Chronicle: White Chooses Senate Seat

White is the stronger candidate... (3.00 / 1)

I'm glad to hear he's considering KBH's seat.

Sharp just doesn't have the same name I.D. and appeal as he does.

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by: seven macaw @ Sat Dec 13, 2008 at 09:25:27 AM CST

really? (0.00 / 0)

I would love to see your evidence that White's name ID is better than Sharp's. That would be very surprising to a lot of folks and earth shattering.

I assumed that White is known in the Houston media market and among Dem activists.  That is huge news, if it is accurate.

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by: colin @ Sun Dec 14, 2008 at 09:23:03 AM CST

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White probably has lower name ID (0.00 / 0)

He hasn't gotten nearly the exposure he has deserved through Katrina, Rita, and Ike, but the exposure he has gotten has helped.

That's not to say he isn't the stronger candidate, though.  He doesn't have the name ID cuz he hasn't run statewide, but people like him and he has money.

"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 @ Sun Dec 14, 2008 at 11:53:03 AM CST

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Just One (0.00 / 0)

It's nice that Democrats have two strong candidates, but couldn't we unite behind one.  The Republicans have three candidates looking at the seat so far.  3 Republicans v. 1 Democrat.  Now if more Republicans get in, it might not be so bad with 2 Ds, but I'd still rather see 1 Democrat in the race.

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by: SADem @ Sat Dec 13, 2008 at 09:37:57 AM CST

This means ... (0.00 / 0)

The numbers are clearly in KBH's favor for governor. Obviously, both Sharp and White know that the Senate seat has a much stronger chance for a Democratic win at this time.  

Based on current factors, any Democrat who runs for Governor appears to be content with most likely "taking one for the team" with the hope of either (A) getting an October surprise; or, (B) building name recognition for the future.  Any takers?

On the other hand, this also means the Democratic Senate field is most likely closed at 2.  I cannot see the R's maintaining discipline and keeping their field of candidates down.  Split the R votes by 4 or 5 candidates and the runoff could be between the two strong Democrats.

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by: Eric Roberson @ Sat Dec 13, 2008 at 10:36:22 AM CST

Conventional Wisdom (5.00 / 1)

That assumes KBH is going to win the Republican primary.  Just like no Democrat should bother running in '08 primaries because Hillary was going to be the nominee.  

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by: SADem @ Sat Dec 13, 2008 at 10:49:49 AM CST

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Agreed (5.00 / 1)

That's why I said "based on current factors."  Remember that Bill Clinton's presidential primary did not have Mario Cuomo because nobody thought GHW Bush could be beaten.  So current factors are not determinative, but definitely impact who is willing to do it.

So the person who has to throw his or her hat into the ring, will have to be an optimist who knows he or she is an underdog based on current numbers, but is willing to do it anyway.

Any other thoughts or whispers?

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by: Eric Roberson @ Sat Dec 13, 2008 at 23:21:35 PM CST

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When does KBH have to resign? (0.00 / 0)

Texas' resign-to-run law suggests that KBH will have to resign in December 2009, when she files for Governor. However, the US Constitution governs qualifications for Senator, and that trumps Texas law. Also, a bunch of other Texas senators have run for national office while keeping their senate. Is running for state office different?

Anybody know the answer?  

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by: LSadun @ Sat Dec 13, 2008 at 14:55:44 PM CST

she can resign whenever (0.00 / 0)

burka has a post up explaining this-she can resign in 2010 i f she wants. a sen would be appointed. that sen must attain 5000 sigs to get on the special election ballot. then a special is called pretty quickly in a matter of a few months or so.  

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by: benhur @ Sat Dec 13, 2008 at 14:59:35 PM CST

Well it (0.00 / 0)

looks like Bill White is gonna wimp out on this one. I, for one am very disappointed. This kind of political calculation at this time, seems quite premature. I mean ANYTHING can happen in politics in 2 years. Why can't Democrats in Texas (especially Houston) grow some cahones! Well I guess it's time to support Kinky again. This time I hear he's running for the Democratic nomination. Go Kinky!!!  

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by: gregturet @ Sat Dec 13, 2008 at 17:22:45 PM CST

Let's be realistic... (0.00 / 0)

TX-Sen 1: R
TX-Sen 2: R
TX-Gov: R
TX-AG: R
TX-SoS: R

It's unlikely that any Dem. can defeat KBH, so let's focus on what little ground we can gain.

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by: seven macaw @ Sat Dec 13, 2008 at 23:49:17 PM CST

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Why not you? (0.00 / 0)

It is easy to criticize Bill White for not running for governor. Being a candidate is one of the toughest
things a person can do. Why don't you run for Governor, Greg? As for Kinky, the Democratic party doesn't need him. His one liners get old quick. Go away Kinky!!

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by: Bluefish @ Sun Dec 14, 2008 at 06:14:55 AM CST

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Well, I don't think getting a Dem. candidate for governor (0.00 / 0)

for 2010 will be an issue.  Somebody will run

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by: v2aggie2 @ Sun Dec 14, 2008 at 12:40:14 PM CST

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