Clay Jenkins is a candidate for County Judge in Dallas. He’s running in the Democratic primary against the incumbent, Jim Foster, who knocked off the Republican incumbent in the 2006 countywide sweep, in a race nobody expected him to win. (This is why we say Run Everywhere.) I don’t normally get involved in that kind of race outside of the Houston area, but Jenkins was a big supporter of Rick Noriega last year, and any friend of the Noriegas i a friend of mine. Rick and Melissa are hosting an event for Clay Jenkins at their place this Sunday – details are beneath the fold – so if you’d like to know more about Jenkins and what’s going on in Dallas, come on out to the Noriegas’ house on Sunday and find out.
From the email invitation:
Clay is a life-long Democrat and a fifth-generation North Texan. He is an attorney, businessman and civic leader with a proven track record of accomplishments in the Dallas community, including his service as President of TTLA Dallas.
All of Texas faces new challenges, and it is Clay’s leadership and experience that will provide the stature and relationships needed to tackle issues facing Dallas County.
Many of you also know Clay’s mama, Joann Jenkins, who is a SDEC legend. If you remember the commercials from my campaign, those were filmed at Clay’s house in Dallas-when you know a Jenkins, you have a loyal and true friend.
According to the Dallas Morning News, his endorsements include other significant Dallas county leaders:
Jenkins, who is making his first run for public office, was flanked by Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and District Clerk Gary Fitzsimmons during his announcement. Other Democrats who have endorsed Jenkins include U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, state Sen. Royce West and District Attorney Craig Watkins. (Dallas Morning News, March 6, 2009)
For a complete bio go to www.jenkinsfordallascounty.com.
Please join Melissa and me at our home, 4430 Pease St, Houston, TX, 77023, on Sunday, May 31, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, to meet Clay Jenkins, the next County Judge in Dallas County. RSVP to lschechter@gmail.com or 713 385 3015.
I am submitting this email in my support of Clay Jenkins for Dallas County Judge. It is my prayer that his strength and leadership; along with his humility and wisdom will position him to bring about positive change that is much needed for all of Dallas. Businesses, families, schools, and people in general are in need of a change that will ultimately show the value of life for all-that every neighborhood, every family, and every business are important.
Be blessed Mr. Jenkins and hold fast to your faith. With God all things are possible.
This is an editorial that came out 7-16-09 on the Burnt Orange Report:
Clay Jenkins Shows Fundraising Muscle in Race for Dallas County Judge
by: Todd Hill
Thu Jul 16, 2009 at 01:00 PM CDT
Democratic Attorney Clay Jenkins flexed some financial muscle in his attempt to replace Dallas County Judge Jim Foster, also a Democrat, by reporting having raised over $250,000 from almost 300 donors as of June 30th.
“I am extremely pleased and humbled by the strong show of support for this campaign. The encouragement and assistance I’ve received from the 293 individual donors as well as the growing number of volunteers demonstrates that Dallas County is ready for a change to new leadership and to moving forward,” says Jenkins.
Jenkins has demonstrated himself to be a force to be reckoned with rather quickly since he has entered the political scene in Dallas. He already boasts endorsements from high profile figures such as State Senator Royce West, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, former Congressman Martin Frost, along with a number of State House members such as Roberto Alonzo, Kirk England, and Allen Vaught. Ironically, the challenge Jenkins is likely to have is not from the incumbent Foster, but from a current state house member in Helen Giddings of Desoto. The state representative from House District 109 continues to be mum on her future plans but has a campaign account with over $150,000 cash on hand. Giddings can transfer her COH to a county judge race.
Dallas County Judge is one of the hottest races in the county. Since winning the judgeship on the coattails of the dramatic Democratic sweep of 2006, Jim Foster has performed well below expectations–proving himself at times to be a bit in over his head. Although Foster appears to be running for a second term, he didn’t find it all that important to fundraise as if he were. No report from his campaign at this time as to how he did this past quarter. Dallas County Schools President, Larry Duncan, raised a paltry $1000.
The numbers Jenkins has posted in fundraising, and the party support he has so far, should be enough to make Foster realize he has no base of support with which to continue a serious campaign for another term. It should also serve notice to Giddings that if she wishes to run she’ll have a formidable candidate to defeat, and one who has proven he can raise money. Jenkins has demonstrated that he is savvy enough of a campaigner to clear a field that once included one-time candidate for Dallas mayor, and former state representative Sam Coates. At this time no serious candidate stands in Jenkins way; however, that is assuming Giddings decides she likes Austin more than downtown Dallas.