TX-Gov: Perry, Hutchison Raise Money from Washington

by: David Mauro

Thu Jan 21, 2010 at 09:05 AM CST

It would be expected for Kay Bailey Hutchison, who has been in the U.S. Senate since 1993, to raise a significant amount of money from Washington, D.C. for her gubernatorial campaign.

However, Rick Perry -- the guy who cannot go one speech without blaming all of Texas' problems on "Washington" -- actually raised more money from Washington than Hutchison did in 2009.

From Jason Embry's First Reading:

Kate Alexander, the Statesman’s data guru, ran some numbers and found that, in the second half of 2009, Perry raised $37,500 in Washington, while Hutchison raised $19,900. For all of 2009, Hutchison raised $45,165 from Washington and Perry raised $38,225. (As a sitting governor, Perry was barred from raising money for almost all of the first half of 2009 because of the legislative session.)

Embry notes that Hutchison transfered $600,000 from her senate account and so, if that amount is included, she likely did raise more from Washington in 2009.

There should be no surprise that national Republicans are taking a financial interest in a primary that is billing billed as a battle for the soul of the Republican Party. What is slightly surprising is that Perry leads Hutchison in fundraising in a city that she has spent more than fifteen years working in.

Mindy Montford Files for 299th District Court

by: David Mauro

Tue Jan 05, 2010 at 09:47 AM CST

Former Travis County Assistant District Attorney Mindy Montford filed yesterday afternoon for the 299th District Court. For nine years, Montford worked in the Travis County DA's office in the Trial Court Division, Family Justice Division, and the Public Integrity Unit. She may be best known for her 2008 race for District Attorney, when she eventually lost in a runoff to Rosemary Lehmberg.

This time around, Montford touts a more impressive supporter list. Shortly after filing she announced the support of State Sen. Kirk Watson, Austin Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez, former county attorney Ken Oden, Robin Rather, Steve Brittain, Ginny Agnew, Chuck Herring, and political consultant David Butts.

With much more establishment support than she enjoyed in 2008, a late start does not seem to have put Montford at any real disadvantage. After a well-financed television campaign for DA, she almost undoubtedly has the highest name ID of any non-incumbent judicial candidate in Travis County.

Her most viable opponent, Karen Sage has been a Travis County Assistant DA since 2006. Leonard Martinez and Eve Schatelowitz Alcantar are also running.

Amy Clark Meachum Files for 201st District Court

by: David Mauro

Mon Jan 04, 2010 at 02:33 PM CST

Austin attorney Amy Clark Meachum filed for the 201st District Court earlier today at the Travis County Democratic Party headquarters. Meachum will face Jan Patterson in the Democratic primary. We have recently documented the controversy that has surrounded Patterson, who had at one time been expected to be unopposed.

Meachum has locked down much of the Travis County Democratic activist and establishment support. Austin political consultants David Butts and Alfred Stanley, who had not backed Meachum until she switched races, were both present as she filed at the TCDP office. So were long time party activists like Donna Beth McCormick, Ginny Agnew, Pat Crow, Cecilia Crossley and Shirley Johnson, among others.

Meachum's campaign has released the following list of elected official endorsements earlier today:

Hon. Kirk Watson, Hon. Eddie Rodriguez, Hon. Mark Strama, Hon. Mike Martinez, Hon. David Escamilla, Hon. Bruce Elfant, Hon. Ken Oden, Hon. Margaret Moore, Hon. Bill Aleshire, Hon. Garnet Coleman, Hon. Jim Dunnam, Hon. Pete Gallego, Hon. Lon Burnam, Hon. Jessica Farrar, Hon. Abel Herrero, Hon. Mike Villarreal, Hon. James E. "Pete" Laney, Amb. Lyndon Olson

Will Jan Patterson Retire?

by: David Mauro

Wed Dec 30, 2009 at 07:18 PM CST

It is no secret that an army of Democratic party activists, loyalists, and democratic elected officials are hoping that Justice Jan Patterson decides to retire rather than follow through on a run for the 201^st civil district court.  Interestingly, a flurry of activity and action seems to be replacing hope. 

This morning, Patterson’s campaign treasurer, Katie Naranjo, sent Patterson a letter resigning her position.  Naranjo declined to comment for this post saying, “Even though I can no longer serve in that capacity, I would prefer to keep the contents of my communications with Judge Patterson between the two of us.  I have no idea if Judge Patterson intends to retire or not – you’ll have to ask her that question.” 

Multiple Democratic attorneys in town are reaching out to Judge Patterson to discuss retirement as a better option than a contested democratic primary.  If Patterson opts not to retire, BOR has confirmation that at least a dozen highly motivated activists, attorneys and elected officials have been diligently working to line up support for a credible challenger to Patterson in the 201^st.

The filing deadline is January 4. 

What brought all this about?    

As you might remember, Patterson and Senator Kirk Watson had a recent dust-up over Patterson lobbying Governor Rick Perry for his appointment to the 353^rd Civil District Court after the untimely passing of Judge Scott Ozmun.  Had Perry honored Patterson’s request, Perry would have been able to give the all-important 3^rd Court of Appeals a 4-2 Republican majority.  Patterson’s attempt to obtain a Perry appointment and thus give the Republicans a 4-2 majority on the 3^rd Court infuriated Democratic elected officials, donors and activists who have labored for a decade to bring the 3^rd Court to partisan parity.

Thankfully, Senator Kirk Watson had the good judgment to block the Patterson appointment from Perry.  According to the Austin Chronicle, “Patterson's nomination was not approved by Sen. Kirk Watson, according to documents obtained through an open records request, and Perry ultimately appointed Jeff Rose, former deputy first assistant attorney general, to replace Ozmun.”

TCDP Chair Andy Brown Files for Re-Election

by: David Mauro

Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 02:55 PM CST

Travis County Democratic Party Chair Andy Brown filed for re-election earlier today. Brown, who was elected chairman in March 2008, announced an impressive list of supporters that includes practically every Democratic elected official within the county.

Brown's supporters include:

Congressman Lloyd Doggett; State Senator Kirk Watson; State Representatives Elliott Naishtat, Dawnna Dukes, Eddie Rodriguez, Donna Howard, Valinda Bolton, and Mark Strama; Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe; Travis County Commissioners Margaret Gomez, Sarah Eckhardt and Karen Huber; Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell; Austin Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez; and Austin City Council members Randi Shade, Sheryl Cole, Laura Morrison, Chris Riley and Bill Spelman.

In his nearly two years as chairman, Brown has made major progress for the county party. In 2008, he raised a record-breaking $560,000 for the TCDP's coordinated campaign that helped deliver the greatest Democratic margins Travis County had ever seen.

If Democrats expect to win statewide in 2010, they will need huge margins out of Travis County. Re-electing Andy Brown as chair would ensure the TCDP has the leadership it needs not only to help our statewide candidates, but also to protect the seats of Democratic State Reps. Valinda Bolton and Donna Howard and defeat the last remaining Republican elected official in Travis County.

On the web: www.voteandy.com

Ronnie Earle Files for Lt. Governor

by: David Mauro

Sat Dec 19, 2009 at 04:18 PM CST

Former Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle filed to be a Democatic candidate for Lieutenant Governor on Friday. Earle had previously said he was considering running for Governor or Attorney General.

Earle becomes the first Democrat to file for Lt. Gov. Phillip wrote recently that former ALF-CIO executive vice-president Linda Chavez-Thompson of San Antonio was planning on running for Lt. Gov. Austin deli owner Marc Katz announced his intentions to seek the Democratic nomination earlier this year but has yet to file. 

It is unclear at this point how Earle's decision may affect the plans of Chavez-Thompson. If she does decide to run, the long time union leader with a compelling life story should not be underestimated.

The dynamics of a potential primary can be put on hold for now, however. At this point, Ronnie Earle, a well-respected prosecutor with a record spanning over three decades, is the only current Democratic candidate who has filed to take on incumbent David Dewhurst.

Carole Strayhorn Continues to Consider Run for Comptroller as Democrat

by: David Mauro

Wed Dec 16, 2009 at 11:18 PM CST

What may have seen impossible in the immediate wake of her third-place finish in this spring's Austin Mayor race, may actually end up happening. The Statesman's Jason Embry has reported that Carole Strayhorn has had discussions with Texas Democratic Party Chair Boyd Richie about seeking the party's nomination for comptroller.

Strayhorn, who has run for office as a Democrat, Republican, and Independent, has served as Mayor of Austin, railroad commissioner, and, before incumbent Susan Combs took office in 2007, comptroller. 

The Statesman's Gardner Selby had previously reported that Strayhorn had contacted Houston Mayor Bill White, the leading Democratic candidate for governor, about her possible candidacy for comptroller.

TDP communications director Kirsten Gray told Embry the following:

“We will rely on our voters to consider each candidate’s record and decide if they have the Democratic credentials they want in a nominee. Our role is to run a fair primary.”

While former Congressman Nick Lampson said he was considering running and State Rep. Mike Villarreal (D-San Antonio) briefly thought about entering the race, no Democrat has decided to challenge Combs yet.

If Strayhorn decides to run, she will have a lot of explaining to do for her Republican past and, given the frequency of her attempts at electoral office, she will have to also prove that she truly wants to be comptroller. Despite her negatives, she has won at least four or five statewide elections, and certainly has higher name ID than probably any other potential rival to Combs, whose campaign has $4 million on hand.

Judge Charlie Baird Will Not Seek Re-Election Next Year

by: David Mauro

Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 07:36 PM CST

The Austin American-Statesman has reported that State District Judge Charlie Baird of Austin will not seek re-election. Baird's announcement comes two days before the filing period is set to begin.

Judge Baird says he will be leaving the court to spend more time with his family. Although he has only held his current position for one term, Baird has quickly distinguished himself. His methods had drawn fire from some, but he had established a solid reputation among Travis County Democrats. Baird's retirement is a loss for all of Travis County, however, not just Democrats.

Assistant District Attorney Bill Bishop for a short time last year planned to challenge Baird in the Democratic primary. Bishop, who criticized Baird for being too lenient with sentencing, ultimately decided not to run, citing the time committment. 

Due to the late timing of the decision, it may be a few days or weeks before it is clear who will end up running for Baird's seat. In the end, the race could perhaps draw a candidate who is at this time running for one of the two district judge races currently being contested.

Karen Sage, currently running against Cliff Brown for the 147th Court, is said to be considering moving into the race for Baird's seat. That would leave Brown unopposed. There have been rumors that former Travis County Assistant District Attorney Mindy Montford may also run for Baird's seat, likely matching her against Sage. While Montford has not publically announced she is thinking about running, if she decides to, she would start out with higher name ID than most potential rivals due to her 2008 campaign for District Attorney. She would also be able to hold of on a decision longer than most others, given her name ID and fundraising ability.

When will all the hopping between judicial races stop? Well, that's what the filing deadline is for. Although it may seem like there is plenty of time, Election Day is just three months away. 

Alicia Perez May Challenge Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe

by: David Mauro

Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 10:51 PM CST

Alicia Perez, the former the former exeuctive manager of Travis County administrative operations, has recently begun building support for a Democratic primary challenge to incumbent Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe.

For those who have followed Perez's firing and subsequent battle with the Commissioners Court over a settlement, this development is not much of surprise. When Perez offered to settle with the county for a highly unreasonable $565,880, Biscoe told the Statesman that Perez had "declared war."

If Perez does decide to enter the race, she may find it difficult to prove to voters that her candidacy is about something more than personal revenge against Sam Biscoe and the rest of the Commissioners Court. I am not an expert on the events surrounding her firing, but its aftermath has been a huge waste of county time and resources. Some have said that Perez has also recruited candidates to run against the incumbent Democratic commissioners who had voted to fire her.

With the filing deadline looming in January, Perez will have to make her decision soon. If she does enter the race, she will face a clear uphill battle against Biscoe, a three-term incumbent who is widely respected and has strong Democratic credentials. But the entry of Perez, and everything that would likely come with it, would certainly make the race interesting.

Update: The Statesman spoke with Perez in response to this post and she stated she would not be running. 

“I’m not saying that I would never do it,” Perez said of running for the county judge seat. But, “I’m trying to put (the firing) behind me.”

Whether Perez will ultimately decide to run herself, or instead focus on supporting the candidates she has recruited to run against incumbent county commissioners, she could have an input on next year's primaries in Travis County.

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.