Was I the only one whose jaw hit the keyboard upon reading the Houston Chronicle's endorsement of Obama/Biden this morning?
After carefully observing the Democratic and Republican nominees in drawn-out primary struggles as well as in the general campaign, including three debates, the Chronicle strongly believes that the ticket of Sens. Barack Obama and Joe Biden offers the best choice to lead the United States on a new course into the second decade of the 21st century.
Terrific news this morning in the race to defeat the horrific Republican incumbent, State Rep. Bill Zedler: Democrat Chris Turner -- endorsed months ago by TexBlog PAC -- has received a stellar endorsement from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
From their editorial, whose headline reads, "Bill Zedler has had enough time to shine as a Texas legislator. He hasn't."
Turner is young and untested, but he is smart and driven by a desire to improve the lives of the residents of District 96 and the rest of the state.
Turner looks at the Oct. 4 school property tax election and the $8.1 million in budget cuts at the Arlington school district this year and sees a common theme: The school funding plan adopted by the Legislature in 2006 has left local districts unable to meet increased costs without raising taxes or dangerously drawing down reserves.
The editorial goes on to tout Turner's forward-thinking public policy positions on commuter rail, transportatioin in general, air quality, and higher education funding opportunities. In other words -- an endorsement of the substance of Turner's excellent public policy positions.
Zedler, meanwhile, is skewered for being the right-wing wacko that he is. Talking about his unfledgling loyalty to the arcane policies of the Texas Conservative Coalition, they wrote:
[...] In practice some of the legislation pushed by the coalition and its members has been downright bad. We’d rather have seen more evidence that the District 96 representative could think and act independently rather than simply support group causes.
Turner has previously been endorsed by Texas Parent PAC, as well as TexBlog PAC months ago. In one of the best opportunities for Texas Democrats to win another seat, Turner is running an incredible campaign based on sound public policies.
There was alot of head scratching over the weekend after you published your endorsements on the 22nd. You promised full profiles explaining your endorsements within 72 hours. Going on 144 hours, and I can't find them. Donde esta?
"We need a leader who has the strength and experience to lead on day one," said Barrientos, who served 30 years in the Legislature before retiring in 2006. "Hillary doesn't just talk about change, she delivers change."
Also in with his endorsement is Former State Attorney General Jim Mattox:
Former state Attorney General Jim Mattox also came out for Clinton. "In Texas we have a phrase: 'She's earned her spurs,'" said Mattox, attorney general from 1983 to '91. "Hillary has spent more than 35 years earning her spurs, and she is the best leader for our country."
ENDORSEMENT OF VALINDA HATHCOX
FOR U.S. CONGRESS, DISTRICT 4
by Maria Luisa Alvarado
The people of Texas and America will gain exceptional representation in Washington D.C. from VaLinda Hathcox as the next United States Representative for District 4 of Texas. Let me explain. I believe my campaign experience in 2006 afforded me an opportunity to get to know the heart of other candidates on the campaign trail. As candidate for Texas Land Commissioner, VaLinda Hathcox was an inspiration to me in that the truth to her was not to be compromised for popularity. The people and the land of Texas are vast in diversity but for the most part they are solid and true. That is the character of VaLinda Hathcox, and is the desperate need in Congress.
However, it is not enough to rely solely on the character that our elected officials take to our Nation's Capitol. VaLinda Hathcox takes to Washington D.C. a proven record of public service as an attorney in the defense and protection of health services for the poor, as well as administration of legal judgments and education on tax matters. There is much work ahead to restore this nation that her hands?on experience on solving issues will be an advantage for us all.
Here is the latest in a string of Democratic club endorsements from Austin. CCYD is a reborn group of enthusiastic young Democrats in Austin. Their president is Kim Hokanson, and here are the results:
Constable, Precinct 1: Willie Joe Madison
Constable, Precinct 2: Paul Labuda
Constable, Precinct 3: Richard McCain
Constable, Precinct 4: Maria Conchola
County Commissioner, Precinct 3: Karen Huber
Travis County Democratic Party Chair: Andy Brown
Travis County Tax Assessor/Collector: Glen Maxey
Travis County District Attorney: Rosemary Lehmberg (following a runoff with Gary Cobb)
County Court-at-Law-8: John Lipscombe
98th District Court: Andy Hathcock
353rd District Court: Scott Ozmun
427th District Court: Jim Coronado
Texas House of Representatives, HD-46: Brian Thompson (Unanimously)
US House of Representatives, CD-10: Dan Grant
Texas Supreme Court Place 7: Sam Houston
Texas Supreme Court Place 8: Susan Criss (following a runoff with Linda Yanez)
[Following is the text of the press release. Formatted some for readability]
Citing Challenges at Home and Abroad
Clark says, 'Texas Needs a Representative who will Bring New Leadership to Congress'
Immediate Release
Contact: Erick Mullen
(202) 409-8803 or emullen@securingamerica.com
November 2, 2006. Little Rock, AR.
Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander General Wesley Clark today endorses the candidacy of Ted Ankrum in Texas¡œs 10th Congressional District.
General Clark said, "Today Americans face many difficult challenges at home and abroad. There has never been a time when foreign affairs were as closely linked to our daily lives as they are now. While fighting the causes of terrorism that threaten our country, we also face a changing global economy that demands America educate its young men and women so that they can successfully compete for good jobs in the global marketplace. We need Ted to fight for us in Congress, and I am pleased to endorse him today.
October 27, 2006. Little Rock, AR. General Wes Clark today endorses the candidacy of Lukin Gilliland for Congress in Texas's 23rd Congressional District.
General Clark said, "Today American families face many difficult challenges at home and abroad. There has never been a time when foreign affairs were as closely linked to the daily lives of Texans as they are now. We are fighting the causes of terrorism that threaten our homes and we must prepare for a changing global economy that demands that America train our people to compete for the highest paying jobs.
"Texas is home to thousands of military families who deserve a partner in Washington who respects their daily challenges and sacrifices. That partner will be Lukin Gilliland whose common sense, businesslike approach to pubic service is needed to resist a reckless, free-spending Congress up in Washington. I am pleased to endorse him today.
"With a strong perspective as a native Texan, a successful businessman, and rancher, Lukin upholds strong moral convictions and American values that are much needed in today's government. Lukin Gilliland will represent Texas's 23rd District by standing up for small businesses, good government, and working families.
"In voting for Lukin Gilliland, Texans have an opportunity to turn things around now before it's too late. To change politics-as-usual, we have to vote for someone besides the usual politicians."
