Sep
2
Written by:
William Lutz
9/2/2011 3:59 PM
Here’s the latest we’ve heard on political candidates and other key developments on the political scene:
* CD 25 becomes more active. This week we’ve gotten news advisories from the Wes Riddle and the Dianne Costa campaigns. In addition, former Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams announced endorsements from five of the last six chairmen of the Republican Party of Texas – Cathie Adams, Tina Benkiser, Susan Weddington, Fred Meyer, and George Strake.
The Republican Party of Travis County will hold a candidates’ forum Sept. 25. Speaking will be Williams, Costa, Riddle, Dave Garrison, Brian Matthews, Ralph Pruyn, and Chad Wilbanks. CD 25 is an open seat stretching from Western Travis County to Johnson County.
* Jackson, Taylor look to move up. Sen. Mike Jackson (R-LaPorte) has formed a congressional committee to run in CD 36 – an open seat covering the eastern part of Harris County and parts of East Texas. House Republican Caucus Chairman Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood) has announced for Jackson’s Senate seat. Taylor made waves this session by taking on Texas Trial Lawyers’ Association President Steve Mostyn over windstorm insurance claims and attorneys fees along the coast. (Residents in coastal counties often have to get their insurance from the state-sanctioned Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, and tort reformers argued the Association agreed to excessive attorneys fees in a settlement over Hurricane Ike claims. The Mostyn controversy combined with his leadership of the House Republican Caucus (which included successful passage of Voter ID legislation) raised his profile among conservatives.
* Former Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale (R) will run for the new open seat in Williamson County that includes Cedar Park and Leander. Van Arsdale served three terms representing Harris County 2003-2009.
* The El Paso Times is reporting that city councilor Beto O’Rourke will run against U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes in the Democratic Party. The district is solidly Democratic.
* Rep. Pete Gallego (D-Alpine) announced a challenge to U.S. Rep. Francisco “Quico” Canseco (R-San Antonio). The district is a swing district, and this could be one of the most watched general election Congressional contests in Texas.
* Rep. Rick Hardcastle (R-Vernon) is retiring. This sets up an open state house seat in – of all places – rural West Texas, which lost house seats overall due to stagnant population growth. Hardcastle is known for his support for Texas agriculture and his country mannerisms.
* Richard Kouri, a former high school teacher and known to just about everyone following education policy at the Capitol, has become executive director of the Texas State Teachers Association. Ed Martin will join TSTA as assistant executive director for public affairs. Patrick Harvey will join TSTA from Missouri NEA as assistant executive director for field operations.