It is no secret that an army of Democratic party activists, loyalists, and democratic elected officials are hoping that Justice Jan Patterson decides to retire rather than follow through on a run for the 201st civil district court. Interestingly, a flurry of activity and action seems to be replacing hope.
This morning, Patterson’s campaign treasurer, Katie Naranjo, sent Patterson a letter resigning her position. Naranjo declined to comment for this post saying, “Even though I can no longer serve in that capacity, I would prefer to keep the contents of my communications with Judge Patterson between the two of us. I have no idea if Judge Patterson intends to retire or not – you’ll have to ask her that question.”
Multiple Democratic attorneys in town are reaching out to Judge Patterson to discuss retirement as a better option than a contested democratic primary. If Patterson opts not to retire, BOR has confirmation that at least a dozen highly motivated activists, attorneys and elected officials have been diligently working to line up support for a credible challenger to Patterson in the 201st.
The filing deadline is January 4.
What brought all this about?
As you might remember, Patterson and Senator Kirk Watson had a recent dust-up over Patterson lobbying Governor Rick Perry for his appointment to the 353rd Civil District Court after the untimely passing of Judge Scott Ozmun. Had Perry honored Patterson’s request, Perry would have been able to give the all-important 3rd Court of Appeals a 4-2 Republican majority. Patterson’s attempt to obtain a Perry appointment and thus give the Republicans a 4-2 majority on the 3rd Court infuriated Democratic elected officials, donors and activists who have labored for a decade to bring the 3rd Court to partisan parity.
Thankfully, Senator Kirk Watson had the good judgment to block the Patterson appointment from Perry. According to the Austin Chronicle, “Patterson's nomination was not approved by Sen. Kirk Watson, according to documents obtained through an open records request, and Perry ultimately appointed Jeff Rose, former deputy first assistant attorney general, to replace Ozmun.”
The Chronicle has chronicled this drama here and here.
Two Democratic state senators released statements of support this afternoon in support of Bill White seeking the gubernatorial nomination for the Democratic Party in the wake of Tom Schieffer's withdrawl from the race. It is important to note that both Sen. Eliot Shapleigh of El Paso and Sen. Kirk Watson of Austin had previously explored or expressed interest in running for Governor. Sen. Shapleigh, who has announced he is not running for re-election to the state senate, remains a plausible candidate to explore running for Lt. Governor.
Sen. Shapleigh's statement via email...
I am very excited today to endorse Bill White as the next Governor of the great state of Texas.
Under his proven, responsible leadership, our great state can finally deal with the challenges of our times: better paying jobs, great schools, affordable college, water, real access to healthcare, 21st century infrastructure and sustainable energy.
More than eight in ten Houstonians believe in his leadership. His rapid, compassionate and effective response to those hurt by Katrina put him on the national stage. His record as Mayor speaks volumes on how to deal with challenges today, and not pass them to another generation. He is a leader who will build a consensus to then build a better Texas.
Four more years under Rick Perry is simply not an option for us. Under his failed, divisive, pay to play leadership, Texas is now first in dropouts and last in citizens with health insurance. Our skies are the most polluted in America. Annual interest rates on loans from Laredo to Lampassas now top 1100%.
Worse, homeowner's insurance and electricity rates are among the highest in the US. Agency after agency is now broke-with a record deficit on the near horizon.
Perry's pay to play values have handed the keys to Texas to a legion of lobbyists and access to your wallet to one predatory lender worse than the next.
Now is the time for real leadership for Texas-and Bill White is that proven and responsible leader. God Bless Texas-and God Bless our next Governor Bill White.
Sen. Watson's statement via email...
"Texas needs a candidate for Governor that will honor previous generations and build for our future. I believe Mayor Bill White knows Texans need actions - not mere words, and certainly not the typical smoke screens. I encourage him to enter the Governor's race, and I will do all I can to support him in his effort to give Texas the new leadership and the new direction it needs."
With Kirk Watson's announcement, Tom Schieffer maintains his standing as the front runner to be the Democratic Nominee for Governor.
The Schieffer campaign released the following statement on Watson's decision.
I welcome Senator Watson's statement today. He would have been a formidable opponent in the Democratic primary. I'm glad he has decided to run for reelection because we need men and women of his character and capability in the Texas Senate. Senator Watson has much to contribute to the future of Texas, and I look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.
As we reported earlier, Kirk Watson has decided to run for re-election in Senate District 14. The Senator released the following statement on his intentions to remain in the Texas Senate (emphasis added)
There's been a lot of speculation about my plans for the next election. Well, I've decided what I'm going to do, and I want to announce it to you all first.
I will run for re-election to the Texas Senate in 2010.
Countless conversations and a ton of consideration went into this decision. It comes down to two primary reasons.
First of all, I really like serving in the Senate and representing the citizens of Travis County. I've found a lot of success in the legislature, and I believe my service there is tangibly helping Texas and its people. I have a strong role to play in building a legislative agenda that benefits everyday Texans, and in solving the difficult budget and redistricting issues that promise to make the next session a painful and politicized one.
But more than that, I sincerely enjoyed my oldest son's high school years because I was able to be active and present in his life. Our younger son begins high school this month. I want the two of us to share the same experience his older brother and I did, and that simply wouldn't be as likely with me campaigning for and serving as Governor.
Despite those reasons, this has been a very tough decision. It's hard, in part, because I believe I would win the race for Governor. I'm excited and honored by the significant encouragement I've received to run. Having seriously evaluated and analyzed such a race, I'm more convinced than ever that Texans want a change in the way our state government is working - and not just in the Governor's office, but in other statewide offices and the legislature in general.
Texans are looking for balanced leadership that puts people ahead of the big insurance, utility and private toll road corporations. They want true public servants who don't just play politics, but instead lead by responsibly investing in the state's future.
Make no mistake: I intend to campaign aggressively for re-election and help bring new, badly needed statewide leadership into office. I'm very proud that my party is working hard to win the trust of Texas voters and is ready to replace divisive partisanship with mainstream leadership.
I look forward to continuing my service in the Texas Senate. Thank you all for your support and encouragement as we work to embrace and prepare for Texas' future.
Senator Watson has pledged to aggressively campaign for any Statewide nominee and help Turn Texas Blue. Watson had a tough decision to make. He has been an impressive champion in the Texas Senate and his voice would have been missed. His continued work and service for both statewide Democrats candidates and the people of Texas is surely a good thing.
As we continue to move closer and closer to Labor Day, we expect to hear more announcements on both sides of the aisle.
Reports are coming in that Senator Kirk Watson is running for re-election in Senate District 14.
A statement appears to be coming imminently, but sources indicate the Senator has work he would like to continue in the Senate. Watson was a vocal leader on issues ranging from voter suppression legislation to clean energy and environmental bills during the 81st legislative session.
Watson's name was initially floated as a possible candidate for Governor when fellow Senator Leticia Van De Putte discussed Watson's qualifications. Not soon after, a few of us started Draft Watson to urge Watson to run. The campaign was independent of any group, person, and the Senator himself.
We have a real opportunity to fix our broken health care system. Let's get the job done!
This Saturday afternoon, you're invited to a local health care rally featuring: Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Senator Kirk Watson, Mayor Lee Leffingwell, Council Member Sheryl Cole, Former State Rep. Ann Kitchen, TCDP Chair Andy Brown and others.
Our goal is to make Saturday's rally one of the biggest in the country. Spread the word!
Capitol Insider's Mike Hailey is speculating two very big points as it pertains to the Democratic landscape.
First, Bill White is dropping out of the race for U.S. Senate to run for Texas Governor.
Second, Kirk Watson is no longer even considering a bid for Governor.
The entire article can be summed up by this paragraph from the article:
The story line about White changing course in midstream is predicated on several theories including a growing school of thought that State Senator Kirk Watson of Austin isn't going to enter the field of contenders in the governor's race as some Democrats have been hoping he would to do in the near future. There's even been speculation in the past few days that Watson won't even run for lieutenant governor - an office he's had his eye on for months if not longer - and will simply seek re-election to the Legislature's upper chamber instead. Watson, a former Austin mayor who'd be the prohibitive favorite in a re-election bid if he had any opposition at all, could expect be an underdog in a race for some high statewide office in a state where Republicans will still appear to have the advantage at that level despite steady gains by Democrats on the legislative battlefield and in battles for top county jobs in major urban areas.
This is an interesting article to read at this point in the cycle. Locally, Senator Kirk Watson has made it fairly public he won't decide one way or the other until the end of summer or labor day. It is also a well known fact Watson is actively looking into the breadth and range of support he may have in a statewide bid.
In fact, his first statement after Leticia Van de Putte's endorsement highlights the timeline.
I am very flattered by Senator Van de Putte's confidence in me, and I strongly agree with her about the need for improved leadership in Texas.
I have a job I enjoy greatly, which is representing the citizens of Senate District 14. Over the next several weeks, I will evaluate the role I intend to play in serving Texas after 2010. That service may include running for and serving in another office or running for reelection. I intend to give this issue serious consideration, and I do not anticipate making any decisions in this regard until at least sometime after the end of the anticipated special session of the legislature, and probably not until the end of the summer.
Watson doesn't need to be on a quick timeline to decide. Watson currently has $1.4 million on hand in his Senate account. On the other hand, Tom Schieffer announced nearly $800,000 raised and $200,000 were loans.
The fact that Watson has a fundraising advantage doesn't accelerate the time line for decision.
Also interesting is the fact White would be the one dropping down for Governor. White has raised approximately $4.4 million total and John Sharp is under a million when you exclude the loans.
In addition, a White spokesperson says the Mayor isn't looking at the Governor's race.
Katy Bacon said:
Don't listen to the rumors. Listen to the more than 3000 people who've given financially, and the many, many more who have volunteered to help get Bill to Washington. He's not running for Governor. Bill White's running for U.S. Senate because Texans need a strong voice in Washington, someone who will put Texas first and who knows how to bring people together to get things done. With past experience in both business and federal government, Bill's the man for the job.
In addition, White wrote on his facebook page notes indicating he is still committed to the U.S. Senate race.
I respect Paul B, but my decision-making wasn't based on politics. Texas would best be served by a new Senator with the strength to what is right for Texas, the federal experience to hit the ground running, the business skills to help balance the budget, and the broad support to have real influence with the new leadership in DC.
Hailey's presupposition that White is considering the Governor's race and Watson seems to be a story based solely on rumors and the sort of rumors that only happen when a slate is determined through careful deliberation and conversation. This is a stark contrast to the Republican Party's slugfest at the top of the ticket were their dirty laundry is aired publicly.
Watson may or may not run. However his timeline has been static and a decision isn't likely until September.
White is a candidate for U.S. Senate, and there is no indication from the campaign or the rumor mill either Sharp or White will move to a different race.
The current reality is, Watson is exploring his options and White is running for U.S. Senate.
At least that is the impression you get after reading the editorial from the Lubbock-Avalanche Journal from this past Saturday. In reality though, they are correct. A number of politicos---both Republican and Democrat---are waiting in the wings for Kay Bailey to decide what exactly she wishes to do with her political future.
Upon her resignation from the United States Senate, Hutchison will trigger a special election that already has two Democrats and a number of Republicans vying to fill a vacancy that doesn't exist. If she resigns---and that is a really big if---you're likely to see a few more Republicans with larger financial war chests enter the race. But I'm beginning to think that Kay Bailey won't resign from the United States senate, which would foil a lot of plans and political futures of several Texas politicos. It must be so cool to be Kay Bailey Hutchison right now, holding the whole wide world in your hands. But maybe that much power and attention is pissing off a lot of people too, particularly within your own Party.
I mean think about it. David Dewhurst is eagerly waiting for Hutchison to resign so he can begin to run for her seat, if not fill it by means of a gubernatorial appointment by Perry. He has already corrected his rather suspect financial statements and disclosed his investment funds. Much like an individual or politician suddenly losing weight, correcting ones' statements and disclosing your riches is a sign of someone itching for a position higher than the one they currently retain. Dewhurst runs, then someone wants to run for his spot, maybe Attorney General Abbott, and then someone wants to run for his spot, and so on and so forth. Democrats are just as eager to play this game too. We've heard Senator Royce West for Attorney General, maybe Kirk Watson for Lt. Governor, or even governor. It's a snowball down hill effect. That process hasn't been triggered yet though and I'm not confident it will, thus foiling the political futures of a lot of folks.
In what can only be referred to as "Watson Watch", State Senator and one of Texas Monthly's ten best legislators Kirk Watson has some pretty big fundraising numbers to report.
According to some, Senator Watson is reporting an impressive cash on hand number, "$1,436,000, mas o menos."
Watson has said he will not announce his intent on whether to run for higher office or return to the Texas Senate until much later in the summer, but the money he has currently raised for his Texas Senate account can be used for a run for any other Texas statewide office.
This cash on hand number indicates Watson could be a formidable statewide candidate if he chooses to run.
For disclosure, I am supportive of the Draft Watson movement on facebook and any other format.
While all this was going on, one thing still remained unclear. Will Watson even run.
The inside Austin speculation has always been Watson would be a strong and formidable candidate and was seriously looking on when and if he should run for statewide office again.
Peggy Fikac caught up with Senator Watson and put the Senator on the clock. Watson has stated he won't make a decision until the end of the summer which should be around the time a special session concludes.
He went on to tell Peggy...
I am very flattered by Senator Van de Putte's confidence in me, and I strongly agree with her about the need for improved leadership in Texas.
I have a job I enjoy greatly, which is representing the citizens of Senate District 14. Over the next several weeks, I will evaluate the role I intend to play in serving Texas after 2010. That service may include running for and serving in another office or running for reelection. I intend to give this issue serious consideration, and I do not anticipate making any decisions in this regard until at least sometime after the end of the anticipated special session of the legislature, and probably not until the end of the summer.
With Senator Van De Putte's announcement yesterday, even though it was a decision not to run, expect the statewide roster to begin solidifying over the next 60 to 90 days.
