Democratic Attorney Clay Jenkins flexed some financial muscle in his attempt to replace Dallas County Judge Jim Foster, also a Democrat, by reporting having raised over $250,000 from almost 300 donors as of June 30th.
"I am extremely pleased and humbled by the strong show of support for this campaign. The encouragement and assistance I've received from the 293 individual donors as well as the growing number of volunteers demonstrates that Dallas County is ready for a change to new leadership and to moving forward," says Jenkins.
Jenkins has demonstrated himself to be a force to be reckoned with rather quickly since he has entered the political scene in Dallas. He already boasts endorsements from high profile figures such as State Senator Royce West, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, former Congressman Martin Frost, along with a number of State House members such as Roberto Alonzo, Kirk England, and Allen Vaught. Ironically, the challenge Jenkins is likely to have is not from the incumbent Foster, but from a current state house member in Helen Giddings of Desoto. The state representative from House District 109 continues to be mum on her future plans but has a campaign account with over $150,000 cash on hand. Giddings can transfer her COH to a county judge race.
Dallas County Judge is one of the hottest races in the county. Since winning the judgeship on the coattails of the dramatic Democratic sweep of 2006, Jim Foster has performed well below expectations--proving himself at times to be a bit in over his head. Although Foster appears to be running for a second term, he didn't find it all that important to fundraise as if he were. No report from his campaign at this time as to how he did this past quarter. Dallas County Schools President, Larry Duncan, raised a paltry $1000.
The numbers Jenkins has posted in fundraising, and the party support he has so far, should be enough to make Foster realize he has no base of support with which to continue a serious campaign for another term. It should also serve notice to Giddings that if she wishes to run she'll have a formidable candidate to defeat, and one who has proven he can raise money. Jenkins has demonstrated that he is savvy enough of a campaigner to clear a field that once included one-time candidate for Dallas mayor, and former state representative Sam Coates. At this time no serious candidate stands in Jenkins way; however, that is assuming Giddings decides she likes Austin more than downtown Dallas.
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