It would be hilarious it it weren't so tragic

by: David Van Os

Thu Jul 09, 2009 at 04:25 AM CDT

Beginning with the Carter-Mondale reelection campaign of 1980, the Washington Beltway Democratic Consultantocracy has now written off Texas in presidential elections for 28 consecutive years.

In bypassing Texas voters in presidential election campaigns, the Consultantocracy guaranteed the atrophying of Democratic social and civic infrastructure in this state.

If it weren't so tragic, it would be hilarious to hear members of the Consultantocracy who are responsible for the Beltway group-think that has spent nearly 3 decades snubbing Texas voters, such as apparently Mr. Lux by his self-characterization, lamenting over "what's wrong with Texas voters?" It is like starving a person and then complaining that the person acts like someone who is starving.  

On Tom Schieffer and the Rise of Texas Democrats

by: Glenn Smith

Mon Mar 02, 2009 at 11:59 AM CST

First, a word about Tom. I met him back in 1988 while working in the Sen. Lloyd Bentsen campaign. I didn't know him well, but I remember him as intelligent, serious, and professional. Those are three qualities we need in the governor's mansion.

Some progressives may be tempted to ask why they should embrace a former business partner of George W. Bush, a man who was named by Bush as ambassador to Japan and Australia. Truth is, I haven't heard too much of this from members of an increasingly mature and pragmatic movement. But those who are tempted should consider the following.

If Texas Democrats are to complete their remarkable comeback, we're gonna have to welcome home a large number of Bush voters and backers. That's just reality.

I still feel some bitterness about former colleagues of mine who abandoned their core values to back Bush. That's not so much about Bush as it is disappointment that money and power meant so much more to them than their values or mine.

I am not a lifelong Democrat out of abstract party loyalty, though I do think loyalty is important. I am a Democrat because most Democrats share my Jeffersonian beliefs in pluralism, diversity, and an empowered citizenry. I simply don't believe mainstream Republicans truly believe in democracy any more. They believe in elite control and an obedient citizenry. That's why they can push restrictive voter requirements. It doesn't matter to them whether the citizens of a democracy have the power. They really do believe they were born to be in charge. Like kings and queens.

Despite some policy differences with me, moderate Democrats like Lloyd Bentsen and my real Texas political hero, Bill Hobby, shared these beliefs of mine. Right now, I choose to believe that Schieffer does too. He voted absentee in Democratic primaries while off in Japan and Australia. He is a moderate, of course, and I'm sure I'll have my disagreements. But I helped elect Ann Richards, and I had plenty of disagreements with her.

Gun Owners Caucus - Election Meeting, February 28 in Austin

by: derby378

Fri Feb 06, 2009 at 03:45 PM CST

A caucus meeting for Democratic gun owners in Texas! We will hold an election to fill some spots in our Executive Committee, and we will discuss plans to broaden our outreach to Texas Democrats. If you have anything you want included on the agenda, or if you'd like to review a copy of the Caucus Bylaws, please e-mail Daniel at derby378 AT yahoo.com.

Saturday, February 28, 2009 @ 11:00am
Chuy's Barton Springs
1728 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78704

See you in Austin on the 28th!

Daniel Barnett
Chair, Gun Owners Caucus of the Texas Democratic Party

Gallup poll says Texas is one of the nation's most politically balanced states

by: tuckerma

Wed Jan 28, 2009 at 04:46 PM CST

In contrast, only five states had solid or leaning Republican orientations in 2008, with Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Alaska in the former group, and Nebraska in the latter.

The most balanced political states in 2008 were Texas (+2 Democratic), South Dakota (+1), Mississippi (+1), North Dakota (+1), South Carolina (even), Arizona (even), Alabama (+1 Republican), and Kansas (+2 Republican).

I can't read this with the eye of a statistician, but did find it cool that they sampled the cell-phone-only crowd.

How exciting for Texas! Now we get these folks out to vote.

Thanks to Barbara at Avenue Galley- NOT!!!

by: refinish69

Sun Oct 26, 2008 at 05:33 PM CDT

Cross posted @ Doing My Part For The Left

Where's the Dem Party When Texas Needs It?

by: Benny

Tue Jun 17, 2008 at 08:48 PM CDT

Here are the states the DSCC plans to target for the Senate races. OR, CO, NM, AK, MN, MS, KY, VA, NC, NH, ME.  Any Senate candidates outside of that list are not likely to be supported unless something extraordinary happens.

So much for the "50-State" strategy, but this ain't Dean's call.  It's Chuck Schumer's.  The DSCC is using a similar playbook to John Kerry's in 2004.  So, if we want to use the playbook, let take an example.

Minnesota's senate race. As much as I like Al Franken, he is 12pts behind Coleman.  Yes, there is a chance he might win, and he is in a swing state that voted for Kerry/Edwards (Edwards got one electoral vote in 2004) last time.  But the Republicans are having their convention there, and I don't think the governor is that disliked.   I think Franken is being helped because for so long, he was one of lone voices for progressives when he started Air America.

But what about Rick Noriega?

more after the jump

Caucus and Training Schedule - Texas Democratic Party 2008 State Convention

by: derby378

Thu May 22, 2008 at 02:09 PM CDT

Resolutions passed at Senatorial Conventions - list 'em here!

by: derby378

Sun Mar 30, 2008 at 09:39 AM CDT

TXsharon's Diary on DKos

by: Elsbeth

Sun Jan 13, 2008 at 05:06 PM CST

I don't see a cross-post here, but Txsharon has a powerhouse diary on Daily Kos that soared to the top of the Recommended diaries list this afternoon.

In case she doesn't post it here, I want to be sure everyone has a chance to read it.

Thank you, TXsharon. :-)

2007 Grayson County Democratic Party Annual Fundraiser Dinner

by: Glenn Melancon

Wed Oct 31, 2007 at 05:22 PM CDT

• Keynote Speaker:  Former Texas State Comptroller John Sharp
• When: Thursday November 15. Social Hour 6:30 pm, Buffet Dinner 7:15 pm
• Where: VFW Hall 1707 Baker Road, Sherman, TX 
• Tickets are $30 per dinner
  
• Reservations Required, contact 903-786-4424. RSVP by November 5, 2007 (Casual Dress)