HD 47: Rep. Valinda Bolton (D) vs. Paul Workman (R)

by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas

Tue Sep 07, 2010 at 04:06 PM CDT

Ed. note: The following is one of twenty races we are featuring in the Texas Political Report. Annie's List provided research and analysis for this race.

Candidate Pages: Rep. Valinda Bolton website, on Facebook, on Twitter
Candidate Pages: Paul Workman website, on Facebook, on Twitter

District Overview: The Numbers, The Issues, and the Candidates

• House District Map: District 47
  
• District History: 2008 Election Results

District  47 is located in the southwest portion of Travis County and is home to both working families in middle-class neighborhoods and some very "nice" upper middle class neighborhoods. Although the district includes parts of traditionally "blue" Austin, it incorporates several large conservative neighborhoods in western Travis County. Though Democrats handily outnumber Republicans in the county, Bolton won her last two elections by narrow margins, so the race will definitely be one to watch. Pocketbook issues regarding jobs and education are important here, along with water issues in an area that includes communities around Lake Travis.

Republican Paul Workman is a prototypical Republican who doesn't stand out in any major way, but that could work for him. Bolton has done an excellent job securing support from female voters in recent years, and she should expect to do that again. On local issues, there is relatively little to use to challenge Rep. Bolton. Republicans are hoping to run this campaign much like the suburban races in Dallas and Harris county, focusing on national issues and ignoring the local races that matter to voters.

Why Rep. Valinda Bolton Returns Next Year

Obama won the district with a strong 54.1% in 2008, which means it’s still essentially a Democratic seat to lose. Rep. Bolton has built a strong record in her years in the legislature and has her own team running an aggressive and far-reaching field plan, as well as coordinated campaigns across the county working to protect her.

June 30 Campaign Finance Report:

Paul Workman Talks the Talk but Can't Walk the Walk

by: Matt Glazer

Tue Nov 03, 2009 at 06:40 AM CST

Paul Workman is almost a complete unknown in his bid to defeat Democrat Valinda Bolton. Bolton is a great candidate and solid Democrat and has been for two full sessions. However, the district leans to the right and was drawn to elect Republicans. Regardless of the fact it is entirely inside Travis County, Republicans had advantage in HD-47 until they broke their brand and kicked everyone out from under the tent.

Now Paul Workman is trying to do what Donna Keel couldn't last cycle, defeat Valinda Bolton.

As people across the state try to find out who this Workman fella is, Richard Whittacker at the Chronicle noticed a strange paradox in Workmans far right ideology and the depths his hypocrisy will allow him to move in order to make a few bucks.

So what form of Republican is Workman (an important question, considering the nationwide orthodoxy test seemingly underway)? Aside from making his money in building as the CEO of, Workman spent eight years on the RECA board, and is now secretary of arch-tort reformists Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse-Central Texas. He's now director of development for commercial leasing and development firm T. Stacy & Associates (which, considering his CALA-TX link, makes it interesting to note that his new employers acted as development advisors for the Texas Trial Lawyers Building).

If actions speak louder than words, then Republicans and Democrats should be very cautious about who else Workman will sell out in order to make a quick buck (or millions of quick bucks as the case may be).