Head of Economic Crimes to be Tarrant District Attorney

by: Todd Hill

Tue May 05, 2009 at 08:55 PM CDT

Well-placed sources in Tarrant County confirm that Joe Shannon, Head of Economic Crimes, will be Perry's safe choice to fill the remainder of Curry's term with assurances that he will not run for his own term in 2010.  If that is the case--Shannon not seeking his own term--then it is a safe bet that the Republican powers-that-be in Tarrant County will line up behind Robert K. Gill in what will likely turn out to be a nasty GOP primary.  Perry appointing Shannon will ensure he does not alienate key GOP leaders in Tarrant County when he will need all the Republican strength and support he can muster to fend off Kay Bailey Hutchison.  Gill has been the odds on favorite amongst Tarrant Republican leaders to eventually replace Curry for several years.    

Speculation now turns toward who the Democrats will field against the Republicans in the 2010 District Attorney race.  Much of the chatter has centered on Terri Moore, a former federal prosecutor, two-time Democratic candidate for Tarrant County District Attorney, and currently Assistant District Attorney to Craig Watkins in Dallas.  However, Moore is considered to be a top candidate for U.S. attorney in the North Texas region by the Obama Administration.  

Moore first ran for Tarrant County District Attorney against Curry in 2002, nabbing 46% of the vote in a county that voted 58% straight Republican.  Moore ran once more in 2006 picking up 47% of the vote in a year, again, with 58% straight Republican voting.  Terri is arguably the best candidate that Democrats could field in 2010, and with no entrenched incumbent in the field, would likely be the odds-on favorite to win the race.  She has incredible crossover appeal and has been the only Democrat in more than a decade to come close to winning a countywide election in Tarrant.  Having said that, and considering Moore is likely to take the U.S. attorney job if offered, any other Democrat who considers a countywide race in Tarrant has an uphill climb ahead of them.  The name heard most frequently outside of Terri's is Fort Worth attorney Larry Moore (no relation).  

Terri Moore to be U.S. Attorney in North Texas Region?

by: Todd Hill

Tue Dec 30, 2008 at 04:53 PM CST

Current U.S. attorney for the North Texas region, Richard Roper, announced he was stepping aside and joining the prestigious law firm of Thompson and Knight.  The window of opportunity for Moore has now opened.

Moore has run twice now for Tarrant County District Attorney coming within a fistful of percentage points each time to knocking off Republican Tim Curry, who reportedly is in declining health.   Terri Moore, as a U.S. Assistant Attorney in Fort Worth, successfully prosecuted one of the largest internet child porn cases in U.S. history.  She has also had tremendous experience in prosecuting gang-related crimes.  As mentioned above, Moore has been serving as Dallas District Attorney Craig Watkins right hand, assisting with the tremendous progress his office has made with advancing a progressive form of justice that the rest of Texas should take note of.  Her experience and resume is a perfect match for a U.S. attorney's post.

With President-Elect Barack Obama set to be the 44th President of the United States, he will be in position to recommend Moore for the U.S. attorney position.  I've known Terri for several years now and worked with her on her campaigns.  She is a tremendous woman with great experience.  The North Texas region will be well served with her in such an important post.

100 for $100: Putting Democrats on the Ballot

by: Todd Hill

Thu Jun 28, 2007 at 03:01 PM CDT

Our goal is to get 100 people to donate $100 or more toward the building of a fund that promotes active campaigning and active fundraising on the part of the candidate; as a result, they will be rewarded with matching funds through the 100 for $100 program.  No blank checks, you must be an active messenger for our Party. 

For the first time in a long time we have viable races in our territory that will allow Democrats to run aggressive and competitive campaigns.  One example?