After reading Kuff, Greg, Coby, Martha, and David Ortez‘s thoughts on yesterday, I decided that I had nothing to say. So, I took the day off, attended a great Democratic meeting in Kingwood, discussed some things with friends, and still couldn’t come up with much! So, I decided to share tthoughts:
Controller: The fact that Ron Green hasn’t been the best fundraiser should not deter folks from contributing to his campaign now! Ultimately, this is a race that will be decided by which of these brings out their base and extras most effectively. Ron has a great story to which progressive-minded voters respond well, but with MJ Khan’s moderate, pro-immigrant streak, he may anger his Republican base–unless he changes into some rabid right-winger that no one knows. Vote Ronald Green!
At-Large 1: DC is backing Karen Derr. She visited our Kingwood Area Dems groups a few times, while Republican Costello sent a Democratic surrogate. Karen was one of the three candidates that I was hoping would make a run-off against the probable republican, and I believe she will do a great job as a member of Council. She has a great group of volunteers, too.
At-Large 2: I agree with Greg’s Opinion when he says that Sue Lovell will need to make up some support after she supported Pam Holm. Of course, Pam Holm lost (I love writing that!). From the perspective as a liberal in Kingwood, I can say Andrew Burks visited our Democratic group once, while Lovell has not, although, she has been a visitor in the past. DC supported Lovell, although the Pam Holm thing really did make me (and others) think twice. Some seem to think that she just missed winning outright by a point or so, but I still see it as an incumbent who should have had an easy time winning. Still, the approaches each take to driving toward victory should be under our watchful eyes. I begin this race supporting Lovell, but will be watching both campaigns.
At-Large 5: Some of you know that I did not support Jo in her first race. Let’s just say she had someone on her steering committee that I will never like, plus, I genuinely liked Joe Trevino. Now, it’s 2009, Jones and I talked and, though I explained to her that the Ted Poe thing is something that bothers the hell out of me, I couldn’t see anyone on the list worthy of my vote. So, I voted for Jolanda. Considering that she is now in a run-off with a right-wing Republican who agrees with Ted Poe when he says, “I will find solutions to the illegal immigration issue that threatens our local economy and public safety,” I can’t help but wonder if Ted Poe would even support Jones this time around–in public. It’s why I have always said that cavorting with right-wingers can come back to haunt Democrats, and once again, DosCentavos.net was right. Instead of wasting time doing a little celebratory dance, the bottom line is that as Latinos are under attack, we need someone in this seat who has the guts to stand up for all people. In this race, that is Jolanda Jones.
I think my theme during the last couple of days is that lessons must be learned. Sure, these are non-partisan elections, but that doesn’t mean a candidate should blow his/her wad supporting right-wing-nuts just for plain political purposes. As supposed progressives, we should be smarter than that, and instead, work harder to grow our base of support. But for high-priced consultants, that’s just too much work, I guess.
Unfortunately, lessons aren’t learned until one actually loses. There’s a reason Zapata said he’d prefer to die on his feet than live on his knees.
The Other At-Large Races
Obviously, this blogger continues to be proud of Melissa Noriega–no opponent! And yes, DC did support Noel Freeman for At-Large #4 and is glad he gave it a great run. I do congratulate Chief Bradford and bid him a successful term.
District E
It is unfortunate that Mike Sullivan just had to join Lawrence and Holm in their little 287(g) sideshow because his victory would have been a bit enjoyable for me had it not happened. In fact, given how he “squeaked” by with over 70% of the vote, he really didn’t have to use the right-wing magic bullet that 287(g) became. Unless the rumor that is going around that he will jump into the HD-127 race is true, I hope he continues to “play nice” on Council and get things done for District E, rather that just be a negative nelly.
