that all stand behind their name. It was unique in Texas for the most part and while I know we all have other accounts elsewhere on the Interweb, there is purpose to both. There are times, when folks in the know (and plenty of people we both know I'm sure) want to get something out there but can't have their name on it. I understand that too.

But yeah, there is something to it. Then again, I'm actually 23% of all the users on BOR don't you know?

Did you notice we passed 1500 users yesterday?

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

[ Parent ]
Phillip, pseudonyms are part of the history (5.00 / 2)
of political speech.

I respect that BOR has a policy that differs, but that doesn't mean those of us who have a different point of view are somehow beneath you.

So, don't get too high on that horse about using your given name.  It just makes you look like a prig.

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.

[ Parent ]
disagree phillip (0.00 / 0)
with all due respect, using your real name in a blog post doesn't equal credibility.

in fact, in early american history, some of the greatest pamphleteers were anonymous or pen names.

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

[ Parent ]
I welcome the call for reevaluation (4.00 / 2)
I think SmartyPants makes some good points.  We obviously are still getting it wrong.  Yes, we've had some successes but I second the call for building the small donor base, and even recapturing the large donors that bailed.

I'd like us to study the successes of Annie's List and Emiliy's List.  Early money and training is absolutely critical.  You can't win a race 90 days from the election unless it's by pure chance.

We need to keep building the tools of communication.  We need to hone that message that resonates with voters, and we need to get that out continually.  We need to start working on 2008 right now.

Limited Pool of Money (0.00 / 0)
People can spend their money how they want -- it's really that simple. If Bell wanted, he could have gotten a lot more money in mid-2006, but that didn't happen, and I'm guessing you probably know that but just won't talk about it on your blog.

Any money pulled away from efforts to elect House candidates would have meant fewer elected House Democrats. Considering how small of a margin we won in six-seven races, even pulling a collective $10-20,000 away from House candidates could have meant 3-4 fewere House Democrats for next session.

Bell would have needed literally millions of dollars more to really challenge 40%. Our statewides all would have needed at least a million, as many of their Republican counterparts didn't spent their campaign accounts like they could have had the races been better contested.

I applaude your efforts if your aim is to talk about how we can increase large and small dollar donations, because that is absolutely something we need to continue working on.

However, if you're on a "smear-the-Trust" crusade, then I'm just going to bow out of the discussion here and now. Call me a mouthpiece, call me biased -- I don't care. We're all mouthpieces for our own biases, and I -- like other writers and readers on this blog -- would prefer to use our time and energy being constructive and promoting the ideas and issues of Texas Democrats.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

I'm trying to be constructive (5.00 / 1)
And I violently disagree that the pool of money is limited. Tony Busby, the Galveston Attorney who considered running for Lt Gov, alone would have brought a few million into the cycle.
And as I said above, the Texas MoveOn members represent an active and immense pool of donations that haven't been involved.
I'm not trying to smear the trust -- they made their decisions -- I'm just trying to point out that those decisions were wrong and hurt the party.
I think it's great that Fred Baron invested in the TDP this year. I also think the Texas Progress Council did some great stuff.
But backing Strayhorn was treasonous and counter-productive.
Those millions they gave Strayhorn could've put Gilbert over the top. And I think Sharp or Laney could've won in the top slot with their backing.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not sparing Sharp here either. I think it's chickenshit of him to not run just because the Trial Lawyers wouldn't back him.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Doing two separate things... (0.00 / 0)
Again, I'm with you on increasing the donor lists. And as I wrote back to KT, the "limited pool of money" was just bad wording on my part, and I apologize.

But if we want to get people to invest in Texas Democrats, why slam the people that did a lot of good work? It seems counter-productive. To me, promoting the good work that was done seems the best way to show people that making an investment in Texas Democrats is a smart thing to do...

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

[ Parent ]
well (0.00 / 0)
Some say it's sugar coating. And there is only so much selling you can do to turn a rotten apple into a candy apple. =) In regards to the TDP anyways. TPC, HDCC, the House leaders, Royce West were awesome. There is a difference.


Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.
[ Parent ]
If you actually take a look at my blog (5.00 / 2)
You'd see that I'm trying to be even handed...here's what I had to say about Fred Baron...

"After the election there was much discussion about the role of Rep. Rahm Emanuel, head of the DCCC, in the big wins that Democrats won nationally. Personally I think Rahm contributed in a big way, but was certainly not solely responsible for the win -- in fact, if it had been left up to Rahm we'd have only won 9 seats instead of 29. He targeted 21 seats and only 9 of them won. Thankfully Howard Dean and the netroots expanded the playing field and we were able to mount many serious challenges and win the majorities. Nevertheless, Emanuel made an important contribution and shouldn't be slagged.

In Texas we've got Fred Baron, who gave the Texas Democratic Party $1.5million and helped Texas Democrats win 5 State Rep seats (6 if you count Donna Howard's spring-time special election win). Baron's money allowed the TDP to invest in the Voter Action Network -- a state of the art voter file manager, among other things.

But....and here's the big but...

In Texas there was no Howard Dean to counter the conventional wisdom as embodied by Baron and his advisor, Matt Angle. They worked furiously to keep Glen Maxey from winning the state-wide party chair position. And they did nothing to discourage other donors who have traditionally given to Democrats from backing Carole Keeton Strayhorn's ill-considered and spectacularly unsuccessful independent bid for Governor.

The net effect is that Texas was largely left out of the national Democratic wave. Sure we picked up 5 seats in the state leg, picked up Tom DeLay's old congressional seat and held onto Chet Edwards' seat in Congress...but the year we should've bet the house we barely anted up."

My arguement is that the netroots has to get involved and be educated so we can work WITH the Fred Barons of the world and build a stronger Democratic Party in Texas.

Part of working with donors and strategists is calling it like I see it -- if they do right, praise them (thanks for the Voter File Fred!) if they do wrong, bash (why'd you give money to Strayhorn?)

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.

[ Parent ]
Fair enough... (0.00 / 0)


Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.
[ Parent ]
such good work.... (0.00 / 0)
....those turncoats who backed strayhorn at the expense of bell.  yea....

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.
[ Parent ]
The Tired "Limited Pool of Money" line (4.20 / 5)
(as an aside, I'm not going to promote a state party that can't even send out an e-mail that doesn't have all the links broken in it)

That said, if there is one thing that irritates me it is this "limited money" line. It's small minded, wrong, and an artifact of the target yourself out of existence mindset. No, No, and NO.

There are over a million Democrats in Texas that you could call in once sense or another "active". They vote in primaries even when there is nothing on the ballot. They are there and many of them donate to the DNC and other campaigns. They don't give money now because we either have not run candidates or run candidates they feel they are making an investment in. (who's going to give to Hathcox when she is speaking on a pallet in the side hall at the TDP convention).

People donate because they feel they are making an investment. They also don't donate when they see someone dumping tens of millions of their own money (Sanchez) or hear stories about rich trial lawyers (2006). They don't donate to the TDP  because they don't see it as an investment.

There are certain dollars you can move around the board. But there are untold millions in 'phantom dollars' out there that we figure aren't there if we hold a backwards view of how and why people donate.

McCain-Feingold was supposed to bankrupt the DNC. "Oh, how will we ever raise that much hard money, oh dear!"  Did anyone notice that the DNC, DCCC, and DSCC have broken all their own records and pulled even with the GOP committees? Did anyone remember the 527s? Did the half million that the Secretary of State Project help raise lose any races that it "took dollars away from"?

No, No, and NO. Total BS. Nothing personal Phillip, but that thinking is very much an artifact of Frosty-world thinking and even he came around.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

[ Parent ]
Bad wording on my part... (0.00 / 0)
On the limited pool of money line. I apologize.

As I also said in that comment, we need to expand our list, and get more of those "phantom dollars" into Texas Democratic races. As you say, though, people aren't going to give unless they feel like they're donating to something they believe in -- making a productive investment. I think there's a role to play, then, in showing the good work that was done by Texas Democrats, and letting people know that investing in Texas Democrats is a worthwhile thing to do.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

[ Parent ]
I agree (0.00 / 0)
I guess where I see it is first hand, like when we raised for the Student GOTV project and ended up with over $3000 in funding that otherwise would never have come in. I consider those dollars to be phantom dollars that became real because we sold a product, and that was an investment people wanted to buy into. And it's one that paid off and pretty much helped put Diane Henson over the line.

But yeah. It's not personal towards you, others have said it and it just boggles me.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

[ Parent ]
hank gilbert could have won? (1.00 / 1)
Just FYI if you really think Gilbert could have one with more money I have a bridge to sell you in Arizona.  The fact is Democrats did better this year in Texas than any time since possibly 1994/1996 because we actually gained substantial ground, in the state house and dallas county.  While we didn't win statewide we never could because 1) this is still a republican state and 2) of the two races that could have been high profile enough to eek out a dem victory (senate and gov), the circumstances made it impossible (two independant and KBH enormous popularity). 

And before you criticize the state party for fielding better state-wide candidates, the statewide party had nothing to really offer candidates even if they had a couple extra million dollars around. It isn't easy to tell a good candidate to quit your day job and abandon your family for the next year to run for a state-wide office you will almost certainly lose.

While I'm not one to generally speak highly of the state party, the fact is texas dems made gains this year and at the very least the state party didn't screw anything up.  I understand that we've been out in the wilderness for the past decade, but this success in politics.  Savor it. (My congratulations go to all involved).

Finally, this reminds me of Carville saying Dean should be replace because we didn't pick up more seats in Congress. I understand attacking each other in defeat, but do we necessarily need to do it in victory?

Uhm... yeah... (3.00 / 1)
He could have. By the time all is said and done, Staples will have outspent him 20:1. 500k in targeted media would have tipped votes back to Hank. It would not have put him over 50, but it would have put him ahead of Staples.

Email me if you want to know the real dynamics in that race.

[ Parent ]
I'm saying (0.00 / 0)
that there is value in running races even if we don't win -- as long as we build the brand.
But that's something for a longer post.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
look at the #s (3.00 / 1)
Hank coulda won
[ Parent ]
Children's Crusade? (0.00 / 0)
Good thing I've got a thick skin.

You think we're starting too basic, but the fact is that the rot is systemic, and that's what we're trying to address by getting people involved.

I'm all for being educated-though too often what passes for eduction is just another word for spin.

And this isn't about ideology, either.

It's about being an effective organization-or not being one.

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.

I edited that out this morning (0.00 / 0)
Do I need to make a note about that? If I edit your post to promote it to the front page, don't freakin edit it back?

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[ Parent ]
I'm utterly unclear (0.00 / 0)
On what you're referring to, KT.

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.
[ Parent ]
oh sorry (0.00 / 0)
I was referring to the "children's crusade" line. I took it out this morning when I promoted it and made it just crusade because I thought it was a bit demeaning to my Texas Kaos friends. Then I noticed it back in there. I've taken it out again.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.
[ Parent ]
sorry (0.00 / 0)
I put it back in because I thought I'd edited it out earlier when i fixed by 2010 error.
The reason I replaced it is that it was important to the meaning of my point -- I want the Texas Kaos crusade to succeed and not be a children's crusade marching off to disaster.
Crusade itself is a problematic term but whatever...
To repeat, I think Angle and Baron did some great things in 2006 -- the investment in the party, in the messaging at the Progress Council, etc was all great and long overdue.
My fear is that the netroots sweeps in Maxey in 2008 and the big boys take their toys and go home.
We need every Democrat on board and working together to win.
And open discussion and spats are part of that process.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
I'm not wild about being held hostage (0.00 / 0)
to big money.

Working together requires some give and take from both sides.

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.

[ Parent ]
hell yeah! (0.00 / 0)
that's exactly the point I'm trying to make.
Holding Baron and Angle's feet to the fire is hopefully just the start.
I'm trying to emphasize that they did some great stuff but also made some mistakes.
Remember we're the state that spawned Bush, DeLay, Perry (Bob and Rick), etc
The worst Texas Democrat is an improvement over these criminals and thugs.
John Sharp, for all his many flaws, actually cares about good public policy, balanced budgets, state services, etc.
Rick Perry...not so much.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
I have a particular bias against Sharp (0.00 / 0)
I'll confess.

As a candidate, I found him utterly charisma free, and then for him to take a pass this year was inexplicable.

I hear his name bandied about to run against Cornyn, and comes the time I'm going to want to know where he was when Texas Democrats could have used his help in 2006-whether it was the statewides in the general or Ciro and Dinovo in the upcoming special elections.

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.

[ Parent ]
Oh his time has passed (0.00 / 0)
He definitely shouldn't run for Senate in 2008. He's just got a great PR guy planting stories for him.
No one else wants him to run I don't think.
I'm just saying he's better than Perry. By 1000%

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Any Democrat with a pulse (0.00 / 0)
is better than Perry.

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.
[ Parent ]
Fero's impressive... (0.00 / 0)
if only for his ability to keep Sharp in the press. HOWEVER, Sharp is still Sharp. I wouldn't mind him running for Senate in 2008 but I also cringe at the thought of how he'd run.

He's got to generate excitement and I don't see him doing that.

[ Parent ]
sadly, no (0.00 / 0)


Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Sharp did more than many (0.00 / 0)
According to news reports, Sharp hosted fundraisers for Juan Garcia and Mark Homer and others and gave tens of thousands of his own money to Democratic legislative candidates (and not just Fero's).  So you see he was helping in 2006.  And he helped Bell, too, unlike some of the so-called Democrats who are discussed elsewhere in this blog.
[ Parent ]
Got a cite (0.00 / 0)
Or are you just free form unloading some Friday night angst?

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.
[ Parent ]
he gave Perry (0.00 / 0)
bipartisan cover when Perry needed it most
[ Parent ]
Thanks, I appreciate that. (0.00 / 0)
Clearing I had the same reaction.

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.
[ Parent ]
Hey, nice blog (0.00 / 0)
Please keep it up.
thanks (0.00 / 0)
will do

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
TDP (0.00 / 0)
Okay, so a lot of folks have criticized the TDP, I'm sure some is warrented, some is not.

What I don't see much of is what people think the TDP should be doing differently.

Now *that* would be a productive, constructive conversation.

the point i'm trying to make (0.00 / 0)
is that the TDP is just a shell. Changing the party isn't going to change anything.
Bringing the large donors and the online activists together to create a more effective whole is the mission.
See my post about Rahm Emanuel of Texas above.
Nationally we had Rahm AND Howard Dean and it was a winning combo. We targeted races and expanded the playing field.
In Texas there was no Howard Dean (despite Glen Maxey's best efforts). We didn't expand the playing field.
The goal is fielding strong candidates in 2008, including the senate.
and building the grassroots/netroots infrastructure.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
False Premise (3.00 / 1)
The premise of SmartyPants' argument is that the TDP did nothing for the statewides.

And that would be wrong.

TDP and HDCC worked in tandem and raised money for a large voter contact program that included 750,000 mail pieces and phone calls.

Boyd Richie personally spent a lot of hours making cold calls to potential givers -- something the previous two chairs rarely did and Slagle did only when he had to.

The target: Democrats in competitive House districts who were less than certain to vote.

The message: Vote Straight Democratic.

This program undoubtedly helped Democrats -- like my client, Joe Heflin -- who were running in tough House races.  In fact, Boyd assigned a TDP staff member to the race and he did an outstanding job in the closing weeks.

However, it must be recognized that this program also simoultaneously helped those running statewide. A straight ticket vote for Joe Heflin is obviously a straight ticket vote for Chris Bell.

It was a cost-effective strategy to meet two goals: take more House seats and to help the statewides by expanding the base.  I was proud to be a part of it, as I'm sure the many other consultants who participated in it were.

Were mistakes made?  Sure.  Nobody foresaw what happened in Krusee's district.  Same for Huebener (sp?) too.  Given the environment, why didn't Thibault run better?

But the statewide races are a different story.  Donors -- both large ones and small ones -- are similar to voters.  They give when they have faith and confidence in the candidate. For whatever reason, none of our statewides got over this hump, and that's why they didn't raise much money.

At some point, the candidates have to take responsibility for their success, or lack thereof, in fundraising.  It's no one  else's (or no entity's) job to do it for them.

This was my 10th general election in this business.  I've been here for the good years, the not-so-good-years, and the disastrous years.  This is the first good year I've ever seen that generated so much whining and carping.

People, we just took five House seats, and we were outspent in every single race!  Dallas flipped Democrat!  Harris almost did and will in '08!

How about making a positive contribution instead of engaging in electronic mental masturbation and taking potshots at people you don't know for things they didn't do?


[ Parent ]
oh come come now Jeff (0.00 / 0)
Let's not fool ourselves into thinking that any of that money was intended for anything other than the HDCC's targeted races. Every one of the statewide candidates (and they have gotten together and talked about it) knows that they didn't receive aid from the TDP in ways that the ticket did in 2002. They were left out to dry and lets not kid. We can speak the truth and be honest about it.

We did have victories in targeted areas. But there is the rub. We are still doing things the same old way, targeting ourselves out of existence.  We now have a 5 county party. Great. There are 249 more to go. And for most every single one of those Democrats, the measure of success is not how many targeted seats the party won somewhere else in the state. They see defeated statewide candidates that actually did stump in their area, defeated by growing margins compared to 2002. And those counties have nothing more now than they did 5 months ago.

That's a failure. That's a failure of the "Party" to what it is supposed to which is support candidates and party build and provide tools, training, support, investment, etc to ALL of our counties, not just targeted drop off voters in 5-9 districts which amounts to less than 7% of the state.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

[ Parent ]
Wait a minute... (0.00 / 0)
Harris, Bexar, Dallas, Travis, and Nueces are only 7% of the state?

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.
[ Parent ]
House Districts (0.00 / 0)
The TDP didn't do anything in Travis unless they did so without letting the coordinated know (which would be odd...) and what happened in Harris? or Bexar? I'm confused.

Or are you talking about the age old metros+Valley strategy that we pull out of our behind every 4 years? It's soooo original. But doesn't work when, you know, we ignore the Valley.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

[ Parent ]
Give it Up (0.00 / 0)
We've had this conversation. You know what I'm talking about.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.
[ Parent ]
Travis County (0.00 / 0)
You need to check the county party's C&E reports.  I understand y'all received a few thousand dollars from TDP -- instead of mail/phones -- cuz y'all had such a well-organized coord-cam and candidates.
[ Parent ]
could be (0.00 / 0)
And it's not that that can be the reason for not needing money. But Travis can't carry the state. Dallas had a lot of hard work put into it and is there now as well.

My thoughts like with the non-urban counties though who will never make it on the list of county parties to rehabilitate under the current leadership. That's where I take issue having grown up in that part of the state.

People should read this story.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

[ Parent ]
News to me... (0.00 / 0)
KT: "The TDP didn't do anything in Travis unless they did so without letting the coordinated know..."

KT, this line from you above proves that you are either a total liar, or a helluva lot less informed than you would like your readers to believe.  You sure you don't want to revist the claim that the TDP "didn't do anything in Travis"?

[ Parent ]
Oh come now KT (0.00 / 0)
Have you discussed this with Chairman Richie?  I have.

Comparing 2006 to 2002 is, uh, well, chickenshit.  Sanchez was spending $70 million and the coordinated campaign had a $2-million-budget.  TDP and HDCC had nothing approaching that this year.

And, I'm sorry, splitting up what little money they had this year and giving it to the candidates would have been a waste.  At minimum, they would not have achieved the same economies of scale.

Moreover, it goes back to what I said at the end of my post. Those candidates didn't get over the hump, so it's reasonable to assume the money would not have been raised if contributors were told the purpose was to spend it solely on the statewides.

[ Parent ]
Of course you have talked about it with richie (0.00 / 0)
You got a nice chunk of the change in both cycles for that mail, too, I'm sure. :)

Then I guess we should be asking why we didn't have that this year. Hell, Arkansas did.

When we think inside of a 2 year box, we get results like we do. If we don't recruit or dis-recruit like happened this year, then well, yeah- you're going to get results like that. I don't know why people are trying to deny that there was an active decision to dismiss anything statewide this year. It's been quoted by multiple sources now.

What I don't think is getting across, is that to 90% of the party that works it's ass off without any money or tools, it's simply wrong and offensive to them.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

[ Parent ]
Well, I'm glad you speak for 90% of the party... (0.00 / 0)
And, I did none of the coordinated mail in 2002. So, once again, your cheap shot is derailed by the truth.

As for 2-year boxes, I don't know what the hell you're talking about.  If anything, people have gotten more visionary, thinking about how to win back the whole thing by 2010.

Finally, the most offensive thing to Democrats is to lose elections and see the Republicans screw up the place.

[ Parent ]
my apologies (0.00 / 0)
2 year times frames is what I was referring to. Mental boxes I guess. I didn't make that clear.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.
[ Parent ]
oh yea.... (0.00 / 0)
'cause saying "fuck all yall till 2010" is really, really helping.  cripes.

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.
[ Parent ]
Why wasn't there a funded campaign from the Party? (5.00 / 2)
Why wasn't someone on the phone 15 hours a day making calls to raise money for the party?
[ Parent ]
Correction -- (0.00 / 0)
The 2002 coordinated spent more like $4 million.

And one other point: You would take the same exact dollars that we had and dilute it down to every county?  That's what you're saying?  Regardless of opportunities to grow in the Legislature or flip Dallas County?  Instead of protecting Chet Edwards and state House incumbents?

Don't come back with that you'd raise "phantom" money.  You make decisions on the money you have, not what may be out there.  Otherwise, you're just wasting people's time playing Monopoly instead of winning elections.

[ Parent ]
You're refuting yourself Crosby (5.00 / 1)
Richard Morrison raised almost $800,000 (the reports say $600,000 but an amended report later showed $800K) that tbe "smart money" said wasn't there.
Kinky fucking Friedman raised $3.4million -- much of it from small donors.
There's money out there dumbass, it's just that Texas D's aren't raising it.
The Netroots candidates raised over $1.5million via ActBlue. John Courage brought in $70k thru ActBlue.
In Virginia Jim Webb raised over 60% of his money online.
Jeff Crosby, welcome to 2003.
There's this thing called the Internet and candidates can raise money on it.
Call me back when you catch up to 2006. This year the Internet candidate won lots of tough primaries -- McNerney in CA, Tester, Webb, Deval Patrick in MA -- based on their online support. All these guys were way outspent on the primaries. By candidates with old school  consultants like you. 

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
The money is there (5.00 / 1)
If Texas Democrats are willing to donate nearly 3/4 of a million dollars to Hillary Clinton in 2006, I think we can stop the line about money not being available. It's there. We just have to inspire people to think they are making an investment of some sort.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.
[ Parent ]
50-State Strategy Anyone? Internet anyone? (4.33 / 3)
And, I'm sorry, splitting up what little money they had this year and giving it to the candidates would have been a waste.  At minimum, they would not have achieved the same economies of scale.

Targeting only the "battleground" districts is how we ended up in this situation in the first place.  How did we end up in the situation where the NRCC had to dump hundreds of thousands of dollars into Idaho?

How did Richard Pombo in California lose?

It's not because Idaho is a battleground state.  Richard Pombo represented a very conservative district in Calif.  Yet lost a race he shouldn't have had to compete in. 

Why?  Online contributions, and a nationwide campaign.

How much money did John Courage or Nick Lampson bring in online?

How much did Bell?

I'm sorry if this ruffles any feathers, but Mary Beth Harrell had a better website than Chris Bell did.  And the TDP website, leaves a lot to be desired.

I received the extent of the TDP online presence.  e-mails.  e-mail should be considered nothing but the lure to an online presence.  Where is the incentive for me to go to the TDP portal and look for information.  Look for ways for me to help the TDP,. Where are the tools that I as a blogger could use to direct people to the TDP portal, and help disseminate information to people who read my blog about how people are working to take back Texas?  Where are the tools I could use to strengthen my county party infrastructure?

What if I want to offer my services to the TDP, how do I find out if there are any openings in the TDP for paid positions? 

This information seems to be available only to a select few. Why is that?

I knew more about how to help the DNC than I did to help the TDP, and no one in either location has ever heard of me before.

However, the DNC online tools made me feel like I could make a difference (however small).  The TDP?  Not so much.

We are a long way from what I think could be the catalyst to restore Democrats to a majority in the lege, and even holding statewide offices.

One final point.  And this goes back to mounting a truly statewide effort to get Texas Democrats elected be it locally, statewide, or nationally, we do need effective county organizations.  However, the effectiveness of the county organizations is hampered by what, at least I, and I suspect many many others, perceive to be a weak state organization.

David (Austin Tx)
The Supreme Irony of Life ...

[ Parent ]
There's a LOT more to it than sitting behind a computer... (1.00 / 1)
ANYONE who believes elections are won by sitting behind a computer typing comments for blogs is either a complete and total fool or has NEVER worked a campaign.  If you want to win elections, organize door knocking.  They did that in Travis County/Dallas County and it was a massive success.  If we have 250k volunteers, I'm ALL for a 254 county campaign.  Until that point, I'd prefer to use the volunteers we DO have in places where it makes the most sense (the most competative according to demographics).  If you disagree, spend a week knocking doors in Colin County and then HONESTLY come back and tell me you think we have a chance to win that county back anytime soon.
[ Parent ]
You need to stop assuming (0.00 / 0)
that blogging and activism are mutually exclusive.

Lots of the people in this conversation ARE active already, and have felt stymied to various degrees as TDP currently functions.

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.

[ Parent ]
Blogging alone? (0.00 / 0)
Where in my comment did I say that blogging was the only answer?

Online activism is one of many tools that should be an integral part of any political campaign.

There seems to be a disconnect here.  You seem to think that the only way to get the word out is via door knocking.  If that's the case, then why didn't a single political candidate, or candidates representative knock on my door? 

If we are going to be stuck in the 20th century mindset that the only way to win is by having people go door knocking, then it is no wonder Democrats keep losing the fundraising race. 

Newspapers all across the country did stories on how people were increasingly turning to the Internet for information on candidates.  With the increase of people dropping their home phones and using mobiles exclusively, the route of phone banking is losing its effectiveness, and increasing numbers of people are becoming hostile to door knockers.

However, political activists continue to use phone banking and door knocking because they are effective, even if less so over time.  However, there is this irrational resistance to exploiting the power of a comprehensive online presence.  Particularly in a state that has benefited so much from the technology industry.

Why is that?

Additionally, why is it that people continue to make the assumption that online and offline cannot work together in the political arena?  It works in retail, and at its core, what is the difference between say Sears/Sears.com working together and say Chris Bell/ChrisBell.com? (as an example).

The brick and mortar store Sears is selling something, and the online store is selling the same stuff (and more in many cases).

Why shouldn't a candidate, or a state party for that matter provide the same level of service on their website, as they do in person?

In the end, it is all about selling something, and those that can effectively utilize the Internet in addition to physical presence are far more successful than those who ignore it.

David (Austin Tx)
The Supreme Irony of Life ...

[ Parent ]
back in the 1990's (1.00 / 1)
the consultants i used to work for would laugh and laugh at the the knuckleheads doorknocking while they were winning the races with TV and mail. Mass communications won races in the 1990s. field was too inefficient to be relevant.
today with the net, email and blogs field can be much more cost effective.
in case you hadn't noticed, the internet is the best volunteer recruitment tool ever invented.
Today niche communications -- including word of mouth and word of blog -- win races.
Door knocking has its place but is an inefficient thing at best, certainly not the be all end all.
I'm for state of the art campaigns and volunteer driven field with state of the art tools like maxey's trueblueaction pac and the VAN are the shizzle.
you old school clowns who think it's all about door knocking are truly slow. the old school consultants like matt angle laugh at you and the bloggers are getting out and knocking on more doors than you do.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
come on (0.00 / 0)
you don't spend money "soley on statewides."

investing in a 254 county strategy benefits Democrats running for state rep to senate.

[ Parent ]
Also... (0.00 / 0)
Why would someone donate to a statewide ticket when some on the ticket refuse to accept contributions? Seriously.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.
[ Parent ]
who did this? (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
Dale Henry<eom> (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
what an idiot (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
seconded (0.00 / 0)
that was pretty dumb indeed.

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.
[ Parent ]
Jesus! (3.00 / 1)
I can't believe this argument is actually happening.

KT: "That's a failure of the "Party" to [do] what it is supposed to which is support candidates and party build and provide tools, training, support, investment, etc to ALL of our counties"

Hmmm, KT...Seems to me that the TDP did in fact provide tools, training, support and investment in all areas of the state.  The most tangible evidence of that support would be the Texas VAN voter file. 

I've worked with lots of voter files over the last 4 cycles and couple special elections.  The VAN is the best I've ever seen.  It's user friendly, free to party officials all the way down to precinct chairs, and extremely affordable to campaigns.  In fact, the VAN ended up being used by hundreds of campaigns around the state and many folks will tell you it was vital to their success.

What held the VAN back?  I can tell you one thing that didn't help: A certain former State Rep-turned political consultant-turned frustrated losing TDP Chair candidate who decided to promote his own online voter file; and a certain well read Democratic blog (1500 users!  congrats!) the editor of which looked (and still looks) for a reason to tear down the Party at every turn.  (As an aside, everybody knows the trueblueaction.com voter file wasn't free to campaigns, right?  So don't go down the road of criticizing TDP for charging nominal fees for their file.  Voter files take $ to maintain, something even Glen Maxey The Great knows).

Look KT, I want to be clear.  I don't think you're a bad person.  I think you're a good Democrat who wants to win.  But stop pretending to be an objective observer on this TDP stuff.  You have an agenda.  And your claim that the TDP did nothing to party build, provide tools, training and support across the state is proof positive that you're not willing to give the TDP an honest, fair shot.

[ Parent ]
this is true (0.00 / 0)
The VAN is the shit. but that doesn't mean that Maxey's tools aren't great too.
Why can't everybody get along?

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
you came (0.00 / 0)
When did I say I was an objective observer of the TDP? Hello? No, I don't like it, I think it's ineffectual, underutilized talent, and stuck in last decade's thinking.  It does some things right, but half steps forward are not things I'm going to get excited about when similar parties are taking a full jump instead.

The VAN is the party's only saving grace in my opinion. Even then, it's one of three states that uses that system (or did) so it's not like the Party singularly invested in and created it for Texas as in the last 2 years California and another state bought into it. Could be wrong but that's not the primary point.

Why did I promote TBA tools and not the VAN? Because there's nothing BOR readers can do with the VAN. It's not tied to making online phone calls or set up to have two way instant data processing, or at least, is not being used in that matter. TBA and OnlinePhoneBanking were and were funded by Mark Warner, John Courage, and Chris Bell. So before you get into another one of your Boyd Richie is god rants, I ask, do you have a problem in urging people to use tools that are more easily accessible, live, and helped statewide, congressional, and local candidates?

VAN was used quite a bit in Dallas from my understanding and worked well there. VAN was used by some central Texas campaigns on the backend but the front end it's not what volunteers dealt with.

Hell, using those TBA tools got Valinda Bolton elected and her staff would back that up.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

[ Parent ]
mostly right (0.00 / 0)
VAN is actually used in almost 30 states. It does have some tools for volunteers but is mainly useful for field staffs doing GOTV. It's top-down technology.
Maxey's stuff is bottom up.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Jeff I'm not surprised (5.00 / 1)
that you don't know what my premise is. I'm not arguing that the TDP didn't do good things or help the statewide ticket. See this post.
here's the premise of my blog:

"In Texas there was no Howard Dean to counter the conventional wisdom as embodied by Baron and his advisor, Matt Angle. They worked furiously to keep Glen Maxey from winning the state-wide party chair position. And they did nothing to discourage other donors who have traditionally given to Democrats from backing Carole Keeton Strayhorn's ill-considered and spectacularly unsuccessful independent bid for Governor.

"The net effect is that Texas was largely left out of the national Democratic wave. Sure we picked up 5 seats in the state leg, picked up Tom DeLay's old congressional seat and held onto Chet Edwards' seat in Congress...but the year we should've bet the house we barely anted up."

And I do know your dumb ass Crosby. I've gotten shit faced with you at the Star Bar many times. I'm not saying Texas Dems didn't do any good things, I'm saying we can do more.

Texas best mail consultant on what the blogs are: "Whining and carping"

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.

[ Parent ]
Did I just call Crosby (0.00 / 0)
"Texas best mail consultant" !!!???!!
man i gotta quit blogging when I'm already 3 cans into the miller light.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Step away from the Miller Lite (0.00 / 0)
Blech.  Canned piss-and I don't want to even think about what they add to give it head...

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.
[ Parent ]
so explain to me.... (0.00 / 0)
how putting resources into five races was so spectacularly helpful for democrats across the state?

i'm serious here.  five fucking races?  you may as well just admit you were playing kerry in ohio, ok?  because while dallas and harris had success, what the hell about the rest of us who were IGNORED?

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

[ Parent ]
i'm just saying (0.00 / 0)
thank god they put money into 5 races!
in years past it was nothing at all.
the VAN at the TDP was the biggest advance.
The staff at the TDP is much better than in years past -- not to knock the crew who suffered under Soechting or Molly Beth -- but we needed some new blood.
Remember Fred Baron is John Edwards' national fundraising chair.
That presents an opportunity to pressure Fred via Edwards -- who needs netroots support desperately.
If Edwards wants netroots support, his top guy better start supporting the texas netroots, no?

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Netroots infrastructure... (0.00 / 0)
That's a conversation Matt Glazer, KT, myself, and others have had for a while. I know Matt and I have both discussed it with some of the larger donor folks, as we were approached by them to figure out how we can bring everyone's best efforts together.

So, to that extent, the conversation already began some time ago...

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

There's a place for public discussion (0.00 / 0)
of larger issues as well.
It's great you guys are having meetings and hiring Matt G and KT to run the TDP netroots outreach is long overdue.
But that doesn't mean we need to sweep all this under the rug.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Um... (0.00 / 0)
Sorry for the confusion, but I don't think anyone's been hired to do anything. We're just trying to help strategize.

Also not trying to sweep anything away -- just letting you know that some of the conversations you're calling for began a while ago.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

[ Parent ]
junior (0.00 / 0)
Those conversations have been going on a long fucking time.
I pitched Molly Beth on this shit while you were in High School.
I spent untold hours with Soechting's crazy ass  in 2004. Got NO WHERE.
Good luck, sooner or later they'll do something.
If we were at one of Aldrete's happy hours I'd smack you on the head -- in a friendly way.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Senior (0.00 / 0)
OK. I just assumed, you know, since BOR just began in, like, 2003, that "netroots" conversations hadn't been going on that long.

Aldrete happy hours...

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

[ Parent ]
In 1999 (0.00 / 0)
it was about email, in 2002 it was about a better voter file, in 2004 it was all about the netroots.
all conversations went no where.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Smarty pants?! (5.00 / 4)
We can certainly learn from what happened nationally.  The net roots and their many small contributions can help a candidate early and late. (All of us who visit this site certainly know every candidate is rated as "serious" or not by the amount of money he/she can raise.)  And each candidate from the most liberal and progressive (David Van Os) to the most conservative (Shane Sklar) needs money early to prove they are a viable candidate and I believe that this is where the net roots can help the most.  Additionally, we must enthusiastically run candidates in Texas from one end of the political spectrum to the other. (After all our state is huge and our citizens demand many types of positions on the issues)

I do think that what each candidate must do is develope a clear message from that of his/her opponent and stand up and fight for that message.  Don't be afraid to call yourself a democrat.  Don't be afraid of the "label"

Finally, we must take risks to win some seats.  We must expand the playing field.  Just my thoughts. 

Fight on!
Richard Morrison

thanks for stopping by (0.00 / 0)
I was glad you helped Maxey at the convention
[ Parent ]
What's wrong with Texas Ds? (0.00 / 0)
I'm a grandfather from Dallas seeing my grandkids in the hill country.  I'd like to weigh in on this....
so wait are TDP chair... (0.00 / 0)
and county chairs up for re-election every 2 years?
Yes (0.00 / 0)
[ Parent ]
speaking of that... (0.00 / 0)
is Boyd going to run again?
[ Parent ]
Next thing most needed? (0.00 / 0)
MoveOn.org just put out a survey on what was the most important thing that you felt needed the most to do next.  I wrote, "Educate the voters".  People do not understand how their voting trends affect how we are governed, how much oversight will be given, how their vote affects how many delegates get to go to the state convention, etc. Look at the Texas Ethics Commission.  Do you really think with all of the Republicans in power that they are going to give Ronnie Earle some good laws that he can actually prosecute someone for campaign finance fraud? No way are they going to do that.  I'm also sorry to say I voted for Richey at the state convention, after the sorry show the state gave it's candidates. There are people working on replacing deadbeat chairs, county and pct., and I know that by 2008 or in 2008 a lot of changes will be taking place within the party.  Some of us are already getting started...how about you?
This ain't just "whining and carping" Crosby (5.00 / 1)
this is real citizen action. Online and offline at the precinct meeting. We're going to win.
Richey barely won in 2006 and Peck Young cooked that convention for him in every possible way.
In 2008 Maxey, or an ally of his, will win in a walk.
The problem there is if Fred Baron takes his toys and walks away.
If the party loses the skills and wisdom of Matt Angle -- and yes, even you Jeff -- that's a real loss.
I'm saying Texas Democrats need to work together to win. And part of that is transparency and open decision making.
The smoke filled rooms are losing power daily Jeff. You might want to check out the open air, come to a meetup, or something. The activists are coming to the party and their center of gravity is immense.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Quick note: (0.00 / 0)
As to the "pick up their toys and walk away" line. Who's to say they wouldn't be asked to leave? Especially if you're speaking for the Texas Kaos crowd, many of whom want to throw every. single. person. that's currently working for Democrats out.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.
[ Parent ]
I'm certainly not speaking "for" the Texas Kaos folks (5.00 / 1)
I'm just speaking for myself. I've been a longtime member of that community -- subscribed to the email list back in 2004 -- but I have a very different perspective than most of those folks.
I've been a pro since the 1990s. Worked for some of the biggest in the state. Worked with Crosby on more than one deal.
So my take on what's actually going on is a little different. I'm just trying to share things as I understand them -- which is that Fred Baron was a big help but I strongly disagree with many elements of his strategy. The Kaos folks are smart and rational, they want to make an impact. I'm just trying to engage folks in debate. Judging by the fact that we've got everyone from the Martin clan,  Jeff Crosby, Harold Cook to bodicea, KT, and krazypuppy and Richard Morrison in this thread, I'd say I'm succeeding.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
damn (0.00 / 0)
That is all over the spectrum.

And little did I know this would quickly spark a near 100 comment thread.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

[ Parent ]
Speaking for the Texas Kaos crowd (5.00 / 1)
I realize it's fashionable amongst a certain group of people to paint us as a bunch of bomb throwers, but that's frankly dishonest, Phillip.

Are there some individuals who are very hot under the collar?  Yes, there are. But there's not a monolithic "Texas Kaos" attitude any more than there's a monolithic BOR one.

To the extent that there is a shared platform, it's simply this: 

We want an effective Democratic Party in Texas that supports its primaried candidates.  Doesn't really seem so radical to suggest that the job of the TDP  is to elect Democrats to office in Texas.

People have been working hard-and to be a Democrat in Texas in the 90's (when I was an Independent disgusted with both parties) and beyond was a hard, hard slog.

Notwithstanding all that, the fact is that what we have been doing has not been working-look at the election results. 

My background is actually in business.  If I have a project that  keeps missing the mark, as a pragmatic matter of staying in business, I have to look at how we're doing what we're doing.

That's what Smarty, and the rest of us are advocating.  If you'd calm down and look at the discussion for what may be of value rather than looking to be insulted by the very idea that things might need to be done differently in future, it might actually be useful to you.

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.

[ Parent ]
and in business (3.00 / 1)
if the same people keep running the TDP and they havent won a statewide race in 12 years isnt it time to bring in new leadership?

[ Parent ]
Ah, this is where I bring in my ol' pal, Deming. (0.00 / 0)
It's not necessarily the people involved that are the obstacle to the goal.

Most people are working hard at what they think they're supposed to be doing.

When the results you get do not align with the expected results, you start with the process itself to see where it's breaking down. Identify the gaps and the critical path-I understand that for some of you this may seem to go without saying, but from where I'm at it doesn't appear that it's happening. 

When I'm managing, I do also look at the people. If what they're doing isn't working within the process, then it's possible what they want and my desired result are not the same thing. 

But until you've looked at the whole thing-clearly and as dispassionately as you can-you don't assume it's a question of replacing one person with another person.

People are not widgets.

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.

[ Parent ]
one more thing (5.00 / 1)
it seems to me that part of this evaluation process includes accountability.  beyond that, it seems that the TDP - as an institution - has long operated in the smoky backrooms, away from activists' prying eyes.  the culture within the TDP doesn't seem to like to be held accountable.  when they mess up, they just slink away into the night (ala soechting,  who's name i'm surely misspelling).

well, i'm sorry if exposing the workings of the party to some daylight makes people uncomfortable.  but unless we have a fully transparent process, which can be evaluated and improved upon, we're never going to be able to determine what's broke or how to fix it.

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

[ Parent ]
Soechting didn't vanish (3.00 / 1)
he helped elect a democrat, sherry tibbe, to the office of DA in hayes county.
if you have any idea how awful the old republican da was and how republican that county is you know that soechting did at least one good thing.
Soechting's not evil, just a little crazy and hard to work with. Not a good TDP chair, but he did work hard and try his best. And was an improvement over his predecessor, who in turn was better than her predecessor.
Remember that TDP chair is a really shitty thankless task and anyone who bitches about it should pray lest they wake up one day and have that job. I certainly wouldn't and couldn't do it.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
nice smear phillip (0.00 / 0)
enough of the condescension, friend.

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.
[ Parent ]
What? (0.00 / 0)
All I'm saying is what you all have said tons of times over...

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.
[ Parent ]
phillip (0.00 / 0)
you know very well you're exaggerating when you say we want to toss everyone aside.

only the dead wood, man.  but if that happens to be a big chunk, so be it.

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

[ Parent ]
fuck fred baron (0.00 / 0)
if he just takes his toys and leaves then that says to me that he cares more about being an egotistical kingmaker than a true party builder.  you didn't see the grassroots pick up and leave after our defeat at the convention did ya?  no, we fell in line and did our best.

but it really disturbs me to hear that baron is threating to throw a fit and leave if he doesn't get his way. 

in addition, it's already common knowledge that baron doesn't play well with progressives, especially those who dare to step up and run for office.  if baron and his ilk continue to control the purse strings, then only corporate-friendly dems will get help, it's that simple.

damn, this thread is really pissing me off guys.  sorry for all the invective but this stuff is just unreal.


Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

[ Parent ]
He's not (0.00 / 0)
No one (other than smartypants) has  suggested anything like that...

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.
[ Parent ]
I never suggested that (5.00 / 1)
I think Fred Baron made huge contributions (more than just money) to the effort I just think he shouldn't have been the only one driving our strategy.
Annatopia's "fuck Fred Baron" remarks are the exact sort of thing I don't want to hear. Baron's a good Democrat -- he's certainly done more for the party than I have.
Baron's just used to buying the drivers seat. Those days are over. We need open debate and a more pluralistic strategy.
Folks we're fighting to save our country here, we need to work together to win.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
no seriously, fuck him (4.33 / 3)
smarty, i have serious appreciated all the info you've tossed out here.  you seem to be someone who actually wants to help.

well here's a clue.  i want to help, too, but i am not going to be threatened by some big-money boss hogg who thinks that he and only he knows best how to build the party.  to be frank, your comment was not the first time i've heard about him threatening to take his toys and leave.

and honestly, if we are talking about finding some "balance" between the interests of big boys like fred and little "weeds" like me, then there is going to have to be some give and take on both sides.  i didn't get involved with my local party until 2002 ( worked a bit for clinton/gore in 91 when i was a young, but other than that i spent the 90s doing other things), so i know there's a lot of history that i've missed.  but goddammit, that doesn't mean that i and others like me who were re-energised during that period of time don't have something valuable to contribute.  i am honest to god sick and frakkin' tired of these institutionalised dems telling me i don't get it.

on the contrary, i get it.  i've lived in this state just as long as many of these folks, i've worked just as hard, i've donated, i've volunteered, and by god it's about time that some of those fuckers started budging. 

just because texas's DP has traditionally been personality driven does NOT mean that's acceptable from here on out.  the johnson boys are lone gone, okay?  and it's time for everyone who's been in the party for that long to wake up and get with the program.  also, it is no longer acceptable to only compete in the urban areas.  for fuck's sake, rural texas used to be blue!

this strategy of cherry picking is what got us into trouble in the first place.  sure, i'm happy that dallas went blue, but tarrant county - right next door - was completely ignored by the state party.  gee, i wonder how art feels about backing boyd now, 'cause we sure didn't get any resources.

if the big boys want to go ahead and cherry pick, they are going to have one helluva fight on their hands.  it's time for them to enter the 21st century - new campaigns, new tools, new messaging... not the same old same old shit that's getting us nowhere.

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

[ Parent ]
Good Lord! (1.00 / 2)
You're just making shit up!  It's ridiculous.

Tarrant County didn't get any resources?!  Why don't you call your NEW DEMOCRATIC STATE REPRESENTATIVE, Paula Hightower Pierson, and ask her if the TDP ignored Tarrant County!  Ask Paula what she thinks of your "fuck you" to Fred Baron.  I'm pretty sure you'll be singing fuck-yous all by yourself.

[ Parent ]
fair enough (0.00 / 0)
i'm just tired of constant internal fighting...can't we just get along?

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
i would love to (0.00 / 0)
after all we are all on the same team.

but this larger process has to be worked through, IMO.  time to shine the light on the inner workings, the players, etc... only then can we have accountability and progress.

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

[ Parent ]
On the Friedman small donors... (0.00 / 0)
Something like 4/5 of those small donors came from out of state, folks buying merchandise on the website. Those aren't folks who would ever, ever, ever give to Texas Democrats otherwise.

Again, to be fair...

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

good point about the merchandising (0.00 / 0)
Kinky executed that very shrewdly via his use of talk radio. In and out of state. But what % of John Courage's donors came from out of state? Richard Morrison's?
Those guys ran campaigns that brought in new donors from 50 states.
Kinky could have done much more if he hadn't been a fraud.
The donors are there -- those 100,000 moveon members in texas give at the federal level. hillary clinton has thousands of donors from texas, big and small, who haven't given to texas dems in years.
Don't give me this bullshit. Texas Dems can raise money online -- Morrison, Lampson, Courage...all have done well but there should've been more -- if Bell hadn't been so boring he could've done it.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
What bullshit? (0.00 / 0)
Am I wrong, or did Chris Bell raise more money online than any other statewide campaign in history.? When all was said and done, they raised over $7M (including loans).

Again, you're scatter-shot on what you say you're doing. At some points, you say you want to bring folks together. At others, you say you want to force people to realize what the Trust did. At other points, you're taking shots at Bell.

Figure out what it is you actually want to talk about, and we'll talk about it. And possibly get some facts right in the mean time...

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

[ Parent ]
Any other statewide campaign in TEXAS history (0.00 / 0)
maybe, I haven't seen the final reports so I'm going off the september stuff.
He turned it up at the end but it was too late.
Not entirely his fault but whatcha gonna do.

The purpose of my blog is to start a discussion of what actually happened to Texas Democrats in 2006.

I criticized the big money donors (which you keep calling "the Trust" -- not something I've mentioned but it does jog my memory and give me some ideas for more report searches to do) and I criticized the small donors for backing Kinky and I criticized Bell and Van Os -- all because I think we can do better.
Bell and Van Os and everyone who had the balls to run as a D last year deserve thanks and huzzahs. BUT that doesn't mean we can't criticize their campaigns.
Bell's messaging was mushy and didn't catch fire early when he could've built some momentum. He didn't catch on at all until the debate when he finally got some media attention.
Problem is you gotta drive media attention, you gotta make things happen when you're the long shot. Bell didn't do what he needed to do to win.
That's my beef with Bell.
I'm bringing folks together, we're having a good discussion, I'm looking forward to more of it.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.

[ Parent ]
Yeah... (0.00 / 0)
I don't buy it. If you're really reading Kaos like you say you are and you've worked on campaigns, you know about "the Trust" and don't need me to jog your memory. Nice play, though.

Also, working off of September numbers is a poor showing, though it fits in with the other kind of information you've presented.


Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

[ Parent ]
I didn't say (0.00 / 0)
I don't know what the Trust is, I said I didn't bring it up or name it.
Careful what you ask for Phillip. I'm about to be posting some very interesting info about the Trust next week.
I'm doing the thorough research I haven't had time to do so far.
It's all public folks, anyone want to peruse the TEC and get the scoop on me?
Thanks for reminding me about the trust.
: )

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Bringing people together? (0.00 / 0)
Where, oh where, did I denigrate the Internet?  Where did I say money couldn't be raied on line?

The Internet holds more promise for improving Democratic fundraising and organizing than any other tool or medium or whatever the hell you want to call it.  The party needs to harness it and do more with it -- and I understand that they have.  Individual campaigns need to use it in the same way that certain candidates, like Morrison, have done it.

But, if you really know me Smarty, you know that I never believe there is a cookie-cutter approach to campaigns and party-building.  There is no one-size-fits all.  The Internet and the netroots are not the answer to all problems.

I'm sorry that the Party's efforts haven't met your expectations, Smarty.  Perhaps you ought to go down to TDP and offer your obviously brilliant advice.  I'm hardly an expert in the area, as you've so lovingly pointed out.

But, Phil's right, you've scatter-shot all over the place, indicting and insulting people with half-truths and then backing off trying to sound reasonable.  That doesn't sound like someone who's "bringing people together."

Smarty, this ain't a zero sum game, in which one side must win and the other must lose.  In fact, I really don't see that there are two sides.  The Republicans are my enemy.

Finally, Smarty, I'm really curious as to who you are.  After all, you're getting to take potshots at me personally while you hide behind your nom de blog.  I've scratched my head, and, frankly, Smarty, I can't recall having a drink at the Star Bar with someone so dumb.

But, hey, let's drop the personal stuff.  If you really do know me, call me.  You obviously have my numbers, so gimme a call.  Otherwise, I'm done with this.

[ Parent ]
I agree (0.00 / 0)
on the zero sum part.
As I recall you didn't listen to me in 2002 about this stuff either -- James Gaston told me  to be patient with you.
I'm trying to get folks who think that changing the TDP chair will ipso facto change everything to see that there's a bigger picture.
I've spent months of my life trying to help the party, didn't work out, although BR is a big improvement over MBM and CES I'm sure.
I'll track down your number and call if I get a chance.

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Don't quit now,boys... (0.00 / 0)
..it was just getting interesting.
Fact:CES was a complete loser for the TDP.
The Glen Boyd turf battle was a bad way to begin the home stretch.
The very people who supported Boyd the most ended up detesting him the most.
[ Parent ]
THAT is no lie...<eom> (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
where are our..... (0.00 / 0)
...articulate boys when we need them?  If they're finished debating each other, I'd like to put my nickel in....
[ Parent ]
Both those guys... (0.00 / 0)
...were right, but I have a different take on "What's wrong...".First a little background. I'm an old guy, old school. I've been a member of the TDP since 1956. Us older TX Ds are dismayed by today's TDP.It's now like a dysfunctional high school. Bell and Van Os both ran very poor campaigns. I know 2nd hand closely, and if anyone's interested I will gladly tell you...
[ Parent ]
I'm interested (0.00 / 0)
and perhaps you might be able to explain why most of the safe Democratic incumbents didn't do anything but raise money for themselves in 2006.
[ Parent ]
my theory (0.00 / 0)
stingy.  plain and simple. 

and it's a damn shame that more of them didn't put their resources into tight races, esp. the safe ones like chet and lloyd.  but then again, i've heard that getting lloyd to cough up money is like pulling teeth.

yea, they really blew it when it came to "use it or lose it".

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

[ Parent ]
Chet Edwards... (0.00 / 0)
...is not "safe."  Chet, you might recall if you pay as much attention as you claim, is the Democrat representing the MOST REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT IN THE COUNTRY.

Yes, Chet Edwards kicked ass in 06.  How?  By spending his money defining his opponent and himself. 

The only thing that's a "damn shame" about Chet Edwards 06 finances is that he didn't have another $500k to kick the living crap out of Van Taylor...

...I'm with you on Dogget...blood from a turnip.

[ Parent ]
checking (0.00 / 0)
I don't think that's right. And certainly Nick Lampson's district is more Republican.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.
[ Parent ]
take your snark (0.00 / 0)
and shove it, seriously.  chet had money he could have given to other candidates, and anyone who says otherwise is full of it.

how much money did chet raise?  how much did he spend?  how badly did he beat van taylor? 

have you ever even heard of use it or lose it?

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

[ Parent ]
Oh, I don't know about that... (0.00 / 0)
it's a conservative district to be sure with very unfriendly media. Still, calling it the most R district in the country is a bit much. I would say Lubbock and Fort Bend County are much more R.
[ Parent ]
I believe what is meant... (0.00 / 0)
Is that Chet's district was the district with the lowest DPI (which tells what a typical Democrat will get) of any District held by a Democrat going into the 2006 elections...
[ Parent ]
let's hear it. (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
i agree with (0.00 / 0)
mcblogger
[ Parent ]
Okay, you seem (5.00 / 1)
interested. I got in on this thing late, but there doesn't seem much interest in standing back and analyzing what happened. My son and I have been long time TDPers, going back to John Connally. He invited us to be at the speech that never occured. We also shook their (JFK's and Jackie's) hands at Love Field that day.  All this is a way of saying this was my last roundup.
[ Parent ]
I wanted to go out a winner. (5.00 / 1)
Being from Dallas, most of my son's friends are Rs (personally I can't stand them).They taught him a few things about winning and holding seats.#1-If you're going to vote for a R, you contribute your own hard earned money early and often. TX Ds, even the rich ones, only contribute the bare minimum-just enough so they can sleep at night. #2-Once you get a candidate in, it's damn hard to unseat them. So, like Carville (can't stand him) said, "If the Ds couldn't win this time, something is wrong".#3-Don't just preach to the choir.#4-Start early.#5-Surround yourself with the right people.Don't be "co-opted" by folks who have ulterior motives.#6#7#8#9#10.
[ Parent ]
Every bit of this... (0.00 / 0)
is what we should be doing, but aren't.
[ Parent ]
isn't that what happened (0.00 / 0)
when the trials put soechting in charge in 2004  -- they're the ones he fucked over the most.
irony repeating itself.
can you elaborate?
who was backing Boyd and ended up detesting him? the money folks or rural grassroots types?

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
i have heard.... (0.00 / 0)
the rural grassroots types were pretty miffed over what they perceived as a lack of support post-convention.  but that's just anecdotal from some activists friends in west texas, so take it for what it's worth.

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.
[ Parent ]
East Texas as well, Anna (0.00 / 0)
... a lot of people got burned by Boyd. And that's what all this is about. What Smarty and Koas folks are doing is, IMHO, helpful in trying to tie everyone back together. The question is, will TDP and 'the powers that be' listen to them?

[ Parent ]
I really hope they will (0.00 / 0)
because otherwise we will effectively have capitulated to Republican dominance of Texas for the foreseeable future.

And those people be crazy.

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.

[ Parent ]
Soechting increased... (0.00 / 0)
.. state legislative seats for Ds for the first time in 32 years.  Loser?
[ Parent ]
Smartypants (0.00 / 0)
Again, what "safe Democrats" didn't put their money in? House or Congressional candidates. Because I know Rep. Coleman emptied his campaign account with donations, Speaker Laney gave $35,000 to Heflin in the last week, and dozens more Texas House Democrats gave thousands and thousands this past cycle...

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.
what did doggett do? (0.00 / 0)
i am not in austin anymore but it seemed like he was focused on his own campaign a lot
[ Parent ]
Lloyd did nothing (4.00 / 2)
for anyone but himself.Just holding his new gerrymandered seat, which worked out well for him, but was disasterous for John Courage.He's a millionaire in Austin real estate, and he has name recognition, hence money.
[ Parent ]
Just like I thought. (0.00 / 0)
You folks aren't really interested in the why and the how our party missed their one big statewide chance.Even Smartypants, who started this thing, doesn't seem to want to get to the bottom of it.
[ Parent ]
No, I'm interested (0.00 / 0)
and I believe you explained what I was after with the safe Democrats.  I'm Smarty Pants LIBERAL, not the Smartypants that started this.

Please continue.

[ Parent ]
hey I'm all ears (0.00 / 0)
please keep talking!

Any comments I make are my own personal opinion and do not reflect the opinions of any client or consulting firm I may be associated with.
[ Parent ]
Indeed, Garnet worked tirelessly (0.00 / 0)
and so did SOME of the Texas House Democrats.  How about the most popular politician in the state?  Senate Democrats?  Congressional Democrats?
[ Parent ]
KBH is by far (0.00 / 0)
the most popular politician in the state.She has a contribution base that is incredible.Now I'm back to the topic I know best - money.I do not believe CB got more internet money than any other governor candidate.That's nonsense. His campaign was awful-nobody outside of Harris County barely knew his name until September1.O'Quinn baled him out financially or he would have sunk.
[ Parent ]
phillip (0.00 / 0)
um, lloyd and chet?

they both had shitloads of money and hoarded it all to themselves.

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

[ Parent ]
KBH (0.00 / 0)
He asked who was the most popular politician in the state. It's KBH.Please read my post above.thanks
[ Parent ]
Umm, hello? (0.00 / 0)
I wasn't talking about them.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.
[ Parent ]
OK, we won't acknowlege (0.00 / 0)
"them".Sorry.Phillip, do you know you and I are dinasours in our state?
[ Parent ]
you said... (0.00 / 0)
"Again, what "safe Democrats" didn't put their money in? House or Congressional candidates. "

i just named two. 

Fudd's first law of opposition: Push something hard enough and it will fall over.

[ Parent ]
Hey, I'm new at this. (0.00 / 0)
Just wanted to weigh in on what I know, and tried to post/reply on the Smartypants Chris Bell issue.The main thing wrong with the statewide Texas Dems are the candidates themselves, and who they surround themselves with.  No disrespect, but Bell and Van Os ran very ragged campaigns, compared to other states I've worked in.
Sheesh... (0.00 / 0)
How did i miss this conversation?  I just spent a good part of the day off and on reading this exchange.

Can that count as a small contribution to someone; anyone??

:)

Happy Hour (0.00 / 0)
I see Crosby stopped posting....
[ Parent ]
What's the Matter with Texas Democrats? | 185 comments
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