Some potential good news from the Chron story about Ron Paul’s announcement that he will not seek re-election in CD14:
One with a definite interest in the race is Nick Lampson, a Beaumont Democrat who represented Texas’ 9th Congressional District from 1997 to 2005 before falling victim to the controversial mid-decade redistricting effort engineered by then-House Majority Leader Tom Delay.
Lampson lost in 2004 to U.S. Rep. Ted Poe, R-Humble, regained a seat in 2006 when he defeated DeLay and lost again in 2008 to U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, R-Sugar Land.
“I certainly have an interest in taking a look at being back in Congress,” Lampson said. “I don’t want to go back and get caught up in all the divisiveness that’s going on now, but I would really look at an opportunity to explore serving Texas.”
University of Houston political scientist Richard Murray, a redistricting expert, noted that the newly drawn 14th district is very similar to the district Lampson represented before DeLay took it apart. “A strong Democrat deeply rooted in Jefferson County would have a chance,” he said.
Yes, I thought so, too. Lampson is a known commodity and a strong fundraiser, both of which are big advantages. If he can get the Republican-inclined folks who used to vote for him back in the day to do so again, he can win. He’s not the only possible option – Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski would be a good candidate as well, though so far he has not said anything publicly about this – but the fact that at least one credible candidate is expressing interest is a good sign.
Must be tough for Lampson losing to class acts like Poe and Olson.
The Democratic Party has only one way to go in Texas and that is up. It is a process that will take several cycles but Republicans have been bad for Texas in the last few cycles. The U.S. House is an embarrassment and some of that embarrassment comes from the Texas delegation. There will likely be more push back in other states than Texas but the U.S. House and Texas House will both have more Democrats next session.
Pingback: Lampson looking at options – Off the Kuff
Nick Lampson served us well in the past and made a effort to work with the other side of the aisle on several bills. He is someone I would be proud to support and I know the House would be a better place with him there.
Nancy Johnson