The latest Texas Democratic Party news from The Texas Tribune.
One distinguishing feature of primary night is the absence of straight-ticket voting, which is why certain races that seem winnable now simply aren't in the fall. Take Collin County, where straight-ticket ballots favored R's over D's on Election Day 2008 at a rate of 66 to 33 percent. A Democrat “has literally got to be Jesus Christ running against Judas or he loses,” an analyst says. Full Story
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Just in time for election day comes the release of a Farouk Shami-themed hip-hop song from the official campaign. This is not a parody. Full Story
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“I’m a positive thinker. If I wasn’t sure of winning, I would not have put my foot in,” he said in his signature bullhorn tone, pressing his BlackBerry against his ear. “Hello? Hello? You’re speaking to the governor here.” Full Story
Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Jeff Daiell is urging voters to avoid the primary ballot box and stay true to Libertarian beliefs. Full Story
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Will the Democrats choose the most serious guy in the race, a rancher with hands-on experience? Or the consummate promoter — someone who'll sell Texas goods to America and the world with gusto and bravado, the way he sells his cigars, salsa, music, and one-liners? Full Story
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North Texas Democrats see GOP state Rep. Linda Harper-Brown's Irving seat as theirs for the taking in 2010 — the top target in their battle to take back the majority in the House. But first they have to settle on a candidate. Full Story
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"[S]omeone who began working at age 10 on the family cattle ranch." Full Story
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Without El Paso, you know, it'd be like a campaign without sunshine for Farouk Shami. The Palestinian immigrant running as a Democrat for governor has made public overtures to Latinos, and it's working: He's drawing some of his most significant support from Hispanic Democrats in the Sun City. Full Story
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The laggard of the big five papers finally calls, "Bingo!" — joining its edit board counterparts elsewhere in supporting the senior U.S. senator and the former Houston mayor in the upcoming party primaries for governor. Full Story
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"Their best-known and most effective candidate." Full Story
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"[S]he would bring a fresh perspective, a commitment to work with both sides of the aisle and an emphasis on the state's public schools and higher education..." Full Story
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The start of early voting marks the beginning of the final two-week sprint for candidates — and also, in the case of the GOP primary, for activists pushing propositions on the ballot that define the party's stance on a series of hot-button issues. Ben Philpott, who's covering the 2010 elections for KUT News and the Tribune, filed this report. Full Story
"[O]ffers a vision for how the department can best serve all Texans, as well as the lands and animals entrusted to them." Full Story
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"[H]as the experience, qualifications, demeanor and common sense that would justify electing him to statewide office." Full Story
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"[C]ould offer his party its best chance to win the Governor's Mansion since Ann Richards." Full Story
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"Gilbert is far more knowledgeable about agriculture issues and state government than Friedman." Full Story
"Earle has the better insight into the levers of power in government," says the Morning News. "Chavez-Thompson is undoubtedly the best Democratic candidate in the race," says the Express-News. Full Story
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Farouk Shami's latest promise. Full Story
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In their first and probably only televised debate, Bill White sounded experienced, as you'd expect of a three-term mayor of Houston, while wealthy hair care magnate Farouk Shami was more passionate, more animated, and much more prone to political mistakes. Full Story
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"It's hard to see him in any statewide office, really, but his talent for folksy one-liners could at least be useful in the important role of promoting Texas farm and ranch products" Full Story
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