TX-Sen: Rumors of Bill White Switching Races Continue

by: David Mauro

Sun Nov 08, 2009 at 05:13 PM CST

The rumors about Houston Mayor and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Bill White switching to the Governor's race circulated again this week, and the White camapign denied them (again). With Kay Bailey Hutchison appearing to once again be waffling on her decision to resign from the Senate, some have thought White would rather jump to the governor's race than wait until 2012. 

Ross Ramsay's Texas Tribune article identified John Sharp and Rick Perry as the two pushing the rumor, which if true certainly does not put Sharp, the former Texas Comptroller and current Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, in very good company.

BOR's Todd Hill wrote in August that Texas Democrats should "get off Bill White's back and get on John Sharp's" when it came to deciding if one of the two leading Democrats would switch races.

I think Sharp is better qualified, and in a better position politically, to change the dynamics completely of the Democratic gubernatorial primary.

Sharp's campaign doesn't appear to be raising the funds necessary, outside of personal loans, to remain competitive in a potential U.S. senate race.  I suspect that is because those donors who thought Mayor White would run for governor versus the United States Senate suddenly found themselves choosing between Sharp and White.  Many people, including myself, believe that Bill White is the brightest star we have in the Democratic Party, and donors and grassroots supporters do too.  Those who committed to Sharp assuming White would run for governor suddenly switched allegiances upon his announcement that he would run in an eventual special election senate race.  White's fundraising numbers prove that is the case.  That doesn't mean those donors don't support Sharp, they just don't support him in a head to head race with Bill White.

In this race without an election date, not much has changed since August, although White's financial advantage over Sharp has only widened.

Sharp came extremely close to defeating Rick Perry in 1998. Since then Perry has gone form being George W. Bush's Lt. Gov. to becoming one of the most unpopular governors in Texas history. Despite Perry and Sharp's past collaboration on school finance, if he decided to switch to the governor's race, he would probably be the favorite versus Perry. Democrats would have a strong candidate for governor and Bill White's huge fundraising lead would stay in the Senate race, where he gives Texas Democrats their best chance to win a Senate seat in years.

HD-100: Craig Watkins Endorses Eric Johnson

by: David Mauro

Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 10:17 AM CST

Eric Johnson, who is challenging Democratic incumbent Terri Hodge in House District 100 in Dallas, picked up the endorsement of District Attorney Craig Watkins in a press release this morning.

The endorsement announcement coincides with the Statesman's Jason Embry declaring Hodge, whose federal bribery trial is scheduled for next year, to be the most endangered Texas house incumbent in next March's party primaries.

However, many would disagree with Hodge being number one on that list and Embry concedes that the long time incumbent's campaign is "far from dead." Hodge still retains the support of U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson and County Commissioner John Wiley Price. To be sure though, Johnson, who raised $100,000 in 100 days, is the most serious opponent Hodge has faced in years.

While endorsements are important at this stage of the race to build credibility, Johnson himself told the DMN's Gromer Jeffers, "Endorsements don't vote. People vote. We're going straight to the people of District 100 for their support."

TX-Gov: Haley Barbour Endorses Rick Perry

by: David Mauro

Thu Oct 29, 2009 at 09:57 PM CDT

Just a day after Dick Cheney endorsed Kay Bailey Hutchison, her opponent Rick Perry answered with the endorsement of Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, the chair of the Republican Governors' Association. Barbour was in Texas earlier today, appearing in Fredericksburg and Dallas, to announce the endorsement, according to the Statesman.

When Hutchison's campaign announced the Cheney endorsement, Perry's camp shot back with an attack on Hutchison's time in Washington.

“It’s not surprising, since they both worked in Washington for so long. Washington insiders stick together," said Perry spokesman Mark Miner.

Haley Barbour has been a Washington insider for over two decades. One of the most powerful lobbyists in Washington in the 1990s, Barbour served as chair of the Republican National Committee from 1993 to 1997.

When Perry was by the Statesman asked whether he would rather having Cheney or Sarah Palin endorsing him, Perry, who is expected to campaign alongside Palin in January, answered as you might expected: "I think I'd stick with Sarah." Whether a parade of unaccomplished conservative govenors (sound familiar?) will help convince Texans to stick with Perry for a third term remains to be seen.

Dan Branch to Seek Re-Election, Won't Run for Attorney General

by: David Mauro

Wed Oct 28, 2009 at 10:31 PM CDT

State Rep. Dan Branch (R-Dallas) will announce tomorrow that he will seek re-election, the Austin American-Statesman reports. Branch had been considering running for Attorney General, a position that will be open if Greg Abbott runs for higher office as expected.

From the Statesman:

“I’m running for re-election because I want to continue my work to make Texas the higher learning and research powerhouse our future economy will demand,” Dan Branch, the chairman of the Higher Education Committee, said in a statement that will go out to reporters Thursday. “Our campaign will offer thoughtful solutions that build on a record of results and reflect my vision for an effective and limited state government.”

Even had Branch decided to run, former solicitor general Ted Cruz may been the favorite to win the Republican nomination for Attorney General. Now with Branch out of the race, Cruz, who announced early and has already posted impressive fundraising numbers, will almost certainly be the Republican nominee.

Former U.S. Senate nominee Barbara Ann Radnofsky, who launched her website earlier this week, is the only Democrat to have entered the race so far.

TX-Sen: John Sharp Loans Campaign More Than $500K of $600K Total Raised

by: David Mauro

Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 04:57 PM CDT

	Other Peoples' Money	Loans from Candidate	Contributions from Candidate	Total Raised	Expenditures
White:	$1,116,813	$0	$414,399	$1,549,941	$703,108
Sharp:	$107,204	$504,514	$0	$615,210	$170,190

In actual contributions from campaign supporters, White outraised Sharp by over 10 to 1.  

Both candidates contributed to their own campaigns: Sharp loaned himself money, while White contributed the $414,399 as part of a donor-matching program during the last three days week of the quarter. White and his wife Andrea matched donations that included $200,000 in online giving through ActBlue and the campaign website. That $200,000 raised online by White in the last three days week of the quarter is more than Sharp raised from all of his donors throughout the three months of the quarter.  

It's also interesting to compare these numbers to the candidates' expenses. White is running a full state-wide campaign with organizers and physical office space in most regions of the state. However, he more than raised enough to cover his significant expenses. On the other hand, the Sharp campaign spent more money in Q3 than it took in from outside contributions.

With the DSCC openly encouraging White, Sharp may begin to feel more pressure to switch to another race where Democrats desperately need a strong candidate.  Without the FEC limits of $2400 per person, Sharp would likely find it easier to raise money closer to the levels he did as Comptroller. Of course, Sharp has given no public indication that he is considering switching races.

Joe Pickett Won't Seek El Paso State Senate Seat

by: David Mauro

Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 02:52 PM CDT

State Rep. Joe Pickett (D-El Paso) has decided not to enter the race to replace retiring State Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, who announced he would not seek reelection last week.

Pickett said he could not justify giving up his chair of the House Transportation Committee because it was too important to El Paso. From the Statesman:

“I am incredibly grateful and appreciative for all the support and encouragement I have received over the past few days. I received phone calls from numerous legislators on both the House and Senate side, as well as calls from constituents, friends, and family urging me to strongly consider running for the open Senate seat.

“After serious consideration and prayer, I have decided that I can best serve my constituents, the citizens of El Paso, and the State of Texas through my current position.

“It is a tremendous honor for me to serve as the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee and it is simply a position that I cannot, in the best interest of my constituents and the residents of El Paso County, relinquish. As a Chairman, I possess the ability to influence legislation that will best serve the region of El Paso and this is an opportunity that El Paso has never before possessed.”

State Rep. Norma Chavez and County Attorney Jose Rodriguez both have expressed interest in running. El Paso Mayor John Cook has said he likely will not run, but has not ruled anything out. Judge Richard Barajas is also said to be considering entering the race.

HD-48: Former Longhorn Football Player to Seek GOP Nomination

by: David Mauro

Fri Oct 16, 2009 at 04:45 PM CDT

Former University of Texas and Denver Broncos offensive lineman Dan Neil has filed paperwork with the Texas Ethics Commission to run for the Republican nomination in House District 48 in western Travis County.

Democrat Donna Howard is the incumbent. Neil will likely face Glenn Bass, a Republican who has worked as a banker and a media producer, in the Republican primary.

Neil currently hosts a radio show on Austin's local ESPN Radio affiliate and serves on the executive board of GOPAC-TX. Neil appeared alongside Republican legislators Dan Patrick and Phil King when the group announced its formation in June.

A celebrity candidate, even a former UT football player, is not likely to find too much traction against Howard, who is a longtime resident of the district, a respected legislator and has won by comfortable margins since her upset special election victory against Ben Bentzin in 2006.

TX-Sen: Bill White's Fundraising Numbers Have the NRSC on the Attack

by: David Mauro

Thu Oct 15, 2009 at 01:20 AM CDT

After Houston Mayor Bill White's campaign reported $1.5 million raised this quarter, leaving them with $4.18 million on hand, national observers took notice. Politico's Josh Kraushaar wrote that White had "posted one of the strongest fundraising totals for any Senate candidate this quarter."

Then it was the NRSC, led by Texas' own John Cornyn, who read the good news about White's fundraising and decided to go on the attack. From Whitless Humorings:

“Bill White’s fundraising diligence is exceeded only by his negligence to his current position. The city of Houston is facing a $50 million budget shortfall, Houstonians are facing potential tax hikes, city employees are facing possible layoffs, and yet, Bill White is traveling around the country raising money while collecting a paycheck from Houston taxpayers. Instead of spending his time worrying about a job promotion Bill White ought to focus on the job he was elected to do.” – Brian Walsh, NRSC Spokesman

The White campaign issued this response to the NRSC's statement on Wednesday, via the Mayor's Facebook page.

"Houston has run operating surpluses for most my time as Mayor, while we cut tax rates. Meanwhile DC borrowed trillions to pay operating expenses even before the recession. Yet some party hack in DC criticizes me for raising money for my Senate race, ...saying I neglected our City's finances? (See the link below.) They don't get it. Many fiscally conservative Republicans serve with me on City Council and they deserve credit--as do all Council members--for working as a non-partisan team to make sure that Houston is in the best financial condition of any of the nation's big cities.We aren't raising taxes or laying off employees. When is the last time they ran a surplus in DC? 1998-2000? Is it possible that in DC someone is looking at a poll and is worried?"

National Republicans are worried about holding on to this senate seat, and for good reason. When was the last time the NRSC attacked a Democratic candidate for a seat that was not even open yet? 

Raul Alvarez to Challenge Travis County Commissioner Margaret Gomez

by: David Mauro

Tue Oct 06, 2009 at 01:56 PM CDT

Former Austin City Councilman and current ACC Trustee Raul Alvarez has filed papers to run against Democratic incumbent Travis County Commissioner Margaret Gomez in next year's primary.

Gomez has represented Precinct 4 on the Commissioners' Court, which includes southeast Austin, Del Valle and Mustang Ridge, since 1995. Prior to that she was the precinct's constable.

Alvarez represents what could be the strongest challenge to Gomez since she was elected. In 2006, she defeated Yolanda Montemayor by 505 votes with 57.33 percent of the total vote.

When Eugene Sepulveda reported on Alvarez's entry into the race, he wrote that there was "no word yet" whether Gomez would run for reelection. While there has been no formal announcement, people close to Gomez says she plans to run for reelection and has been lining up support.

This race could turn out to be Travis County's only competitive non-judicial primary next year. With an incumbent who has a long history and relationship with her constituents facing off against a popular former City Council member, this one promises to be a race to watch.

TX-Gov: Tom Schieffer Picks Up South Texas Endorsements

by: David Mauro

Tue Oct 06, 2009 at 10:21 AM CDT

This morning, the campaign of Tom Schieffer, a Democratic candidate for Governor, announced they had received the endorsement of nine South Texas legislators.

The group includes Senator Chuy Hinojosa of McAllen and Representatives Veronica Gonzales of McAllen, Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles of Alice, Ryan Guillen of Rio Grande City, Eddie Lucio III of Brownsville, Armando Martinez of Weslaco, Rene Oliveira of Brownsville, Aaron Pena of Edinburg and Tara Rios Ybarra of South Padre Island.

Senator Hinojosa becomes the first Democratic state senator to endorse a current gubernatorial candidate this year.

From the Schieffer campaign press release:

“Tom Schieffer is a lifelong Democrat and proven leader who is addressing issues critical to South Texas and the entire state – stronger public schools, a better health care system and a stronger economy. His focus is on bread and butter issues that will improve the quality of life for all Texans,” said Senator Hinojosa, chairman of the Senate’s Hispanic Caucus and a well-respected Senate leader on criminal justice issues and appropriations.

Schieffer's early support from former Cameron County Judge Gilberto Hinojosa, a current DNC member and county party chair, likely was instrumental in securing the nine endorsements.

Update: Hank Gilbert's campaign has issued a hard hitting press release in response to Schieffer's endorsement roll out. In the interest of full disclosure, Gilbert's communications director is Vince Leibowitz, who has appeared as a guest writer on BOR in the past.

"That Tom Schieffer is releasing these endorsements this early is his campaign's tacit acknowledgment that Hank Gilbert is emerging as a serious threat to his nine-plus month effort. Schieffer's run for Texas Governor is stalled not only in South Texas but all across Texas because he is so closely associated with his friend and business partner, former President George W. Bush. This is yet another futile attempt to jump start a lackluster campaign, especially when the press and political pundits will wonder why he pulled the trigger on his major endorsements way before anyone begins paying attention to the race.

Tom Schieffer will be no better than George W. Bush on issues  of importance to South Texas - much less all of Texas. Bush's lasting legacy for  South Texas is skyrocketing unemployment, the continued lack of a VA hospital, and a border wall taking citizens' land and separating our communities. George W. Bush did not support the South Texas community when he was Texas Governor. He left this state in shambles before leaving the country divided, at war, and in the worst economic mess we have seen since the Great Depression.

South Texas deserves more than a continuation of the failed Bush/Perry legacy, which is all that Tom Schieffer has to offer."

U.S. Senate candidates Bill White and John Sharp have each announced endorsements from legislators in recent months. Of course, their election date has yet to be set (and is likely to be in May) while the Democratic primary is slated for March 2. The notion that Schieffer's announcement of the endorsements is surprisingly early may not add up given the recent actions of White and Sharp.