Republican Linda Harper-Brown 'Endangered' in HD-105

by: Todd Hill

Mon Oct 05, 2009 at 05:00 PM CDT

Rep. Linda Harper-Brown, R-Irving. (2) Harper-Brown barely hung onto her seat last year against a Democrat who had no money and no support from the state party. Now Democrats are paying attention. Democrat Loretta Haldenwang is off and running, having posted a strong fundraising report for the first half of the year. She also has the backing of Annie's List, which has been extremely successful in winning House races in recent years. On the other hand, Republicans need this seat to keep their majority, and even though Harper-Brown is not in Speaker Joe Straus' inner circle, he'll have plenty of money to spend and could spend heavily to help her. The same could be said for Bohac. Obama won Harper-Brown's district, 52-47.

Harper-Brown is most certainly endangered, but nothing has been won yet.  Business analyst and former state house district director, Loretta Haldenwang, is considered by most the Democrat to beat in the March 2010 primary.  Haldewang, formerly an external affairs director with the Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, continues to boast impressive financial numbers, Party insider muscle with Annie's List, and campaign infrastructure--particularly with regard to field, that she'll need to weather a tough primary and potential general election battle.

Haldenwang has in no way sewn up victory and she'll be the first to tell you that as she did at our September Mid-Cities Democrats meeting.  This race is going to be a trench battle every single day.  Obama may have won this district with 52% of the vote in 2008, and Democrats narrowly lost this seat overall---by just 19 votes, but that does not equate to easy victory.  Turnout will be lower in 2010 versus 2008.  Voter communication will be critical, which means a robust field operation is mandatory.  Most importantly, however, will be money. Those three factors will determine whether HD-105 is the barometer by which Democrats can expect a 2010 House takeover, or the race was one of those "the one that got away" stories  

HD-105 Could be the Seat that Delivers a Democratic Majority in 2010

by: Todd Hill

Tue Aug 04, 2009 at 07:00 AM CDT

In 2008 Democrat Bob Romano fell 19 votes shy of defeating Republican Linda Harper-Brown, in a race that, because of the razor thin margin of votes, went through a recount and lawsuit.  The eight term Republican went on to be declared the winner of this majority-minority seat.  Democrats smell blood in the water on this one and have at least one strong, credible candidate in Loretta Haldenwang fielded.  Republicans apparently smell the same blood too, because rumors have floated that Harper-Brown may have to fend off a primary challenge from a far-right extremist Irving City Council member in order to make it to the 2010 general election.

Although Haldenwang is not the lone Democrat in this race, she clearly offers our Party the best shot at winning this seat.  She has served as a district director and legislative aide to Representative Joaquin Castro of San Antonio and is currently the External Affairs Director for the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  On her June 30th financial report Haldenwang reported having raised a little over $61,000 with $52,000 cash on hand.  Her largest contributor, and biggest source of support thus far, comes from Annie's List.  The presumptive Republican, Harper-Brown, raised barely $2,000 with cash on hand of almost $90,000---the bulk of which is made up of loans.

In a gubernatorial election year, any legislative campaign is going to have to rely heavily on voter identification, communication, and turnout.  You'll win it in the field talking about the issues of the day.  Local or statewide issues register more with voters in off election cycles, but you have to have the money to communicate and to execute a solid field strategy.  Loretta Haldenwang appears to be on the right path toward meeting those expectations.

Although Democrats will be playing a lot of defense in 2010 here in North Texas , House District 105 clearly allows us to play just enough offense that could very well tilt the balance of power in the state house to favor Democrats.  
 

HD-105: Loretta Haldenwang Reports Over $61,000 Raised

by: R. Kirk McPike

Wed Jul 15, 2009 at 11:57 PM CDT

Today, Loretta reported receiving more than $61,000 in contributions and in-kind donations since beginning her campaign in late April -- a strong start to what will be a hard fought campaign.

Since starting her campaign, Loretta has been meeting with local activists and leaders in Irving, and has been endorsed by Annie's List, one of the most successful candidate-supporting organizations in the state. She'll be holding a series of meet and greet events this summer and early Fall, which will offer opportunities for volunteers to help with early voter contact and canvassing efforts.

I'm particularly excited about this race, as I'll be leaving Austin for Irving at the end of the month to run the campaign.

If you live in the Irving or west Dallas County area and would like to get involved in what promises to be an extremely exciting campaign, or if you would like to learn more about Loretta Haldenwang, visit her website at www.VoteLoretta.com.

Full press release after jump.

Kim Limberg Announces for Texas House District 105

by: ginntonic

Sat Jun 27, 2009 at 05:02 PM CDT

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Members of the Press Greetings!    

I write to announce my Candidacy for State Representative for District 105 in Irving, Texas.   District 105 is a key player in this election cycle.  After years of serving in the Democratic Party I'm excited about finally running.

Why am I running?  I want to go to the front lines where the laws are made, so I can defend our Democratic ideals.

I will work to improve and protect our environment, our public education and our transportation infrastructure.  These are the keys to good health, a thriving democracy and our freedom of movement.  I will work to maintain the separation between what is public and what is private.  And above all I will defend our basic rights.

Job creation in the three sectors mentioned are the right direction to take.  More jobs in education, public infrastructure, and sustainable living (from energy to recycling and producing ever more efficient products).

I will work to be in sync with the Obama Administration to maximize our ability to tap any resources, incentives or stimulus packages that are offered.

These are just a few of the many important issues we are facing.  For more details, please check out the Issues page as I continue to build my website.

What qualifies me?  Besides the passion, my years of public service has given me the opportunity to listen and respond to the needs of many from elected officials to the general public.  As a professional engineer with over 21 years of service with the Texas Department of Transportation, I have the technical expertise to understand and find solutions to our transportation issues.  As a parent, I am determined to give our children the best public education I can.  As a wife and mother of three, I am committed to fighting for the health of our families by working toward a better environment and encouraging a sustainable lifestyle.  My passion to act on these issues in a direct way, together with my real life experiences as an mother, an engineer, and an environmentalist make me a good fit for Irving.  

I am a life long resident of Dallas County, who has enjoyed serving the Irving community since moving here 13 years ago.  For more about me click on the Green Ribbon and check out the About Kim webpage.

To practice good environmental stewardship, I am running a Green campaign by minimizing paper use and maximizing web, email and phone use.  The Green Ribbon will symbolize this effort.  I challenge all other candidates to do the same.

I would be honored to have your endorsement.  Please solidify your decision to support my campaign, by endorsing me for State Representative for District 105.    

With your help I can get to the front lines and represent you.

Thank You, and have a great day!

Kim Limberg
Kim Limberg Campaign

Contact Info:

Address

Kim Limberg Campaign
1910 Cartwright St
Irving, Texas 75062

Phone
(214)493-9079

Email
kimlimberg@kimlimberg.com

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NOTE:  Kim is running against a 24-year old from San Antonio who just recently moved to the Irving area.  Kim is the only Majority-Minority candidate so far whose announced in this Majority-Minority District.  A 46-year old wife and mother of 3, Kim is a Civil Engineer and long-time community activist in the Irving area (resident of Irving for 13 years, lifelong resident of Dallas County).