BREAKING: Kirk England HD-106 (R) to Switch Parties

QR picked up your story (5.00 / 1)

BURNT ORANGE REPORT CLAIMS KIRK ENGLAND TO SWITCH PARTIES

QR has obtained independent confirmation from sources in a position to know...

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by: Joe @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 17:40:12 PM CDT

Star Telegram confirms (5.00 / 2)

Statement from England:

"After one session in the House, I found that the Republican leadership in Austin had no tolerance for the values and priorities of the folks I represent," England said in a statement released Wednesday. "That is why [Thursday] at 10 a.m., I will announce my intention to seek re-election to the Texas House as a Democrat."

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by: Joe @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 17:42:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thanks Joe (5.00 / 1)

Story updated. This is in the hands of the pros now. I was just getting it out there.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

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by: Karl-Thomas Musselman @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 17:54:59 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Democrats Respond to Switch (0.00 / 0)

Darlene Ewing, Dallas County Chair, responds (according to the Dallas News):

Ms. Ewing said grass roots Democratic activists would not support Mr. England. And though the party remains neutral in primary elections, Ms. Ewing said she is personally backing Ms. Hubener.

"If Katy runs, I'm sticking with her," Ms. Ewing said. "He's going to have trouble beating her in the primary. The grass roots Democrats are going to back Hubener."

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 18:31:28 PM CDT

That is unfortunate (0.00 / 0)

I think there are other repugs that could be persuaded if they are welcomed (ala the way the Rs did in the mid-to-late 90s with Dems).

I don't know England from a hole in the wall, but he is saying all the things we want said. He could really serve as a boost for us and may help us win more converts in the years to come.

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by: colin @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 18:56:05 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

A word of caution (5.00 / 1)

I'd wait until tomorrow before jumping on any other statements in the press. I'm sure a lot of phone calls and emails are being traded tonight and much more will be clear after the press conference and associated press releases.

I don't have any special insight, just general caution.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

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by: Karl-Thomas Musselman @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 19:01:17 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I don't know (0.00 / 0)

if his "switching" really has to do with believing in the platform of the Texas Democratic Party or is more about "desperation." It's fairly clear that he was going to have a difficult time with Katy Hubener in the General Election in '08, since she came within a hair's breath last year.

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 19:05:19 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

that, (5.00 / 2)

and Linda Harper-Brown pushing a primary opponent against him that embraces her nutjob wing of the GOP.  Thank God he didn't take the bait and run to the right, further away from the constituents in that district.

Let this serve as a lesson to Linda Harper Brown, Dan Patrick, James Leininger, Tom Craddick and all the other extremists that try to pull their members over the edge. 

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by: Joe @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 19:27:56 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I didn't know (0.00 / 0)

that was in the works. After paying close attention to their shenanigans in the last session, that isn't surprising. Linda Harper Brown is definitely one of the scarier ones.

Who was she pushing to run against England?

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 19:40:55 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

2008 Democratic Primary, District 106 (0.00 / 0)

If England was confused by the Republican Party of Craddick, he will really find himself confused in the 2008 Democratic Primary.

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by: Tom Blackwell @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 19:01:38 PM CDT

I wonder (0.00 / 0)

why he doesn't run as an Independent? Or maybe he will if he loses to Katy Hubener in the primary?

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 19:14:21 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Can't run as an independent if he loses the primary... (5.00 / 2)

In Texas, a candidate who runs in a primary can't then run as an independent. States that have such restrictions are said to have "sore-loser" laws. Wish they had one in Connecticut.


"The eyes of the people are fast opening! Fight on!"--Andrew Jackson

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by: Al Stanley @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 20:37:39 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thanks! (0.00 / 0)

I wasn't sure if that applied to the state reps. :)

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 21:00:05 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Double posting (0.00 / 0)

again ~ sorry.  Must be cuz it's Talk Like A Pirate's Day! Arr!

I apologize if this posts twice.

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 21:14:17 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I am delighted but not entirely surprised... (5.00 / 1)

Kirk England had the best environmental voting record by far of any Republican in the House. His values are clearly different from those of his party's leadership and rank-and-file. Congratulations to Katy for making the environment an issue in the 2006 campaigns and to Kirk for withstanding a lot of the pressure placed on him by Craddick. I have supported Katy in past elections. I am inclined this time to support England. Keep your eyes peeled for the Texas League of Conservation Voters scorecard to be released next week.

"The eyes of the people are fast opening! Fight on!"--Andrew Jackson

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by: Al Stanley @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 19:06:05 PM CDT

Why are you (0.00 / 0)

inclined to support England this time? You stated yourself that Katy Hubener made the environment a critical issue in their 2006 race. In fact, she's always made it an issue since she first ran.

The Dallas Morning News endorsed her over England last fall. Read what they said about her here.

Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Katy Hubener in House District 106
Dallas Morning News
Tuesday, September 26, 2006

The House District 106 race in Grand Prairie and Irving pits a rookie Republican incumbent against a repeat Democratic candidate who represents a strong new voice for utility reform and clean air.

We think the incumbent-heavy Legislature can benefit from newcomer Katy Hubener's voice.

Ms. Hubener is firmer than GOP opponent Kirk England on the need for the latest technology for new coal-burning power plants. A former activist in environmental matters, she recognizes that clean air is a critical issue for a metropolitan area struggling to meet federal standards.

With consumers hurt by spiking utility bills, Ms. Hubener wants to probe why electricity deregulation has cost - not saved - the public money. Consumers should welcome an advocate on this issue.

Like Ms. Hubener, 36, a real estate agent, Mr. England, 45, an insurance agent, runs a small business in Grand Prairie.

Mr. England won a special election in March to replace GOP Rep. Ray Allen and represented the district in the Legislature's special session on school finance. His lack of knowledge about issues of importance to North Texas troubled us then and, though he has begun to show improvement, continues to concern us.

He needs to toughen on environmental issues. Mr. England favors permitting some, but not all, of the 16 new power plants sought by electric companies, but he would not push utilities to use the latest technology to clean emissions.

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 22:12:07 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

It's a judgment call (5.00 / 2)

On the whole, I'm inclined to think that we're better off welcoming a former Republican who had a very good (though not perfect) record and who realized that he didn't fit in.

There may well be more Republican officeholders willing to switch. There sure are a bunch of Republican voters like that. What message does it send to them if we trounce someone that they like when he switches party allegiances? I think it sends those voters running back to the Republican Party.

Katy might well beat England in a primary, but I hope she'll choose not to run for the greater good--for the ability of our party to achieve majority status at least in the Texas House. Not trying to whack former Republicans who have come to their senses seems to me like a pretty sensible way to build a majority.

Another possibility is that Katy could win the primary (again) but lose the general (again) to a new Republican. The district's trending Democratic, but it's still on the cusp. Democrat England would surely be able to attract enough crossover votes in the general to hold the seat.

Katy's a quality person--no question about it. I know her, I like her and I backed her strongly when others were telling me it was a waste of time. There are many ways to serve. As Milton wrote, "They also serve who only stand and wait." I hope Katy waits.

"The eyes of the people are fast opening! Fight on!"--Andrew Jackson

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by: Al Stanley @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 22:51:32 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

You really believe (0.00 / 0)

Democrats who voted "against" England will suddenly embrace him??

This is about people. Not stats. Who told you it was a waste of time to support Katy Hubener? She certainly has a following in 106.

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 23:12:13 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

you are oversimplifying it (5.00 / 1)

Think back to how we lost the majority in the mid-late 90s when Ds in swing-ish districts were jumping overboard.

They were recruited and welcomed as a sign to other Ds that times were a changing and they, too, should get on board with the "republican revolution".

I don't have anything bad to say about Katy...and don't recall a post saying she was bad.  This is about a guy who is so disgusted by the repug party that he switches and puts his own political career at risk. This is about sending the message that "the folk in charge are no good, join our team because the pendulum is swinging back".

Isn't it a victory when our arguments actually change someone's mind?? Isn't it our whole goal to change the minds of Texans that the repugs are bad for Texas? Looks like we've got a convert...let's give him a shot.

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by: colin @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 23:27:39 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

His political career (0.00 / 0)

was already at risk. Basically, he has nothing to lose by the "switch."

And I'm not oversimplifying anything. Everyone seems to be buying into England's own reasons for his "switch" without understanding the dynamics of HD-106.

And that is very foolish.

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 23:47:30 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Congratulations to Kirk England (5.00 / 2)

He's a smart man.  Didn't take him but one session to see the error of his prior affiliation.  Welcome to the Democratic Party Mr. England!

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by: sonia @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 19:06:36 PM CDT

welcome to the party England (5.00 / 1)

it would have been nice to have him on our side in the voter id fight, that nonsense could have been contained in committee.

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by: Joe @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 19:18:26 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Do you know him? (0.00 / 0)

He's not held in such high esteem by the Democrats in his district. Katy Hubener is.

All of this jumping on the Kirk England bandwagon is making me ill.

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 21:47:51 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I say welcome to the Party!!! (5.00 / 1)

maybe more of them will wake up soon or be voted out.

Doing My Part For The Left,Left Of The Rainbow

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by: refinish69 @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 19:18:07 PM CDT

Lone Star Project (0.00 / 0)

And here I thought this was a Lone Star Project scoop :-)

The Lone Star Project has confirmed.....

www.stonewalldemocratsofdentoncounty.org

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by: John McClelland @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 19:22:36 PM CDT

Put Away Your Torches... (5.00 / 1)

We ought to welcome England with open arms, not encourage a primary challenge.  This is the best/easiest/cheapest way to win a seat.  Plus, in the past, he was forced to vote the Republican party line on some issues.  Let's give him a cycle in our party before pulling his votes out against him.

So, Rep. England, welcome aboard!  Glad to have ya!  This is a big tent party and we welcome multiple points of view/positions.  You're gonna feel a LOT more comfortable here than you did over there!!!! :)

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by: David O. @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 20:36:18 PM CDT

Katy Hubener (0.00 / 0)

almost won last time. She's always been a Democrat. What about Katy? Had England not decided to "switch" she most likely would have won this time.

Is the symbolism of this more important?

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 21:22:11 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

And I'll add (0.00 / 0)

that if she decides to run again, she might just "win" anyway. Is that cheap enough?

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 21:59:20 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Bitter (1.00 / 1)

Elsbeth,

I know you are still bitter about the Leppert/Oakley race.  It's okay.  England is not bad guy.

Even Dunnam has said he will help him get re-elected. 

Katy is not anymore entitled to this seat than England.

But England is there now, and we need to protect what we have now. 

Katy can run for State Senate or County Commissioner or County Judge (which by the way we need a better County Judge in Dallas).

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by: Aero @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 10:14:16 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Excuse me (0.00 / 0)

You've called me "bitter."  May I return the favor and call you "extremely rude"?

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 12:03:32 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Absolutely : ) (0.00 / 0)

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by: Aero @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 13:24:37 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Is the symbolism more importnat? (0.00 / 0)

Due to our not being in the majority . . .

YES!!!

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by: trowaman @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 22:59:52 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

This is about (0.00 / 0)

Kirk England trying to hold on to his seat. Nothing more. He didn't see the light ~ he just saw the end of his very short career in politics unless he had a conversion. I don't think too much of that.

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 23:20:24 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Maybe (3.00 / 1)

And I say give him 1 term as a Dem and see how well he works with us. If he's bucking us all the time, then sure, primary him. Point is, it is a great symbol and so long as he works well with us then I'm all for letting him stay on.

The Rs were not ready to primary Ralph Hall in 2004, they gave him a chance. That's how I'm feelign on England. Let him get one term in as a Democrat and lets see how he does. If he fails, he goes, if not, then we just saved a ton of money.

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by: trowaman @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 23:25:33 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No (0.00 / 0)

Not buying it. Katy Hubener should run. She's the one that the Democratic Party should get behind. She's the one who deserves that 1 term you mentioned ~ to see "how well (s)he works with us."

You know nothing about Kirk England. He's just a number to you.

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 23:56:02 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No (0.00 / 0)

Not buying it. Katy Hubener should run. She's the one that the Democratic Party should get behind. She's the one who deserves that 1 term you mentioned ~ to see "how well (s)he works with us."

You know nothing about Kirk England. He's just a number to you.

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 23:56:03 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Sorry (0.00 / 0)

My double postings continue. Must be my browser going haywire. ;)

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 23:59:22 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I don't think any jumping to conclusions (0.00 / 0)

is in order.

Let's see how this falls out.

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

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by: boadicea @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 21:34:08 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

House District 106 is part of a trend... (5.00 / 2)

In  2004, interest in the Hubener versus Allen race started me looking closely at Republican-held House districts that were over 40% minority and urging folks not to write them off even if our 2002 statewide candidates had not performed well there.

There were 25 such districts. That year, we picked up two: 117 (Leibowitz over Mercer, 71% minority) and 149 (Vo over Heflin, 63%). In 2006, we picked up three: 93 (Pierson over Goodman, 52%); 32 (Garcia over Seaman, 43%); and 107 (Vaught over Keffer, 40%). Now England is switching parties in 106 (45% minority).

We are six seats out. The top six districts with high minority populations held by Republicans are: 78 Haggerty 65%; 133 Murphy 62%; 138 Bohac 59%; 102 Goolsby 53%; 105 Harper-Brown 51% and 144 Talton (open) 48%.

Of course, since 2002, we've also picked up seats in districts that are less than 40% minority. Those happen to be in the vicinity of major universites (UT, Rice, Texas State). Anyone want to figure out the best six remaining "shadow of a university" districts?

"The eyes of the people are fast opening! Fight on!"--Andrew Jackson

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by: Al Stanley @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 21:37:31 PM CDT

Yes, it's a trend! (0.00 / 0)

It's a trend toward a Democratic district. And Katy Hubener has been leading the charge!

Throwing her over for a Republican who came within a couple of hundred votes of losing to Katy last time knows all about this "trend."

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 21:53:32 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

sure, did that about 2 hours ago (5.00 / 1)

Our best chances in 2008 (in addition to Haggerty) are as follows:

Name - District; Percentage against Dem in 2006, area of Texas

Hamilton -19; 57.4-42.6, North of Beaumont

Krusee - 52; 50.4-44.2, North of Austin/Travis County

Miller - 59; 55.5-44.5, Comanche/SW of Tarrant C.

Crownover - 64; 59.91-40.08, Denton

Zedler - 96; 54.2-45.8, Southern Tarrant Co.

Mowery Special Election - 97

Goolsby - 102; 51.93-45.81, NE Dallas/Garland

Harper-Brown - 105; 57.3-42.7, Irving

Branch - 108; 58.1-41.9, Highland Park (Dallas)

Crabb - 127; 59.2-40.8,  NE Harris

Davis - 129; 57.7-42.3, SE Harris

Murphy - 133; 57.2-42.8, Downtown Houston

Bohac - 138; 60.1-39.9, NW City of Houston

Talton - 144; 56.3-40.6; Pasadena

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by: trowaman @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 23:05:25 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Plus... (0.00 / 0)

Haggerty has other things to worry about: Craddick!

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by: Noonie @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 23:15:22 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Not what I asked... (0.00 / 0)

What are the six districts in Texas that are most likely to be influenced by their proximity to a major University?

I thnk Krusee's is definitely one of them. (The Tower casts a long shadow.)

Just as I ranked six Republican districts in order of size of their minority populations, can we rank districts that are solidly Anglo (greater than 60%, say) by the influence that a big university has on the overall educational attainment?

I'm less interested in how we did in past elections. I think we've milked that for about all we can. I'm more interested in factors that might help us in futue elections: minority populations ripe for organizing AND educated communities that are riled up that the lunatics are running the asylum.

Come on folks: there are only 81... er... 80 Republicans. Can't be that hard to look up the Educational Profile on each member's House web page.

But thanks for the summary of the election results.

"The eyes of the people are fast opening! Fight on!"--Andrew Jackson

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by: Al Stanley @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 23:22:59 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Hmm... (0.00 / 0)

Nice and all, but minorities don't vote.

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by: Noonie @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 23:14:38 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I hope this is a joke... (3.00 / 1)

Because if African-Americans weren't voting over 90% Democratic and if Hispanic Americans weren't voting 60% Democratic, white Democrats would be toast.

"The eyes of the people are fast opening! Fight on!"--Andrew Jackson

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by: Al Stanley @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 23:26:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Welcome Kirk England (5.00 / 1)

DCDP should welcome Rep. England into the party and stay out of any primary fight. After 3 tries, Katy Hubener should run for something else. We need to focus our Democratic resources on flipping other districts. We have six to go...

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by: Tejana @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 00:46:19 AM CDT

A brand new shiny Democrat (0.00 / 0)

Democrats should be proud of Kirk England, and proud of themselves.

In that particular district it is clear that England could have won as a Republican -- he's done it before, and he probably would have done it again. In that context, the fact that he choses now to join the Democrats, therefore, makes this a much more principled decision than if he switched parties in a district unwinnable by a Republican. We should all thank him from the bottom of our hearts, embrace him into the fold, and hope like hell there are other like-minded Republican officeholders thinking the same thing.

And Texas Democrats should be proud as well. This is the clearest sign yet that what we have all -- ALL -- created is a Party to which people WANT to belong. Other House Democrats have shown that it is only in the Democratic Party that an elected House member will be free to represent his or her district without fear that you'll get your head bashed in by folks inside the pink building.

Mr. England, WELCOME, AND THANK YOU! Bring some of your friends, come on in, let us introduce you around, get you a drink, feel free to put your feet up on the coffee table, and by all means MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME!!!!

LettersFromTexas.com

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by: Harold Cook @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 07:36:49 AM CDT

Switching to Survive (5.00 / 1)

I live in the 106th, and Kirk's performance in the last election was the worst Republican showing in the last decade even with redistricting. He squeaked by in November 2006 with only 235 votes and less than 1.1% margin. He took the seat originally in an offseason special election, no doubt crafted by he, Ray Allen, and Perry, and his general election showing was already weaker only seven months later. This in spite of his father's extensive local political connections. The only way he CAN hold on to that seat would be as a Democrat. In addition the word was already out that Kirk was going to have a pro-Craddick primary opponent if he stayed with the Repugs.

I haven't officially heard whether Katy will run again, but all the signs were pointing towards "yes". She was at the DCDP Labor Day picnic, and many of her supporters were already circulating some of her old campaign material there. Her bumper stickers are already on many of our cars. On the other hand, Kirk England has made no effort to talk to the local Democratic Club members that I'm aware of. He certainly hasn't been courting us, as the first news of this switch came to us through the Ft. Worth Star Telegram.

If Kirk England does manage to win in the primary, I'm guessing I'd have no problem  voting for him in the general. I hear he's a friendly enough guy, but if Katy actually runs I doubt he will be on the ballot in November. It would be Katy vs. some neocon nutjob friend of LHBrown. Either way the nutjob loses.

I certainly welcome Kirk into our party. If he ends up losing the seat to Katy, we still have some other places we can use him. That County Commissioner seat is coming up in 2010, and if Marchant is still around then we could use him there too. It would give him some time to get to know more Democrats.

Harvey

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by: Mo @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 11:09:43 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

no gimme seat (0.00 / 0)

England obviously won and Huebner lost, again.

Never underestimate the power of inertia in politics. Incumbents almost always get re-elected.  This is a clear win for Democrats and we should defend England's position as a sign of things to come for repugs.

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by: colin @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 11:28:02 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

It's (0.00 / 0)

Katy Hubener. She's a Democrat. And I think we owe it to her to spell her name correctly.

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 12:27:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Hmmm.... (1.00 / 1)

Maybe YOU owe her something.  But we don't.

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by: Aero @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 15:10:31 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Let's see (0.00 / 0)

that's your 2nd rude comment, today.

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 15:35:31 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Sour grapes... (5.00 / 1)

Look, bottom line is she had chances and lost.  She lost in the special (where it's easier to effect turnout on the ground) and in a general (in a seat whose DPI is FAR easier than several others we won). 

Kirk's reasons for switching sound authentic to me (his voting record backs them up) and even if they're not... well, it's one more seat for us and one less seat for them.  If we plan to retake the majority statewide we need to encourage Republicans who are moderate to join the party that welcomes moderate views... The Democratic Party!  It certainly worked for the Republicans in the 80s-90's when THEY took over.

I could not be more excited over this development.  Anyone who isn't is merely being selfish, trying to force their person up at the risk of costing us this seat/hurting us later on.  It's clear we will have to work VERY hard to defense this seat in November.  Republicans will invest a lot to defeat England.  There is NO reason why we should make their life easier by a primary challenge. 

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by: David O. @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 12:09:39 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No way (0.00 / 0)

a Republican will come close in November. This seat was already trending Democratic. Sorry. And this is not sour grapes. That's out of line.

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 12:30:14 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

so? (0.00 / 0)

There are several seats in the United States Congress that lean demcoratic and are trending more so (see the NY districts) and have Republican represenatives, and they are not switching to save their hides.

Point is, he switches, and he still has to fight off the Republicans. In what (while trending Dem) is a district that has a slight Republican tint to is still.

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by: trowaman @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 12:37:13 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Who is this fabulous (0.00 / 0)

Republican (that several here have alluded to) Kirk England was going to have to fight off in the Republican Primary and (if he wins the Democratic Primary) the General Election (as a new Democrat)? I still haven't heard a name, yet.

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 13:15:16 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

you misunderstand (0.00 / 0)

I was not talking of the R primary, I'm saying he still has to face them in the general now.

There is no longer a debate of him being offed in a Republican primary, it's not happening.

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by: trowaman @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 13:27:15 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Who? (0.00 / 0)

I'm sure we will find out soon enough. In Labor Day political news, Republican party officials stated to the press that there would be a primary opponent "out of Irving" if I recall, without naming anyone. Which I translate to mean that Linda Harper Brown was looking for someone to run against England. In any case it was a very public GOP slapping of England, whether or not they had yet found anyone to run.

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by: Mo @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 13:41:43 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I look forward (0.00 / 0)

to learning the name of this formidable Republican candidate.

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 15:45:40 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Who? (0.00 / 0)

excerpt from DMN "Parties gearing up for key '08 races"

08:18 AM CDT on Wednesday, September 5, 2007

"•Texas House District 106
In November, Republican Kirk England survived a scare from Democrat Katy Hubener, who came within 250 votes of winning the Grand Prairie/south Irving seat. Ms. Hubener said Monday that she doesn't know if she's running again.
Mr. England could face a challenge in the primary from within Irving."

http://www.dallasnew...

The last sentence had to be a GOP source. The most likely culprit was Craddick henchman Lind Harper Brown, who's 105th district covers most of Irving (except for a few slices like the southernmost 106th part).

Although it was just a blip on everyone else's screens if that, locally that one sentence was big political news. It puts a context on Kirk's actions now.

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by: Mo @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 16:07:00 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

no sour grapes here (0.00 / 0)

David O,

First. I am excited about this. Secondly, whoever wins the Democratic primary is going to already have much more name recognition than this Republican whom nobody knows yet. If they expect to run a fresh face, they should already be out there if they want to have a prayer of success.

I'm guessing the GOP won't find anyone worth running out of Grand Prairie, now that they've pissed off Mayor Charles England, the biggest name Republican in Grand Prairie. (Thanks to LHB's good aim at her own feet! yipee!!) So that leaves getting someone from Irving (which is the smaller part of the 106) or importing a carpet-bagger. Either one gets clobbered by the Grand Prairie candidate.

Some folks should look at a map and the local political realities before they consider strategies for a district they don't live in, and know little about.

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by: Mo @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 14:25:19 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Amen! (0.00 / 0)

Some folks should look at a map and the local political realities before they consider strategies for a district they don't live in, and know little about.

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 15:48:13 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thank you, Harvey (0.00 / 0)

Well said.

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 12:25:07 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Reasons for switching (5.00 / 1)

Just to clarify, I don't doubt that England has authentic reasons for preferring the Democrats over the Republicans. Indeed I don't see why political survival should be seen as "inauthentic".

As for his voting record, the only issue I watched closely were the voter suppression bills. I called and emailed his office and he still voted with the Republicans on that. Democracy is a basic issue with me, it certainly puts the "D" in the "Democratic" party as far as I am concerned. If England still thinks its a good idea to put hurdles in front of the ballot box, I'm not going to care which party he is in today.

I understand that all you Democratic mathematicians who don't live in the 106th think its somehow rude to not give England a free pass as reward for switching. However England himself has implicitly acknowleged that all politics is local, and I'm sure you excuse me if I continue to consider issues issues in deciding whom to vote for.

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by: Mo @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 12:54:24 PM CDT

A Representative's salary . . . (0.00 / 0)

. . . is effectively nothing in this state. I think they get some small allowance to cover some expenses of staying in Austin during the sessions. Kirk already had a successful business before he ran. So does Katy. I don't think we have to question the "authenticity" of anyone desiring to politically survive in such a position.

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by: Mo @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 13:26:46 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Follow the money (0.00 / 0)

There is a bigger issue here and it begins and ends with the Texas Democratic Trust.

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by: blackandblue @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 15:52:24 PM CDT

Here we go (0.00 / 0)

I feel a "consultantocracy" comment coming soon... Why doesn't this begin and end with Craddick? He's toxic. As long as he's Speaker the Republicans will continue to lose seats.

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by: Tejana @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 16:40:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'm happy about the switch (4.00 / 2)

but this all has the air of clearing the field for England to run unopposed in the primary.

For those who have previously said (anywhere) that a contested primary is a good thing:  is that still the the case in HD-106?

Multiple e-mails from Boyd Richie and Matt Angle (who would find a way to take credit for the sun coming up tomorrow if he could) in lavish, slobbering praise -- for what will be, at best, a most "moderate" Democrat -- smells like overkill.

These two guys have pretty much proven to me that they don't care a whole lot for the Democratic wing of the Texas Democratic Party.

Let's welcome the man for his good sense, politically calculating though it may be, but let's hold off on licking his shoes until he defeats what will surely be a well-funded Leiningerite in November of 2008.

Don't let the Blue Dogs getcha down. Primary them.

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by: PDiddie @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 18:13:17 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yes (0.00 / 0)

The "slobbering" and "licking his boots" part is definite overkill. And not very respectful of the long-time "Democrats" in the 106th, either.

PDiddie, what's a Leiningerite, precisely ~ it must be akin to a right-wing Republican. I looked it up, but it doesn't compute.

Thank you for your rational thoughts. I very much appreciate them.

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 19:13:52 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Never mind (0.00 / 0)

about Leiningerite.  Got it! :-)

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 20:01:06 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The 106th Today (0.00 / 0)

My personal journal on this topic:

http://burntorangere...

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by: Mo @ Sun Sep 23, 2007 at 13:48:00 PM CDT