Welcome to the Future

Katy Hubener (0.00 / 0)

deserves a lot of credit for "shaping" Kirk England's more moderate views.

I'm glad Kirk England has seen the light. But I believe she deserves a lot of credit for pointing the way.

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 19:33:03 PM CDT

True (0.00 / 0)

Kirk England deserves a lot of credit for voting against Craddick's mandate.  He voted for the environment.  He voted for children and teachers.  He had a great session and his passion to represent the people of HD-106 deserves a lot of credit. As a freshman, he stood up to Craddick, Perry and Dewhurst.  That takes courage, and it takes even more courage to switch parties.  I respect that and I welcome him with open arms to the Democratic Party.

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by: Matt Glazer @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 19:41:48 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

So do you know (0.00 / 0)

if he was recruited to switch parties? Or did he come to this epiphany all by himself?

Seriously, that last legislative session should have made any sane Texas rep high-tale it from the Texas Republican Party. ;)

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 19:56:49 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

So I don't know (0.00 / 0)

Elsbeth: >>So do you know . . . "if he was recruited to switch parties? Or did he come to this epiphany all by himself? Seriously, that last legislative session should have made any sane Texas rep high-tale it from the Texas Republican Party. ;)<<

Mo: I'm guessing it was a combination of both. I'm sure any sane Democrat with their eyes (if not body) in the State capitol noticed how often he varied from the Craddick hard line. Combine that with the fact that some Irving Republican (Linda Harper Brown?) believed that they could get a koolaid drinking GOP nutjob out of the Irving part of 106 to run against him in the GOP primary and were willing as of Labor Day to publicize it.

Add to that mixture the other Democratic legislators who were willing to promise him the moon for switching parties even if they knew nothing about his district . . . and yeah I think Kirk England was an easy sell on switching parties. He was ready to jump and I trust my fellow Texas Democrats (outside the 106th of course)were more than willing to give him a boost . . . I trust them for no less of a sell-job. Even as he hasn't really been promised anything I wouldn't be surprised if he feels entitled to the moon at least for a few days . . . unless/until he gets a primary opponent. That's a pretty strong brew which I think any Republican of equal or even possibly greater intelligence than me would still feel drunk off-of ;).

Even if he comes up for a "nasty surprise" (perhaps a Democratic "hazing" ritual?") I'd be the first to recruit him for a promotion to the the US House of Representatives if Kenney Marchant manages to hold on this time around. Kirk's daddy already has the political bug, so I'm guessing the son would succeed in overcoming whatever "day after" problems he may or may not encounter.

-Harvey

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by: Mo @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 21:41:00 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Not sure (0.00 / 0)

why that posted twice. I only hit post once. :)

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 19:59:24 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Fixed it for ya (5.00 / 1)

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

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by: Phillip Martin @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 20:06:14 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'm glad England switched over.. (0.00 / 0)

..but I kinda wish Huebner had that seat.  Her Democratic convictions were never in question.

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by: TheUNTEdge @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 11:01:09 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Congrats to Our Newest Democratic Official. And Congratulations to Our Hard-Working North Texas Democrats. (0.00 / 0)

England's departure from the GOP just highlights the moral bankruptcy of the Texas Republican Party. When Kirk wanted to represent his district, Tom Craddick and his fat-cat donors tried to keep him from doing that. The work of our Democratic friends in Dallas County helped show Kirk what Democrats stand for.

Kirk England decided that he trusts Texans. And Texans will trust him.

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by: Hugh Brady @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 20:21:25 PM CDT

??? (0.00 / 0)

Is there a Texas flag flying behind you?  Sweet jeezus, I feel like I should take off my hat and stand up.

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by: Noonie @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 00:01:30 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

building blocks (0.00 / 0)

from the DMN:

These are the building blocks of statewide competitiveness down the road.

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by: Joe @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 20:26:37 PM CDT

Your link (0.00 / 0)

isn't working for me. :)

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 20:53:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

corrected (5.00 / 1)

here

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by: Joe @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 20:55:30 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Bad Week for Republicans (4.25 / 4)

Fred Hill - Gone
Dianne Delisi - Gone
Kirk England - SWITCHING PARTIES!
What a week.  Tom Craddick has so corrupted the Texas House that his allies are fleeing, his Republican enemies are quitting in disgust, and the moderates in his party who actually vote their district and their conscience are realizing that the Democratic party is their real home.  Kudos to Kirk England for the courage to do what he's doing.  No one can question the size of his meat and potatoes.  If every House Republican had the courage of Kirk England, the D's would have a majority.  Only 5 more seats and we elect a Democratic Speaker!

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by: St. Clara @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 21:01:59 PM CDT

What a week for sanity (0.00 / 0)

I like our chances much better now.

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by: sonia @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 22:30:52 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Any way the wind blows.... (5.00 / 3)

Personally, though I'm glad to see the Republicans feeling so threatened in Dallas County, I just can't hold much love for people who simply seem to be coattail riders.  They seem to lack principle to me.  I'm also not buying his excuse that he some how didn't realize that the Texas Republicans didn't hold the values that were important to him or his constituents.  Excuse me, do you run under a party banner WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING who they are and what they stand for?  Do you not READ their Party Platform before throwing yourself in their ring?

Sorry, I know most of you don't live in Grand Prairie, Kirk England isn't your neighbor or your State Rep and you probably don't realize what a box of rocks he actually is, so this isn't as important to you, but it is extremely important to me whether Katy Hubener decides to run against him or not.

I for one, will never abandon the people who stuck with their principles and were in the trenches, fighting the good fight and proud to call themselves Democrats when we were down over those who blow with the wind any day.

Susan Culp
SDEC SD9

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by: Susan Culp @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 21:13:42 PM CDT

Susan Culp (0.00 / 0)

Thank you. Perfectly stated. England has no choice but to switch. He knows that the General Election will be really difficult for the Republican in '08 in HD-106. Even a rock knows that. ;)

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 21:41:29 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'm 90% in agreement with you, but in England's defense, even as a (5.00 / 1)

Republican, England did a better job voting in favor of a progressive agenda than Craddick-"D"s Kino Flores and Aaron Pena (and did an equal job supporting a progressive agenda as turncoats Ruth Jones McClendon and Sylvester Turner).

In the 80th Legislature Score Card recently rolled out by Chris Bell, England scored 38 (tied for the least crappy Republican) where as Kleptocrats Florez and Pena only scored 29, and McClendon and Turner scored 38.

Likewise, in Environment Texas's recent legislative Score Card, England scored a 67 which is the best score among Republicans and is the same score or better than the environmental scores of Democrats Alonzo, Anchia, Bailey, Cook, Deshotel, Farabee, Flores, Frost, Giddings, Guillen, Heflin, Homer, Hopson, King, Lucio, Martinez, McLendon, Moreno, Noriega, Pena, Pickett, Quintanilla, Rose and Turner.

If you say he's a box of rocks, I won't quibble with you, but he was the least rockheaded Republican in the Legislature and he's less rockheaded than some who masqueraded as Democrats last session.

Of course, it goes without saying that if Katy Hubener runs against him, she the better choice. Just because England was a better progressive than Kino Florez, Aaron Pena, Ruth McClendon, or Sylvester Turner, that doesn't mean he's half as progressive as Katy Hubener.

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by: Texas Bob @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 23:17:26 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yes (0.00 / 0)

Of course, it goes without saying that if Katy Hubener runs against him, she the better choice. Just because England was a better progressive than Kino Florez, Aaron Pena, Ruth McClendon, or Sylvester Turner, that doesn't mean he's half as progressive as Katy Hubener.

What do they love to call it in the Republican Party ~ flip-flopper?

On the flip-flopping scale, changing parties seems like an off-the-charts flip-flop.

Now if he had won his last race by a significant amount, and then decided to "switch" I might be ok with this. But he didn't. And I'm not.

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 23:36:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Heck, that's easy. (0.00 / 0)

I'll tell you what they call it: nobody calls it anything!  Because the Democratic party is too pathetically segmented and weak to get a strong, resonating message like that out. 

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by: Noonie @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 00:04:32 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Umm. (0.00 / 0)

I read that wrong.  But you get what I mean. 

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by: Noonie @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 00:05:31 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Maybe you could (0.00 / 0)

read it all again and re-state what you mean. Because I'm not sure.

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 00:10:11 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Stealing defeat from the jaws of victory (5.00 / 2)

To Ms. Culp and Elsbeth - why are you attempting to steal defeat from the jaws of victory?  In the election next November, Kirk England wins whether he runs as an R or a D.  I really appreciate everything Katy has done over the past 3 elections, advancing and advocating a progressive agenda, but unfortunately she was 0 for 3.  I believe we should be celebrating the fact that we will have one more anti-Craddick Democrat in the Texas House next session, not letting the perfect get in the way of the really damn good. 

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by: St. Clara @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 07:42:51 AM CDT

Sorry (0.00 / 0)

I would really like to agree with you. But I do not believe he wins if he runs as a Republican.  What do you base that on?

In the election next November, Kirk England wins whether he runs as an R or a D.

Of course, now we'll never know.

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 11:53:09 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

At this point (1.00 / 1)

It's time to admit that Katy Hubener can't win this seat. Just because the district is trending Democratic doesn't mean she is the right candidate. I understand this may be difficult to accept, but we need to move on.

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by: Tejana @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 13:57:04 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No (3.00 / 1)

It's not "time" to admit that at all. I have a hunch you don't know what you are talking about.

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 15:19:22 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

really? (1.00 / 1)

As a matter of fact, Elsbeth, this ain't my first rodeo. And I have met Katy on several occasions and she was very nice. But let's get a dose of reality here. At what point does this become about the voters in HD106 and not Katy Hubener?
The entire Dallas-Fort Worth delegation has offered their complete support to Rep. England. Our party Chair, Democratic House leadership and others are backing him. You sound like a big fan of Katy's and maybe you can help her win another seat. We have a Democratic incumbent in HD106 and we need to support him.

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by: Tejana @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 16:30:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

At Least (0.00 / 0)

We probably no longer have a strong Republican to run against in this race.

"Let us tenderly and kindly cherish therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write."  -  John Adams

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by: Michael Hurta @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 14:36:02 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Ah (0.00 / 0)

but some on BOR have suggested that there is going to be a really strong candidate emerging in the GOP primary. And that this candidate will be trouble for the Democratic candidate in the General Election (and would have made for a difficult primary for England). I'm just really trying to figure out who this amazing Republican is.

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 15:25:24 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Ah Ha (0.00 / 0)

but SOME have suggested that there are no credible repugs and SOME have even implied that the repugs will just walk away from the seat and not dump 1m into keeping it.

i'm just really trying to figure out why SOME think this seat is such an easy Dem seat to win when we haven't won it until yesterday.

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by: colin @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 16:20:20 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Sorry (3.00 / 1)

Elsbeth "I would really like to agree with you. But I do not believe he wins if he runs as a Republican.  What do you base that on?

>>In the election next November, Kirk England wins whether he runs as an R or a D.<<"

I suppose we would never know either way. I heard something about Schroedinger's cat (whoever he is ;) and such problems. Upon observation we can only know a sub-atomic particle's location or direction at any given time. Hence we only know Kirk's position as of 10:00 AM this morning, but not his tragectory. Stay tuned. :)

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by: Mo @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 22:14:33 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

There's a new Democrat in the House! (5.00 / 1)

Mr. England, welcome to the Party. Alot of folks are going to make it a high priority to ensure that you feel right at home. Most of us understand that the whole point is to grow the party, so that those in it can achieve public policy in line with Democratic values, on behalf of mainstream Texas families. So relax, put your feet up, and bring your friends Mr. England.

After the last election, Democrats got significantly closer to a majority than they were before. With your courageous action, we're now that much closer. In most House Democrats' minds, that's not just gaining power for power's sake, but rather it's about getting that much closer to being able to represent the needs of mainstream Texans, instead of representing the needs of one guy at the big table at the front of the room.

The House Democratic Caucus has another member this morning. That's thanks to Representative England's choice, so thank you sir! And it's thanks to a lot of Democrats around the state who work very hard every single day to make the Democratic Party more than it is, more of what it can be -- all with a goal of a Democratic majority, leading to better public policy for Texas families. These days it's just by-golly WORTH being a Democrat.

It's also thanks to alot of Republicans, who make it painfully clear every day that if somebody really wants the freedom to represent the people in their district, they're not going to get to do much of that in the Republican Caucus.

One way or another, for many many reasons, this is a VERY good day!

LettersFromTexas.com

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by: Harold Cook @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 07:54:02 AM CDT

Southern hospitality (0.00 / 0)

Harold, well said. Your welcoming almost makes me wish I hadn't already spent several lifetimes as a Democrat, because then I could be welcomed to the party by you!

You're right that it's a great day. I hope some of the other moderate, anti-Craddick House Republicans read your comment, 'cause your Southern hospitality might just get us a majority in the House before election day 2008 even gets here. I know. It's a fantasy. But a good one.

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by: Glenn Smith @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 08:48:50 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

The Courage To Change (0.00 / 0)

If you've watched just a few wildlife shows, you know that the big cats and hyenas are always on the lookout for the animal that gets separated from the herd.  Usually, it's a young one that doesn't know better or an old one that can't keep up.  However, there is the rare one, the strong, mature one who refuses to follow the herd and takes a different, riskier path.

Today, Kirk England is embarking on that path.

I would imagine he understands he's rolling the dice.  He knows that the Republicans will be bitter and vengeful.  He also knows that some Democrats will not accept him.  Yet he still is choosing to break from the Republican herd.  With a father who's a Republican Mayor, he's even breaking from his own family tradition.

That takes a lot of balls.

Courage is so rare in politics, largely because politics rarely rewards those who have the temerity to step out of line.  Very often, the predators get them.  Rep. England will have to run long and hard to escape them.  I think he also knows this, which makes his decision to join our party all the more remarkable.

What I'm wondering about is this: What will we say about this moment 10 years from now?  Will we say that we did the rare thing and rewarded England for having the courage to change?  Will we say this was a tipping point that catapulted our party and our agenda for change in Texas?  I hope so.

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by: El Jefe @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 10:14:30 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

yes and yes (0.00 / 0)

He did the rare thing, and that calls upon us to do the rare thing;

And yes, this is something of a tipping point, or certainly a strong shove towards it...

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by: Glenn Smith @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 10:42:14 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I Appreciate (0.00 / 0)

The naysayers push for a more progressive agenda.  I hope that they will keep pressure on Mr. England and all Democrats.  I hope that they will also give him a chance. Keep in mind that as a Republican there was a lot of pressure on him to tow the line, yet he resisted admirably.  Let's see how he does with the liberation of being a Democrat. Others may follow if they can look forward to a warm welcome into the Democratic party. 

I, too, welcome Mr. England to the Party.  He is clearly a brave leader.  Lord knows we need some of that. I am confident that a Democratic Kirk England will be more progressive than a Republican Kirk England.

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by: Hugh Stearns @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 11:41:19 AM CDT

District 106 is Democratic. (4.00 / 2)

It is the people of District 106 who have now made it Democratic, for local candidates. 

In the 2006 General Election, Republican England won against Democrat Katy Hubener, 10,459 to 10,224.  That's a margin of only 235 votes.  Most of the local races, however, were decisively Democratic, where the public selected 'real' Democrats.  Additional Democratic gains are expected here in 2008. 

The next State Representative of this district will be selected in the Democratic Primary.  That will be a 'real' Democrat, Katy Hubener, if she elects to run again. 

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by: Tom Blackwell @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 12:23:39 PM CDT

Hubener (5.00 / 1)

Any word on if she will or if she wont run in the primary?

My last conversation with SDEC 9 rep Susan Culp is she felt confident she probably would but no firm committment. 

In light of the England defection, I'd like to know what Katy has on her mind.  Establishment Democrats seem to be lining up behind England, while grassroots Democrats seem to be splitting between embracement and calling foul.  Just an observation. 

Todd

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

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by: Todd Hill @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 12:29:21 PM CDT

Todd Hill (0.00 / 0)

I think your North Texas Salute to Jim Wright (Mid-Cities Democrats) last weekend shows that the Democratic Party is gaining strength and stature once again in the suburbs of Dallas/Fort Worth.

As you wrote, Houston Mayor Bill White, US House Majority Leader Harry Reid, former White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta, and of course, Jim Wright were all there.

No wonder everyone wants to join the Democratic Party. ;)

Congratulations, again!

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 13:02:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Wright Dinner (0.00 / 0)

Thank you, and I agree with your statement too about how the Democratic Party is growing, especially in the suburbs of Dallas and Fort Worth.  The Mid-Cities is a perfect example of that.  I can't tell you how many times we were told we are wasting our time in organizing our area and all we continue and do is prove the establishment wrong. 

For the record Leon Panetta and Harry Reid weren't in attendance, but they did have video taped tributes to Jim Wright, with brief mentions of the Mid-Cities Democrats which was pretty cool. 

Now we need to get Dan Barrett elected in HD 97 and officially have another Democrat in place as an incumbent and continue to wittle away at the Republican lead in the House. 

Todd

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

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by: Todd Hill @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 13:59:05 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thanks! (0.00 / 0)

Heck, video appearances count, too! :)

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by: Elsbeth @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 15:31:13 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Hubener (0.00 / 0)

Katy was quoted in the Star Telegram as saying that she was planning on announcing today, but that in light of Kirk's switch she's going to talk it over with family and supporters.

I can't imagine how it would affect her decision to run. All the fanfare aside I think she has an easier time running against him in the Democratic Primary than in the general election. No Republican worth running is going be in the general election, because Charles England, the mayor of Grand Prairie is the biggest name Republican in the city. Potential Republican candidates won't have the luxury of knowing they won't be running against his son. There is Irving still, but it only contributes a small bit to the 106th compared to Grand Prairie.

If there is any deciding point in this election it will be in the Democratic primary. Whomever the Republican candidate will be (Some GOP braintrust hinted to the DMN of some nameless one out Irving), will get slaughtered in the general election.

excerpt from "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 17:49:54 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Hubener (5.00 / 1)

Todd:  "Establishment Democrats seem to be lining up behind England, while grassroots Democrats seem to be splitting between embracement and calling foul.  Just an observation. 

Todd"

Much of the difference is between people within 106th, and other Democrats. Just because every other Democrat in Texas wants to reward Kirk with a free pass in the primaries, doesn't mean that people in this district are being rude by not immediately complying.

There is nothing foul about it, and indeed I think it is very good news that England switched. One way or another its now going to be a Democratic seat. Even if he ends up losing the seat to Hubener, we have other good things for England. In 2010 that County Commissioner seat is up for contest with a Republican incumbent, and if Marchant is still hanging on at that time, England would be a good candidate for US Representative.

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by: Mo @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 18:03:39 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

People in the 106th (4.00 / 2)

Since the business office Kirk England shares with his father, the mayor of Grand Prairie, is in walking distance of my house, I called in late to work today and popped over for a little chat with him face to face.

Anyone who lives in this district and is actually involved in the Democratic Party already has my contact info and is welcome to call or e-mail me to discuss.

Susan Culp

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by: Susan Culp @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 20:38:05 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

More discussion (0.00 / 0)

People in the 106th (5.00 / 1)
Since the business office Kirk England shares with his father, the mayor of Grand Prairie, is in walking distance of my house, I called in late to work today and popped over for a little chat with him face to face.
Anyone who lives in this district and is actually involved in the Democratic Party already has my contact info and is welcome to call or e-mail me to discuss.

Susan Culp

Thanks for your input on this Susan. Mostly the big opinion breaks seem to follow the lines of the District. Those Democrats who don't actually live in the 106th, and know next to nothing about the local political realities here, are extremely eager to reward Kirk for switching parties, by giving him a pass in the primaries. I don't really blame them, and if I wasn't from here, as a Democrat I'd likely feel the same way. Most of us in the district want to hear a lot more from him before we make any commitments or endorsements. It's not a unanimous sentiment; I know at least one 106th Democrat who will endorse England just for switching parties no matter other possible primary candidates, but I think at this point he is more of the exception than the rule. Kirk's switch is good news, no doubt. However, I assert that there is nothing rude in not handing Kirk England a free pass to the general election at this moment in the process.

I've started my own BOR journal on this issue.
http://burntorangere...
I hope to entertain more discussion both there, and through the GPDems email network. Welcome to the Democratic Party, Kirk England!

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by: Mo @ Sun Sep 23, 2007 at 18:50:54 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Let the debate begin (0.00 / 0)

As President of the Irving Democratic Club, I must make one thing clear: the Irving Democratic Club does not endorse candidates in the Democratic Primary. 

On a personal note, I have not yet made any public declaration of personal support or personal opposition of either candidate in this race.  No statement I have made in my role as Irving Democratic Club President should be interpreted as such.

I will vote a straight Democratic ticket in November 2008 and I hope everyone else reading this does too.

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by: Michael McPhail @ Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 18:16:41 PM CDT