(What's going on in Big D? James Van Sickle is here to tell us. - promoted by Katherine Haenschen)
While speculation and bargaining continue for how the 2012 maps for Congress, State Senate, and State House will look, I wanted to take some time to look at the contested Democratic Primary races in Dallas based on current filings. Once the maps are finalized, I will post another article discussing changes we get when the filing period reopens for a brief period of time. It should also be noted that this article will be discussing only races contained solely within Dallas County and not any statewide or multi-county campaigns. All tables in this article are sorted by Contributions in descending order.
United States Congress, District 30
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson is currently serving her 10th term (20 years), and is actively campaigning for another term in office. So far two candidates have risen to challenge Congresswoman Johnson in Democratic Primary. State Representative Barbara Mallory-Caraway (HD-110) filed for a ballot position, along with Taj Clayton who is a litigator at international law firm Fish and Richardson.
It should be noted that only the below table only looks at reporting period totals between 10/1/2011 to 12/31/2011.
In theory, State House Districts 110 and 107 should be hot primary races. The ongoing issue regarding our maps is putting all of that into question, however. Regardless of how the maps come out, District 110 will be a hot race because it will be to replace Barbara Mallory-Caraway as she runs for Congress. HD-110 is a safe Democratic district with a large African-American population. Right now there are three candidates for HD-110, but this could easily change depending on how those maps lines come out. Once the maps for 2012 have been finalized, I will put together a follow-up article discussing who is and who is not running for each State House district in Dallas County.
District Judge, 162nd Judicial District
The 162nd Judicial District has been held by Lorraine Raggio since her initial election in 2004. Judge Raggio announced her retirement, several candidates have announced or filed for this seat.
Phyllis Lister Brown is currently a municipal judge in the City of Dallas. According to the city charter, city appointees and elected officials must resign their position when seeking higher office. Judge Brown has argued that she does not have to do so given past precedence of when municipal Judge Elizabeth Frizell ran in 2006 for higher office. Dallas City Council voted on January 18 to remove Phyllis from office. Phyllis' lawyers filed a restraining order against the removal, and the city attorney appealed this order. Now it appears that this will be going to court to decide whether Judge Brown gets to keep her seat on the municipal bench or be removed. (See Judge Phyllis Lister Brown Will Soon Get a Shove Off the Bench or a Day in Court)
In the interest of transparency, it should be noted that I am providing technology and communications support to Maricela Moore in this race.
Criminal District Judge, Count No. 4
John Creuzot is the incumbent judge for Criminal District Court 4, and has served since 2008. Judge Creuzot has indicated that he will be retiring and not seeking re-election. So far two candidates (JR Cook and Dominique Collins) have filed to run for this seat. Races for the criminal bench tend to be low dollar affairs compared to their judicial counterparts in Civil Court (i.e. 162nd Judicial Court).
In the interest of transparency, it should be noted that I am providing technology and communications support to JR Cook in this race.
Sherriff
In 2008, Lupe Valdez solidly won re-election in both Primary and General elections. Sherriff Valdez has remained very popular in local Democratic circles. In 2011, Dallas County Jails passed inspection for the 2nd year in a row, which was a top issue for Republicans and other opponents in 2008. An individual named Charlie J. Thomas has filed to run against Lupe in the Democratic Primary, but I have no information about his candidacy at this time.
County Commissioner, District 1
In 2010, Democrats gained majority on the Dallas County Commissioner's Court, and have subsequently redistricted District 1 to be a Democratic-opportunity district. This seat is currently held by Maurine Dickey who along with her husband owns the Dickey's BBQ franchise. Originally, it was rumored that there were over 7 potential candidates interested in running. Since the map was finalized, that number has now sized itself down to 3.
In the interest of transparency, it should be noted that I am providing technology and communications support to Theresa Daniel in this race.
County Commissioner, District 3
Commissioner District 3 had been held by John Wiley Price since 1985. On June 27, 2011, FBI agents searched Commissioner Price's offices and home, and were looking for documents relating to fraud, bribery, money laundering, and tax evasion allegations (See Commissioner John Wiley Price's Office, Home Searched). The investigation is still ongoing, and no charges have been filed against Commissioner Price. Commissioner Price has drawn three opponents in the upcoming 2012 Primary.
While Bennie Brown did file the required January 15 campaign finance report, they failed to mention the $1,250 filing fee paid to the Dallas County Democratic Party in the campaign finance report. According to Dallas County Elections Department, neither Betty Culbreath nor Micah B. Phillips filed their January 15 campaign finance reports. All candidates are required to file campaign finance reports on January 15 and July 15 each year as long as they have a treasurer appointment on file.
Commissioner Price wrote "N/A" under the Cash On Hand line item for his campaign finance report, which is why I left question marks under that section.
DCDP County Chair
In a previous article, I had mentioned that an individual named Lymon King was looking to run for County Chair. Mr. King has since decided against running in 2010, and made this announcement through a robocall to his supporters. No one else has indicated about a run for County Chair so it appears that Darlene Ewing will be starting a fourth term, which she announced will be her last as County Chair.
Unopposed Countywide Races
Here is the list of countywide offices up for re-election in 2012 that so far do not have a primary opponent.
(OK Dallas readers- time to chime in and tell us how you feel about this! - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
Now that the Dallas County Democratic Party's Labor Day Picnic has concluded, it is officially primary campaign season. Incumbent judges and their potential primary opponents are collecting signatures. People are talking about running for State House and Congress. I wanted to take some time to break down the hot races that are starting up in Dallas County.
On Election Day, I turned down the offer to make calls to out of state voters on behalf of Organizing for America. I didn't even make any calls to Bill White supporters reminding them to vote. I figured that if they didn't know by now from all my previous block walks and phone calls that November 2 was Election Day, they were pretty hopeless and it was time to give up on them and concentrate on our important local races.
My husband and I spent Election Day at our precinct's polling place, standing in the cold rain handing out push cards for a candidate you've never heard of, Judge Jeff Rosenfield, Dallas County Criminal Court of Appeals No. 2, reminding people to vote for him and all the Democratic incumbent judges that we worked so hard to sweep into office in 2006.
Would a bunch of Rethuglican't trolls come out from under bridges all over Dallas County in large enough numbers to vote out some excellent incumbents as part of some misguided slap at "Obama Pelosi?" Not if I could help it...
Yesterday, David Smith, announced that he was running in the Republican primary against Pete Sessions in CD32. http://www.examiner.com/x-1700... David, who writes for the Dallas County Republican Examiner, describes himself in his bio as:
David Smith is a Dallas Republican activist and transportation expert. He's spoken from the steps of the Texas Capitol and testified before the Legislature, earning a reputation for asking tough questions of elected Republicans. He got his County Commissioner voted out of office in 2008. Now David is preparing to seek his own elected office in 2010.
He has written many pieces critical of Sessions including this piece written on November 2nd and entitled: "Is Sessions the man going forward"
http://www.examiner.com/x-1700...
Things are starting to get very interesting in CD32. Pete not only faces a very viable Democratic opponent, Grier Raggio www.grierforcongress.com, but now has to contend with a Republican primary opponent who seems likely to tap into the disaffected right wing of the Republican party. It's not going to leave Congressman Sessions much time to make up for the embarrassing loss in NY23 and continue with his NRCC duties.
Below please find a copy of the press release Kim Limberg issued last week in her announced bid for Texas House District 105 in Dallas County:
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Members of the Press Greetings!
I write to announce my Candidacy for State Representative for District 105 in Irving, Texas. District 105 is a key player in this election cycle. After years of serving in the Democratic Party I'm excited about finally running.
Why am I running? I want to go to the front lines where the laws are made, so I can defend our Democratic ideals.
I will work to improve and protect our environment, our public education and our transportation infrastructure. These are the keys to good health, a thriving democracy and our freedom of movement. I will work to maintain the separation between what is public and what is private. And above all I will defend our basic rights.
Job creation in the three sectors mentioned are the right direction to take. More jobs in education, public infrastructure, and sustainable living (from energy to recycling and producing ever more efficient products).
I will work to be in sync with the Obama Administration to maximize our ability to tap any resources, incentives or stimulus packages that are offered.
These are just a few of the many important issues we are facing. For more details, please check out the Issues page as I continue to build my website.
What qualifies me? Besides the passion, my years of public service has given me the opportunity to listen and respond to the needs of many from elected officials to the general public. As a professional engineer with over 21 years of service with the Texas Department of Transportation, I have the technical expertise to understand and find solutions to our transportation issues. As a parent, I am determined to give our children the best public education I can. As a wife and mother of three, I am committed to fighting for the health of our families by working toward a better environment and encouraging a sustainable lifestyle. My passion to act on these issues in a direct way, together with my real life experiences as an mother, an engineer, and an environmentalist make me a good fit for Irving.
I am a life long resident of Dallas County, who has enjoyed serving the Irving community since moving here 13 years ago. For more about me click on the Green Ribbon and check out the About Kim webpage.
To practice good environmental stewardship, I am running a Green campaign by minimizing paper use and maximizing web, email and phone use. The Green Ribbon will symbolize this effort. I challenge all other candidates to do the same.
I would be honored to have your endorsement. Please solidify your decision to support my campaign, by endorsing me for State Representative for District 105.
With your help I can get to the front lines and represent you.
Thank You, and have a great day!
Kim Limberg
Kim Limberg Campaign
Contact Info:
Address
Kim Limberg Campaign
1910 Cartwright St
Irving, Texas 75062
Phone
(214)493-9079
Email
kimlimberg@kimlimberg.com
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NOTE: Kim is running against a 24-year old from San Antonio who just recently moved to the Irving area. Kim is the only Majority-Minority candidate so far whose announced in this Majority-Minority District. A 46-year old wife and mother of 3, Kim is a Civil Engineer and long-time community activist in the Irving area (resident of Irving for 13 years, lifelong resident of Dallas County).
Probably the most difficult thing about being a SessionsWatcher is actually seeing Pete Sessions in person. It's kinda like hanging out in the rain forest with binoculars, trying to catch a glimpse of a rare bird that only shows up every two years, then flits away into the night.
After last night's debate--which only lasted half an hour--Sessions made a hasty retreat out the door of the elementary school cafetorium, instead of hanging around with constituents, enjoying cookies and coffee and listening to the other debates of the evening...
The writing on the wall has been obvious for years, and for judges who care more about their specific seats than their party, the choice is obvious: The Democrats have it winning and have it right now.
Five judges have made the switch since last year, and the movement isn't over yet. From the Dallas Morning News:
As Texas Republicans gather for their national convention, GOP members back in Dallas are preparing to bolt the party.
Monday, Dallas County Court at Law Judge Mark Greenberg plans to announce at a Democratic Party Labor Day picnic that he's leaving the Republican Party, said people from both parties familiar with his decision. The judge, who next faces re-election in 2010, could not be reached.
At least two other judges are expected to leave the GOP before November.
Do actions like this create need for less partisan judicial races? Or is it right that moth judges be part of the winning party at the time?
It's definitely a question being asked many times by the Dallas Republicans right now. And whatever the Democrats think on the issue, right now it's all benefiting the progressive party. So the switches are helping with something.
The Grand Prairie Democratic Club is teaming with the Irving Democratic Club for a candidate forum on October 16th. The focus will be initiatives made in the Dallas County Judicial system and Public Safety by Democratic office holders. Speakers include Judge Carter Thompson, Sheriff Lupe Valdez and Dr. Theresa Daniel, Chairperson of the Dallas County Democratic Party Advisory Committee and member of the Texas State Executive Committee.
The Democrats will also welcome Judge John Creuzot and State Representative Kirk England, who both recently switched from the GOP to the Democratic Party. "We are wanting to emphasize the momentum we established in 2006, by welcoming these office holders as new Democrats," said Harvey Jackson, president of the Grand Prairie Democrats. "The clear trend in Dallas County is toward the Democratic Party and that trend will continue in the 2008 elections."
In addition to the candidates on the agenda, other Democratic candidates are expected to attend as they often court grassroots support and gather signatures for places on the primary ballot at such events. The forum will take place on Tuesday, October 16th at the Irving Public Library Auditorium, at 801 W. Irving Blvd in Irving TX 75060. The forum starts at 7:00 PM and RSVP's can be made at http://democrat.meet... or by contacting George Chamberlain at 1-888-855-9112.
Sheriff Lupe Valdez today spoke to a large gathering of supporters and Democratic activists at a meeting of the Grand Prairie Democrats. The appearance at the club’s monthly meeting marks the beginning of a countywide tour of the Sheriff, who is running for re-election in 2008.
“In 2004, I won because I had supporters from across the County. As I prepare to win re-election in 2008, I am happy to visit my friends and supporters to discuss the successes of my first term,” said Sheriff Valdez.
The Sheriff’s presentation to the organization detailed the situation she inherited in the Dallas County Jail System and progress she and her staff have made in addressing it. She also discussed other areas of the Department that don’t receive as much press attention as the Jail.
“I was impressed with the improvement in medical and other basic services for the inmates, as well as the effectiveness of the DWI unit in securing convictions,” said Harvey Jackson, president of the Grand Prairie Democrats.
Among Sheriff Valdez's accomplishments during her two years as Dallas County Sheriff:
• Sheriff Valdez has hired over 400 new detention officers for the Dallas County jail, and continues to work daily to address the systemic problems in the jail system left to her by her predecessors. During Sheriff Valdez's term, major progress has been made towards bringing the jail into compliance with all state and federal laws, after years of underfunding and neglect.
• Sheriff Valdez overhauled the jail commissary contracting system, canceling "sweatheart" contracts set up by her predecessor. The commissary contract now brings in $2 million a year and these funds are used to improve programs for inmates in the Dallas County Jail System, offSheriff Valdez led the development of a new Phase II of Dallas County's innovative traffic management plan. This plan allows Sheriff's deputies to patrol Dallas County highways, saving money and making aid available more quickly when drivers are injured or in danger. This new Phase II plan will extend service to almost all highway miles South of I-20 and will be fully implemented in 2008.
• Sheriff Valdez established a DNA and forensic training program to prepare Sheriff's Department deputies to help solve cold cases that had previously gone without investigation.
• Sheriff Valdez has worked with Parkland Hospital and other county agencies to dramatically improve the health care provided to inmates in the Dallas County Jail System.
• Sheriff Valdez has spearheaded dramatic improvements in jail maintenance and sanitation, addressing longstanding problems quickly and effectively.
• Sheriff Valdez has overseen the construction of the South Tower jail, a new jail system that will be organized and operated in a more modern way than the existing jail facilities.
• Sheriff Valdez has overseen the expansion and improvement of programs conducted by the Department, such as the Courtesey Patrol to aid stranded motorists and the County's DWI taskforce.
The Sheriff will continue to make appearances at Democratic clubs throughout the Fall, and will soon announce a slate of endorsements from prominent Democratic leaders.
“I’m proud of my accomplishments as Sheriff, and look forward to discussing my record with Dallas voters. We’ve come a long way in just two years, and together with my staff, the other Departments of County government and my friends in the Democratic Party, I’m going to complete the task the voters have given me,” said Sheriff Valdez.
Today, WhosPlayin interviews John McClelland, a resident of Northern Dallas, and fellow blogger / activist who is running for City Council in Dallas' Twelfth District. John recently announced his intention to run for the seat, currently held by one-term incumbent Ron Natinsky. He was kind enough to agree, so without further introduction, we'll hop right into it:
WhosPlayin: With apologies, because you're going to get this same question a hundred times: What is your motivation for running for this office?
John McClelland: You're right, I will answer it over and over again for the next 3 months and maybe even after the election. I believe it is my civic duty to give back to a city that I've been able to call home for the last 5 years. I want to steer Dallas in the right direction. We need a city government who will stop wasteful spending of our citizens' tax dollars. We need a City Council who feels they are not above the law. We should be model citizens, not model felons.
