Link, to live blog at kos:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/3/19/131610/642FIGHTING DEM SPOTLIGHT: THE TEXAS PRIMARY Iby Fighting Dem Vets
Sun Mar 19, 2006 at 11:16:10 AM PDT
We must not lose sight of the prize because of the disappointing results of the Texas Primary with the loss of netroots favorites for Governor, Bob Gammage, Ciro Rodriguez (TX-28) and two Fighting Dem vets, Duane Shaw (TX-01) and David Murff, USA (TX-07). Texas needs to be reclaimed for the Democrats. It is the center of some of the worse corruption among Republicans and the redistricting scandal that led to more Republicans being elected has to be reversed.
The greatest light that came out of the Texas Primary was the win by Ted Ankrum in TX-10 (now in a runoff) who led the poll in a field of four. And we must not forget that we still have 6 other Fighting Dem Vet Texans who were unopposed in the primaries. That will mean 7 vets opposing Republicans in the GE. There is a statement but one of the losing FDs, Duane, at the end of this diary representing the kind of gracious exit we would expect from a FD gentleman. And now we support the winning Dem in that district and in the district lost by David Murff and appreciate the efforts all have made to building the Dem Party in those districts.
* Fighting Dem Vets's diary :: ::
Ted Ankrum (TX-10). Veteran and ex-EPA official Ted Ankrum dominated the poll in a field of four and now faces a runoff. Our pick between the two vets is Ted Ankrum, who will be live blogging with us today. We back Ted because he polled the most votes in the primary against 3 other candidates by doing his job in on the ground campaigning, he is by far the most qualified candidate both in military and civilian experience, he has received the local endorsements by all groups that do endorsements, and he is a foundation member of the Band of Brothers (taking part in the events in Washington DC in December, January and on February 8th. Ted has a runoff that will be held on April 4/11/06). The netroots are needed to help him fund a drive for $6,400 for a postcard campaign.
Donate now and oppose Bush crony Michael T. "Mike" McCaul.
Rick Bolaños (TX 23). Rick is one of the original "Band of Brothers." He was one of four siblings from El Paso who all served in Viet Nam at the same time. They were recognized by LBJ for their service and again by the 79th Texas Legislature. Rick entered politics to lead the charge against the Swiftboaters during the '04 election. He has now once again stepped into the breach in his home state and is a foundation member of the Veterans for a Secure America. Rick Bolaños is an educator with years of experience serving the needs of his nation, our youth and community. He has created opportunities for both young people and adults through a youth ministry that offers after school programs that assist young students to achieve their dreams and go to the best colleges and universities in the world. Patriot, Leader, Faithful Husband, Loyal Father and Educator for today's challenges and tomorrow's future.
Donate now and oppose DeLay chum Henry Bonilla.
David Harris (TX=-03). David is another decorated combat veteran who took part in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, receiving the Bronze star. Harris is in a good position to capitalize on current criticism of the administration and speak with credibility on defense issues and the Iraq War. His capability as a campaigner will help his campaign deliver the first serious challenge to an incumbent who has not faced a major challenge from Democrats in the district since 1986. The Democratic opponent in 2004 spent $100k to the incumbent's $1.8 Million. Delivering funds and resources to Harris will make this a district to watch in 2006.
Donate now and oppose big oil industry backer Joe Barton.
Next Week, Texas Primary Recap II will highlight Dan Dodd, USAF (TX-03), Charlie Thompson, USN (TX-05), Roger Waun, USAR (TX-13), and John Courage, USAF (TX-21).