Live Blogging by Texan BUSHwhackers

[trillian]

FIGHTING DEM VETS TEXAS ROUNDUP – Live Blogging by Texan BUSHwhackers

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/3/26/13544/0869

The Fighting Dem Vets’ Dictionary of Politics.
BUSH•whack•er (boosh'hwak"ur). —n. A candidate for political office who makes sure that Bush crony opponents get their clocks cleaned.
Most heard the bad news about the Texas primary. But the good news is that we have seven vets who will oppose Republican incumbents in the General Election deep in the heart of Texas. No one doubts it will be an uphill battle, but these candidates are dedicated to seeing that the Democrats retake the Hill. Democrats have a unique opportunity even in the gerrymandered districts that Delay crafted to insure a Republican majority in the House.

Quigley has gone so far as to say that the Fighting Dem Vets are the force that can revitalize the Democratic Party, and these Band of Brothers from Texas are prime examples of the trend that he describes in his article ref THE FIGHTING DEMS: THE NEW FACE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Enter The Fighting Dems, men of the military and the Legion hall who are challenging Republican incumbents across the country…. It is interesting and perhaps significant that the reports on this growing phenomenon are largely from outside the Beltway as most of these candidates are…. this is a grass roots movement and it should be noted that it is first effect was on the Internet….
I first read about it on Wesley Clark’s web site, WesPAC in August, last year, when Clark called for support of Paul Hackett for Congress. “Paul Hackett is exactly the kind of strong leader we need in these challenging times,” wrote Clark. “He is a former Marine and a veteran of the Fallujah campaign in Iraq. He understands what it will take to fight -- and win -- the war on terror and keep America safe.” Clark offered his full endorsement and encouraged readers to volunteer and to donate to Hackett’s campaign.
“Paul offers the kind of fresh, pragmatic leadership that we desperately need in Washington. For all of their bravado, the Bush administration and Republicans in Congress seem fresh out of ideas about how to win the war in Iraq and bring our troops home,” he said.
Also helping to build this movement is The Daily Kos, which has teamed up with Majority Report Radio to feature a Fighting Dem every Tuesday on its site.
Kos reports: “This country craves leadership, and these guys are providing it unbidden. They are self-organizing, taking the initiative, and taking the fight to the enemy. These guys are rock stars.

Without further ado, here are /Band of Brothers of Texas brought to you through the efforts of the Fighting-Dems.com grassroots volunteers. Note as you read the experience and skills that these men have that go far beyond a single-item resume and back up their strong national security stances with solid grounding in social, economic and environmental concerns. Look at their experience both in the military and in the private sector and you will not see anyone using their military background to shore up a campaign. These are highly qualified, get things done people.

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Dan Dodd for U.S. Congress (TX-03)


Lt Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Retired)
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Career US Air Force, two consecutive tours in Vietnam; assigned to 'Star Wars' program, four years Pentagon program manager; avionics and weapons research, development and flight-testing. A graduate of West Point (same graduating class as General Wesley Clark), Master of Electrical Engineering, Master of Science in Systems Management, Master of Business Administration, Certified Program Manager. In the private sector a systems engineer and marketing and sales director for Texas and California corporations.
Dan’s priorities are those of most of the Fighting Dem candidates as we will see in the profiles below, emphasizing issues like the following: Open Accountable Government, National Security (Fight the war on terrorism in Afghanistan where the terrorists are, bring our Iraq-based troops home in an orderly manner minimizing American and Iraqi casualties), Education, (Equal access to public education, from K1 through college, for every American child. It's the gift that keeps on giving to our nation throughout a lifetime), Healthcare (A national healthcare insurance program providing basic healthcare for all Americans), Clean Air and Water, Social Security (Revitalize Social Security, the program that Americans have depended upon for 60 years. Privatizing destroys the system), Fiscal Responsibility (Balance the budget, reduce the national debt and lockbox Social Security), Equal Rights for all Americans, Progressive Tax System, and Incentives for Immigration (Walls don't work. To bring immigrants in legally, through the gates, there must be incentives). Dan says, “I took a look at the direction our country was going, and it didn’t make me hopeful about our future. I decided its time for a change. Now I have committed myself to step up and serve my country again, so many years after Vietnam, because I believe it is time for Washington to represent real Americans again.”

Charlie Thompson for U.S. Congress (TX-05)


Commander, U.S. Navy
Website

Charlie Thompson served as Deputy Director/Surface Electronic Warfare Directorate & as Chief of Research & Development, Surface Electronic Warfare Directorate, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. Charlie Thompson is a retired Naval officer, a businessman, a husband, father and grandfather who cares deeply about the issues that matter to Texans ~ the economy, the War in Iraq, Social Security, protecting our freedom, healthcare, campaign reform, among many other vital issues. Charlie has spent most of his adult life in the uniform of his country, defending Americans and the freedom our Constitution promises every citizen. As a professional community and economic developer, Charlie is just as dedicated to addressing the concerns and needs of all citizens of the Texas 5th District and of all Americans. Charlie says, “I did not spend those years in the uniform of my country just to have the religious right secure their freedom while denying other Americans that same freedom. Nor did I serve my country so the wealthy "elite" of this country could use our Social Security safety net to fill further their already overflowing pockets. Finally, I did not serve this country just to have demigods, such as exist in over abundance in the Bush administration that come to "rule" this country rather than govern it. Additionally, I believe my education, background and experience will serve me well in the U.S. Congress and render me both better able to represent you and to bring about those changes that are important to you and, in reality, are absolutely essential to the future of this nation. With your blessings, I will stay in this very, very difficult race.

David Harris for U.S. Congress (TX-06)



Major, U.S. Army Reserves
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Dave served in the active duty military for 12 years as an Infantry Rifle Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and Support Platoon Leader and as a Division Operations Officer and an Infantry Company Commander. In 1999, Dave earned his Bachelors degree in Government from the University of Central Texas (now Tarleton State University. After leaving active duty, he transferred into the Army Reserves in October 2000. Three months later, Dave was mobilized for Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and deployed to Iraq. He spent the next 14 months there as a Logistics Officer and received the Bronze Star.
Dave is currently an Assistant Professor of Military Science and Training Officer for the Department of Military Science at the University of Texas at Arlington but he is still a Major in the Army Reserves and serves as a Strategic Planner for a support unit in Houston, Texas for U.S. Forces, Korea. Politically, Dave has been active in state Democratic politics. Dave am married to Michelle Harris, a behavioral healthcare contractor, and they have three children; Tristan (13), Zoe (12) and Emma (5) who live in Arlington, Texas with our dogs, Mango and Kiwi and cats, Darby and Halloween. Davis is currently working on a Masters degree in Industrial Engineering / Logistics at the University of Texas at Arlington. Dave says, “Bottom line, why am I running? I want to restore representation to the citizens of Congressional District 6 by creating policies that foster Strong Defense, Strong Families, and Equal Rights for All Citizens and I hope to leave a respectable legacy to the children of the future. Why do I think I can win? One of the many things that give me confidence is the downward trend in margin of victory for my opponent, Joe Barton. The district has been trending upward for Democrats in the last 3 elections and Joe Barton has been trending downward by leaps and bounds: 2000 88.10%,
2002 70.34%, 2004 60.02%. Visit my website for many other reasons why I think we can win this one.”.

Ted Ankrum for U.S. Congress (TX-10)

Captain, U.S. Navy; Major, U.S. Navy Reserve
ALERT: Ted is facing a runoff on April 11 and needs your support to inform voters how he can better represent them.
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Ted is a 30-year veteran with four tours in Vietnam. He has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, Navy Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Medal of Honor and Cross of Gallantry, Purple Heart; Member of Nuclear Navy Personnel selected by Adm. Rickover. A 20% Disabled Veteran. Ted received his BSEE from University of Colorado and MBA from Loyola. He is a former assistant head of NASA and an EPA deputy director. He also served in the Carter Administration in the Department of Energy as Chief and Director of numerous programs. He also served in the Clinton Administration as a diplomat in Australia. Ted and his wife, Ann, live in Cypress, Texas. Two of their four children and all of their grandchildren also live in Cypress. Ted says, “"I am like many poor boys who joined the Military for a better opportunity and an education. The Navy and this country have been very good to me. I've done my duty before, and I stand ready to do it again."

The runoff: In the primary, Ted dominated the field of four, but did not gain more than 50% and so must stand in the required runoff that takes place on April 11 (with early voting from 3 to 7 April). Ted needs to get out a postcard to all the primary voters (10,000) to capture the 27% that voted for the two candidates that didn't make the runoff, and convert the votes for the other candidate into votes for himself. This is going to cost $6,400 and plans to have the cards in voter's hands by April 1. After winning the runoff, Ted will face freshman Republican Mike McCaul who won in a district specifically drawn for him by Tom Delay. He has supported Delay in every vote affecting the House Ethics Committee and 95% of the time on all other votes.

Roger J. Waun for Congress (TX-13)


USAR
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An ROTC graduate, roger served 16 years as a Strategic Intelligence Officer. He held a Top Secret security clearance with active duty tours at NSA, the Defense Intelligence Agency and at Headquarters of the U.S. Army's Recruiting Command.
TX-13 is the 5th largest Congressional district in the U.S., 40,000 square miles from the Red River up to and including the Texas panhandle. Major cities include Wichita Falls and Amarillo. It is also the home Shepard AFB, the world's largest airbase - a training base for U.S. and NATO Pilots. Roger is qualified for Congress by virtue of his education, military and community service, and his business management experience. He is a Wichita Falls businessman with more than 15 years’ experience in: business management, marketing, consulting, training, and development. For the past 10 years in Texas, he has owned and operated a regional wholesale distributorship business. He holds a B.Sci. degree in Political Science, an M.A.degree with post-graduate studies in Speech Communication, and also attended seminary. He worked his way through college as a musician, and on the stage crew for the Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood TV show at station W-QED in Pittsburgh. A former High School teacher, with 12 years’ university teaching and debate coach experience at Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh, he understands the needs of public education. Later, Roger also served as Manager of Training & Development at Southwest Missouri State University, where he designed and managed on-site customized training projects for managers in business, industry and government. Ted says, “I’m an idealist with proficiencies gained through a lifetime of preparation, management experience, broad educational background, military leadership, community service, parenthood, religious devotion and study, problem-solving abilities, and skills in public speaking, effective communication and parliamentary debate. I’m a “Fighting Dem!”, whose Values dictate that I fight for tax fairness by closing Corporate tax loop-holes; work to reduce our national debt; increase our homeland security; treat our Veterans fairly; make our Social Security system solvent – not risky; treat affordable health care as a human right rather than a perk for the fortunate; seek Fair Trade rather than Free Trade based on cheap labor; protect our environment by supporting renewable energy solutions which reduce our dependence foreign oil; strive for peace through strength and diplomacy while modeling democratic rule and defense of human rights; encourage practical education emphasizing life skills, a work ethic, character development, teamwork and volunteerism; support programs for re-building and re-vitalizing Main Street USA instead of Nation-building half a world away; provide affordable low-interest student loans; reward working families and those who seek work; treat women with equality and minorities with respect, tolerance and dignity; defend and honor our Constitution and Bill of Rights; and labor to see that our federal Budgets are treated as Moral Documents that reflect our Values and the Common Good.”

John Courage for U.S. Congress (TX-21)


U.S. Air Force

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John came to San Antonio for basic training after enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1971 and served 4 years as a law enforcement officer and a K-9 Dog handler working missile security. After being honorably discharged, John enrolled in the University of Texas at San Antonio and earned a BA in American Studies. John became active in education first on the Alamo Community College District Board of Trustees in San Antonio and later as one who helped create Palo Alto Community College to expand higher education in an area that lacked such opportunities. John returned to UTSA to earn his teacher’s certification and has been a classroom teacher for the past decade and a half. John is married and the father of four, John and his wife are active members of their community. He has served as a Boy Scout troop leader and a sponsor of the Reconciliation Episcopal Church Youth Group, as well as a volunteer coach for community soccer and baseball leagues. In John Courage, the voters of District 21 have the opportunity to elect a leader with deep roots in the community and a proven record on the number-one issue of our day -- education. Courage is a living example of the mainstream Texas values of family, faith, freedom, and fairness. John was selected as the first recipient of the Progressive Patriot Award by the Progressive Patriots Fund and the DFA Grassroots All-Star Endorsement for the 2006 Election Season. His campaign has strong grassroots support and John believes TX-21 is sending a strong national message to the GOP congressional "leadership" that in 2006, they can run, but they can't hide - even in Texas. Like other Fighting Dems, John has priorities across the board On Social Security, On Medicare/Medicaid and Healthcare, On Education, National Security, Our Environment, A National Energy Policy, and Veteran's Benefits. John says, “I'm running for U.S. Congress in Texas because I believe it's a winning cause to proudly take the Democratic message to every American, every Texan. This is an ambitious campaign, but I've seen the power of the grassroots and Democracy of America firsthand. To me, this endorsement is about more than a national email and the fundraising potential.”

“We're not in Kansas any more” said Dorothy. “But how do you know?” “Because here... Bush needs a Brain, Cheney needs a Heart, and Congress needs Courage!”

Rick Bolaños for U.S. Congress (TX-23)


U.S. Army
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Richard “Rick” Bolaños is a member of the original Band of Brothers, 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 and his brothers traveled throughout the United States campaigning for Senator John Kerry in his presidential bid to challenge the claims of the Swiftboat attack. Rick and his brothers are the sole donors for the St Nicolas Youth Ministry that is equipped with 25 computers. Rick is married to Catherine Downs Bolaños. He has five children Dawn, Isaac, Ricky, Alyssa and Rocky. He received his BA from New Mexico Highlands University and an MBA from New Mexico Highlands University. Rick also attended Law School at Marquette University. He is listed in the Who’s Who of students in Colleges and Universities, was on the National Deans list, and Outstanding Young Men in America. Rick has been an educator and football coach for twenty years. He has coached football at the collegiate level as well as the high school level. He is opposing term Republican incumbent Henry Bonilla, a rubber stamp that is decimating veterans benefits and as a veteran who will fight for the needs of all of our patriots. Republican, Democrat, Independent or Green Party, as well as working tirelessly for the rights of the average American and will represent them with the same fervent passion with which he served America.

Rick has a vision for America that pretty well sums up what Fighting Dems are all about and we can conclude these profiles with his vision for America.

“I want an America that in reality leaves no child behind. Not an educational system that is under-funded and leaves our educators frustrated and unable to efficiently educate our children. I want an America that protects all of our borders and ports, an America that is deadly serious about homeland security. No rhetoric just ACTION! I want an America that provides health care services for our elderly so that they don’t have to choose between paying their utilities or buying their medication.
I want an America that affords all of our children a college education instead of increasing tuitions and cutting programs that limit our children’s opportunity to succeed I want an America that is passionate about protecting our environment not an America that permits the very corporations that are leaving a legacy of pollution to our children to write our environmental laws. I want an America that is feared by our enemies. An America that will swiftly and fiercely make them feel our wrath for any attempt to destroy our democracy, but I also want an America that is not isolated because of our unilateral or arbitrary decision to go it alone. I want an America that perseveringly pursues all avenues for peace, an America that unites our allies instead of alienating them. I want an America that protects our workers, not one that encourages corporations to seek larger profits overseas by giving huge tax breaks and incentives. I want an America that has transparency in its government, one that uses the halls of Congress to legislate for the good of our nation, not for the good of those whose only desire is to increase their profits at our nation’s expense. I want an America that respects the sovereignty of all nations and accepts the type of governance that they have voted for. RICK BOLANOS AND HIS BROTHERS fought for this country valiantly. The present administration would try to convince you that his valor is meaningless. No patriot’s valor is meaningless. No patriot’s service should be smeared; no patriot’s service should be vilified just for the sake of winning an election. Rick is a patriot who is fervently passionate about his military and his nation. He doesn’t hesitate an instant in seeking to provide our patriots, our fighting men and women who are sacrificing their lives for the greatest nation on the face of this earth with the support that is within his ability to provide.

[UncleNoel]

1. Love to see these Texans Kicking GOP Butt in the lone star state.

It is a great state and we want it back.

[sonias]

2. Thanks for the roundup trillian!

Sonia