Going into a political race severely overmatched by experience and funding is enough to intimidate even the toughest competitor.
Rhett Smith, the Democratic nominee for U.S. House District 21, is doing just that. He is attempting to unseat 17-year incumbent Lamar Smith, R-Austin.
"Initially, I decided to run because I was alarmed by the Bush/Cheney administration's inability to lead the nation," Rhett Smith said. "I also haven't agreed with Lamar Smith for a while."
Rhett Smith offered little details about his own platform, and instead repeatedly referred back to criticisms of the Bush administration.
"The president hides behind his religious extremism, which is inappropriate at this level of politics," Rhett Smith said.
Lamar Smith has represented District 21 since 1985 and is widely expected to continue his tenure. His district is smaller after the 2003 redistricting efforts by the Texas Legislature that earmarked several Democratic congressman for defeat.
Smith's district now stretches along I-35 from Austin to San Antonio and west past Johnson City. It encompasses the University and includes areas traditionally occupied by students that were previously represented by Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin.
Lamar Smith could not be reached for comment.
A former auditor for the Texas Department of Human Services, Rhett Smith has never held a state elected office. He works as a private security guard and is on leave until after the election.
Voters have another choice in Libertarian candidate Jason Pratt, although neither Pratt nor Rhett Smith have officially reported any campaign contributions. Lamar Smith has reported earning contributions of $931,987.
Mike Lavigne, chief of staff for the Texas Democratic Party, said the party is proud that Smith
has been running a good campaign, hitting the streets of his district.
"Voters need to have a choice, and any vote for a Democrat is a vote against Tom DeLay," Lavigne said.
Rhett Smith said the race is a battle for the University, and that Bush has been "cracking down" on programs at the University.
Smith is working on a plan to bring a "think tank" to Central Texas, one that he said would be competitive with Washington-based programs.
His other issues include addressing affordable housing and
dealing with the transportation issues currently facing the Austin area.
"These programs have been put on the back burner because of foreign expenditures, and they need to be given more attention," Smith said.
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