Well, this is interesting news.
Retired for all of four months, former Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle is considering running for a new job, possibly as the state's top lawyer."There have been people who have talked to me about statewide runs," for either governor or attorney general, said Earle, who served as Travis County's top prosecutor for 31 years before retiring in December.
Earle is an appealing candidate in many ways. He's well known around the state, which is something you can't say for many Texas Dems. He'd have no trouble firing up the base, thanks to his pursuit of Tom DeLay. Even better, the DeLay brand is sullied enough that any resentment of this case would likely be limited for the most part to folks who wouldn't vote for any Democrat anyway. The eventual and long-awaited prosecutions of DeLay and his cronies would keep Earle's name in the news even with him gone from the Travis County DA's office. If everyone gets acquitted it would be a negative for him, but I think the odds are pretty good of at least some convictions. Earle's reputation is that of a straight-shooter, which would play very nicely with any kind of reform message. All in all, there's a lot to like about this.
Now of course, Democrats already have candidates for each of these offices. With all due respect to Tom Schieffer, I'd vote for Ronnie Earle in a heartbeat for the gubernatorial nomination. But if Sen. Leticia Van de Putte runs, I'd likely prefer her, as I think her legislative experience will make her the stronger candidate. Attorney General would be an excellent fit for Earle, and as much as I respect Barbara Radnofsky, I'd be strongly inclined to support Earle for that office. Maybe BAR might consider shifting focus to the Supreme Court if Earle does jump in - that's where statewide Dems have gotten their highest vote totals in the past couple of elections, and her name ID would be as much of an asset there as anywhere else on the ballot.
Of course, all this is predicated on Earle actually taking the plunge in one of these races. I've lost count of the number of "so-and-so is considering a run for something" stories I've seen in the past few years; if I had a nickel for each one, my 401(k) would still be worth something. If and when we hear more about his ambitions, or those of anyone else who might be lurking out there, we'll figure it all out then. Thanks to BOR for the tip.
Posted by Charles Kuffner on April 27, 2009 to Election 2010All the speculation about who should run for what is becoming a game of musical chairs. He should run for this. She should run for that. No, she should run for what he is running for. He should run for what she is running for. Everyone needs to run for what they believe they can win and will allow them to best serve Texans and hope everyone supports them. Which doesn't always happen with Democrats in Texas. Mainly because they are mad because he is now running instead of her and she is now running instead of him so to speak. How dare they!
Sorry but I think Barbara Radnofsky should challenge whoever is running for the US Senate in 2012. Regardless of who the Republican candidate may be. Unless someone else comes forth she is probably the most likely to win the seat if she runs at least of the possible Democratic candidates. Most Democrats I know have no intention of voting for John Sharp and if the Chronicle keeps "chronicling" the back room deals of Bill White he won't be able to be elected dog catcher.
What I don't like is this "demotion" of Barbara Radnofsky into "second place" positions. She's running for AG but now you and others believe Ronnie Earle would be better. He might be. But he might also provide enough fuel for a huge firestorm among Republicans who will turn out in massive numbers just to defeat him. Not so much fuel with Barbara Radnofsky.
I think she deserves first place and right now that first place is Kay Bailey Hutchison's seat.
One position of hers that at least garnered attention from Republicans was her position on immigration reform. Without pandering to either side, she simply reminded everyone that we have a law that we need to finally enforce. Meaning the law that holds employers accountable instead of the employees.
Most Republicans are afraid of "going there" because of the Bob Perrys and the Bo Pilgrims. But Barbara did. And she echoed the feeling of a lot of Republicans.
She also echoed the feeling of a lot of Democrats. Particularly those who remembered the warning of Barbara Jordan of what would happen if we didn't enforce the law. Which did happen.
A politically incorrect position but one that can win elections.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with putting American workers first. Which is exactly the position that Barbara Jordan took.
It's a shame Barbara Radnofsky didn't emphasize her position more in 2006. She might have been elected.
Posted by: Baby Snooks on April 27, 2009 11:57 AM