Williamson County Courts Primary Election Bingo Cards

Pre-Primary Pre-Season, Part II

There is a good deal of PPPS buzz in Williamson County over judicial candidates these days.  What with the imminent demise of beleaguered Judge Ken Anderson of the 277th District Court, there's blood in the water and many possible candidates.  Thus far, the best-known GOP possibilities include Ryan Larson, an assistant attorney general in Greg Abbott's office, Stacey Mathews, a prosecutor assigned to the 277th Court in the District Attorney's office, and Terrence Davis, a local attorney. 

In addition, Judge Burt Carnes of the 368th District Court has 'unofficially implied' that he will retire sooner rather than later, like next month.  If so, Governor Rick Perry will appoint a replacement, who will then run for election in 2014.  Local attorney Rick Kennon has formally announced his candidacy (Kennon has previously run for County Attorney and is well-known in Republican circles.)  Other candidates include Round Rock attorney Tallion Taylor, and Lytza Rojas, another assistant district attorney.  (Rojas and the aforementioned Mathews seem to have teamed up on a number of projects and may be perceived as a ticket?)

Austin attorney Lesli Gordon Fitzpatrick has also indicated that she will be running, but has not decided if she is aiming for the 277th or the 368th.

There are other rumored candidates and a few curious treasurer's reports that have been filed with the Texas Ethics Commission, but not enough to report on yet.

Will keep ya' posted...

Leander City Councilwoman Cantwell Announces Candidacy for Williamson County Treasurer

Just received this release regarding Leander City Councilwoman Michell Cantwell:

“It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve and represent the citizens of Leander on the Leander City Council since 2003. Based upon the ‘Resign to Run’ requirements of the Texas Constitution and the Leander City Charter, I am resigning my seat on the Leander City Council effective immediately to announce my candidacy for Williamson County Treasurer. I will continue to serve on the Leander City Council until an election determines a replacement for the remainder of my term.  I sincerely appreciate the support and confidence the Leander voters have extended to me in representing their interests here in Leander, Texas.  Additionally, from a professional standpoint, I want to recognize and commend our city manager and his staff for their professionalism and support throughout my tenure on the Leander City Council.  While I will no longer be serving Leander citizens at the city level, I eagerly look forward to serving them as the next Williamson County Treasurer.  I ask for your support, your votes, and your prayers as I move forward with this opportunity to serve the citizens of Williamson County.”

The other announced candidate is Jerri Jones.  

Primary Pre-Season Ground Rules

Well, summer is over and since 2014 is an election year, there are announcements and rumors of announcements all over the place.  For those of us who have friends running against friends, this is a good time to screen your phone calls and duck political commitments until the filing deadline passes.  So awkward.  Or, you might just be trying to figure out who's who and who's running for what.

Frankly, my head is spinning. 

One resource is the Texas Tribune's 2014 Elections Pencil Brackets.  They keep it pretty up to date, but of course it won't show your local stuff.  After the filing deadlines, we will have a clearer picture.  My advice?  Keep your powder dry; things are pretty fluid right now, and there are still announcements yet to come.

I have found some of the preliminary announcements troubling however.  Recently Red State's Dan McLaughlin had a great piece entitled "73 Rules for Running For President as a Republican," and a goodly number of his 73 rules could apply to any GOP and/or 'Conservative' candidate.  Based on some of the acknowledged and rumored candidates I've seen so far, here's just two rules I've come up with for Texas.

1.  Don't bother running for office if you can't manage to be faithful to your spouse.  If your indiscretions don't come out in the Primary, you can bet your bottom dollar that the Dems will be all over it.  Seriously dude, you might give some pretty speeches about how you came to Jesus when you were like, seven or something, but half of Austin knows how you've behaved when away from home.  We've got some very vocal, truly empowered women working in the Texas GOP, and frankly we won't put up with you as the nominee.  Spare your wife and family the grief and embarrassment, okay?

2.  If you spent most of 2012 campaigning for a Democrat candidate but are now running as a Republican in 2014, forget it.  You might think primary voters are too stupid to know what you're up to, but really, you won't have a chance.  At least not in Williamson County. 

I'm sure we'll come up with some more gems before too long.  For now, these will do. 

Crucial State Board of Education District 10 Runoff Election

"All In Perspective" column for this week.  Published in the Georgetown Advocate, Hill Country News, and Jarrell Star Ledger. 

Although a growing number of families are opting for education alternatives, nearly 90% of America's children still attend public schools. Every day, more than 55 million students will spend most of their day having their hearts and minds shaped by the curriculum and staff of a public school. What is taught in the classroom today will impact society for decades to come, and consequently every American should be concerned about state of public education.

Although public schools are governed by democratic process, voters display a shocking lack of interest in education-related elections. Local school board elections are often held separately from higher profile contests, and voter participation languishes between 4 and 8 percent. However, even in races for the powerful Texas State Board of Education, voters and media pay scant attention to candidates who will exert enormous influence over our children. In addition to managing the Permanent School Fund, elected members of the SBOE approve charter schools and set curriculum standards for textbooks and testing. Since Texas is one of the largest consumers of educational textbooks, these standards can have national influence.

So what about that curriculum? Many pundits claim that public education should be somehow morally 'neutral,' but a truly values neutral curriculum is simply impossible. As much as some secularists would like to pretend there is no difference between right and wrong, they merely replace traditional values with a 'new' moral code. From their own sense of what is 'right' or 'fair,' they assert that society should 'tolerate,' (i.e., never criticize) the 'new' values. In this alternate worldview, the new 'good' includes things like abortion, labor unions, and government management of all resources. The new 'bad' includes public prayer, chastity, and traditional marriage. Education is probably the most important front line in the culture war, and the reality is that a set of values will be embedded into public school curriculum. The question is, whose values?

Voters do have a say in 'whose values,' and this year we select new representatives to the Texas SBOE. Locally, Republicans return to the polls this month for a runoff election between Tom Maynard and Rebecca Osborne, and since the district leans Republican (and the Democrat candidate is extremely left-wing,) the GOP nominee is favored to win in November. While most voters are focused on the Cruz/Dewhurst senate race, it is imperative that we look carefully at the SBOE candidates.

Candidate Tom Maynard taught for13 years, has served as a local school board trustee, and is now the Executive Director of the Texas FFA. At FFA, Maynard oversees educational programs for more than 84,000 students, and has been recognized for his successful leadership. His compelling personal story includes a childhood spent at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, and Maynard exemplifies the kind of values that foster successful adults and responsible citizens. The experience and wisdom he would bring to the SBOE has swept the endorsements of conservative community leaders, GOP members of the current SBOE, and the Republican state representatives of the district.

Round Rock teacher Rebecca Osborne is something of an enigma. According to public records, she affiliated with the Democrat Party as recently as 2008. Although she did garner a few GOP endorsements, other endorsements are curious, (such as the editor of a magazine regarding Austin's 6th Street rock scene, CONTENT WARNING:  Rank and Revue). Her financial contributors include known Democrats, and Osborne has refused to answer candidate surveys from prominent conservative organizations.

Early voting continues through July 27, Election day is July 31. Voter turnout is projected to be dismal, so a handful of votes could make the difference. I strongly urge all concerned voters to make time to participate in this crucial election. We need solid, conservative leaders on the Texas SBOE, who will take a stand for the values that have made this country great. Our future depends on it.

Polling Locations and Times:  http://www.wilco.org/CountyDepartments/Elections/tabid/450/Default.aspx 

GOP Primary Notes: Third Court of Appeals

Williamson County Republican voters have an abundance of candidates on the ballot this year, one of which is the race for the Third Court of Appeals, a district that includes 24 counties. 

The candidates are Scott Field and Madeleine Connor.  Interesting thing about Connor is that in 2008 she ran district judge in Travis County as a Democrat.  She had run as a Republican in 2006, and then ran for Justice of the Peace in 2010.  All attempts have been unsuccessful. 

Field ran for the Third Court of Appeals in 2010, as a Republican, and garnered 47% of the vote. 

Scott is certainly the more experienced attorney, and at all levels of the state and federal judicial system.  He started his legal career as a clerk on the Texas Supreme Court, then went on to the international law firm of Baker Botts LLP, where he was named associate of the year, before being elected managing partner of another firm in Austin. He now leads The Field Law Firm, PLLC, where he serves as managing member.  He is a life-long Republican with a strong conservative judicial philosophy. 

Connor has not been practicing as long, and just barely qualifies for candidacy.  Her experience is much more limited than Field's.  As a Conservative, it's also just really, really difficult to support someone who ran as a Democrat as recently as 2008, and during Obamamania to boot. 

The seat is currently held by liberal Democrat Justice Diane Henson.  Henson will have the full backing of the liberal machine behind her, so we do need a strong candidate with the experience and conservative judicial philosophy we need in Texas courts. 

I think Scott Field is the right choice for Republicans. 

Wilco GOP Candidate Forum: A Bipartisan Affair?

The Williamson County Republican Women held a candidate forum today for GOP candidates for County Commissioner and County Attorney. Candidates attending were Precinct 1 Commissioner Lisa Birkman, Precinct 3 Commissioner Val Covey, candidate for Precinct 3 Greg Windham, and the three candidates for County Attorney: Dee Hobbs, Rick Kennon, and Jeff Maurice.

Commissioner Birkman's opponent, Lee Ann Seitsinger, declined to attend. Observers at other forums that have indicated that while Ms. Seitsinger seemed to be a nice person, she seemed uninformed and was unable to answer questions about the issues. She has attempted to make the county's road bond debt an issue in this race (as has Precinct 3 challenger Greg Windham.) The bonds in question were approved by voters back in 2000 and 2006, and while Ms. Seitsinger registered to vote in Williamson County in 2004, according to public records, she did not vote in the 2006 bond election. (One might excuse this if the bond vote were held during one of those 'stealth' elections I so deplore, but no, this was during a general election that included a highly contentious gubernatorial race.)

Ms. Seitsinger also neglects to mention that other Texas counties with populations the size of Williamson have large cities which take on bond debt for road construction.  In our case, the county rather than the cities have taken on the infrastructure bond debt.  When we compare total infrastructure bond debt, Williamson County is not at the top as Seitsinger claims, but at the middle of the pack for similar-sized counties. 

Both Birkman and Covey were able to talk a great deal about their work on behalf of Williamson County. Despite 69% growth across the county, they have worked to provide infrastructure, keep taxes low, and maintain a balanced budget. Because of their work on the court, the county's bond rating rose from a negative AA to AAA, which allowed them to refinance the bond debt.

Commissioner Covey also discussed the work she has done to implement deadlines for TXDOT's environmental review processes. One issue that has proved especially costly for Williamson County has been the often frustrating  extensive red tape imposed on road construction by both state and federal agencies. 

Precinct 3 challenger Greg Windham formerly ran against Covey as a Democrat in 2008 and served briefly as the Williamson County Democratic Party Chairman in 2010. In response to a question about the U.S. Department of Justice' threats to sue Williamson County over Spanish-English translators, Windham said that while he personally doesn't think citizens should be allowed to vote unless they speak English, he thought that Wilco should cooperate with Obama's DoJ and make “peace” and cultivate a relationship.

(FYI: The Department of Justice states that for every precinct with a 5% or more hispanic surname ratio, there must be a Spanish speaking poll worker. As many Texans know, there are plenty of folks here who have Hispanic surnames and don't speak a lick of Spanish. In my years as an election judge, I have only had one Spanish-only voter, and she simply read the ballot & instructions, which are all in Spanish and English.)

Of the three candidates for County Attorney, Dee Hobbs is currently a prosecutor in the Wilco CA's office, Rick Kennon is a former prosecutor and family law attorney with 27 years experience, and Jeff Maurice is a corporate attorney. Hobbs is well-liked in Williamson County and obviously very familiar with the workings of the CA's office. There is some nervousness amongst GOP voters about his possible loyalties to the incumbent Jana Duty. Duty's tenure has been characterized by intense controversy, numerous lawsuits, etc.  Still working in the CA office, no doubt Hobbs is treading carefully, but he did make a few statements today that seemed to indicate he would have a more positive working relationship with the Commissioners court and specifically praised Birkman for her efforts.

Rick Kennon, who touted his experience working for both the Travis County D.A. and the Texas Attorney Generals office, stated that he is the only candidate with experience in all legal areas that the County Attorney's office handles. Kennon emphasized he will bring a fresh start and an opportunity to re-set relations between the County Attorney's office and the Commissioners Court.

Maurice ran for Williamson County Commissioner back in 2010 as a Democrat, and only this year began to affiliate with the Republican Party. I asked the candidates why they switched parties and if they were planning to support Republicans all the way up the ballot. In response, Maurice stated that he had always been conservative even if he had a history of affiliation with the Democrat party. He did not indicate whether he would support a Republican for President.

In response to the same question Greg Windham said he switched parties because the Democrats wanted to “take my guns, take my babies, and kiss my men.” He also railed against GOP Governor Rick Perry and Lt. Governor David Dewhurst.

Although the candidates for District Attorney were not included in this forum, Windham and Maurice took several shots at incumbent DA John Bradley. Red herring anyone?

It was an interesting day...

Texas House District 149: Meet the Candidate

Tony Dale, Republican candidate for the newly-created Texas House District 149, will hold a "Meet the Candidate" event on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Crystal Falls Golf Club in Leander.  Special guests include Williamson County Commissioner Cynthia Long and Leander City Councilman Christopher Fielder.  There is no cost to attend (but I'm sure Mr. Dale would appreciate any campaign contributions).   

Dale currently serves on the Cedar Park City Council, is a decorated Army veteran,  and has a very impressive resume of Republican activism.  I cannot imagine a better candidate to represent western Williamson County. 

Williamson County Republican Primary Updates

Updated October 12

Update with my limited knowledge of Republican Primaries effecting Williamson County.
(Just for the record: I am not making any endorsements.)

Texas Senate, District 5:  With Steve Ogden's retirement, Representative Charles Schwertner announced his candidacy, and most pundits consider him a shoe-in.  There have been some rumors about a possible Bryan/College station candidate, but no announements as of yet. 

Texas House District 20:  Since Dr. Schwertner seems to be heading to the State Senate, SBOE member Marsha Farney and former TC Republican Party Vice-Chair Jeff Fleece have announced candidacy for HD20.  Two other possibilities, Jeff Stockton of Georgetown and Burnet County GOP Chair Linda Rogers have indicated they will not run.

Texas House District 149:  After the overwhelming community support shown for Republican Tony Dale, all other candidates have bowed out.  Representative Larry Gonzales of HD 52 remains very popular and is unlikely to draw a GOP opponent. 

State Board of Education, District 10.  With Marsha Farney jumping to the Texas House District 20 race, former SBOE 10 candidate Rebecca Osborne has announced another run. 

Justice, Third Court of Appeals:  Scott Field has announced he will tackle Democrat Diane Henson for Place 3.  Amen to that.  Madeleine Connor has filed a treasurer form with the State; Connor ran for District Judge as a Democrat in 2008, but lost in the Primary.  In 2010 she ran as a Republican for Justice of the Peace and also lost in the Primary. 

425th District Court Judge:  Incumbent Republican Mark Silverstone will be challenged by local family law attorney Betsy Lambeth. for the GOP nomination. 

Williamson County Attorney:  Attorneys Hal Hawes and Rick Kennon have both filed to run against beleagured incumbent Jana Duty. 

Williamson County Commissioner, Precinct 3:  Incumbent Val Covey will be challenged by sometimes Republican Greg Windham, who ran against Covey as a Democrat in 2008 and briefly served as the Williamson County Democrat Party Chair in 2010. 

Supreme Court Justice, Place 2.  Steven Wayne Smith has filed a treasurer form to run against Republican Don Willett.  Smith lost in 1998, won in 2002, and lost again in 2004.  Smith previously challenged Willett in 2006. 

All of the known candidates for the Republican Primaries are listed at the Williamson County Republican Party website.

Two New GOP Candidates to Run for Williamson County Attorney

Two Williamson County men have announced their intention to run for County Attorney in the Republican Primary next year.  They will face incumbent Jana Duty, who has been much in the news locally.  Duty's former Assistant CA, Hal Hawes, who is now legal advisor to the County Commissioners Court, sent out a press release last week.   Rick Kennon, a Family Law attorney and former Assistant Travis County Attorney and Assistant Attorney General,  has announced at various GOP meetings that he plans to file as well. 

In light of all the difficulties between incumbent Duty and the other elected officials in the county, this is likely to be a very unpleasant Primary battle.

Below is the release from the Hal Hawes campaign.

Hawes Announces