Standing ovation for Bell

[NewJerseyDem]

http://www.thehill.com/news/062404/bell.aspx

After taking a politically cautious stance on Rep. Chris Bell’s (D-Texas) new ethics complaint, a Democratic caucus meeting yesterday gave the retiring lawmaker a standing ovation.

Bell, who lodged his ethics complaint against House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas), was invited to a weekly meeting by caucus Chairman Rep. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.). Earlier yesterday morning Bell also addressed Rep. Frank Pallone’s (D-N.J.) “message meeting.”

“I was heartened by the showing of support; it was a boisterous approval from our caucus,” Bell told The Hill.

[Catch22Dem]

1. I wonder what will become of him

Politically speaking that is.

[NewJerseyDem]

3. Probably not much

He is too liberal to win statewide in Texas and he doesn't have much hope for a return to congress unless redistricting in 2012 works out well. One article said he may very well run for governor or senator in 2006, but I seriously doubt he could win.

[Catch22Dem]

5. Shouldn't they TECHNICALLY

Redistrict in 2010? Technically?

[NewJerseyDem]

7. Well, it won't take affect until 2012

And redistricting isn't done until 2012 often because the Census has to come out and everything doesn't get worked out for a while. But, it is true that redistricting could take at any time now after the Texas re-redistricting.

[Gothmog]

2. Chriss Bell is a class act

I hope that his ethics complaint is heard by the ethics committee.

[Zen Democrat]

4. Chris Bell's not too liberal for Texas Democrats .. or won't be

It's just a matter of time before Texas is a BLUE state again because of the rise in Hispanic voting and, frankly, because since the Republicans have taken over the entire state, people are getting their eyes shoved open. All the things the Republicans accused Democrats of for years .... they are now doing openly and on a grand scale and bragging about it. The Texas legislature is flat-out on the take and following DeLay in lockstep.

Chris Bell was a City Councilman in Houston who was defeated for Mayor -- by another Democrat. Then he ran for Congress and won. Christ is young and has a real future in Texas politics. I'll tell you this much, he's a hero to Texas Democrats for going after DeLay.

[Mel]

6. your not the only person I've

been hearing say Texas is turning Blue I sure hope so and soon! I think it's going to happen and the Republicans will have no one to blame but their own selves!

I sure hope Bell brings DeLay down he so deserves it he's a pos and I honestly think he's Crazy!

[NewJerseyDem]

8. It will be a while

I don't think Texas is certain to go blue and all evidence suggests it is still trending to the right. It may eventually but the hispanic vote along won't turn the state blue especiall with such low numbers of hispanics registering and voting.

[comsymp]

9. Interesting- but a question

You seem to suggest that the rise in Hispanic voting would create a supportive base for a Liberal candidate- If I misunderstood, pls clarify.

*disclaimer- broad brush ahead*

It has been my understanding that Hispanics (specifically referring to Latin Americans in this instance) are, by and large, socially conservative- specifically, views are heavily informed by the (frequently Catholic) Church. I could be wrong- nothing unusual there- but if my understanding is generally correct, then wouldn't that actually take the Great State even further into the clutches of the Right?

[Sugarbleus]

12. A Californian here for BELL...thanks Texas!!

You produced a magnificent man in Chris Bell...WTG

[sonias]

10. I stand up for Chris Bell too

Chris Bell will not go quietly and his political career is far from over. And please stop writing Texas off will you. I think you will be surprised that Texas is making its way back to a blue state. Chris could definitely be in the running for Governor and with new leadership in the Texas Democratic party, we are back in the fight.

You keep forgetting that it was our state Democrats that stood up on the redistricting issue and outsmarted the repukes in this state. If it had not been for the lone traitor in the Texas Senate, we would have beat them. But either way, there is still fight left in us yet.

Sonia

[struggle4progress]

11. kick for the good guys

:kick: