In every major urban and suburban Texas county, where the vast majority of Texans cast their ballots, the Democratic vote share increased betweeen 2004 and 2008. Montgomery County was the single exception. In Denton, Collin, Fort Bend, and Williamson Counties — four of the five most populous traditionally Republican suburban counties — the Democratic vote rose.
Bill White
Kinky on Getting Out
After announcing he’ll drop his bid for governor and run for agriculture commissioner, Kinky Friedman talked with Ben Philpott (reporting for KUT News and the Tribune) about his decision to change races — and his unsuccessful attempt to get rival candidate Farouk Shami to seek a different office as well.
The Brief: December 14, 2009
Kinky Friedman’s song “Before All Hell Breaks Loose” begins, “Time to resign from the human race.” Today, we will find out if he thinks it’s time to do the same in the governor’s race.
It’s Still the Economy, Stupid
Sales taxes are down and the recession in Texas hasn’t bottomed, so financial concerns will almost certainly factor into the governor’s race. Ben Philpott, covering that contest for KUT News and the Tribune, takes a look.
Advice for Annise Parker
Congratulations, Mayor-Elect. Now you get to govern a great city — Houston — that’s much bigger than the electorate and much more complicated than the campaign. Perhaps you’d like some aspirin? Or a re-count?
The Brief: December 11, 2009
If you trust the latest polling, Gene Locke has some sprinting to do today if he wants to catch up in the race to be Houston’s next mayor.
Shami’s Job Train
Democratic gubernatorial Candidate Farouk Shami has kicked off his campaign tour of Texas. The self-proclaimed billionaire spoke with reporters Wednesday afternoon about his goals for Texas. His plan focuses on one specific theme. Ben Philpott is covering the Texas governor’s Race for KUT News and the Trib.
Audio: The Pecking Order
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman could announce this week whether he’ll continue his run or stake his claim to another statewide office.
Guest Column: Democrats’ Irrational Exuberance
In the wake of Bill White’s entry into the Governor’s race, Texas Democrats are understandably — and dangerously — optimistic.
Cap and Trade on the Campaign Trail
Rick Perry attacked the EPA’s decision yesterday to declare carbon dioxide a public danger, arguing that the ruling lacks scientific evidence. The EPA’s move could propel the cost of carbon reduction onto the list of issues in play in the governor’s race. Ben Philpott, who’s covering the 2010 election for KUT News and the Trib, filed this report.



