Wendy Davis for Governor?

by: Todd Hill

Sat Oct 24, 2009 at 00:00 PM CDT

This scenario might seem wacky.

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.      

Chris Turner and Wendy Davis Voted 'Freshman of the Year' by Texas Watch

by: Todd Hill

Fri Jul 31, 2009 at 02:02 PM CDT

The director of Texas Watch had this to say about Representative Turner:

"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.    

Tarrant Legislators Deliver Electricity Legislation to Consumers

by: Todd Hill

Sun May 31, 2009 at 09:39 AM CDT

Passage of this legislation are seen as key campaign victories for Davis and Turner, who campaigned rigorously in House District 96 and Senate District 10 respectively throughout Tarrant County articulating the problems and identifying potential solutions for escalating utility costs to Texas consumers.

From Senator Davis:

"It has been an uphill battle with some powerful interests, but we succeeded in passing legislation that will have a very real, very positive impact on Texas families and their pocketbooks," Senator Wendy Davis said. "This is a common-sense measure that will give people an opportunity to shop around and secure the best electricity rates available, taking advantage of the competition among electricity retailers."

From Representative Turner:

"This legislation is a major victory for Texas families. It will provide more transparency for consumers by preventing unexpected, dramatic utility rate hikes," said State Representative Chris Turner. "I applaud Senator Wendy Davis for her hard work in getting these provisions into the bill and for her strong leadership on consumer issues."

Tarrant County is not only proud of Davis and Turner, but Representatives Veasey, Pierson, and Burnam as well.  You each represented our county, and your districts, well throughout the 81st legislative session.

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).  

Observer Retracts Story on Senator Whitmire

by: Todd Hill

Wed Feb 04, 2009 at 10:12 PM CST

Being at the meeting on Monday with Senator Davis, I took issue with the Observer's interpretation of what was said--in fact, their interpretation was just flat wrong.  

Having gone back and listend to the tapes once more, the Texas Observer issued the following retraction:

The Observer received an email from Sen. John Whitmire's office today. His chief of staff, Lara Wendler, said I got it all wrong on Whitmire's remark toward Sen. Wendy Davis in Senate Finance Committee last Monday. On Tuesday, I posted a piece saying that Whitmire told Davis she could sit in his chair on the dais, strongly implying that he said it in a less-than-appropriate way. The post, which has been removed from this site, was titled, "Senator Boogie Ogles New Senator."

In fact, after listening to the tape several times (it was an off-the-mic comment), it's clear that Whitmire actually said in a joking way that "Eltife" would give Davis his seat, referring to Sen. Kevin Eltife, another member of the committee. The Observer regrets the error and apologizes to Sen. Whitmire.

I don't believe in kicking people when they are down so I won't.  In fact, I praise individuals when they admit to making mistakes and work toward correcting them.  God knows I'm not a perfect being.  For admitting fault and issuing a retraction, I applaud the Observer.
 

Texas Observer Crying Foul over Nothing?

by: Todd Hill

Wed Feb 04, 2009 at 10:17 AM CST

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.  

BOR Exclusive: Meet Senator Wendy Davis

by: Todd Hill

Wed Feb 04, 2009 at 07:00 AM CST

Series One: Capital Musings
Series Two: Final Day One Thoughts
Series Three: Meet Wendy Davis, Part 1

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.  

A Day in the Life of a Senator: Meet Wendy Davis, Part 1

by: Todd Hill

Tue Feb 03, 2009 at 03:53 PM CST

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.  

Day in the Life of a Senator: Final Day One Thoughts

by: Todd Hill

Mon Feb 02, 2009 at 11:58 PM CST

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.

Night.    

Day in the Life of a Senator: Capital Observations and Meeting the Senate Staff

by: Todd Hill

Mon Feb 02, 2009 at 10:39 AM CST

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.