Editor’s Note: Oct. 23 marks the first day for early voting in the 2006 midterm elections, and today we offer our endorsements. We attempted to endorse as many races as possible that might affect students. There are also several races with unopposed candidates, which we chose not to include. To find out what district represents you in each race, visit www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us.
For clarity, readers may note that these endorsements were written by the Texan Editorial Board (the editor and three associate editors) without input from the news department. Election Day is Nov. 7.
Governor
Kinky Friedman
This year’s governor’s race is a train wreck — or perhaps a five-car pile-up on the inevitable Trans-Texas Corridor. Five candidates are stuffed onto the high-profile ballot, four of whom are hoping to unseat the man who stands to be the longest-serving governor in Texas history, Republican Rick Perry. Unfortunately, political science is the godfather of this race, and Perry’s fractured opposition nearly guarantees he will walk away from the wreck without major injury. But this is a tough race to find a place to put support.
Democrat Chris Bell stands as the mainstream opponent to the incumbent, and Perry has been more than obliged to single him out in negative television advertisements and the debate earlier this month. But Bell lacks a realistic chance against Perry simply because Democrats lack the statewide numbers in a Bell vs. Perry match-up of their respective political bases. We also find Bell to be a terribly weak candidate in general. He is, however, hands-down the most education-friendly — and if that’s your only criteria for a governor, Bell is your best bet. But public education is about as palatable (and recognized) as his candidacy gets for the bulk of Texans.
Although it registered as little more than a blip on most radar screens, the nail in Bell’s coffin came in April when the Texas State Employees Union endorsed Independent Carole Keeton Strayhorn, a rabid proponent of privatization of public services (and public jobs), because she then had a 10-to-1 lead over Bell in campaign contributions and name recognition. Libertarian James Werner is a free-market fundamentalist and adds little to this crowded race.
As much as it may anger some of our yellow-dog readers, or political strategists, we like to believe that Independent Kinky Friedman has the best shot at unseating our current governor, despite his self-described “C game” performance in the governor’s debate and his apathetic demeanor. We admit that beneath his national personality and populist bent that stands to draw wide appeal (and don’t think his anti-political correctness campaign will falter among rural Texans), Kinky has fallen short of coming up with substantial, realistic ideas — martial law along the border and legalized casino gambling not withstanding.
But that’s why governors delegate, and while we hate to admit it, we believe Kinky’s independence would serve the most self-described independent state in the union.
Texas Democrats need some soul-searching after this year’s weak nomination, and we cannot justify supporting Bell just because he is the party’s candidate. There are few instances when a protest vote stands to have real influence, and we feel this governor’s race is one of those cases. As disillusioned young students who wish politicians were less calculating and opportunistic and more honest with their constituents, we endorse Kinky Friedman for governor of Texas.
Lieutenant Governor
David Dewhurst
As leader of the Texas Senate, the lieutenant governor frequently enjoys more influence and less limelight than his or her constitutional superior. Texas voters should pay close attention to this race and hold its victor accountable.
Democrat Maria Alvarado’s generic vision of “one Texas for all” has failed to materialize any real, actionable plans for reform. With no political or administrative experience to speak of, there is little to suggest that this candidate from San Antonio is prepared to manage this office.
Incumbent Republican David Dewhurst (the self-described George H. W. Bush Republican with a demeanor more reminiscent of Bill Clinton) is a veritable shoo-in. He’s also the only candidate with the vision and experience to address impending issues such as the water supply dilemma, worker compensation reform and state park renovation and refinancing. The Texan endorses David Dewhurst.
Attorney General
David Van Os
While the attorney general has a responsibility to represent the state in lawsuits and issue advisory opinions to state agencies, we feel that the attorney general has two chief duties to voters: consumer protection and a dedication to keep government open. Our incumbent Attorney General Greg Abbott, a Republican that was first elected over former Austin Mayor Kirk Watson in 2002, has been strong on one, open government, but weak on consumer protection. He should be replaced by the more progressive Democrat David Van Os.
It’s too bad Abbott isn’t presiding over Mark Foley’s home state of Florida, as he has spent much of his time in office working to enhance Internet child protection, including creation of the Cyber Crimes Unit. He has also fought hard for child support collection, and to keep government more open. But he has been weak on big business, giving most Texan industries a free pass since 2002.
Van Os offers change with this regard. He has spent 30 years as an attorney, often representing union interests. He is pledging to get tough in the state of Big Oil and stands to be the blue-collar attorney general to Abbott’s white collar. He reckons he’d serve in a more pro-active capacity against businesses that tamper with public interests.
Realistically, this race is shaping up to mirror the 1998 race for a Texas Supreme Court seat between the two men, in which Abbot won with 60.1 percent of the vote. Idealistically, the Democratic challenger is the best man to represent all Texans, and the Texan endorses David Van Os for attorney general.
Comptroller of Public Accounts
Fred Head
The race to replace gubernatorial candidate Carole Keeton Strayhorn looks to be an interesting one, with Republican Susan Combs facing off against Democrat Fred Head. Both candidates have served in the Texas House — Head for 14 years and Combs for four — but Combs has additional experience running a state agency as agricultural commissioner.
This race comes down to whether you believe the comptroller’s job is to attract businesses to the state and keep the economy as vibrant as possible within the letter of the law (as Combs is best positioned to do), or whether you believe the comptroller is tasked with providing unbiased internal reporting and oversight of state financial matters (Head’s clear strength). Combs has often said that she feels the job of the comptroller is not to be “hostile” to business interests, but if it comes at the expense of consumers and taxpayers, we wholeheartedly disagree.
We feel that a good comptroller has the responsibility of unflinchingly auditing state government expenditures and keeping Texan taxpayers financially informed, and we find Head to emerge as the best choice. Combs also has some ideas we are not comfortable with — including hiring private agencies to collect unpaid taxes. Libertarian Mike Burris, who has worked in the state auditor’s office, is not as experienced as the two other candidates, but would also serve well in a state auditing capacity.
Texans will not lose with either choice, but the Texan endorses Fred Head for this race.
General Land Commissioner
Jerry Patterson
Republican and former Marine Jerry Patterson has devoted his time as commissioner to supporting Texas veterans, working against coastal erosion and maximizing revenue for the Permanent School Fund. The PSF saw a record $1.35 billion deposit after Patterson diversified and expanded the fund with sound real-estate investments. Patterson has a history of aggressive service and has used his authority to create a number of initiatives such as “Save Texas History!” which is aimed at preserving Texas historical documents. His efforts in signing the first and largest lease for wind energy development have also positioned Texas as the No. 1 state for wind energy in the nation.
Democratic opponent Valinda Hathcox has a distinguished record supporting land issues, such as enforcing the Open-Beaches Act as assistant attorney general and initiating the Adopt-A-Beach and Rural Water protection legislation on behalf of the Texas Association of Counties. However, Hathcox has failed to distinguish herself from the incumbent and has not proven that she is likely to surpass the quality of work that has been accomplished under Patterson. The Texan endorses Jerry Patterson for re-election.
Agriculture Commissioner
Todd Staples
With incumbent Republican Susan Combs leaving the post to run for state comptroller, the best replacement for agriculture commissioner is fellow Republican Todd Staples.
Not only is the current state senator an experienced politician, he is the kind of moderate conservative who can serve both the private and the public sectors equally. A supporter of fair trade, alternative fuel sources and quality nutritional programs in schools, we believe Staples can stand by his promise “to represent the interests of farmers and ranchers, consumers and processors” in Texas. Staples is also against the Trans-Texas Corridor project and would like to see a voluntary program for animal identification.
His opponent, Democrat Hank Gilbert, is selling himself as an experienced agriculturist, but has zero political background. Gilbert’s vague platform to make Texas No. 1 in agriculture does not compare to Staples’ plans. Libertarian Clay Woolam is also running. The Texan endorses Todd Staples in this race.
Railroad Commissioner
Dale Henry
In a state that makes big bucks off the energy industry, officials on the three-person railroad commission are tasked with the responsibility of regulating the state’s oil and gas industries, including drilling production and environmental protection. The chair of that commission, Republican Elizabeth Ames Jones, is up for election this year after her appointment to the position in 2005 by Gov. Perry.
While the panel is tasked with regulation, Jones seems more interested in making sure government stays out of industry’s way. In fact, on the Railroad Commission’s own Web site, she features a quote of her own: “It is nothing less than patriotic to make sure the oil and gas industry in our state remains vibrant. I want to hear what needs to be done to make the Railroad Commission more efficient and responsive to the industry’s needs.”
Her main opponent, Democrat Dale Henry, who ran for another spot on the panel in 2004 as a Republican, offers little experience in the way of industrial management, but we believe he has the opportunity to bring practical solutions to the position.
Henry has spent more than a half-century in the oil and gas industry, specifically in engineering (he has received two patents in his career for materials that enhance the productivity of well heads). Libertarian Tabitha Serrano is also on the ballot, but has admitted she’s “not actually sure what a railroad commissioner actually does.”
Keeping the state’s industries vibrant is indeed important, but regulating them and protecting the environment is our bigger concern. Henry is better suited to take on this task, and brings to the table technical expertise. The Texan endorses Dale Henry for railroad commissioner. (We also endorse renaming the Railroad Commission to more accurately reflect what it’s tasked to spend the most time regulating — especially considering it currently is not tasked with regulating Texas’ rail industry.)
U.S. Senator
Barbara Ann Radnofsky
This Senate race is essentially the only one in which Texans can cast a vote for withdrawal from Iraq, and voters should seize the opportunity and oust Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison from the seat she has held since 1993. Although Hutchison is not nearly as partisan as her Texas counterpart in the Senate, Republican John Cornyn, we find her record a bit too radical for re-election.
She is a faithful ally to President Bush, and she is full of the same empty rhetoric that many Republican cheerleaders use to defend our disastrous occupation of Iraq, including the nauseating label that Democrats want to “cut and run.”
Hutchison, however, is not purely unelectable. She has successfully steered millions in federal pork to the University, which has benefited research and infrastructure, and has a bit of a moderate streak when it comes to social issues such as abortion and stem cell research. While Hutchison’s seniority is a valuable asset to Texas (she is the fifth-highest ranking majority senator and is a member of the locally lucrative Senate Appropriations Committee), that is a moot point if she decides to resign from the Senate to run for vice president in 2008 or Texas governor in 2010, moves she has reported considering.
But the Democratic challenger Barbara Ann Radnofsky is a superior choice. This 27-year lawyer from Houston has spent time teaching peer-mediation in public schools, although she lacks an extensive history of public service. Her biggest strength comes from her stance on the war, offering in the Oct. 19 debate that “it is reprehensible to suggest that we ought to stay in Iraq so that our soldiers become targets ... We must set a timetable and we must withdraw.” Libertarian Scott Jameson is also running, but is not a strong contender.
Texans have two defensible choices this race, but on the merits of the war in Iraq alone, the Texan endorses Barbara Ann Radnofsky for the U.S. Senate.
U.S. Representative, District 10
Michael Badnarik
While Democrat Ted Ankrum has the right idea for wanting to “return the government to a position of respect,” it is Libertarian Michael Badnarik, the self-proclaimed “everyone’s representative,” who deserves a chance in the District 10 spot. Badnarik, who was the Libertarians’ pick for the 2004 presidential election, plans to serve the citizenry as a true politician elected by the people. On his Web site, he boasts his knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and vows to defend it and our rights.
It seems clear that Badnarik would be easily swayed by his constituency to make certain things happen. Additionally, he would bring the wild liberal viewpoints lacking in Congress, such as ending a “federal bounty” on broken families and convincing the government to get rid of the Patriot Act. Plus, Badnarik’s personality is more enticing than Ankrum’s and Republican incumbent Michael McCaul. It’s time for McCaul to go. He supports the senseless war in Iraq and a gay marriage ban. Environmentalist Ankrum stands a close second choice, but we support Badnarik and his over-the-top Libertarian ideas.
U.S. Representative, District 21
John Courage
If this race seems familiar, it’s because it took place four years ago. Incumbent Lamar Smith won in a landslide against Courage in 2002. A lot has changed since then, however, and Smith’s less-than-admirable ties with Tom Delay and Karl Rove, coupled with an irredeemably partisan voting record (including cheerleading the War in Iraq and an “F” rating from the National Education Association), are ample cause for his removal. Smith’s nationalistic fervor against immigrants last spring, which included cosigning the bill which threatened to turn immigrants into felons, was a prime example of his willingness to manipulate controversial issues solely in the interest of political gain.
Democrat John Courage has come back strong with a commitment to reform. His progressive views on a national energy policy and the environment are what are needed to alleviate some of the critical ills facing the country. A former teacher who has fought on the side of higher education for nearly 30 years, Courage is the best candidate to represent the University’s interests in Washington. The Texan emphatically endorses John Courage for U.S. representative.
U.S. Representative, District 25
Lloyd Doggett
There is essentially no race here for District 25. Incumbent Democrat Lloyd Doggett has been serving us well, and will continue to do so after he is reelected. Libertarian Barbara Cunningham is Doggett’s only opponent on the ballot, but we endorse Doggett and his continued support of both the University and progressive causes. The Texan once again endorses Lloyd Doggett.
State Senator, District 14
Kirk Watson
This race pits Democrat Kirk Watson against Libertarian Robert “Rock” Howard to replace the seat of outgoing Democrat and friend to the University Gonzalo Barrientos. This seat falls in the heart of the liberal haven of Travis Co., and Watson should have an easy time getting elected to the post.
Howard is a crusader against corporate welfare and is in favor of a school choice program to heal our ailing public school system. But Watson has a much more extensive background in public service. He served two terms as mayor of Austin, the second of which was a victory by more than 84 percent of the vote (despite a “No Endorsement” from the Austin Chronicle, although two of his three opponents were street-roamers Leslie and Jennifer Gale). Watson has a mature, if complex, stance on transportation issues (specifically toll roads) and is has a respectable record of environmental defense.
The Texan endorses Kirk Watson.
State Senator, District 25
Kathi Thomas
The 25th district only covers a small portion of southern Travis Co. However, this race is of note because of important issues raised by its disparate competitors.
Democrat Kathi Thomas’ vision for revitalizing the public education system comes like a breath of fresh air. If more senators were like Thomas, it wouldn’t have taken years and handfuls of special sessions to patch together a workable school funding plan. Her goals include raising Texas public school teachers from the ranks of the lowest-paid in the country up to the national average and establishing comprehensive high school curricula that amount to more than a bee-line to four-year universities.
Thomas also has the fortitude and respect for common intelligence to broach tough political subjects, such as the Texas income tax. Where most others are content to delay the issue until it swells to an unavoidable fiscal disaster, Thomas supports developing a flat-tax system that is satisfactory for all Texans before it is too late.
Republican incumbent Jeff Wentworth has openly stated that he doesn’t think there’s anything wrong with the education system and is running on a classic “more-of-the-same” platform. Don’t let him continue to rest on his laurels. Kathi Thomas will make a valuable addition to the Texas Legislature, and the Texan endorses her as such.
State Representative, District 46
Dawnna Dukes
Democrat Dawnna Dukes has honorably represented the 46th district for the past 12 years. She has exhibited a remarkable commitment to human rights and has legislated on behalf of children, the elderly and everyone in between. Dukes has continually fought for underrepresented groups, including women and minorities. We have forgiven her for the egregious crime of graduating from Texas A&M University.
Opponent Richard Wedeikes’ existence can only be verified by his appearance in a rather unattractive photograph posted on the state Libertarian party’s Web site.
The Texan endorses Dawnna Dukes for State Representative, District 46.
State Representative, District 47
Valinda Bolton
Democrat Valinda Bolton not only embodies democratic principles needed in Texas politics, her platform just makes sense. She’s focused on increasing teachers’ salaries, making affordable health care more accessible and opening state government to be more accountable to voters. Bolton is a leader deserving of an election win.
Even though District 47 barely passes into Austin, it’s still important to have a solid and reliable Democrat in the House of Representatives. Republican Bill Welch spends too much time on his Web site reminding us that he served the country in Iraq and Afghanistan. It should be noted that Welch does not support placing tolls on already-paid-for roads and that education is his top priority, but he also wants heightened border security and government-issued vouchers for private schools.
Libertarian Yvonne Schick is also running, and in true Libertarian style simply wants to decrease the size of government. That’s not enough.
We endorse Bolton for District 47 representative.
State Representative, District 48
Donna Howard
Republicans chose not to field a candidate on the ballot against the incumbent Donna Howard, a Democrat who was recently elected to represent District 48 last spring after defeating Republican Ben Bentzin in a special election runoff to replace retiring Republican Todd Baxter. This time around, Howard finds herself pitted against Libertarian Ben Easton, a former elementary and middle school teacher who has run for state representative twice before in Houston and ran against Howard in the special election in January.
There is a clear choice in this race, and it is to stay with the fresh incumbent. The Texan endorses Donna Howard.
State Representative, District 49
Eliot Naishtat
Democratic candidate Eliot Naishtat has served admirably in the Texas House for 16 years. His sterling record speaks for itself, and includes the passage of such commendable bills as the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1997, the Medicaid Simplification Act of 2001 and the Child Protective Services Reform Act of 2005. Naishtat also cosponsored the Hate Crimes Act. Libertarian opponent Lisa Mckay is also on the ballot.
The Texan endorses Eliot Naishtat for State Representative, District 49.
State Representative, District 50
Mark Strama
Democrat Mark Strama has demonstrated a commitment to the democratic process above all for the length of his career. His resume includes such positions as director of programs for Rock the Vote and service on the Board of Directors for KidsVoting USA. He also has experience in business administration, having started a company in Austin that registers voters online.
As a representative, Strama has committed to advocating independence and integrity in the Texas legislature, prioritizing public over private interests. He is running for his second term. Libertarian opponent Jerry Chandler’s offers minimal competition.
The Texan proudly endorses Mark Strama for State Representative.
State Representative, District 51
Eddie Rodriguez
There’s no question here that incumbent Democrat Eddie Rodriguez should be, and most likely will be, reelected, especially when his only opponent is a Libertarian who is also serving as a campaign treasurer for fellow Libertarian Rock Howard, who’s running for state senate.
Already in the Legislature, Rodriguez focuses on the environment, public-school funding and election issues. Last year, Rodriguez got a bill passed to preserve low-cost housing in East Austin, and he’s been a strong supporter of making housing affordable for all Austinites. He’s represented Austin well in the House of Representatives, and we endorse him to continue doing his more-than-satisfactory job of democratically working for his constituency.
Texas Supreme Court, Chief Justice
Wallace Jefferson
It’s hard to imagine Supreme Court candidates accepting large checks from potential defendants in cases, but the present chief justice up for re-election, Republican Wallace Jefferson, has accepted nearly $420,000 in campaign contributions, including a fat $25,000 from the law firm Vinson & Elkins. Jefferson was appointed to the court in 2001 to take the place of now-U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez and became the first black chief justice after appointment to the position by Gov. Perry in 2004.
Jefferson faces mild opposition from Libertarian Tom Oxford, who has openly considered his chances “less than slim.” Oxford spent the early part of his career providing legal assistance to low-income Texans, but lacks the experience Jefferson brings to this position.
Unfortunately Jefferson’s not the only justice on the Supreme Court that has received major contributions, and the Texan endorses Wallace Jefferson for chief justice.
Texas Supreme Court, Place 2
William Moody
With vocal, viable candidates from both major political parties, this is the only truly contested Supreme Court race this election cycle.
With his 20 years of judging and 11 years of prosecutorial experience, Democrat William Moody has proven himself to be ready for the Supreme Court. His distinguished record includes service on the Texas Ethics Commission. Moody has rejected questionable aspects of the judicial electoral system, which include highly partisan elections and high campaign contributions from local lawyers, and pledged to turn away contributions in excess of $1,000. Such behavior highlights Moody’s morality and admirable sense of judgment. William Moody is the sort of judge who can be relied upon to serve with integrity and honor.
Republican incumbent Don Willett has firmly aligned himself with President Bush and the Republican party. His cookie-cutter political ideology has produced a judicial record that is more suitable for conservative textbooks than the real and challenging world in which the citizenry must live day in and day out.
The Texan endorses William Moody.
Texas Supreme Court, Place 4
No Endorsement
Republican David Medina is looking to keep his seat against a weak challenging Libertarian, Jerry Adkins. Neither are particularly solid candidates to serve as justice, but Medina is far more qualified.
Medina was appointed by Gov. Perry in 2004 to fill the vacancy left by Michael Schneider as an associate justice. At the time, Medina was general counsel to the governor, a move resembling President Bush’s failed nomination of Harriet Miers to the U.S. Supreme Court. Medina is quite pro-business and was previously a lawyer for Cooper Industries. He was also previously appointed to the 157th District Court in Houston by Gov. George W. Bush. Adkins has been an attorney in Dallas since 1966.
The Texan offers no endorsement for this race, which favors the incumbent Medina.
Texas Supreme Court, Place 6
Nathan Hecht
We endorse incumbent Republican Nathan Hecht for Place 6, who will undoubtedly take the spot again over Libertarian challenger Todd Phillippi.
Though Hecht received some flack for endorsing Harriet Miers as Sandra Day O’Connor’s replacement on the U.S. Supreme Court, he was just trying to help out a friend, and a special panel decided on Oct. 20 that Hecht did not violate ethics with that endorsement. Hecht has years of experience as a lawyer, and as a justice and earns our vote.
Texas Supreme Court, Place 8
Phil Johnson
Incumbent Republican Phil Johnson (not the father of Intelligent Design by the same name) faces virtually no opposition from his Libertarian opponent, Jay Cookingham, and we see no reason that Johnson should lose the seat he has held since 2005. Prior to his appointment the bench by Gov. Perry, Johnson served as chief justice to the Seventh Court of Appeals. Johnson is quite a partisan conservative, but he is far more qualified for the position than Cookingham.
Since this race is for a seat with an unexpired term, the victor will need re-election again in 2008. The Texan endorses Phil Johnson.
State Board of Education, District 5
Bill Oliver
District 5 encompasses much of Travis Co., so Austinites need to pay attention to this race. Libertarian Bill Oliver is a weak challenger, but we have to endorse him over Republican Ken Mercer. Electing Mercer would put another overly Christian conservative on the board, with staunch beliefs regarding family values.
Mercer says on his Web site that Republicans are becoming too Democratic and losing sight of their real conservative roots. He unsurprisingly supports property tax cuts and restoring the integrity that should represent Texas values. However, the only real mention of education on his site reflects on his San Antonio improvements to higher education and a general support of public schools.
Oliver is the better choice in this race.
State Board of Education, District 10
Martin Thomen
We’re reluctant not to endorse a fellow student here at the University just on principle, but Libertarian Martin Thomen has more qualifications that earn our nod in this race than his presence as a master’s candidate on campus.
One of Thomen’s positions is a “total return strategy,” which advocates putting more interest from the public schools’ $22 billion Permanent School Fund into school systems. While public schools also need ample support from the Legislature, the PSF is an excellent investment tool to keep Texas schools competitive. But primarily we’re concerned with Republican Cynthia Dunbar’s attention to “textbook selection,” which we hope isn’t a subtle nod to creation science. She is also a proponent of vouchers.
The Texan endorses Martin Thomen for the State Board of Education.
Presiding Judge, Criminal Appeals
Sharon Keller
The first woman to become presiding judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Republican Sharon Keller has served honorably since 2000. Prior to holding her present office, Keller acquired valuable experience serving on the court of criminal appeals for six years. Her status as chairman of the Texas Task Force on Indigent Defense places Keller’s qualifications further beyond question. Her beliefs in judicial accountability and independence make her an ideal candidate for re-election.
Democratic opponent J.R. Molina has failed to articulate a platform that extends very far beyond vagaries and buzzwords. His goals include putting to practice certain admirable phrases in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Texan endorses Sharon Keller for Presiding Judge on the Court of Criminal Appeals.
Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7
Barbara Parker Hervey
Only a Libertarian is challenging incumbent Republican Barbara Parker Hervey for this place on the Court of Criminal Appeals, a post Hervey has held since 2000. Her challenger, Quanah Parker, is a personal injury and criminal defense attorney.
Parker has obscure name recognition — the Quanah Parker born before the Civil War was the last chief of the Quahadi Comanche Indians — but Hervey should keep her post. She has 22 years of experience in criminal appellate practice, and the Texan supports her as the best choice in this race for Place 7.
Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8
Charles Holcomb
Place 8 is held by Republican Charles Holcomb, who is licensed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, and certainly has the experience over his only opponent, Libertarian Dave Howard. It’s virtually a no-contest race, and we endorse Holcomb.
Third Court of Appeals, Place 2
Jim Sybert Coronado
Republican Alan Waldrop was appointed to Place 2 in 2005 by Gov. Rick Perry after the death of the former justice, Democrat Mack Kidd, and now faces voters in what should be a close election between two qualified candidates. His opponent, Democrat Jim Sybert Coronado, is a graduate of both UT and UT Law and has served more than 10 years experience as a lawyer and 17 years as a judge (Waldrop has more than 18 years experience as a litigation partner).
Coronado should get the nod in this election. He has served as the Travis Co. Criminal District Court Magistrate for more than 15 years and has extensive experience in both civil and criminal proceedings. He has sat through more than 30,000 felony cases — a welcome asset to a court that sees nearly as many criminal cases as civil cases. Before his appointment, Waldrop served as the lead counsel for Texans for Lawsuit Reform, which specializes in civil tort reforms. With TLR, Waldrop drafted the 2003 legislation to put caps on medical-malpractice damages. He was a lobbyist with Locke Liddle before being appointed by Gov. Perry.
Waldrop’s 2005 appointment shifted the balance of Republicans on the 3rd Court of Appeals to 4-2. Voters should seek to rebalance the court by electing Jim Sybert Coronado.
Third Court of Appeals, Place 3
Diane Henson
With an impressive resume that includes experience as both a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Department of Justice and an adjunct professor at UT Law School — in addition to two “Super Lawyer” designations by Texas Monthly — Democrat Diane Henson is the most qualified candidate.
Henson has practiced law for 27 years and is a staunch supporter of judicial transparency. She has a history of fighting for minority and women’s rights and presently chairs the Women in the Profession committee of the State Bar of Texas. Having studied and practiced law in a variety of capacities in environments ranging from Iowa to Washington, D.C., Henson has proven herself worthy of being a Texas justice on the Third Court of Appeals.
Republican opponent and former state District Judge Will Wilson would like you to know that he has personally handed down 13 life sentences for murder, rape and aggravated robbery. In other words, he’s a (pandering) hardass. Criminal law in Texas is not a game, and the people deserve more than a judge who is interested in racking up points.
The Texan endorses Diane Henson for Justice on the Third Court of Appeals.
Third Court of Appeals, Place 5
Mina Brees
This Place 5 seat is currently held by Republican David Puryear, who is running for re-election. Although Puryear has the experience serving the court as both a trial court judge and criminal prosecutor, he remains a narrow-minded conservative who “understands traditional Texas values.”
We believe Democrat Mina Brees could serve to interpret and apply the law better than Puryear. Brees has 27 years of experience in the law profession and is driven by case facts rather than her own special interests. She is a community volunteer and is well-qualified to serve as a justice. In a State Bar of Texas judicial poll, Brees was voted best qualified against Puryear, 57 percent to 42 percent.
We’re with the lawyers on this one. The Texan endorses Mina Brees.
Third Court of Appeals, Place 6
Bree Buchanan
The University’s own law professor and co-director of the Children’s Rights Clinic at the School of Law is up for this Place 6 spot. So, in addition to her qualifications, we endorse Democrat Bree Buchanan. Buchanan has years of experience as an attorney and last year was acknowledged by the Austin Bar Association for looking out for the public interest.
Though Republican incumbent Bob Pemberton has a convincing smile, he has served the post since 2003 and strongly supports anti-crime laws that are strict in holding offenders accountable.
“Justice Bob” sounds app-ealing, but we should give Buchanan a chance to see what she can bring. She has an interesting focus on family violence laws.
We see no reason not to support Bree Buchanan for this seat on the Third Court of Appeals.
299th Judicial District
Charlie Baird
This is an open-and-shut case. While both candidates vying to replace the retiring Democrat John Wisser for this seat have considerable experience in Texas courts, Democrat Charlie Baird is the clear choice in this race. Baird has not only served as a judge on the Criminal Court of Appeals, the highest criminal court in the state, but has actually spent time on the bench he is running for. Baird is not an ideologue, but he leans progressive on several issues, including a moratorium on the death penalty in order to prevent any further wrongful convictions.
Baird’s opponent, Republican Madeleine Connor, has a good deal of experience in Texas courts but lacks a comparable resume. Connor only graduated law school in 2001, whereas Baird received his J.D. in 1980 and has served as a judge for 16 years.
Connor has trial experience as an attorney dealing extensively with Child Protective Services, which may serve her little as a district judge presiding over Travis Co. felony cases. She is currently a law clerk for a judge on the Court of Criminal Appeals.
The Texan strongly endorses Charlie Baird for the 299th Judicial District.
419th Judicial District
Orlinda Naranjo
The 419th branch is the newest civil court in Travis County, and this election will select its first judge. Democrat Orlinda Naranjo, who is currently the administrative judge for all seven Travis county courts at law, is unquestionably the most qualified candidate to hold this new office. She has presided over thousands of cases, and before that, served as a senior litigator for the city of Austin. Associate Judge and Republican candidate Angelita Mendoza-Waterhouse lacks the administrative experience and commitment to Travis County of her opponent.
Naranjo has a distinguished record of community service in the Austin area, and has been honored by both the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Travis County Women Lawyers‘ Association. Naranjo prioritizes judicial impartiality and respect and equality for all citizens of Travis County.
Orlinda Naranjo’s history of service to the community and commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law make her the prime candidate to set the precedent for Travis County’s newest district.
Austin Municipal Elections
Prop. 1 — Yes
This will issue $103.1 million for reconstructing roads and streets. With needed traffic signals and additional bike lanes, we support this proposition.
Prop. 2 — Yes
This will issue $145 million to go toward improvements for flood control and acquiring open space. Some urban creek and watershed projects will finally be completed, and more money will be spent on protecting the environment. We encourage a yes vote on this proposition.
Prop. 3 — Yes
This will issue $84.7 million for public parks. We’ll see improvements to playgrounds, hike and bike trails, swimming pools, sports courts and natural areas. We definitely support this proposition and hope it will prompt more of us to utilize Austin parks.
Prop. 4 — Yes
This will issue $31.5 million for community and cultural facilities, including the Zachary Scott Theater and the Mexican American Cultural Center. We believe these improvements will surely benefit the entire Austin community.
Prop. 5 — Yes
This will issue $55 million to go toward affordable housing facilities. The proposition is made for low-income families, and we believe this program will create more affordable opportunities for the lower and median income earners in Austin.
Prop. 6 — Yes
This will issue $90 million for the construction of a new central library, a plan that’s been in the works for a couple years. It’s a plan we are glad to finally see voted on, and we support it all the way. Our current and rundown public library on Guadalupe Street should be reason enough to support this proposition.
Prop. 7 — Yes
This will issue $58.1 million for public safety, such as fixing or constructing a training facility, EMS buildings, police stations, an animal shelter and a municipal courthouse. A very clear-cut plan, we support this proposition and believe the improvements are necessary for the benefit of all Austinites.
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