Only one candidate can make the claim that they have picked up every endorsement since the March 10th filing deadline-- Laura Morrison.
The Morrison campaign has picked up the endorsement of the Sierra Club, Central Labor Council, Better Austin Today PAC, Austin Lesbian Gay Political Caucus, Stonewall Democrats and North by Northwest Democrats.
Pretty striking argument for momentum in a low turnout election. Unlike the March 4th election, turnout should be closer to 50 to 60 thousand voters. In addition to strong Democratic support, no other candidate running for City Council can make a clear momentum claim.
The race for place 1 and 3 have split organizational endorsements pretty evenly and Wednesday club meetings could be a big day to solidify momentum or create some depending on the position.
The Austin Lesbian & Gay Political Caucus along with the Stonewall Democrats met last week and have endorsed the following candidates in the Austin City Council races.
Better Austin Today (BATPAC) made endorsements in two of the contested city council races. The organization requires a 60% majority in order to endorse and only two candidates achieved that majority-- Jason Meeker and Laura Morrison.
The reason for their endorsements is straight from the release:
Jason Meeker is a fresh voice for change in Place 1. Meeker's passion for ensuring all stakeholders have a seat at the table is exactly what Austin needs to counter the insider mentality and special interest domination of City Hall. Meeker is a successful independent businessman who understands the critical role of entrepreneurs in our local economy. He has the vision Austin needs and a reliable commitment to crafting inclusive solutions that stands in stark contrast to the current Council.
Laura Morrison is far and away the best choice for Place 4. Morrison has a long track record of working to make Austin a better place for everyone. She is best known for her stellar service as the President of the Austin Neighborhoods Council, where she consistently demonstrated sound judgment, a keen intellect, deep respect for differing opinions, and a willingness to fight tenaciously for policies that protect Austin's environment and neighborhoods. But Morrison's qualifications go beyond neighborhood and environmental interests. She understands the importance of smart economic policy and giving social equity issues the attention they deserve. Morrison has the right combination of vision, integrity and know-how that Austin needs.
Note: I am supporting and working for the Morrison campaign
Laura Morrison's campaign for city council is throwing a fundraising event and debate watch party at Scholz Garten tomorrow evening.
Tomorrow is a legendary evening in Texas. We hope you will come to Scholz Garten and share the evening with special guest, Ray Wylie Hubbard for a Happy Hour Fundraiser to celebrate our campaign for City Council. Then stay for a front row seat for the large screen TV to watch the Democratic Presidential debate that starts at 7pm!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Scholz Garten at 1607 San Jacinto Street
Meet a candidate for City Council and then stick around and watch the debate.
If your running for Place 4 on the Austin City Council and want to be taken seriously, there is apparently a requirement that you launch your campaign at Threadgill's World Headquarters on Riverside Drive.
Following longtime Austinite Robin Cravey's kickoff Wednesday night for retiring Councilwoman Betty Dunkerley's Place 4 seat, fellow candidate Laura Morrison will be returning there tonight at 5:30-7:30 to start her own campaign for the same seat.
While I'm not taking sides in this race (nor others for that matter since I'm working for a candidate of my own), having been at Austin area events and club meetings for the good part of a week, it's quite clear that at least two of the three city council seats are already geared up. I encourage you all to visit Robin Cravey or Laura Morrison's websites in the meantime. After all, City Council elections are only 6 months away!
