Democrats plan to target Texas in 2012 U.S. Senate

[derby378]

In the latest twist in the U.S. Senate race in Texas, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington state, chairwoman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, made the surprising announcement Thursday that Texas will be one of the party's "six in 12" -- six target states with GOP seats up in 2012.

There's at least one holdup with those plans: No well-known Democrat has publicly shown interest in making the race in Texas, where Republicans hold every statewide office.

Asked by the Star-Telegram why she is optimistic about Texas, Murray answered with "a two-word response: changing demographics." Asked about a candidate, Murray said: "Yes, we're talking to someone. I expect to see something very soon."

http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/04/14/3002114/democrats-plan-to-target-texas.html

[Tx4obama]

1. Texas is more of a PURPLE (voters) state than red, it's time to kick the GOP out! :) n/t

[The Philosopher]

2. What about Radnofsky?

She ran for Attorney General last election, but the election before that she ran for Senator. I hope they aren't talking to Bill White about running for Senate. I'd like to see him run for Governor again (and maybe actually get to DEBATE a certain someone...). There's also Chris Bell.

If they're going to invest in Texas, they need to do more than just help with the Senate race. The national and state DP need to recruit from the precinct level on up--people not only to run as candidates, but also to stump and hold luncheon fundraisers. If Texas is going to turn Blue, you can't just run candidates--you have to change minds and ideology, too. And you have to be aggressive about it as well.

[derby378]

3. Radnofsky would be a good choice with a little retooling

John Sharp would show promise, but I wonder if he's abandoned any plans to run for the Senate.

There's one declared Democratic Senate candidate, but I doubt anyone's heard of him, and I just don't think he can get the traction needed.

[Melissa G]

4. Sanchez will neither confirm or deny

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x903884

[northoftheborder]

6. Who is the declared candidate?????

[PDittie]

8. None yet. eom

[TxVietVet]

7. The Texas Democrats have to learn how to get the message out.

Polk County has the RV association, ESCAPEES, and it has a ton of voters registered in the county, yet are absentee. They don't live here, vote primarily for the rethugs, and don't have to worry about any lifestyle issues here in the county.
A lawsuit basically determined that those absentee residents have the right to claim that RV park that they never live in as a home.

I know why it's done and had considered it myself. It's not fair to the people that live there and have to pay taxes there.

How would you feel if your taxes were determined by people who don't reside in your community?

Get the message out. The conservanazis dominate the airwaves.

[northoftheborder]

5. Radnofsky, NO. Sanchez, NO.

The current mayor of San Antonio, maybe? Can't remember his name. John Sharp: very good. State Sen. Kirk Watson would be fantastic, IMO. But a charismatic Henry Cisneros type would be dynamite. Trouble is, I don't know him.

[PDittie]

9. One of the Castro twins.

The one that isn't the state rep. Joaquin, I believe (I'll leave the Googling to someone else.)

NO on Sharp. Watson couldn't beat Abbott for AG a few years ago, and I would hate losing his Senate seat to a Puke.

Tommy Lee Jones is the Democrats' only hope (and I am NOT joking):

http://brainsandeggs.blogspot.com/2011/03/mess-is-here.html

[The Philosopher]

10. Half of me

is saying, "We've been down that road before and it's NOT good," and the other half is, "HOLY FUCK, TOMMY LEE JONES AS MY SENATOR? TAKE THAT MINNESOTA!"

I already signed the petition, but I wonder what his actual political positions are. If he's not a Blue Dog but an actual Progressive, I will be really, really happy.