2008 Austin City Council & Local Election Results

Surprised that Shade won by so much (3.00 / 1)

I expected that to be closer.

For better or worse, the fact that Travis is organized enough that all the early results come in at once removes a lot of the suspense for many races.

"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

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by: Timothy @ Sat May 10, 2008 at 20:24:12 PM CDT

Didn't surprise me one bit. (0.00 / 0)

With Kim the "progressive" candidate yet losing so badly in the BOR online poll, it did not bode well for her among the general public.

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by: Jobu @ Sat May 10, 2008 at 21:53:30 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Me Neither (0.00 / 0)

Jennifer Kim better call Geico. Randi hit her so hard, on TV, Kim seemed dazed and confused at the loss.

Jennifer Kim suffered not a hard defeat, but a humiliating one. Austin tossed her aside like a weak challenger.

"Jen we got to know some, but when we did, we just wasn't that into you."

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by: tates5a @ Sat May 10, 2008 at 22:37:45 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

her win didn't surprise me (0.00 / 0)

but I didn't hear anyone predict that big of a margin.  The interesting thing is that there was barely a move between the early-vote margin and the election day margin, so it's possible that all the nastiness at the end didn't seem to matter much.  Of course, most of the early vote came in the last 2 days, so who knows.

At any rate, I look forward to seeing how Randi works and votes on the Council.  In the meetings I've had with her, she has impressed me with her intelligence and openness, but I honestly don't know how she'll vote.  

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Sat May 10, 2008 at 23:45:41 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No Surprise (0.00 / 0)

There is never much of a move between early vote and election day.  There are exceptions -- Clinton/Obama, Hochberg general in 2002 where questions about the opponent cam eup in the final days; Rose/Green in 2002 where it was razor thin; and Bonilla/Cuellar 2002 where Bonilla stole the election with crooked late returns on Election Day are the examples I can cite to.  

They are the exceptions not the rule.

Usually, it's dead on.  For example, think Spears vs. Maxey which hovered within a point (I think) of 75 percent both ways.

Speaking of Spears vs. Maxey, it shouldn't surprise that Kim's tactis didn't work since they mirrored Maxey's.  There should be some lessons.  Give the voters a positive message, don't use tacky tactics like negative robocalls, and run a campaign you can be proud of.  Randi did that just like Nelda did in March.

Randi will be an excellent public servant for Austin.

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by: TeamTexas @ Sun May 11, 2008 at 00:00:47 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I was actually thinking the same thing the other day... (0.00 / 0)

the different reception given Maxey's tactics vs. Kim's tactics on this blog were interesting.

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Sun May 11, 2008 at 00:08:51 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yeah (4.00 / 3)

We learned that we needed to be more responsible and balanced with our reporting -- even when we're discussing a candidate we've endorsed -- so we did that. Chalk that one up to BOR listening to its readers.

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

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by: Phillip Martin @ Sun May 11, 2008 at 07:53:01 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

certainly (0.00 / 0)

your readers appreciate all the hard work and improvements y'all make to your site.

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:27:50 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Two real shellackings (1.00 / 2)

Apparently Councilman Brewster McCracken has been quickly calling around to all the news outlets and campaigns in order to distance himself from and disavow his previous connection to failed City Council candidate Jason Meeker and his campaign manager Jason Stanford in light of Meeker's crushing and embarrassing defeat.

And it sounds like Councilwoman Jennifer Kim is going to need that $500 air purifier after all. The stink of defeat is on her now that she's been whipped like a rented mule. Unless she plans to remake herself as Jennifer Gale's next campaign manager, she'd do well to slink out of town in disgrace.

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by: Mark Harris @ Sun May 11, 2008 at 00:19:26 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

air purifier (0.00 / 0)

given that it was a city expense and thus stays with the city, I guess Randi will get to enjoy the air purifier in her new digs.  And the Vera Wang glassware.  Talk about irony!

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Sun May 11, 2008 at 00:42:48 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Embarrassing? (3.00 / 1)

While Meeker's defeat was definitely crushing, it wasn't all that embarrassing. He wasn't going to win. I like Meeker, even voted for him, but there was no way he could hope to win, and I think he probably knew that. If I had to guess, I'd say he ran because he had something to say. Well he said it, and that's that. Congrats to Leffingwell, and Randi "how about that margin!" Shade and Morrison/Galindo too.  

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by: AlexFerraro1 @ Mon May 12, 2008 at 02:04:57 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Galindo, Morrison Runoff: What Will Become of Cravey, Osemene Votes? (0.00 / 0)

Morrison beat Galindo in the general by 2,950+ votes. Part of the difference was the weather (severe thunderstorm after 3PM), her center city support, and being the only female on the ballot, but, even so, the Chronicle factor seems to be at work. As a Galindo supporter, I ust say that the absence of Chronicle advertising has been the big drawback of Cid's candidacy.

Hopefully, after tonight, the Galindo campaign will put in equal advertising to Laura Morrison and not cede any center city alt voters. Morrison would still win, but if Cid could siphon off at a third (33%)..In order to win (specifically against Morrison) Cid MUST:

- advertise in Chronicle
- canvass center city and minority neighborhoods
- place more yardsigns, THEN, in concert,

- continue the TV macro-campaign.

Volunteering for Raul Alverez' city council bid, this strategy worked against Quintanilla.

I continue to believe Galindo has ran the most substantive campaign for Place 4, though I give Robin Cravey all the kudos in the world. Laura Morrion's platform seems muddled, and public statements on development and growth have been inconsistent.

Onward to the Place 4 runoff!!  

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by: tates5a @ Sat May 10, 2008 at 22:33:42 PM CDT

FYI (0.00 / 0)

Gale defeated Osemene.  doh!  Not surprising, though, as she did run a better campaign...

I'll vote for Cid over Morrison, but if he is able to win the run-off, it will be a huge upset.  Perhaps it's just because I live in the same neighborhood, but I can't go to the convenience store to get ice cream without tripping over Morrison supporters.  They're very gung-ho for her and will turn out.

One interesting sidebar about today's results: we now have a benchmark of how many votes you get just by putting your name on the ballot:  Ken Vassseau ended up with 1.8% (185 of 206 reported).  I assume they were all relatives, mis-votes, or francophiles (francophones of the world, unite!).

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Sat May 10, 2008 at 23:33:42 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I forgot to mention one point... (0.00 / 0)

Laura will be able to use whatever is in the public funding pot for the run-off since she agreed to abide by the campaign finance limitations.  So, she shouldn't get too behind on money.

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Sun May 11, 2008 at 00:52:31 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Deja Vu All Over Again (0.00 / 0)

Is anyone else getting weird vibes that this runoff is starting eerily similar to that of the 2005 runoff between Clarke and Kim?  One candidate with virtually 40% of the vote, public money coming her way, and huge support in the Central area, while the other candidate is being targeted with the "R word" (Republican).  I'm not making any predictions, nor do I publicly support either candidate, but if Mike Levy sends out a letter against Morrison in the next few weeks, I am going to be seeing double.  Let's hope the the race stays clean and sticks to the issues.  

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by: Casey Walker @ Mon May 12, 2008 at 08:27:14 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

yeah (0.00 / 0)

but Margot wasn't a very good campaigner, I think most people will admit.  And Kim had David Butts on her side and was a pretty tireless campaigner that election (I saw her everywhere).  Still, you make a good point, nothing is decided just yet.

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Mon May 12, 2008 at 09:08:21 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Also.... (0.00 / 0)

It should be interesting to see what role the Public Safety Unions and RECA will play here also.  Most people believe they were instrumental in the McCracken-Clarke and Kim-Clarke runoffs.  Should be interesting to watch how all the pieces play out on the board.  I guess this is why we like politics so much.

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by: Casey Walker @ Tue May 13, 2008 at 07:36:56 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

The difference (0.00 / 0)

The Kim vs Clarke race was between two Democrats who fought over the center city vote.

This race will be between a Democrat and a Republican Aggie.

Morrison will win easily.

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by: Jobu @ Mon May 12, 2008 at 09:32:56 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

From your lips... (0.00 / 0)

to God's ears:)

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by: McBlogger @ Mon May 12, 2008 at 09:49:42 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

DINO (0.00 / 0)

Morrison represents Old Money; Galindo, ironically, sort of seems like he comes from old money but represents new money.

Neither one is liberal in the sense that most people would use; but Galindo's policies would be far more progressive - would protect the environment more, and would provide more affordable housing. Morrison's policies represent an attempt to just say 'no'; which means more sprawl; more pollution; more traffic; no rail; etc.

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by: m1ek @ Mon May 12, 2008 at 11:27:05 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

So says you... (0.00 / 0)

I say Morrison would be better.

There.

Really, Mike, I'm not prepared to take anything you write at face value. And no, I'm not just talking about your opinion on transportation solutions. I'm also talking about your irrational hatred of Morrison.

You're far from an impartial critic.

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by: McBlogger @ Mon May 12, 2008 at 19:40:58 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

dammit (0.00 / 0)

Tim Mahoney was a couple of hundred votes away from defeating Craddick-ally Harrison Keller.  Now we'll have to do a run-off.  I blame Paul Burka (does anyone actually follow his advice?).

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Sat May 10, 2008 at 23:48:10 PM CDT

This was a big surprise (0.00 / 0)

While having another race on the ballot would help Cid, I hope that Keller will do the right thing and concede.

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by: Jeb @ Sun May 11, 2008 at 08:42:32 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

The right thing? (0.00 / 0)

why would it be the right thing for him to do (concede)? Can you please explain this ridiculous comment. Should Cid also do the "right" thing and concede? He's also in a runoff with less votes than his opponent.

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by: Hangerman44 @ Sun May 11, 2008 at 10:36:11 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'd imagine (0.00 / 0)

Jeb was talking about the $40,000 cost of the run-off election which it would be hard to imagine Keller winning given that Morrison-Galindo should prompt strong turnout.  ACC isn't exactly flush with the bucks.

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Mon May 12, 2008 at 01:25:43 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Correction (0.00 / 0)

According to the Statesman, the cost is $400,000.  

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by: Jobu @ Mon May 12, 2008 at 07:40:56 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

The Statesman also says (0.00 / 0)

And a twist: The two-thirds of the Round Rock ISD, which is voting tonight on whether to join the ACC's taxing district, could vote in the run-off on the Mahoney-Keller race, potentially shaking up the political demographics of the race.

Right now that appears likely to happen. According to early voting returns, about 75 percent of voters approve joining the taxing district.

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by: Hangerman44 @ Mon May 12, 2008 at 08:32:00 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

that'll make it interesting (0.00 / 0)

but I wouldn't expect a high turnout from voters recently annexed in the last month.  Unless Keller gets $200k from Leinenger to spend on gotv, I think this is still a race dominated by Austin voters.

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Mon May 12, 2008 at 09:15:04 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'd also imagine (0.00 / 0)

that if ACC is holding elections without being prepared for a run-off , or having some kind of contingency plan then we are in bigger trouble than just not being "flush" with bucks. If they can't afford it, and we're going on speculations, they should simply appoint the person they think will win in the first place and not hold an election at all. Is that what you would prefer? Or is this just a prejudiced statement?  And I also highly doubt there will be a high turnout for the place 4 race. I mean not even with 12 candidates did many people come out, I imagine less will do so for just Galindo/Morrison.  

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by: Hangerman44 @ Mon May 12, 2008 at 07:49:29 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'm not advocating (0.00 / 0)

Keller get out, I was just explaining the arguments some are making.  ACC will be able to pay their bills, but it will mean $400k out of their budget that would otherwise go to educating students.  Candidates always have to make decisions on whether to continue a race or get out (Exhibit A: Democratic Primary) and in this case the cost of the election relative to the institution's financial strength/mission is pretty significant.

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Mon May 12, 2008 at 09:12:45 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Congrats Randi! (3.00 / 2)

The voters have spoken, and congrats to Randi for running a successful campaign!  

Jennifer Kim threw the kitchen sink at Randi, but in the end, voters didn't buy into the negative tactics.  Austin City Council incumbents normally cruise to re-election, and I tip my hat to Randi's hard-working staff and volunteers who ran such a disciplined grassroots campaign.   They ran phone banks every night, and their hard work has obviously paid off.  Now that this race isn't going to a runoff, Marti, Marcus, Michael and the rest of the staff/interns should enjoy a well-deserved vacation.  

Randi will make a great council member.  We've got lots of challenges facing our city over the next 20 years as our city doubles in size, and we need to bring people together to solve these problems and guide this growth in a responsible manner.  Randi is down to earth and will be honest about the challenges we face, and even when there's disagreement over individual issues, voters will appreciate Randi's willingness to shoot straight.  Austin is lucky to have such a hard-working public servant who's willing to sacrifice for the greater good, and I have no doubt that Randi will prove to be a truly great council member who listens to the community and gets the job done.  Randi's unique and diverse background in non-profits, business and government will serve her well as she looks to create new public-private partnerships to better serve the citizens of Austin.  Given her widespread support in Longhorn Nation, she's especially well-positioned to help bridge the long-standing (and unnecessary) divide between the City of Austin and the University of Texas.  

Also, the Austin firefighters deserve a little shout-out.  Their endorsement is proving to be quite important with Austin city council voters.  They helped Jennifer pull off the big upset in '05, and their un-endorsement of Jennifer in '08 helped pave the way for Randi's landslide victory.  It'll be very interesting to see who they endorse in the '09 cycle.

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by: Ian @ Sun May 11, 2008 at 08:43:25 AM CDT

Robin's message this morning (3.00 / 2)

RobinCravey.com
Congratulations and Thanks

The voters have spoken, and Cid Galindo and Laura Morrison will now go into a runoff. I congratulate them on their success and wish them both the best. I salute Jennifer Gale, Sam Osemene, and Ken Vasseau for their campaigns.

I'm deeply grateful for all the loyal friends and the many new friends who joined my campaign, and to the citizens who responded so warmly. It's been a blast!

My family and my staff and I will be taking some well-earned rest, but I may have an announcement or two in the coming week.

Thanks.
-Robin
5/11/2008

Thank you for running, Robin!.  I know you're still going to participate in our community like you always have.

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by: sonia @ Sun May 11, 2008 at 12:12:20 PM CDT

Hats off to Robin Cravey (0.00 / 0)

I hope he stays very involved in public policy around Austin. Given his record, that's a pretty sure bet.

I also hope that his "announcement or two" is an endorsement of Laura Morrison.  

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by: LSadun @ Sun May 11, 2008 at 14:48:58 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Why Endorse Morrison? (3.00 / 1)

Robin Cravey was for affordable, balanced growth. Laura Morrison was for no growth, neighborhoods shoot everything down, even more rapidly losing Austin's growth edge to the suburbs. I always Robin's plaform more closely matched cid Galindo's. Why would Robin support the Morrison campaign (the 1.5 million dollar multiple-home into one lady)?  

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by: tates5a @ Sun May 11, 2008 at 16:11:14 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I was surprised... (0.00 / 0)

That was pretty ugly. I congratulate Councilmember-elect Shade.

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by: McBlogger @ Mon May 12, 2008 at 00:27:46 AM CDT