Wendy Davis for Governor?

by: Todd Hill

Sat Oct 24, 2009 at 00:00 PM CDT

This scenario might seem wacky.

But it's arguably worth mulling precisely because Democrats lack top-of-the-ballot heft. That is, few credible aspirants for statewide nonjudicial posts, outside of governor, have emerged.

So I'd start by penciling in Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen for state agriculture commissioner, Sen. Eddie Lucio of Brownsville for land commissioner, Sen. Royce West of Dallas for attorney general, Sen. Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio for state comptroller and Sen. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo for lieutenant governor.

And to spice up the governor's race, I'd coax in youthful first-term Sen. Wendy Davis of Fort Worth or nudge in Sen. Mario Gallegos of Houston to age the field.

In fairness to Selby he did admit this scenario "might be wacky."  I agree, it is, but kudos for thinking outside the box; although we all have heard at least some of these senators listed as possible candidates for statewide office before. But I would cross Davis, who just added an award from the Texas Municipal League to her 81st legislative trophy cabinet this week, off any list for statewide office.

By no means do I say that because Senator Davis is incapable of being a fine candidate for statewide office---quite the opposite in fact.  Wendy Davis is an outstanding person and a well credentialed politician that would make a formidable candidate statewide; however, it is way too soon for her to show aspirations beyond seeking another full-term to represent Senate District 10 in 2012.  I do believe that female candidates, whether Democrat or Republican, do quite well in Texas.  Davis has a great resume to boot and many 81st legislative accomplishments to tout on the campaign trail.  But if she were to run statewide, and lose, her constituents in Tarrant County are very likely to strike her with the hex of, "ambitious beyond taking care of the needs of her constituents in senate district 10."  That would be an ugly campaign mailer by her opponent.  

Thanks for the idea, Gardner, but Tarrant County will keep Senator Davis all to ourselves---for now.      

On Tom Schieffer and the Rise of Texas Democrats

by: Glenn Smith

Mon Mar 02, 2009 at 11:59 AM CST

First, a word about Tom. I met him back in 1988 while working in the Sen. Lloyd Bentsen campaign. I didn't know him well, but I remember him as intelligent, serious, and professional. Those are three qualities we need in the governor's mansion.

Some progressives may be tempted to ask why they should embrace a former business partner of George W. Bush, a man who was named by Bush as ambassador to Japan and Australia. Truth is, I haven't heard too much of this from members of an increasingly mature and pragmatic movement. But those who are tempted should consider the following.

If Texas Democrats are to complete their remarkable comeback, we're gonna have to welcome home a large number of Bush voters and backers. That's just reality.

I still feel some bitterness about former colleagues of mine who abandoned their core values to back Bush. That's not so much about Bush as it is disappointment that money and power meant so much more to them than their values or mine.

I am not a lifelong Democrat out of abstract party loyalty, though I do think loyalty is important. I am a Democrat because most Democrats share my Jeffersonian beliefs in pluralism, diversity, and an empowered citizenry. I simply don't believe mainstream Republicans truly believe in democracy any more. They believe in elite control and an obedient citizenry. That's why they can push restrictive voter requirements. It doesn't matter to them whether the citizens of a democracy have the power. They really do believe they were born to be in charge. Like kings and queens.

Despite some policy differences with me, moderate Democrats like Lloyd Bentsen and my real Texas political hero, Bill Hobby, shared these beliefs of mine. Right now, I choose to believe that Schieffer does too. He voted absentee in Democratic primaries while off in Japan and Australia. He is a moderate, of course, and I'm sure I'll have my disagreements. But I helped elect Ann Richards, and I had plenty of disagreements with her.