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Entries categorized as ‘Texas Dems 2010’

A Rosier Look: Bill White

March 8, 2010 · 1 Comment

The Chron has a good article on Bill White’s chances of defeating Gov. Perry in November. I must say I agree and that I am quite excited about it. And I agree with the former Mayor of San Anto.

Henry Cisneros, the former mayor of San Antonio who used to be mentioned as a future Texas governor, sees the education issue as key for White, particularly as it relates to rousing the Hispanic vote. Hispanic voters have been trending Democratic in Texas and throughout the Southwest, but the party has been waiting for years for them to exert the political influence that demographics would suggest.

Cisneros argues that Hispanics are waiting for an issue that moves them. He maintains it’s education. He also contends that White, who speaks fluent Spanish, can make a persuasive case that education reform is an issue worth their vote.

“It’s the one place where the governor of Texas can make the greatest difference, where he has major power and flexibility and influence,” he said. “Where the interest of the community and the state role come together is education — K through 16, not just K through 12.”

Latinos in Texas need a dose of hope, along with smart policy pronouncements that get them excited, and I just happen to think that Bill White can deliver a lot better than Perry as long as White reminds Latino voters (including the Chamber of Commerce types) that talk is cheap and that he is an action-oriented administrator that doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty (and not just on the set of a ranch background ad shoot a la Perry).

But White will also need to deal with GOP attacks about so-called “sanctuary cities” and attacks against Latinos on “voter ID.” How he responds to this in that “one-sentence mantra” that neither offends the attacked or supporters of the attack will be important. Or he could just fire back con ganas.

Give Us A Reason To Vote!

March 8, 2010 · Leave a Comment

From all the e-mail back and forth it looks like non-Latino activists have given us the “we’ve tried everything” treatment as to the reasons Latinos have not voted. My favorite was covered by Mr. Campos:

From Allan Jamail: “To name just a few let me say I’ve seen the Mexican language used on yards signs, flyers, letters, door hangers, bumper stickers, T-shirts, large signs, robo calls, ballots, TV & radio ads, Democrat Party rules, door to door Hispanic speaking campaign workers”

Well, golly gosh gee, thanks for doing the right thing!

Here’s the problem: it takes more than a lit-drop and a knock on the door nowadays. Latinos also respond to public policy as has been obvious since 2006 when the Democratic Party began to once again earn over 2/3 of the Latino vote, nationally. It wasn’t that the Democratic Party actually did something right, it was that the GOP was (and still is) doing everything wrong on public policy.

In 2008, candidate Obama gave us great reasons to vote for him, and nationally, Latinos voted in record numbers. But the investment in votes must also yield a return in public policy.

Now, it’s 2010 and where has the Democratic Party been? A promise from the President to enact Comprehensive Immigration Reform in his first year in office has now gone on to year two–and he’s punted the issue to Congress. The Democratic “majority” in Congress has buckled and is choosing to protect a bunch of blue-dogs who have also negatively affected the outcome of health care reform and other issues. What? Latinos don’t notice?

Has anyone noticed that Latino advocacy groups are responding to the public policy aspects of this debate?

Did anyone notice at VotoLatino was on MSNBC this morning talking about these very issues?

Some of us may have noticed how “purty we talk ‘merkin, too, hyuk!”

Categories: Chicano Politics · Houston Politica · Texas Dems 2010 · U.S. Ethnic Relations

It Was The Best of Times…

March 3, 2010 · Leave a Comment

…and it continues to be.

The DosCentavos judicial scorecard ended up as 10 wins, 14 losses and two run-offs.

One of DCs favorite victories is that of Mary Kay Green. I’ve been a fan and supporter (and now web-guy) of MKG’s for a long time and I’m glad she overcame some “major endorsements” of the other guy to become our November candidate.

Although I had some stinging losses, I must say that the worse is that of my friend (and now adopted Medellin Cartel member) Juliet Kathy Stipeche. Over the last year, I’ve come to know Kathy as someone with a huge heart, a huge brain, and someone who has enjoyed giving of herself. I personally want to thank her for being a great candidate and friend. There’s no doubt that the political bug has bitten her and that she will continue to be of service to the community.

To my friends Nile Copeland and Javier Valenzuela (how do these people end up adopted by the Cartel??), I thank them for running good campaigns with the best of intentions in mind. And I even made a new friend in Larry Hinojosa–an accomplished attorney who I hope will continue to stick around, giving of himself to the good guys.

Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how good a person one is, what matters most is the pandering, the connections, etc. And it really sucks. Pero hay que seguir adelante, right?

To another adoptee, Steve Reilley, a Facebook chat with him last night gave me some consolation. He’s a great guy who I know will continue to work hard for Democrats.

And then we come to the two run-offs. It’s safe to say that a majority of voters did not want the top vote-getters in the 270th and the 308th and I am proud to fully support Lee Arellano and Julia Maldonado, respectively. I’ll have much more to say about these two candidates during the next month.

There’s one other run-off between a Kingwood neighbor and an establishment-supported candidate. Let’s get this out of the way: BOTH have voted in Republican primaries. Now, let’s have a race about picking the best judge, rather than picking nits about who voted more or less in Democratic primaries.

The run-offs are a whole new ballgame with a whole new universe. And I’m looking forward to the battles.

Categories: 2010 Profiles · Chicano Politics · Houston Politica · Texas Dems 2010

Vote Stipeche for the 281st!

March 2, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Categories: 2010 Profiles · Endorsements · Kingwood Politics · Texas Dems 2010

Su Voto Es Su Voz…Speak Loudly!

March 2, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Categories: 2010 Profiles · Endorsements · Texas Dems 2010

Resolution on Death Penalty Moratorium

March 1, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Texas Democratic Party Resolution Calling for a Moratorium on Executions

WHEREAS Texas leads the nation in executions with 449 since 1982 (as of February 1, 2010). The frequency of executions and inadequacies in our criminal justice system increase the risk that an innocent person will be executed and because the execution of an innocent person by the State of Texas would be a grave injustice and would undermine public confidence in our criminal justice system; and

WHEREAS there is a significant risk that innocence cases in Texas are not being discovered, and innocent persons both reside on death row and could be wrongly executed in a system of capital punishment that often escapes governmental scrutiny and meaningful judicial review; and

WHEREAS an innocent person may already have been executed by Texas. The Chicago Tribune reported on December 9, 2004 that a Corsicana, Texas man named Cameron Todd Willingham may have been innocent of the arson/murder for which he was executed on February 17, 2004. A state-funded report commissioned by the Texas Forensic Science Commission written by fire expert Dr Craig Beyler said that “a finding of arson could not be sustained” in the Willingham case. Beyler said that key testimony from a fire marshal at Willingham’s trial was “hardly consistent with a scientific mind-set and is more characteristic of mystics or psychics”; and

WHEREAS Rick Perry received information prior to the execution of Todd Willingham that cast serious doubt on the scientific validity of forensic evidence used to convict Willingham, but Perry refused to issue a 30 day stay of execution to give more time for the evidence to be analyzed; and

WHEREAS Rick Perry interfered with an investigation into the Willingham case when he replaced the chair and all of his gubernatorial appointees to the Texas Forensic Science Commission only days before a scheduled hearing about a report submitted to the commission by Dr Craig Beyler; and

WHEREAS the Houston Chronicle reported on November 19, 2005 that a San Antonio man named Ruben Cantu may have been innocent of the crime for which he was executed on August 24, 1993 and the Chicago Tribune reported on June 24, 2006 that a Corpus Christi man named Carlos De Luna may have been innocent of the crime for which he was executed on December 7 1989; and

WHEREAS eleven people have been exonerated of murder and released from Texas Death Row and 139 people have been exonerated and released from death rows in the United States since the death penalty was reinstated in the 1970’s; and

WHEREAS local taxpayers can be faced with the financial burden of settling lawsuits when innocent people are wrongfully convicted or executed because of problems in the criminal justice system; and

WHEREAS seeking a death sentence costs three times more than the cost of seeking life without parole

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Texas Democratic Party supports a moratorium on executions and the creation of a “Texas Capital Punishment Commission” to study the administration of capital punishment in Texas to correct any injustices or unfair processes that are found in the administration of the death penalty and to study how to eliminate the risk of innocent people being convicted and executed.

Categories: Texas Dems 2010 · Texas Lege

Copeland States His Case

March 1, 2010 · Leave a Comment

With the Primary Election tomorrow, March 2, 2010, I would like to ask a favor from you: Please ask 5 of your friends for vote Nile Copeland in the Democratic Primary for Judge of the 234th Civil District Court. AND ask them to ask 5 of their friends to do the same.

I have been called unconventional by some for not taking contributions from attorneys and lawyers with pending cases in the court room. I want to send a message that money should not be a factor in the judiciary. I believe the Judicial Campaign Finance Law are in dire need of reform and not in the direction that the candidates get more money but less. This is a problem we all know needs to be addressed and I hope with your support we can and will address it now.

In my campaign, I have been active in the community and will continue to do so and will make myself available to everyone. I am here to listen not to count my campaign dollars.

Please vote Nile Copeland for Judge. I promise I will make you proud of the Judiciary again.

Sincerely,

Nile Copeland
for Judge, 234th District Court

This AD is paid for by the Nile Copeland Campaign in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Fairness Act, Rebecca Owens, Treasurer.

Categories: 2010 Profiles · Houston Politica · Texas Dems 2010

Pct. Convention Resolution on CIR

February 28, 2010 · 1 Comment

I’ll be submitting this particular resolution on comprehensive immigration reform. Frankly, I am tired of the Democratic Party trying to sound tough on the issue when the Obama administration has continued to support punitive measures, rather than get anything substantive done on the broken system itself. Funding for the wall is there, there is more funding for agents on the border than ever…bottom line, it is time for the Party to support the rest of the comprehensive immigration reform puzzle.

RESOLUTION

Supporting Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Precinct #__________

Senate District #_______

_____________ County, Texas

WHEREAS, the Texas Democratic Party believes that immigration has helped build Texas and the United States of America, and

WHEREAS, the Texas economy has benefited from immigrants since its founding, and

WHEREAS, the Texas Democratic Party believes that immigration reform must be approached in a comprehensive and realistic way, and

WHEREAS, the current population of undocumented workers who pay taxes and make positive contributions to Texas communities must have a path to legalization and documentation, and

WHEREAS, current “enforcement-only” policies have failed, have contributed to family separation and economic turmoil, and have negatively affected the Texas economy, and

WHEREAS, the current immigration system and process is broken, backlogged, and underfunded,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Texas Democratic Party fully supports comprehensive immigration reform which includes a path to legalization and documentation and reform of the immigration process.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that enforcement of federal and state workplace standards is a priority and must be accompanied by adequate funding for, and reform of, the immigration process, and a path to legalization and documentation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Texas Democratic Party urges the Texas U.S. Congressional delegation to support comprehensive immigration reform as discussed in this resolution.

Progressive Action Alliance has an awesome one, but it could take forever to read it at SD convention. Then again, I don’t mind fighting it out.

Categories: Chicano Politics · DREAM Act · Houston Politica · Immigration · Texas Dems 2010

DC’s Saturday Before E-Day

February 28, 2010 · Leave a Comment

DosCentavos had another eventful Saturday–this one the most important one before the election.

First, I became a member (finally) of the National Hispanic Professional Organization–a good group of Latino professionals interested in local politica, business promotion, and cultura. NHPO offers numerous leadership training opportunities, community service projects, as well as annual educational travel opportunities. It was good meeting Jaime Alvarado, chair of the group.

The focus of Saturday’s meeting was the election on Tuesday. Given opportunities to speak were NHPO members who are running for office, including Juliet Stipeche (281st), Julia Maldonado (308th), Javier Valenzuela (Count Civil #3), and Nile Copeland (234th). For fairness, a Republatino was thrown into the mix. Apparently, some of these fine candidates’ opponents were supposed to show, but failed to show–oh well. A huge part of earning the Latino vote is showing up–no pandering required.

After some Q & A from the full-house, others were given the opportunity to speak, including David Longoria (314th Juvenile), Lee Arellano (270th), and Anthony Referente (313th Juvenile).

Afterwards, the candidates enjoyed some one-on-one conversation with those in attendance.

One topic was the low Latino turn-out. Arellano pointed out that as of Wednesday, Latinos comprised about 10% of those who had voted. In other words, there hadn’t been much growth since 2006 in participation.

Stipeche mentioned that it takes leaders, such as NHPO members, to help bring out the vote using the same networking concept we in the community have used–family, friends, business connections, etc. Valenzuela mentioned the endorsement game that candidates go through, but that the best endorsement is that of individual people like those in attendance. Copeland stated he preferred the one-on-one contact that candidates must do to win votes, and that this is especially important to do in the Latino community.

DosCentavos will have a lengthy opinion on Latino outreach and voting on March 3rd while taking into consideration many factors.

GONE TO THE DOGS

After spending some time strategizing with some clients, I met another client, Joe Montemayor, at Gene Green Park for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Dog Park. This is the first of its kind out in East Harris County and I must say it is an impressive facility with a dog track, watering facilities, and even some shade for those days when the sun can really get to you.

Commissioner Sylvia R. Garcia welcomed a huge crowd of Canine-Americans, along with their faithful owners. A very special guest was Congressman Gene Green.

DC and candidate Montemayor had a good conversation with Congressman Green regarding the careful track toward Health Care. The Congressman mentioned that even with previous attempts to increase access, such as the $33 billion for S-CHIP that was signed by President Obama, a Republican Texas House refused to provide the necessary match; therefore, $0 came to Texas. And that is one issue on which Montemayor is running.

Categories: Chicano Politics · Houston Politica · Texas Dems 2010 · Uncategorized

Thoughts on Viernes…02262010

February 26, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Early Voting Closes Today

Unless you’re one of those that prefers to vote “el mero dia,” early voting closes at 7PM today. Some of you may see me recycling some of my clients’ signs (and stealing some from non-clients whom I support since some didn’t bother to put up signs in my neck of the woods). Early voting saw a couple of good jumps, so I expect Friday to be busier than any other day. What does this mean for Tuesday?

Early voting has been trending toward 50% of the turnout in recent elections. In 2006, 33% of the the 30K who voted in the Dem Primary voted early. This time around, word is we’re doing 10,999% better, or whatever number has been thrown around. I see it another way–we’re doing single digits compared to 2008! Anyway, keep voting!

Hidalgo County Still Looks Good

Hidalgo County is voting at 29% of 2008s numbers–not bad. When we start debating which areas of Texas deserve a new Latino-heavy Congressional seat, Hidalgo County will have something to offer–as well as the ability to elect a Latina/o candidate!

The Latino Conservative Fantasy

A poll done by the Dallas Morning News found that 1/2 of Texas Latinos are “conservative.” Here’s where the GOP can stop salivating, though: 64% identify with the Democratic Party and 70% approve of President Obama’s job. I guess there’s conservative and then there’s conservative. Perhaps they want to conserve the Democratic Majority? Perhaps they want to conserve Democrats’ hold of the White House and Congress? Quien sabe!

And Where has LVDP Been?

The article mentions: Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, said the poll hints at a little-noticed facet of Perry’s political persona: He doesn’t frighten Hispanics because he often visits their communities, and he distances himself from immigration hard-liners in the GOP.”

Didn’t she read that Rick Perry just got endorsed by the Minutemen? If Bill White and Democrats actually used that, perhaps they could energize a few brown folks!

MARCH FOR AMERICA

The fight continues for Comprehensive Immigration Reform and the leadership in DC is going to listen on March 21st when thousands march on the Lincoln Memorial at 1PM. Sign up to march today: http://bit.ly/bdBeBX.

Lisa’s Love Affair With the Primary

Well, Lisa Falkenberg’s love affair with the Democratic Primary continues this week with a second-guess of lawyerly abilities of at least two Democrats running for criminal benches who were unopposed in the Primary.

In defense of my friend Kathy Cheng, whom I wholeheartedly support, I will say a few things:

Re: the Club names– It’s a DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY, Lisa. Opposed or not, a candidate should show a commitment to her/his political party and show that they will show up to club meetings to meet the activists who work to elect them.
Re: The Experience Thing. Cheng is an experienced attorney who knows the law. She has represented her clients effectively and with vigor. She has the experience to be a good referee of the legal process, while interpreting and enforcing the law fairly and justly. Much like it doesn’t take a “former DA” to be a criminal judge, it doesn’t take someone who lives in a criminal courtroom, either.
From actually speaking to Cheng, I gathered that she is not only bright, but has a clue about serving, rather than just being one of the “anointed.”

And the criminal bar should be interested in ensuring justice for their clients; or better yet, they could actually get involved in the process of recruiting candidates–but that might piss off the sitting judges who appoint them to cases, huh? Or is that a reality the media avoids?

Categories: DREAM Act · Houston Politica · Immigration · Texas Dems 2010 · Thoughts on Viernes · Uncategorized