November 7, December 12, December 19. Three elections, six weeks.
In that time, Democrats across the state have celebrated picking up 6 House seats, holding on to every incumbent seat, replacing Tom DeLay with Nick Lampson, and the return of Ciro Rodriguez to Congress.
Not bad for a months work, but we have one more race to watch and work on in HD-29. The Texas Democratic Party, House Democratic Campaign Committee, and our very own KT are all working tirelessly to overcome the districts red nature to elect Dr. Anthony DiNovo.
Currently there are 5 TDP staffers on the ground in HD-29 (one of which has been in the district since December 3). The other 4 staff members were reassigned once the November and December 12 congressional election passed in order to maximize the effort on the ground and elect as many Democrats as possible.
One TDP staff member has been put on the ground to work on a GOTV effort that focuses on the usually disenfranchised Hispanic community and the others have been directed to do, "whatever the campaign needs done."
With the sudden passing of Glenda Dawson, the swift turn toward this unique opportunity has been interesting to watch. The possibilities of runoffs in the 5 congressional seats gave campaigns and the party time to get resources together. Unlike those races, this came suddenly.
Because of this sudden special election, former State Representative and Democrat Tom Uher was able to recruit convince Republican Mike O'Day to enter the race. O'Day has been artful in hiding his strong conservative ideology and frame himself as a moderate.
Interestingly Matagorda has only had 436 people vote at its only early vote location and Brazoria has had nearly 2,223 voters (close to 1,200 of which have come from east Pearland).
Amber Moon, spokesperson of the TDP had this to say about the recent string of elections.
The Texas Democratic Party has been working non-stop all year long to elect more Democrats to more offices across the state, and we've seen from Democrat's electoral success on November 7th and December 12th that the hard work is paying off. The TDP is channeling that momentum into the HD-29 race because we remain committed to supporting Democratic candidates in every area of the state. The Party is proud to be involved and lend support to the Anthony DiNovo campaign.
There has already been a discussion by HDCC about what can be done to maximize the campaign efforts in a runoff. This includes the use of targeted mail, paid phoners, and other parallel campaign activities.
Watch here tomorrow for the result, but in the mean time, phonebank using True Blue Action today and tomorrow!
It's 3 AM and my ticket is bought to head out to the HD-29 special election- $84 round trip. Now that I've graduated from UT (oh yeah, I forgot to mention that) I've got nothing else to do this week so off I go to help in the last election in Texas this year.
I'll be staying near the HQ apparently with some campaign arranged housing. I'm looking forward to meeting up with some other bloggers out there, volunteering on the campaign, and giving you some reports form the field in addition to liveblogging results on Tuesday night before I head back. Matt is going to have a post tomorrow on what's been going on so far that you can look forward to. Turnout so far in last week's early vote has apparently been light so if you can, make some calls into the district and GOTV from wherever you are in Texas.
In terms of cost, it's projects like this that are the bigger expenses for me for BOR but I feel are worth it for our activism as a Democratic community. If you so desire to pitch in a few greenbacks to cover the cost of my ticket, click the button to donate below (consider it a graduation gift, hah). Otherwise, you can make a donation to the DiNovo campaign.
Unknown to many and overshadowed by the coverage and fallout of TX-23, there is one last race in Texas this year (and maybe one in January if this race goes to a run-off). That's HD-29 out southwest of Houston where Democrat Dr. Anthony DiNovo is running against 3 Republicans in a special election called because Rep. Glenda Dawson passed away before she could be removed from the ballot.
Blockwalkers Needed Volunteers Paid and Unpaid Now through the 18th! We absolutely need people to blockwalk in Matagorda County! Blockwalkers needed to walk West Pearland also.
Phone Banking: We only have 3 lines at the HQ, but ask to get a copy of the precinct numbers! Phone Banking at Pearland Family Medicine on the Weekend: they have 6 lines Shifts from 10am, 2pm, 4pm-6pm on Sat. 10am-4pm on Sunday.
Stop By!! Grab a Coke and some walking lists or phone numbers and HELP GET A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE
The address for the Pearland HQ 3536 Broadway Pearland, TX 77581 The phone #281 412-0990
Thanks! Can't wait to see you all!!!
Tammy Koczur
Campaign Manager
Dr. Anthony DiNovo for State Rep.
If you want to make calls from anywhere in the state, you can start using the True Blue Action system today.
Personally, I'm going to head out to the district for Sunday-Tuesday and be a part of the campaign, have some in the field and campaign coverage for all of you, and do my part now that I've graduated from UT to try to help Dr. DiNovo. Anyone want to join me?
The Eight Day Out Finance Report has been released for the candidates running in next Tuesday's special election for HD-29. The race features 3 Republicans and 1 Democrat.
Total Contributions:
Michael O'Day $100,122.95
Anthony DiNovo $17,795.00
Randy Weber $14,897.58
John Gorman $0.00
Total Expenditures:
Michael O'Day $90,744.59
Randy Weber $42,039.61
Anthony DiNovo $24,455.49
John Gorman $2,515.71
Cash On Hand:
Anthony DiNovo $12,541.83
Randy Weber $11,463.53
Michael O'Day $2,123.41
John Gorman $0.00
O'Day seems to be taking this race very seriously, and would now be viewed as the front runner of the 3 Republicans (the other two being Gorman and Weber). DiNovo also faces an uphill battle for the Pearland area district. But the candidate with the most money does not always win the race. More money certainly doesn't hurt though!
Early voting ends tomorrow in the HD-29 election, with the election date set for Tuesday Dec. 19th.
We need a doctor in the House! Let's put one more Democrat in the Texas Legislature. You can still help Dr. DiNovo by contributing to his campaign or making phone calls to voters at TrueBlueAction.
Although most races were decided a month ago, Texans still have the chance to elect two more great Democrats this month. Here's an update on these races and information on how you can help deliver two additional Republican defeats:
CD-23: Ciro Rodriguez
Ciro Rodriguez is running a tough race against Henry Bonilla, who has been a rubberstamp for President Bush and Tom DeLay . I'm proud to say the T DP is part of a coalition of Democratic organizations and labor officials who are working hard to provide real representation to the people of the 23rd District and send Ciro back to Washington .
But Republicans are spending millions of dollars to air misleading ads, so Ciro needs all of our support. oday, I will be in San Antonio to spend the day with the campaign, knock on doors and talk to voters. Here are a few ways you can help:
- Sign-up to phone bank or canvass by calling (210) 928-2476 in San Antonio
- If you live in another county in CD-23, call your County Chair to join their activities.
Early Vote has been extended through Saturday in Bexar and other counties. If you live in the 23rd, make sure and vote!
HD-29: Anthony DiNovo
In HD-29 (including Brazoria and Matagorda counties), Dr. Anthony DiNovo is facing three Republicans in a special election to replace Glenda Dawson, who passed away before the election.
As a doctor, husband and father, Anthony is focusing his campaign on the need for affordable health care for all Texans and ensuring a quality education for our children. To learn more about Anthony and his position on the issues, please check out his website at http://www.dinovofor... .
Also, please make a contribution and volunteer. Anthony is fortunate to enjoy support throughout his district and is running a strong campaign with the help of a TDP field staffer, but can use more boots on the ground. With a great candidate, a crowded field and expected low turnout on December 19th, Texas Dems have the opportunity to pull off an upset.
Thank you for everything you've done already to help Democrats win in Texas . I wouldn't be asking again if the stakes weren't so high and the opportunities weren't so great. Texas Democrats won many races on November 7th …let's keep the momentum up!
The Democratic challenger who lost to Rep. Glenda Dawson in the HD 29 race plans to run in the non-partisan special election that will be called to replace the deceased lawmaker. Physician Anthony DiNovo will formally announce his run tomorrow.
An election date cannot be formalized until votes are canvassed but it is widely expected that the election will be called for December 19.
Anthony DiNovo on the web. Remember, this special election will be non-partisan so I'm assuming that means no Party ID on the ballot (which is different than the "Open Primary" that we say in our Congressional Districts like TX-23 on Election Day). NOTE: This is assuming QR is right in claiming it is non-partisan rather than simply an open primary which has been questioned in the comments.
HD-29 is located just southwest of Houston and includes Matagorda and part of Brazoria counties. Here are the state's Election Stats for the district. Of course, in a Special, anything can happen as turnout gets to be around only 10,000 votes.
Depending on when this election and TX-23 get called for, I'm looking to get out and blog from the field in both of these races assuming I can afford to do so after I graduate.
