Sunday, April 20, 2008

Hope for Texas Democrats

Hooray for Texas Democrats, you might feel like you won the lottery. The announcement by Governor Rick Perry, regarding his future plans to seek re-election in 2010, may have elicited a bit of elation from those seeking change. Many factors may have led to his statement, but after being asked about the possibility of running against fellow Republicans United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, Perry quipped, “I don’t know about them, but it will be Perry in 2010.” It appears that the Governor wanted to throw his hat into the ring early and give his opponents the opportunity to plan for the future. This could be a tactic that could backfire for our longest tenured state leader.
Many factors could have driven Governor Perry to this early announcement. During the election of 2006 many intriguing possibilities were available to the people of Texas. Candidates ranging from the conservative Perry, to the liberal author/musician Kinky Friedman, to the most legitimate contender, Chris Bell, were available for election. Perry won, by a 39 percent vote, and narrowly defeated Bell and the others. This poor showing in the populous vote leads many to believe that Perry is ripe for defeat; the question is, “by whom?”
Maybe this was an attempt to garner more support for the Governors' campaign by forcing the hand of his possible future opponents. An announcement by Hutchinson to vacate her seat in the Senate could lead Dewhurst to seek her position, essentially excluding the Lt. Gov. This could also be an announcement to those at the Capital that the Governor intends to see through the promises and policies set forth by his administration.
Whatever the intentions, this heads-up to voters who seek change allows for ample time to mount a plan of attack to thwart any re-election bid. Democrats may be able to find a worthy opponent between now and November 2010. It also gives the good Governor a chance to build on that 39 percent.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Comment on Anna's Blog

This is a very good point to discuss. Those who are trying to become more educated seem to be paying the price to attain this goal. Many of those who seek a higher education will be those very individuals who will be asked to lead this great state, and nation back to the forefront of global leadership. On the other side we must consider those less fortunate, who cannot afford an education, and the brilliant minds which may never be nurtured, because of the ever increasing costs of tuition. I, as well, am a returning (older, to be honest) student, and I have seen the costs of education and oil steadily increase, and I have no doubt that when Americans become less reliant on fossil fuels and more reliant on the brilliant minds of our people, then we will discover a way to change the world through inexpensive education.

http://annaspoliticalpage.blogspot.com/2008/03/according-to-fort-worths-star-telegrams.html