The Dallas Morning News released endorsements in 3 of the 11 state house races it plans to cover this cycle. All three this round happen to be for the Democratic candidates.
Carol Kent (D) in HD-102 the challenger to incumbent Rep. Tony Goolsby...
Veteran Rep. Tony Goolsby has served 10 terms in the Texas House. Longevity doesn't equal leadership, however. Mr. Goolsby is known for constituent work and as a reliable conservative vote. But he has had 19 years to break into the ranks of leaders who could boost the fortunes of the region and future of the state. That hasn't taken place.
Ouch.
Rep. Kirk England (D) in HD-106 over his challenger Karen Wiegman.
Incumbent Kirk England gets our nod over challenger Karen Wiegman, chiefly because Mr. England has a more realistic view of school funding and the role of government. Ms. Wiegman offered either unrealistic or purely ideological ideas.
Mr. England, 47, was elected to this seat as a Republican in 2006 and is seeking re-election as a Democrat. He says he changed parties last year because the GOP leadership in Austin "had no tolerance for the values and priorities of the folks I represent."
And Rep. Yvonne Davis (D) in HD-111 over her challenger Homer Fincannon, who was barely mentioned other than owning a pest control service. Now, what other Republican did we once know that was an exterminator...
While I'm not sure what actual job or capacity "honorary" co-chairs of a convention have, Texas Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie has announced today via press-release that he is naming Rep. Yvonne Davis (pledged Obama superdelegate) and Rep. Rene Oliveira (Clinton supporter) to those positions.
"Representatives Davis and Oliveira are senior Democratic House Members who have provided outstanding leadership for all Texans, both in the Legislature and the Democratic Party," said Texas Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie. "I'm proud to appoint these two outstanding Representatives to serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of our State Convention, in recognition of their leadership and that of all our House Democratic leaders who have relentlessly fought for the priorities of all Texans against Republican politicians who have failed the people of Texas."
Included were the two state representatives responses.
"I am honored to help lead our Texas Democrats through the convention process. Right now, Democrats from every corner of the state, including the Rio Grande Valley, are ready to rid Texas of the Republican Politicians who have failed us," said Representative Oliveira.
"As a member of the DNC and former member of the Texas SDEC, I am excited about the opportunity for Texas Democrats to come together at the state convention and prepare to win in November! Democrats offer the leadership and vision for change to create the best Texas we can be. When Democrats win in Texas, all Texans will win!" concluded Representative Yvonne Davis.
"As State Representative for District 111, I have the distinct honor to represent more than 145,000 individuals in the Texas House of Representatives. As an at-large member of the Democratic National Committee from Texas, and a 'super-delegate,' I know politics is serious business, but I believe that politics has to be about the people!
When I look at the sad state of affairs in our community and across the nation-- I know we can do better. That is why today I am endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States of America. Senator Obama sets himself apart because he is able to bring Americans together to finally overcome the great challenges we face.
Senator Obama offers leadership and vision for what this country can achieve when we put aside our differences and come together behind our common purpose. Only if we work together can we create the change we believe in.
It is up to each of us to accept our responsibility and join with Senator Obama as we reclaim America."
Representative Kirk England's decision shows courage and commitment to his district. Time and again, Representative England has stood up against the extreme partisan Republican leadership in Austin that has continually failed our state. He's a fighter for the people who elected him to serve and I am very pleased to welcome him to the Texas Democratic Party.
-- Boyd Richie, Chairman of the Texas Democratic Party
"This decision was not made lightly, but I believe I can get more done on the issues we care about as a Democrat. Of course, I have many close friends, supporters and even family members that are Republicans. But when I went to Austin, I saw firsthand the agenda of the Republican leadership, along with the strong arm tactics used in enforcing that agenda. I realized that the leadership and the special interests they represent had very little in common with the principles and ideas I value most. At the end of the day, I decided that the ability to represent my district was more important than following a party line set by folks in Austin.
"I was born and raised in Grand Prairie, and I have lived here my whole life. My wife Marcy and I raised our two sons, Sam and Charlie, in this community, and I own a small business here. I trust the voters in District 106, and I am confident that my friends and neighbors agree that doing what is right is more important than partisan politics.
"I am prepared to roll up my sleeves and work hard to be reelected in 2008. I am confident that the voters in our district want a representative who will fight for public education and the Children's Health Insurance Program and who believes that the folks struggling to pay skyrocketing utility bills every month are more important than TXU's profits. I am committed to returning to Austin to keep the promises I made to citizens of District 106."
But clearly actions speak louder than words. Lucky for us, we can look at the 80th session and see how Rep. England acted to make Texas a better place for everyone. As the Lone Star Project points out, Rep. England will be a valuable member and asset to Democratic caucus.
Stood Up to Craddick: In an extraordinary display of courage, England broke with GOP freshmen and voted with centrist Democrats against Tom Craddick on the defacto "Vote of No Confidence" against the Speaker.(Source: H- 1047 Motion to Sustain the Ruling of the Chair)
Strongly Supported Educators: Showing the courage to stand with children and educators over partisan party leaders, England voted with centrist Democrats to raise teachers salaries by $6,000 to reach the national average. (Source: H- 1157 Motion to Table Amendment #3 by Dunnam)
Protected Our Ballot: To protect the sanctity of the ballot and senior voters in HD106, England voted with centrist Democrats to exempt elderly voters from Voter ID requirements. (Source: H- 604 Motion to Table Dunnam Amendment to B Brown Amendment #1)
Acted to Stop Child Abuse: Breaking with Republicans who refused to aggressively investigate child sexual abuse at Texas youth facilities, England voted with centrist Democrats for a special prosecutor to investigate the TYC. (Source: H- 147 Motion to Table Amendment by Dunnam)
Fought for Clean Air: Taking action to improve air quality and promote energy conservation, England voted with centrist Democrats to provide taxpayer-funded incentives to build clean energy projects. (Source: H- 706 Motion to Table Amendment #2 by Vaught)
Kirk England is going to be a fantastic representative for HD-106 and for the rest of Texas. His courage to stand against Craddick and his top lieutenants (Chisum, Brown, Howard, etc.) shows his commitment for a better Texas. We aren't the only ones happy to see him join our party, for that, you will have to read below the fold.
