| Kristen Mack reports that Representative Robert Talton has officially filed his paperwork to run against Mr. Nick Lampson in 2008.
This highly conservative state legislator has been rumored as a possible Congressman in this district since Tom Delay had to be replaced.
Now, unfortunately; he has an added advantage. It seems no one in Texas, except the Texans represented by the man, like Tom Craddick. And as we all know and can even respect, Mr. Talton was a giant thorn in Craddick's speakership this past legislative session. Not only will that make him more liked, but it got him extra media attention. He might even have more name recognition in the district than former Rep. Sekula-Gibbs, but the former councilwoman from Houston seemed to act crazy in her short time in Washington, so it looks like Talton is on a smooth ride for the nomination, especially since former county judge Robert Eckels, tax collector Paul Bettencourt, and Sugar Land mayor Dave Wallace are staying out of it.
Lampson, of course, has a lot of money; so he still has a chance. Many of us, though; were hoping he wouldn't have a tough battle against a strong candidate. It looks like those hopes are about dead.
We may be able to attain some other hope from this news, though. Talton's district 144 will now be open, and we might actually have a shot. 2004 didn't even show a Democratic opponent, and in 2006 a not-well-known Janette Sexton held Talton to 56.29 percent. The average Democrat in 2006 also got more votes in the district than Sexton, by 43% to 40.5%.
It would be a tough climb against Talton the incumbent, and it will still be a tough climb regardless. However, an open seat will make it easier. If we can find a strong candidate, it will certainly be a race for all to watch, too.
UPDATE:
Ken Legler, a Pasadena native, is running for House District 144, the seat Robert Talton is giving up to take a stab at Congress.
Legler, a Republican, is already closely associating himself with Talton, saying he's proud of the job Talton has done.
"His service to our area, since his election in 1992, will be a model for anyone who hopes to succeed him," Legler said. GOP political consultant Allen Blakemore is running his campaign.
Legler has been twice-appointed to the Texas Commission of Environmental
Quality Advisory Board Member for Small Business. He also is a board
member of the Texas Association of Business.
If he is staying close to Talton's views, and he wins the nomination; it may be a good thing for Democrats. As Kuff pointed out:
Pasadena is represented in the State House by one Robert Talton, who (let's face it) is not exactly an accurate reflection of the new Pasadena. Far as I'm concerned, he's a Talmadge Heflin waiting to happen. |
