Barbara Ann Radnofsky, the Houston lawyer who was the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2006, has been known to be considering a run for Attorney General for some time.
The Houston Chronicle reported yesterday that Radnofsky has filed paperwork to run for Attorney General next year. Radnofsky is the first Democratic candidate to jump into the race, joining Republican Ted Cruz, a former solicitor general.
But Radnofsky may not be the last Democrat to enter the race, especially if current Attorney General decides to run for the U.S. Senate or Lt. Governor, as many expect. By being the first Democrat out of the gate, Radnofksy will hope to discourage primary competition by posting impressive fundraising numbers.
What other Democrats do you think (or hope) will jump into this race? Let us know in the comments.
This is Part I of an ongoing series that will take a look at the prospective candidates for the 2010 statewide races.
Current Attorney General Greg Abbott is expected by many to run for either Lieutenant Governor or the U.S. Senate in 2010. Whether Abbott seeks re-election to a third term or not, there are multiple candidates who are rumored to be considering a run to be the state's top lawyer.
These are not meant to be comprehensive lists and we invite you to suggest other possible candidates in the comments.
The Democrats
State Rep. Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs) has long been rumored to be considering a run for Attorney General. Rose, who was first elected in 2002, is one of the state party's rising stars and also one of the best fundraisers in the entire Texas House.
Rose has had some issues with the party's liberal base at times, but he has worked to fix them in the last couple years, further fueling speculation that he is eyeing a spot on the statewide ticket.
A former Craddick D, Rose withdrew his support for Craddick in May 2007. Since then he has helped the HDCC fundraise.
At June's state Democratic convention, Rose apologized to the Stonewall Democats Caucus for his past support of the Talton Amendment. At the time, KT called it a "sincere statement."
If Rose decides to run (he is also mentioned as a possible candidate for Land Commissioner), his campaign war chest and proven ability to win over moderate and independents in his rural district would make him a formidable candidate.
I personally think Rose would make a great candidate and would run an aggressive campaign that would give him a good chance of winning.
But Rose is not the only Democrat said to be considering the Attorney General race.
State Rep. Pete Gallego (D-Alpine) could also enter the AG race. The current candidate for Speaker of the House is said to be considering several different statewide offices. Gallego reportedly considered running for the U.S. Senate before deferring to his House colleague Rick Noriega.
Gallego would likely receive the support of many of his fellow House Democrats and would be a good fundraiser. In a Democratic Primary, he would be difficult to beat.
Whether or not it is for Attorney General, there is a good chance that Gallego will seek statewide office in 2010.
Former U.S. Senate nominee Barbara Ann Radnofsky is also said to be looking at the race. Radnofsky has experience as a mediator and attorney in Houston.
Radnofsky ran against Kay Bailey Hutchison in 2006 and presumably is fairly well-known in Democratic circles around the state.
Radnofsky was a decent fundraiser in 2006 but will have to improve upon her last run if she finds herself in a primary with Rose or another well-funded opponent.
While Radnofsky has never held public office and would not have the backing of the party establishment that Rose would likely enjoy.
Radnfosky should not be underestimated though and would be very competitive in November as the Democratic nominee.
Houston lawyer Larry Veselka was also said to be considering the race but has reportedly deferred to Radnofsky.
The Republicans
Back in 2002, Abbott originally filed for Lieutenant Governor before the check book of David Dewhurst scared him away to the Attorney General's race. Now Abbott has over $8 million in his campaign account.
If Abbott does not seek re-election (which I think is a good bet), there are several Republicans rumored to be interested in the race.
Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams may see the Attorney General's race as the best way for him to move up state government's ladder in 2010.
At the Republican National Convention in September, Midland County GOP Chair Sue Brannon said, "[Michael Williams'] wife Donna and he are not interested in going to Washington, but I think he will run for attorney general if Greg Abbott runs for the U.S. Senate."
Williams is a good fundraiser who has great relations with the party's base, especially after his high profile appearance at this year's GOP Convention.
State Rep. Will Hartnett (R-Dallas) is also rumored to be looking at the race, though I would expect him to be an underdog against Williams given the Railroad Commissioner's fundraising and statewide network advantages.
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Who do you think will run for Attorney General? Is this a race Democrats can win in 2010?
Stay positive. Make a call to action. Have a purpose. Above all else, have a strong ask. These are the principals that surround any e-mail campaign.
Yesterday afternoon, Barbara Radnofsky broke these rules by e-mailing her list and saying simply, “These Candidates are Not Insane”. Who are these candidates? Joe Jaworski, candidate for SD-11, Judge Susan Criss, candidate for Texas Supreme Court, Larry Joe Doherty, candidate for the 10th Congressional District, and Sherrie Matula candidate in House District 129.
All of these candidates represent what is right with the Democratic Party. They are smart, aggressive candidates that are furthering the Democratic message. Some are running in primaries. Some are running unopposed in the primary. All are working their asses off to win.
I applaud BAR’s want to fundraise for Democratic candidates, but the scary thing is that she sent an e-mail out that made it sound like some people are going around calling these candidates insane. There is no explanation of the subject. No inside joke. The only thing Radnofsky mentions is:
There's a reason every Harris County judicial race has a Democratic candidate. The historic demographic shift in huge Harris County made the front page of the August 9 Houston Chronicle. Leading the nation in minority resident gains, Harris County has a "minority" population of 2.5 million (63%). Experts predict similar changes for Texas, which is now a majority "minority" state. Galveston and other vital counties are fielding candidates touted in the press as viable, promising public servants.
Great points. Worthy cause. But where are the people going around calling Sherrie or Larry Joe insane? Former candidates and current candidates beware. Don’t get cute with your e-mails. Be honest and stay positive. Why not a subject like, “I Support Good Candidates, Do You?” or “Help Me Take Back Texas!” or “4 Great Candidates”.
We have a chance to pick up more seats in the Texas House and perhaps a statewide race or two. We are fielding more competitive races than we did in 2004. The state is changing rapidly in our favor. Let’s do ourselves a collective favor and not imply people think our candidates are insane.
Rumors are circulating with a possible entry into the race for U.S. Senate. It's not former candidates Barbara Radnofsky or Chris Bell. It is not a currently elected official like Bill White, Pete Gallego or Rick Noriega.
It is Democratic lightning rod and former Lt Gov of Texas and Texas Speaker of the House. Ben Barnes.
Right now Quorum Report is the only news or blog buzzing with this rumor, but where Quorum starts many will soon follow.
A meeting was supposedly held in recent days where supporters pitched Barnes. Dollar amounts for a campaign were discussed. The consensus was that it would take $25 million to do the job and, according to one of our sources, supporters at the meeting committed to $10 million. By himself, Barnes is credited with being able to write a seven-figure check. Besides his own personal wealth, Barnes is one of the national Democrats' leading fund-raisers.
Barnes is an interesting "choice" for the Democratic option for U.S. Senate. His career was originally ended in the early 1970's because of the Sharpstown Scandal.
Barnes was one of eight people who raised half a million dollars, so his pockets are deep. The real question is whether democratic voters in a democratic primary will forgive both Sharpstown and raising $20 million for gubernatorial candidate and former republican and democrat Carole Keeton Strayhorn.
Texas Nate has a recent interview with Lt Gov Barnes. At the time of the interview, it struck me that Barnes, a strict institutionalist, embraced blogs at all.
Philip Martin subtly shows the difference between Barnes idea with the netroots manifesto, "Crashing the Gates".
"Crashing the Gate" - The Bible for progressive bloggers, CTG is an extraordinarily enlightening read, and an interesting one given the events of the November elections. If you ever want to know why bloggers spend so much free time toiling away at their computers, read this book. As a side note, I should mention that the Texas Netroots are raising money to buy every member of the Texas SDEC and TDP a copy of Crashing the Gate. Learn more about that effort here. 4 out of 5, strongly recommended.
"Barn Burning, Barn Building" - A personal memoir and political history, Ben Barnes writes an interesting book on the history of Texas Democrats. Chapters that detail the tragedy of President Kennedy and the rise of President Johnson, not to mention the Sharpstown scandal, are an excellent primer for those who love to learn the history of Texas politics. Though the closing chapters and recommendations are the same advice everyone has offered ad nauseum, the book is an enlightening view of what Texas Democrats once were. 3 out of 5, recommended.
As Philip hints, Barnes is about history and classic strategies. Barnes is known for loving current institutions and running to the center to win traditional voters. This is a nice way of saying he is not known for using new technology, new tactics, or mobilizing new voters.
Regardless of whether Barnes is really in, the Barnes Buzz continues to show how vulnerable Cornyn is. Why would Barnes eye the race if Cornyn couldn't be defeated?
This brings the possible candidate list to John Sharp, Barbara Radnofsky, Nick Lampson, Bill White, Rick Noriega, Pete Gallego, Ron Kirk, and Ben Barnes.
Harris County Democratic Party Election Night Watch and Victory Party, beginning as soon as the polls close (7:00 p.m.), at the Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 North Loop West. Co-hosted by Congressmembers Gene Green, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Al Green, Harris County Commissioner Sylvia R. Garcia, State Representative Alma Allen, Justice of the Peace Armando V. Rodriguez, and candidates Mark McDavid, Jim Sharp, Herb Ritchie, William Connolly, Leora T. Kahn, Andrew C. Burks, Jr., and Alfred Valdez.
Barbara Radnofsky: Join us at Maria Selma restaurant, 1619 Richmond, Houston 77006 beginning at 7 pm, or online for the webcast.
Chris Bell: Everyone is invited to the Election Night Party of the Chris Bell for Governor campaign, in the Discovery Center Room at the Intercontinental Hotel, 2222 W. Loop South, Houston, TX 77027, starting at 7:00 p.m. For more information contact Katelyn Patterson at 713 524 0009.
Jim Henley: Join us for the Victory Party at El Meson in the Rice Village at 2425 University Blvd., starting immediately after the polls close.
Kristi Thibaut: E-Night Victory Party, 7:30 - 10 pm. Campaign headquarters - 10620 Westheimer. For further information contact 713-978-7701.
Chad Khan: Victory Party for Texas House District 126. Joining Chad is Gary Binderim, Democrat for CD-02. 7:30 to 12AM. Lazeeza Restaurant, 3991 FM 1960 W, Houston, TX 77061. Wireless available for blogging!
Diane Trautman: "Out with the Crabb--In with the Trout!" Victory Party 7:30PM, at the Homewood Suites, 23300 US Hwy. 59 in Kingwood, TX 77339.
James G. Pierre: Victory Party at the Red Hat Jazz Cafe, 924 Congress in downtown Houston (just off the Metro light rail Preston stop), 7:00 pm - until ?
As you probably know, I already can't stand Kinky Friedman. But add his vote yesterday as the final straw.
Kinky Friedman went home to Kerr County to vote (the place where he once ran and lost as a Republican for Justice of the Peace). Whlie there, he said...
“It was a time for change,” he said, as he exited the courthouse. “I’m very excited.”
But then did the following.
Friedman said he cast ballots for Congressman Lamar Smith and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, whom he said he met Sunday at a Dallas airport.
You just don't get it do you. I hope your supporters are smart enough to vote for people like John Courage down the ballot unlike you Kinky Friedman.
Change, my ass. Get out there and cancel Kinky's vote ye residents of TX-21.
(Some great ones in this list. Post any others we may be missing. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
1. Don't Get Stapled (http://www.dontgetst...) - for everything you need to know about the race for Agriculture Commissioner;
2. Greg Abbott = Big Hypocrite (http://greg-abbott-i...) - a nice introduction to the Attorney General's race and why David Van Os is a better candidate than Greg Abbott;
3. No Kay (http://www.nokay.org) - for everything you need to know about the Senate race (Barbara Radnofsky's website -- http://www.radnofsky... -- is even more informative but No Kay is more fun);
4. If You See Kay Hutchison (http://ifyouseekayhu...) - not as comprehensive as No Kay or BAR's official site but the If You See Kay Hutchison blog makes up for that with a funnier name and a succinct presentation of key facts;
5. Louie Gohmert is a Little Bitch (http://blog.louiegoh...) - whatever this blog lacks in detailed substance it more that makes up for with its great name;
6. Eugene Seaman is Creepy (http://geneseamanisc...) - maybe the newest blog to me but a welcome guide to the race for the 32nd District;
7. Martha Wong is Wrong (http://firemarthawon...) - a great guide to the race for the 134th District;
8. Anyone But C4n3p (http://anyonebutc4n3...) - a guide to what is least admirable about gubernatorial candidate Carole Strayhorn;
9. REAL Republicans are for Strayhorn (http://realrepublica...) - a blog which reminds us that even at her worst Strayhorn is not as bad as incumbent Governor Rick Perry;
10. Stop Kinky (http://stopkinky.blo...) - a guide to why Kinky Friedman's self-promotional publicity stunt of a campaign threatens Texas voters' hope of defeating Rick Perry.
A couple of press releases from the Radnofsky camp illustrate Kay Bailey Hutchison's hypocrisy. KBH is now upset that an increase of the minimum wage has failed to pass even though she has voted against an increase in the minimum wage twice previously. What's the difference? Estate tax repeal!
Aug 2, Houston, I spoke to the Houston Federation of Teachers, a dedicated, compassionate group who struggles every day to ensure our future. They've been a tremendous help, along with the Texas Federation of Teachers/American Federation of Teachers, my first endorsement of the General Election. They are aware of my proposals, detailed on the website issues chart and outlined in the flyers on the "downloads" section on the right hand side of the web site. My opponent refuses to support the Social Security Fairness Act which would treat teachers, firefighters, and public servants fairly. She has voted against vital educational programs and favors taxing family and children's use of the internet.
(Crossposted at DailyKos, http://www.dailykos.... . If you like this, please recommend there!)
Hope all is well with you and yours on this (slightly) cooler day in New Jersey - how's the weather where you are? Well, anyway, if you're a Republican office-holder right now, you're likely in hot water regardless of where you are. (Cue flashing "laugh" sign) And this is especially true of Texas' Aging Prom Queen, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Perjury? What perjury?), whose Senate seat will be occupied by Barbara Ann Radnofsky starting in 2007 (http://www.radnofsky...).
Anyway, Kay Bailey recently double faulted on two issues, of which one whopper of a lie made it to the NY Times. Her recent inanity, plus Barbara Ann's sharp retorts, is covered below. Enjoy!
