But it's arguably worth mulling precisely because Democrats lack top-of-the-ballot heft. That is, few credible aspirants for statewide nonjudicial posts, outside of governor, have emerged.
So I'd start by penciling in Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen for state agriculture commissioner, Sen. Eddie Lucio of Brownsville for land commissioner, Sen. Royce West of Dallas for attorney general, Sen. Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio for state comptroller and Sen. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo for lieutenant governor.
And to spice up the governor's race, I'd coax in youthful first-term Sen. Wendy Davis of Fort Worth or nudge in Sen. Mario Gallegos of Houston to age the field.
In fairness to Selby he did admit this scenario "might be wacky." I agree, it is, but kudos for thinking outside the box; although we all have heard at least some of these senators listed as possible candidates for statewide office before. But I would cross Davis, who just added an award from the Texas Municipal League to her 81st legislative trophy cabinet this week, off any list for statewide office.
By no means do I say that because Senator Davis is incapable of being a fine candidate for statewide office---quite the opposite in fact. Wendy Davis is an outstanding person and a well credentialed politician that would make a formidable candidate statewide; however, it is way too soon for her to show aspirations beyond seeking another full-term to represent Senate District 10 in 2012. I do believe that female candidates, whether Democrat or Republican, do quite well in Texas. Davis has a great resume to boot and many 81st legislative accomplishments to tout on the campaign trail. But if she were to run statewide, and lose, her constituents in Tarrant County are very likely to strike her with the hex of, "ambitious beyond taking care of the needs of her constituents in senate district 10." That would be an ugly campaign mailer by her opponent.
Thanks for the idea, Gardner, but Tarrant County will keep Senator Davis all to ourselves---for now.
The accolades continue to pour in for members of the Tarrant Democratic delegation to Austin. You'll recall that Senator Wendy Davisalready received"Freshman of the Year" honors by Texas Monthly. This past week State Representative Chris Turner of House District 96 received "Freshman of the Year" honors from Texas Watch, a non-profit citizens' organization that lobbies for insurance reforms, as did Senator Wendy Davis--both key legislators representing Tarrant County.
"Rep. Chris Turner is a tireless advocate for the interests of Texas families, consumers, and workers. During his first term in the Texas House, Rep. Turner showed that he is not afraid to stand up for the needs of homeowners and small businesses," said Alex Winslow, Texas Watch's Executive Director. "The people of Tarrant County and all of Texas are better off because Chris Turner is fighting on their behalf."
During the 81st legislative session, Senator Davis and Representative Turner worked together and authored a number of pieces of legislation, much of which passed, on consumer protection issues and homeowner's insurance reform---key issues that mainstream Texans demanded action on and that Davis and Turner delivered on.
There is no doubt that in 2010 Republicans will be targeting Chris Turner, with Republican Bill Zedler potentially taking aim at his old seat. Tarrant Democrats will have our hands full in defending a real leader who advocates on behalf of not only the people of his district, but Texans in whole. Senator Davis will not be up for re-election until 2012.
I think so. As you all know by now I had the opportunity to spend the day with Senator Wendy Davis this past Monday. Part of our day included the senator's attendance at the Senate Finance meeting.
According to the Texas Observer the following allegedly occurred:
Sen. Steve Ogden, the chair of Finance, welcomed Davis to the committee. Ogden said it was customary for senators to sit up on the dais even if he or she wasn't a member of the committee. "I'd invite you up here but we don't have any chairs," he said of the packed committee.
That's when Sen. John Whitmire-the Senate's elder statesman who's reputation over the years earned him the nicknames "Senator Hot Tub" and "Boogie"-chimed in. "She can sit right here in this seat," he said referring to his own chair and rolling his eyes like a randy schoolboy.
It is true that Senator Ogden stopped testimony to recognize Senator Davis, who was sitting in the audience with everyone else. However, I can confidently say that I did not hear what the Observer heard. Senator Whitmire's comment was to the effect of "she can have one of our chairs up here..." a rather innocent comment if you ask me.
I think it would have been far more appropriate to recognize the fact that Senator Davis not only was sitting in the audience, about three rows back, amongst everyone else, but that when Senator Ogden graciously invited her up front with her colleagues that she politely declined. She was comfortable in the audience where she was taking studious notes over the testimony being given regarding the state of the Texas economy and the 2010-2011 budget. I thought it was refreshing that a state senator was fine sitting in the audience with everyone else, doing what I observed throughout the day--soaking information in and immersing herself in the issues at hand. I find that to be a better story than an offhand comment that appears to have been easily misconstrued.
(Wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to catch this series, a great opportunity afforded us at BOR by Sen. Wendy Davis. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
As most of the community knows by now, I had the pleasure of spending this past Monday with freshman Senator Wendy Davis. You can read the following series of blogs in order to catch a glimpse of the BOR exclusive, A Day in the Life of a Senator.
This past Monday ended with a wide-ranging, 20 minute sit down with Senator Davis covering many topics. It is my pleasure to present to the Burnt Orange community my interview with Senator Wendy Davis.
So my afternoon, and interview, yesterday with Senator Davis revealed some impressive qualities about her as an individual and a politician, but also revealed a clear set of goals and overall motivation to have an impact in the 81st Legislative session.
Our lunch hour began yesterday by attending the Texas Broadcasters Association Luncheon. Senator Davis was not able to attend due to an impromptu meeting, but Bernie Scheffler and I did. Mostly uneventful, but good to see Representatives Chris Turner and Lon Burnam from Tarrant County.
The senate convened about 1:30PM to which some basic motions were passed. Probably two of the most important things that occurred was the motion to allow the Senate Finance Committee to convene passed unanimously, as was a resolution honoring the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. My observations of Senator Davis while the senate was in session? Studious, focused, and engaged. The senator studies a number of folders that her staff puts together that contain business of the day, research, potential legislation, etc. It is clear that she is doing well in keeping up and learning while remaining focused on the task at hand.
Wow, what an incredible day. This opportunity was an enjoyable experience and was certainly well above even my own expectations.
I have a tremendous amount of respect for the work ethic of the various staffs and aides of all the representatives and senators because it is hard work treking around the capitol to get from point A to point B, let alone accomplish the tasks you are required as staff. My hats off to you all.
The afternoon today with Senator Wendy Davis was tremendously revealing--of both her character and her work ethic. I had the unique opportunity of watching the former Fort Worth Councilwoman campaign for Senate District 10, but seeing her now as an elected senator revealed some tremendous qualities--qualities that are likely to lead to success. And, qualities that her constituents and colleagues will come to be more impressed with, and respect, as they continue and work and interact with her.
Tomorrow I'll wrap up my afternoon with Senator Davis, which culminated into about a 20 minute conversation on topics such as the notorious candidate to elected offical learning curve, money in politcs, transportation, school finance and more.
I exited my shuttle at Congress Avenue about 9:15AM. A brisk wind greeted me this morning, as did the beautiful Texas State Capitol.
The Capitol is truly a commanding building. The dome is gorgeous and commanding. Upon entering the Capital through the Congress Avenue entrance immediately to your left is the beautiful portrait of General Santa Anna surrendering to a wounded General Sam Houston. You can't help but view that painting and get a tremendous sense of pride regarding your Texan heritage.
Meeting the staff:
Senator Davis has a tremendous and talented staff. My friend for the day is Davis' Communications Director, Bernie Scheffler. I say friend because I came to know Bernie throughout the campaign last year. And what an interesting story as to how he came to know Senator Davis. During her last campaign for the Fort Worth City Council, Scheffler filed to run for her District 9 council seat. He did so thinking she would not run, but she did. In a very Team of Rivals-like move, Davis and Scheffler became good friends on the campaign trail. She brought him on board to assist with communications for her Senate District 10 run, and, upon her election, came on board her staff as Communications Director. As Scheffler noted, "quite the career arc."
I met with Hector Nieto, Senator Davis' Chief of Staff, about 10:15. I've known Hector several years, dating back to my volunteer work with Congressman Martin Frost and his campaign in 2004. In fact, I met Hector when introducing Congressman Frost to a potential '04 Presidential candidate in General Wesley Clark. You all probably best remember Hector as the Texas Democratic Party's former Communications Director. I was excited when I learned of Hector's new role with Senator Davis. I watched his career from afar with envy. In asking Hector about how he is feeling in his new role he commented, "Real good. It feels good to be working in North Texas again." Regarding his new boss, Hector noted, "Senator Davis is a go-getter. She is energetic and motivated to work hard and get things done. Just based on her work ethic she is going to be a successful freshman senator."
I'll be attending the Texas Broadcasters Association luncheon around lunch time and the Senate convenes around 1:30-2PM. More later.
I'll be leaving my hotel here shortly for a shuttle to the State Capital. My day with Senator Davis will begin within a few hours.
Here is rough schedule of what the day will be like:
Morning-
Meet the staff
Capital Basics
Luncheon
Afternoon-
Senate Convenes
Bill filings
Lots of meetings
Interview with Senator Davis throughout the day.
So that gives you an idea of what I have to expect thisw chilly Monday. Stay tuned. Not sure what the Wi-Fi situation is at the Capital but I'll check in from time to time throughout the day.
Happy Punxsutawney Phil day. He saw his shadow, so six more weeks of this crazy Texas Winter to deal with.
Senator Wendy Davis and her staff have offered Burnt Orange Report an exclusive up close and personal look at a day in the life of a state senator.
On Sunday, February 1st, while most of you are taking in the Super Bowl, I'll be heading down from Dallas/Fort Worth to Austin in preparation for Monday, February 2nd. Throughout Monday I'll be providing the BOR community a glimpse of a day in the life of our newly elected freshman Democratic Senator.
What's her schedule like? How many meetings does she have? What's the senate up to? What Bills are being filed? How efficient is her staff? And much, much, more.
A Day in the Life of Senator Wendy Davis begins on Monday, February 2nd, with final thought pieces and interview excerpts with the senator on Tuesday, February 3rd.
Have a question you'd like me to consider asking Senator Davis? Post them in the comments below
The Star-Telegram this week rolled out the names of all the ambitious Republicans clamoring to make a run at the likely-to-vacate senate seat of Kay Bailey Hutchison. It would appear that the next election has already begun.
Nonetheless, because of what the Star-Telegram wrote about the likes of Republicans Joe Barton, Jeb Hensarling, and Kay Granger making a run for the senate, and the one Democratic name of John Sharp mentioned, coupled with the lively and hopeful discussion around the recent L.A. Times article about Texas being a battleground state in 2012, I think it is important to take a deep breath and really analyze some things here.
