Democratic candidates can begin filing for office today, and the Texas Democratic Party released this statement.
“Texans are tired of divisive, business-as-usual politics from self-serving Republican career politicians and we can’t afford to keep paying the price of failed Republican rule. More Texans voted for mainstream, problem-solving Democrats in key 2006 and 2008 races because they are fed up with incumbent Republican politicians who have prevented our great state from fulfilling its true potential.
So, let’s talk about what is to come. Democratic excitement should get a shot in the arm with the big announcement coming from Houston Mayor Bill White.
The pragmatic leader who led Texas’ largest city through a few trials, while ensuring the local economy wasn’t decimated (as much) by the recession, White is expected to become the ticket-topper, running for Texas Governor. Sure to be a well-funded, media-savvy, engaging, and inclusive candidate, he is exactly what Democrats need from now until November.
But what will the rest of the statewide ticket look like? I’m with Gilbert Hinojosa (DNC guy from the Valley) who thinks we need a diverse ticket, but we also need candidates who are willing to step up. As I keep telling prospective Latino candidates, do not expect to be begged; show some leadership (or the “ganas” that you keep talking about) and jump in.
For Lt. Gov., I would not mind seeing State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, who would bring some fire to the ticket.
There are also rumblings that the former Congressman from CD-22 is thinking about running for State Comptroller. DosCentavos has not been a huge fan since he used the Republican silver bullet (immigration) in some of his ads, as if it would get him right-wing votes. It didn’t work. Let’s remember that back in 2007, Republican State Comptroller Tough Grandma reported that undocumented immigrants added almost $18 Billion to the economy. The job entails being in touch reality, and not political sound bytes.
Ultimately Democrats–all of ‘em–should not use immigration as a negative issue in 2010. And not just because we are talking about human rights, but because Democrats must consider the collateral political damage that occurs from the anti-Latino sentiment that grows from that issue–apathy, lack of support for Democrats, etc. We need a diverse ticket that energizes all voters and a consistent winning message that will keep Texans excited for the next eleven months.
My colleagues at Burnt Orange Report are live-blogging some of the filings in Austin. Maybe I’ll have to hang out at HCDP with eyes open (while stealing some wi-fi access).
