House District 144 is a rapidly changing swing district represented by one of the most outrageous conservative Republicans in the state of Texas. Rep. Ken Legler is a Leo Berman, Debbie Riddle-type Republican. As an extreme right-wing Republican in a swing district, Legler has made himself vulnerable with his extreme voting record. In 2006, only 2,000 Hispanics voted. In 2008, that number was 11,000. Today, there are at least 19,000 registered Hispanic voters in the district. Support for public education is crucial; championing programs like the Children's Health Insurance Program is a winning issue for those voters, and the rest of the swing voters in the district. However, the challenge for Rick Molina is delivering a successful mainstream message and organizing against Rep. Legler and his horrific voting record in the most conservative political climate Texas has faced since 2002.
Molina is a former Harris County prosecutor who worked on hundreds of cases to end drug abuse and gang violence in the community. Currently the owner of his own law firm, Molina is also the Vice Chair of the Pasadena Hispanic Business Council, and has shown a strong commitment within the district to reach out across party lines to help those in the community.
How Democrats Defeat Ken Legler in November
Right now, the campaign is focused on the field game. With so much television expected in Harris County -- and none really expected in this race -- the Bill White campaign could have a major impact and provide a boost for Rick Molina's race and others in Harris County. Coupled with an effort to portray Legler as out of the mainstream, Molina's chances depend on the success of the field campaign Molina and the Harris County Coordinated team in turning out the Hispanic vote.
Another of many open seats in Texas this cycle, Democrat Joel Redmond is running an impressive campaign to win back a Republican seat formerly held by State Rep. Robert Talton. Talton -- though a staunch opponent of Tom Craddick -- was one of the most conservative Republicans in the Texas House. Therefore, this is the rare seat where a Democratic pick-up wins us on all policy votes, and is a "hold" for the mythical and ever-elusive Speaker tally.
As of Labor Day [Redmond] had visited half of the 40,000 homes with registered voters in them.
I will only add that Redmond is doing an obviously outstanding job running a ground game in Harris County, an area of the state where Republicans already have their hands full. While it can be hard to separate all the races in Harris County -- home to our U.S. Senate candidate, a competitive U.S. House race, a potential pickup in the State Senate, several State House races, and an entire County official slate -- it may end up benefiting Redmond that his seat flies under the radar.
Don't be surprised to see this race move up the rankings -- for Democrats -- in the coming weeks.
Here are some other links that previous coverage of the race on Burnt Orange Report:
Kristen Mack reports that Representative Robert Talton has officially filed his paperwork to run against Mr. Nick Lampson in 2008.
This highly conservative state legislator has been rumored as a possible Congressman in this district since Tom Delay had to be replaced.
Now, unfortunately; he has an added advantage. It seems no one in Texas, except the Texans represented by the man, like Tom Craddick. And as we all know and can even respect, Mr. Talton was a giant thorn in Craddick's speakership this past legislative session. Not only will that make him more liked, but it got him extra media attention. He might even have more name recognition in the district than former Rep. Sekula-Gibbs, but the former councilwoman from Houston seemed to act crazy in her short time in Washington, so it looks like Talton is on a smooth ride for the nomination, especially since former county judge Robert Eckels, tax collector Paul Bettencourt, and Sugar Land mayor Dave Wallace are staying out of it.
Lampson, of course, has a lot of money; so he still has a chance. Many of us, though; were hoping he wouldn't have a tough battle against a strong candidate. It looks like those hopes are about dead.
We may be able to attain some other hope from this news, though. Talton's district 144 will now be open, and we might actually have a shot. 2004 didn't even show a Democratic opponent, and in 2006 a not-well-known Janette Sexton held Talton to 56.29 percent. The average Democrat in 2006 also got more votes in the district than Sexton, by 43% to 40.5%.
It would be a tough climb against Talton the incumbent, and it will still be a tough climb regardless. However, an open seat will make it easier. If we can find a strong candidate, it will certainly be a race for all to watch, too.
Ken Legler, a Pasadena native, is running for House District 144, the seat Robert Talton is giving up to take a stab at Congress.
Legler, a Republican, is already closely associating himself with Talton, saying he's proud of the job Talton has done.
"His service to our area, since his election in 1992, will be a model for anyone who hopes to succeed him," Legler said. GOP political consultant Allen Blakemore is running his campaign.
Legler has been twice-appointed to the Texas Commission of Environmental
Quality Advisory Board Member for Small Business. He also is a board
member of the Texas Association of Business.
If he is staying close to Talton's views, and he wins the nomination; it may be a good thing for Democrats. As Kuff pointed out:
Pasadena is represented in the State House by one Robert Talton, who (let's face it) is not exactly an accurate reflection of the new Pasadena. Far as I'm concerned, he's a Talmadge Heflin waiting to happen.
