As noted by the Texas Tribune, Central Texas Republican State Senator Jeff Wentworth is exploring a vice chancellorship position at Texas A&M University. While not final, the talks are taking place and Sen. Wentworth was left without a standing committee assignment in the recent reshuffling announced by Lt. Governor Dewhurst.
Sen. Wentworth has stated that he will remain on the November ballot in any case, where he faced only Libertarian opposition.
Texas Tribune: Wentworth said he'll remain on the November ballot whether he takes the A&M job or not. Leaving early would leave the nomination in the hands of party officials, and he thinks that's undemocratic. He'd stay on the ballot, presumeably win (it's a Republican district, and his only opponent is a Libertarian) and then decline to take the seat. That would set up a special election where the candidates weren't chosen by party elders. "So the people could pick my successor," he said.
Besides the strategic reasons for how Wentworth might want to time this, it's understandable that he doesn't want to vacate his seat in such a way that leaves power in the hands of Republican precinct or county chairs. Wentworth is one of the more moderate Republicans with a pattern of fairer play in the upper chamber and a replacement picked by party officials (besides being an inside play) could result in a more conservative GOP nominee.
Should Wentworth take the job at A&M and decline being seated after winning in November, that would force a special election to be held very close to or during the 2011 legislative session. With only 30 Senators, 16 votes would still be required for a majority to pass legislation, but with the drama surrounding the 2/3rds rule the timing of when the seat is actually filled will be worth keeping an eye on.
A special election would also give Democrats a chance to file a candidate and compete in a lower turnout election. The path to a Democratic majority in the Texas Senate is pretty rough if you don't include SD-25 but it's still a tough seat to win. Wentworth won 58-37 over Democrat Kathi Thomas in 2006. In addition, I just spoke with Rep. Patrick Rose's campaign who confirmed that Rep. Rose has no interest or plans to run for an SD-25 vacancy at any point.
SD-25 runs along the I-35 corridor including parts of South Austin, Hays, Kendall, Comal, Guadalupe, and northern Bexar County where the population is concentrated. I find it unlikely that someone in the Travis County delegation would run for the seat as Rep. Rodriguez has his eye on a different Senate seat and Rep. Bolton is focused on her re-election this fall. (I just got off the phone with Bolton's campaign leadership and they confirm that Valinda is focused on winning her re-election in November and serving her district throughout next spring's session).
John Courage, former Congressional candidate in TX-21 which overlaps much of the district had briefly considered running for SD-25 this cycle and could be a potential candidate. Whether or not he runs, a San Antonio Democrat would likely be our best chance in a special election.
To many voters, it might seem like a long time until November 2nd, seeing as it's still more than six months away. But to county parties organizing to win crucial races this fall, Election Day is already fast approaching. Thus, now is a good time to highlight some of the great organizing that's going on in crucial areas of the state.
Case in point: Hays County, Austin's neighbor to the south. Hays County can serve as a great model for how our rapidly growing and Democratic-trending counties can organize via traditional and new methods to turn Blue and accelerate the partisan change that is coming to Texas.
Hays County is usually considered to be a genuine "swing" county. In 2008 Barack Obama received 48% to John McCain's 50%. In 2006, Bill Moody bested Don Willett 48% to 46%. In 2004, Jan Patterson received 51% to Bill Green's 49%. Every cycle, there are razor-thin margins in Hays County. But most importantly, over the past few cycles Democrats have really been closing the gap in our top-ticket races. It's not wide-eyed optimism to think that Bill White has a very strong chance of carrying the swing county this November, especially given the immense organization already going on.
Importantly, Hays is also one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, as are many of our suburban/exurban counties along the IH-35 corridor. Thus, work on the ground can pay off exponentially, as the county both increases its volume of voters and expands its Democratic voting strength. It's a win-win for Democrats, thanks to the hard work of local activists committed to moving Hays from "swing" status to reliably Democratic.
This cycle, just about every race on the ballot will be hotly contested by both parties, with the Democrats looking to run hard to hold the Sheriff and County Judge positions, as well as several key County Commissioner districts. (In fact, there were even spirited Democratic primaries for many of these seats, which is an even better sign -- we're growing an even bigger farm team of potential Democrats to run and win in crucial races.)
The HCDP is in good hands, thanks to their fantastic county chair, Katie Bell Moore. The several Democratic clubs in the county are also hard at work, organizing forums and events to give candidates a chance to interact with key activists and garner support for their campaigns.
This year they're expanding even more with a new media coordinator, and there's talk of vastly ramping up their fall campaign efforts too. Local activist Amanda Domaschk also started a website, Hays County for Bill White, to help organize local volunteers and spread the word about events in the area. And the Texas State Democrats are working hard on their 30,000-student campus to organize, as evidenced by the BBQ they're holding today at the Hays County Courthouse. That group is really working hard to expand its reach and support their Democratic candidates.
Now, Hays County has been reliably re-electing Dripping Springs native and Democratic State Representative Patrick Rose since he knocked out Rick Green (pun totally intended) in 2002. Thanks to post re-redistricting, they're also lucky to be represented by Congressman Lloyd Doggett in the House, who also puts in serious time addressing the needs of Hays County. Both candidates are a great boon to the county, working hard to attend events, reach out, and spread the positive message that Democrats work harder for the people of Texas.
Hays isn't the only area county worthy of praise: Bastrop is looking incredibly strong with their organizational efforts to support Pati Jacobs for HD-17, and Williamson County continues to expand their efforts to help keep Rep. Diana Maldonado in HD-52. It's great to see Democrats organizing locally to help take extra advantage of the population boom and demographic changes that will have long-term positive impacts on our state.
And if you're in the area, stop by the BBQ today and see what's going on in Hays County for yourself!
Even though the race may not officially exist yet, there is plenty going on in the race to replace Kay Bailey Hutchison in the U.S. Senate.
If you're in Austin, John Sharp is launching his campaign at Abel's on the Lake at 6pm tonight. Suggested contribution is $35.
Speaking of Sharp, Galveston County Democratic Party Chair Lloyd Criss has a BOR diary up encouraging the former Comptroller to get out of the Senate race and run for Lt. Governor. Criss, as you might imagine, is supporting Houston Mayor Bill White for the U.S. Senate.
Bill White's campaign has named Joe Hamill to be their Central Texas Regional Field Director. Hamill, an Austin native and Austin High graduate, was the Field Director for the Travis County Democratic Party's Coordinated Campaign last year. Austin area supporters for White will also be registering voters at First Thursday on South Congress tomorrow (Facebook event info)
While Whole Foods CEO John Mackey's health care editorial from the WSJ inspired a small protest outside the store's Austin headquarters it also apparently got Russell Verney, a former advisor to Ross Perot, thinking Mackey could be a solid candidate for the Senate. Unsurprisingly, a Whole Foods spokesperson tells the Statesman "there is absolutely no truth to that rumor."
Gardner Selby had a story a few days ago about Austin area legislators taking sides in the U.S. Senate race. Diana Maldonado and Valinda Bolton are hosting Sharp's event tonight while Patrick Rose, Mark Strama and Dawnna Dukes are backing White.
All this and yet, thanks to the indecisive mind of Kay Bailey Hutchison, no election date.
Ed. Note: To see a quick overview of the bills the Texas House considered today -- along with a policy overview of each bill -- read the Texas Legislative Study Group's floor report.
Here is a look at today's calendar in the Texas House -- the first of the session. The hyperlink over the bill number will take you directly to the Texas Legislature Online page for that bill, wherein you can look at the actual text of the bill, the bill analysis, etc.
We hope to do this, as much as possible, every day there is a calendar on the floor of the Texas House. The Texas Legislative Study Group puts out an analysis for each day's Calendar. I'll be linking to them atop the page every day because, well (See Update below.) They do outstanding work and it would be foolish not to highlight their efforts. Their reports are made by a large group of staffers that track the bills through the Committee process, speak to lobbyists about the bill, and work with the individual Member to make sure they understand the bill. Their work is just incredible.
And yes, I used to be Chief of Staff for Rep. Garnet Coleman, who chairs the Legislative Study Group. There's a reason I write so much about policy on BOR -- he taught me about how to talk about policy, and he helped develop my belief that if you focus on the policy, the politics will take care of itself. Anyone should be so lucky to have the opportunity to work for him; I did, and I want to share some of the excellent work he and the LSG produce because I think it will better inform all Texans about the actual laws that our Representatives are working on at the Capitol.
Finally -- I'd link to the conservatives' version of their floor report, but it just says "yes/no" and gives no actual policy analysis. You know -- lock step and all.
Here's today's calendar -- and I promise, future posts won't have the long and winding introduction:
HB 873 by Rep. Dawnna Dukes (D) - Film incentives bill. Want to have more movies made in the state of Texas? This bill will make that easier to happen by allowing grants to be awarded to digital media producers, and it will increase incentives for those who spend more money in the state.
This bill is a lot bigger deal than some of Rep. Dukes critics give her credit for; it's an easy way to bring money to communities while simultaneously encouraging the arts as an important subject. Art/movie/film communities are non-existant in public schools, and this bill at least brings the real deal to town -- so those who want can learn from experience and have the opportunity to see and work in a field of industry they can't gain knowledge about in school.
HB 394 by Rep. Patrick Rose (D) - Allows small businesses to qualify for the Texas Economic Development Fund. First two bills -- Democrats working to improve the the economic issues of the day. I am proud to be a Democrat.
HB 1822 by Rep. Burt Solomons (R) - Gives rulemaking authority to the PUC to unify language on electric bills, thereby creating transparency in the process. freshman Rep. Diana Maldonado (D - Round Rock) is a co-author of the bill.
HB 313 was enacted in 2007 to rectify the abuse of NAFTA in which individuals buy a truck or trailer in another state and use it outside border commercial zones. The unintended consequences of this legislation required Mexican truck operators to obtain Texas registration plates every time they crossed into border commercial zones, even if they were not owners of the vehicle.
HB 782 allows truck drivers passage to and from border commercial zones without having to obtain new registration plates for Texas. The vehicle must have registered plates indicating a reciprocity agreement and must also be registered in the country that the owner of the ehicle is a citizen in or resides in. Canadian provinces that exempt currently registered vehicles owned by nonresidents are also effective in a border commercial zone.
HB 38 by Rep. Franke Corte (R) - Allows for veterans and their families to pay in-state tuition rates regardless of their residency status.
HB 693 by Rep. Vicki Truitt (R) - "Exempts falconers from having to hold a pest control license." For the record, that was two economic development bills, a utility rate bill, a transportation bill, a veterans & higher education bill...then that other big issue, Falcon licensing. Republican State Rep. Vicki Truitt, everyone -- FTL.
HB 968 by Rep. Mark Homer (D) - "Removes the restrictions on hunting with crossbows during bow hunting season." And right behind Rep. Truitt we have Democrat Rep. Mark Homer! Who says good things don't come in pairs!
(I joke around, but I worked for a rural State Rep. for nearly two years, from 2005 through summer of 2006, and these are absolutely the bills that constiuents will write in and demand action on the loudest. So while I joke about their relative importance to state business, both Rep. Truitt and Rep. Homer are still serving their constiuents. If you can survive the crossfire of the bow-hunter shooting down the falcons, you can see a certain amount of democratic beauty in that.)
HB 1695 by Rep. Sylvester Turner (D) - Allows the PUC to require for utilities that experience severe outages due to weather to consider a disaster preparation/management kind of plan. Though it doesn't outright require them, it lays the groundwork for the creation of those plans -- and when it comes to the PUC and utilities, sometimes you need the small moves to set up the big ones.
HB 1637 would improve benefits under the shared work unemployment compensation program for underserved workers and industries by adding greater work schedule flexibility in determining benefits. Currently, benefits are granted based on a consistent 40-hour workweek, which many businesses and employees do not follow, especially in the manufacturing industry.
In manufacturing, for example, facilities operate on a 24-hour, 7 day-a-week basis, so it makes sense to employ workers on a schedule alternating 3 and 4 day weeks. However, under current statute, workers on an alternating biweekly schedule that averages 40 hours per week would be eligible for less benefits than workers who work consistent 40-hour work weeks.
This bill gives affected businesses greater flexibility in retaining their workers, thus preventing layoffs. In this economic climate, this bill is needed to make the shared work unemployment compensation program more effective and equitable when it’s needed most. This bill is favored by a broad array of business and labor groups.
I'm very proud to see two of our freshman members, Rep. Diana Maldonado and Rep. Chris Turner, with legislation on the first day's calendar. Rep. Maldonado and Rep. Chris Turner were the first two candidates that TexBlog PAC endorsed. For everyone who donated to TexBlog PAC and helped us support these candidates -- this is your investment paying off for you.
Update: I forgot that the LSG Floor Reports are subscription-only, and it is the other reports -- their higher ed reports, state school reports, etc. -- that are open to everyone. I should have remembered this since I worked with them so much, but I think I just got excited at reading the first Calendar of the session and their first Floor Report of the Session. And yes, I'm a policy dork that gets excited about stuff like that -- why do you think I'm spending my Spring Break posting on BOR? Deal with it.
Since they sell subscriptions -- a la Quorum Report & Texas Weekly -- I won't be able to link directly to it every day. Though, like I do with QR, I will crib from my subscription if/when it is necessary and appropriate, and I will still use their excellent research to form and shape these calendar posts.
Bottom line: you'll still be able to come to BOR for coverage of what is happening at the Capitol. So keep reading!
This is Part I of an ongoing series that will take a look at the prospective candidates for the 2010 statewide races.
The Republicans
Two-term incumbent Jerry Pattersonhas publicly said that he may run for Lieutenant Governor. However, if Attorney General Greg Abbott (who has the biggest campaign warchest among statewide office holders) enters the Lt. Governor's race or David Dewhurst runs for re-election, he would probably opt for re-election instead of waging what would be uphill battles in both potential matchips. In the end, I expect Patterson to run for re-election.
If Patterson does not seek re-election, state Sen. Dan Patrick could enter the race. It is well known that Patrick has ambitions to run statewide in 2010 and this could be where he ends up.
While stranger things have certainly happened, it is hard to take the Friedman rumors too seriously. Rose may run for statewide office someday, but at 30 years old he is likely a cycle or two away. I could certainly be wrong, but neither Friedman or Rose seem likely to enter this race.
Ronnie McDonald would make a very interesting candidate and I'd like to hear what our readers from Bastrop have to say about him.
McDonald considered running for Robby Cook's old seat, House District 17, before Donnie Dippel got in the race.
Kuff quoted Capitol Inside's take on McDonald, who was first elected county judge in 1999, back when he was considering running for state rep.
Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald is one of the first names to emerge in Democratic circles as a potential replacement for Cook on the ballot next year. McDonald, who's been county judge for almost nine years, considered a race for the House four years ago when Cook appeared to be on the verge of switching parties while being wooed by Governor Rick Perry and other high-level Republicans. But McDonald decided to stay in his current position after Cook spurned the GOP and filed for re-election as a Democrat.
McDonald has been a political trailblazer as Bastrop County's first African-American county judge. He was the first African-American yell leader in Aggieland before graduating from Texas A&M University and pursuing a career in government. McDonald worked for John Sharp in the Comptroller's Office before deciding to enter politics himself.
McDonald is a potential candidate for land commissioner to keep your eye on. Another name that has come up is VaLinda Hathcox, the 2006 Democratic nominee for land commissioner. Hathcox most recently lost the Democratic primary in the TX-04 congressional district.
These are not meant to be comprehensive lists and we invite you to suggest other possible candidates in the comments.
This is Part I of an ongoing series that will take a look at the prospective candidates for the 2010 statewide races.
Current Attorney General Greg Abbott is expected by many to run for either Lieutenant Governor or the U.S. Senate in 2010. Whether Abbott seeks re-election to a third term or not, there are multiple candidates who are rumored to be considering a run to be the state's top lawyer.
These are not meant to be comprehensive lists and we invite you to suggest other possible candidates in the comments.
The Democrats
State Rep. Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs) has long been rumored to be considering a run for Attorney General. Rose, who was first elected in 2002, is one of the state party's rising stars and also one of the best fundraisers in the entire Texas House.
Rose has had some issues with the party's liberal base at times, but he has worked to fix them in the last couple years, further fueling speculation that he is eyeing a spot on the statewide ticket.
A former Craddick D, Rose withdrew his support for Craddick in May 2007. Since then he has helped the HDCC fundraise.
At June's state Democratic convention, Rose apologized to the Stonewall Democats Caucus for his past support of the Talton Amendment. At the time, KT called it a "sincere statement."
If Rose decides to run (he is also mentioned as a possible candidate for Land Commissioner), his campaign war chest and proven ability to win over moderate and independents in his rural district would make him a formidable candidate.
I personally think Rose would make a great candidate and would run an aggressive campaign that would give him a good chance of winning.
But Rose is not the only Democrat said to be considering the Attorney General race.
State Rep. Pete Gallego (D-Alpine) could also enter the AG race. The current candidate for Speaker of the House is said to be considering several different statewide offices. Gallego reportedly considered running for the U.S. Senate before deferring to his House colleague Rick Noriega.
Gallego would likely receive the support of many of his fellow House Democrats and would be a good fundraiser. In a Democratic Primary, he would be difficult to beat.
Whether or not it is for Attorney General, there is a good chance that Gallego will seek statewide office in 2010.
Former U.S. Senate nominee Barbara Ann Radnofsky is also said to be looking at the race. Radnofsky has experience as a mediator and attorney in Houston.
Radnofsky ran against Kay Bailey Hutchison in 2006 and presumably is fairly well-known in Democratic circles around the state.
Radnofsky was a decent fundraiser in 2006 but will have to improve upon her last run if she finds herself in a primary with Rose or another well-funded opponent.
While Radnofsky has never held public office and would not have the backing of the party establishment that Rose would likely enjoy.
Radnfosky should not be underestimated though and would be very competitive in November as the Democratic nominee.
Houston lawyer Larry Veselka was also said to be considering the race but has reportedly deferred to Radnofsky.
The Republicans
Back in 2002, Abbott originally filed for Lieutenant Governor before the check book of David Dewhurst scared him away to the Attorney General's race. Now Abbott has over $8 million in his campaign account.
If Abbott does not seek re-election (which I think is a good bet), there are several Republicans rumored to be interested in the race.
Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams may see the Attorney General's race as the best way for him to move up state government's ladder in 2010.
At the Republican National Convention in September, Midland County GOP Chair Sue Brannon said, "[Michael Williams'] wife Donna and he are not interested in going to Washington, but I think he will run for attorney general if Greg Abbott runs for the U.S. Senate."
Williams is a good fundraiser who has great relations with the party's base, especially after his high profile appearance at this year's GOP Convention.
State Rep. Will Hartnett (R-Dallas) is also rumored to be looking at the race, though I would expect him to be an underdog against Williams given the Railroad Commissioner's fundraising and statewide network advantages.
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Who do you think will run for Attorney General? Is this a race Democrats can win in 2010?
House Speaker Tom Craddick's disastrous handling of challenges to his leadership has heightened House races across the state, including several in Central Texas. Whether voters know it or not - and certainly most don't - House races on the Nov. 4 ballot are a referendum on Craddick's heavy-handed rule.
The Austin American Statesman sums up this election cycle perfectly. Tom Craddick is a failure in leadership. As November 4 approaches, Texans have a unique opportunity to get rid of the self proclaimed dictator of the Texas House.
With the Statesman's honest assessment on Texas legislative politics, its no surprise they endorsed three qualified Democrats- Donnie Dippel, Diana Maldonado, Patrick Rose.
District 52 Though both candidates are strong, we believe Democrat Diana Maldonado would best represent the district. Maldonado is a former president of the Round Rock school board and was an employee in the state comptroller's office until she was forced to resigned to run for this seat.
Maldonado, 45, has a reputation as a budget hawk who understands accounting. And she can be counted on to be an effective voice for education issues and public schools. She supports the law that grants college admission to the top 10 percent of the graduating class in Texas high schools and wants to reconsider having the Legislature set college tuition rates.
[...]
Maldonado knows the district and has served as an effective leader in her five years on the Round Rock school board. She should be elected in District 52.
District 17
This is another open seat, left vacant when Democrat Robby Cook decided against seeking re-election. Cook won a close victory in 2006, and Republicans are campaigning hard to win the district, which covers Burleson, Lee, Bastrop, Fayette and Colorado counties.
[...]
We believe Dippel would be best for the far-flung, largely rural district.
Dippel, 57, a consultant who worked for the Texas Department of Agriculture for 14 years, opposes voucher programs for schools, selling water to buyers outside the district and the Trans-Texas Corridor. He supports more vocational education and is concerned about health care, particularly in rural areas.
The Statesman also endorsed Patrick Rose in his bid for re-election. The paper summed up Rep. Rose's legislative history.
Rose has voted his district, and his list of accomplishments includes road improvements, funding for Texas State University and support for local schools. In a district of independent-minded voters, Rose has gained their support by voting their interests, not either party's.
First off, I want to thank the 7 donors who have given $235 through Burnt Orange Report to Rick Noriega this last week! You can join them here, especially if you like the good news about South Texas in this round-up.
Here's a second ad out from Rep. Patrick Rose, a bit more substantive on the PEC.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals denies an appeal by Colton Pitonyak (who had sawed up Jennifer Cave in her West Campus apartment bathtub). Good for them.
Hidalgo and Cameron Counties launch effort to not be lowest turnout urban counties in Texas. Good news for Rick Noriega and statewide Democrats.
Sixty percent of Americans think we're heading for another depression. How depressing.
Barack Obama now has 4 million donors. That means he might have raised $100 Million in September alone. This presidential race is so over for me.
State Rep. Patrick Rose (D-Dripping Springs) will host his 5th Annual BBQ Round Up at the Salt Lick in Driftwood on September 28 from 4:30pm to 7:00pm.
Country musician Jack Ingram will perform at the event.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $5 for students with ID and kids under 12 are free.
The HCDP is in good hands, thanks to their fantastic county chair, Katie Bell Moore. The several Democratic clubs in the county are also hard at work, organizing forums and events to give candidates a chance to interact with key activists and garner support for their campaigns.
