A Weblog of Centrist Voices in American Politics
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A Weblog of Centrist Voices in American Politics | |
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January 05, 2006Republican Division, Even in TexasThis last week Texas Comptroller, mother of Bush press man Scott McLellan, and centrist Republican Carole Keeton Strayhorn, filed as an independent in the race for Governor. Current Governor Rick Perry, and candidate for re-election, is a conservative. And what is Strayhorn's gripe with the candidate from her own party? Texas belongs to no special interest group, no special political credo, no special individual. It belongs to all Texans. Sound like a familiar tune? I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to Strayhorn, who reportedly has a sharp tongue and the wit to back it up, but because she is a statewide elected official, I am assuming that her candidacy is valid. Furthermore, I think this is a bold and wise political move. Centrists are more than likely not going to win a Republican primary election in Texas against an established conservative opponent. With what will now be a four-way race, it is possible that victory can be declared with 30% of the vote, a feasible goal for a coalition of moderate Republicans, Democrats, and independents. State Senator Russ Potts tried a similar move that failed miserably in Virginia, but he had never been elected statewide, and I submit that moderate leaning voters had an option among the two major party candidates in then Lt. Governor Tim Kaine. On the Democratic side, in Texas, there is a primary between former State Supreme Court Justice Bob Gammage and former Congressman Chris Bell. Bell is the favorite and a DLC Democrat. One could argue that even if Strayhorn's candidacy does not lead to victory it is still good for centrists, because she will strip votes away from the more ideological incumbent. Moose argues the chaotic mess in Texas will only lead to one thing: Governor Kinky Friedman, the other independent candidate. Only in Texas. Posted by Starbucks Republican at January 5, 2006 06:50 PMComments
There are so many angles here, I'm not sure where to start. Strayhorn started as a Democrat, and switched over as Mayor of Austin. Her son is Bush' PR guy. I'd guess she made the move because the GOP firmed up behind Perry following his superb handling of Katrina. It's smart, because there's no widely-known Democrat in the race. Thus, she stands a good chance of getting non-far-left (D) votes. Interestingly, it does turn her necessarily into a centrist candidate, because neither wing is likely to go for her. It'll be interesting to see how she handles the (D) pick. Personally, I'm chuffed, because I was hoping to vote Republican just for the chance to vote against Perry twice.... Go Kinky! Posted by: Blue Jean at January 5, 2006 10:54 PMKINKstah! Posted by: Tully at January 6, 2006 08:35 AMStrayhorn is relatively moderate in a conservative state and can win if most of the non-partisan voters can stick together and help her. This could also be rare opportunity to build a database of moderate voters to help future centrist candidates avoid pandering to the extremes of their party. I think she has a shot at giving Perry a run for his money. For starters, don't look for the White House to come down and campaign for Perry. Not gonna happen. More importantly, Perry has never enjoyed the popularity of his predecessor--even among Republicans. Up until a few months ago, the buzz was that Kay Bailey Hutchinson would challenge Perry. If she had, Perry would have gone down. I say that to say Perry is not a particularly strong incumbent. His only salvation is that he is a Republican in a Republican state. However, Strayhorn (the GOP version of Ann Richards) has GOP ties that would make her pretty hard for the Perry campaign to eviscerate. For all of us who love Ann Richard's wit, I just can't wait to see Strayhorn debate Rick Perry. The woman will eat him alive. Posted by: AR at January 6, 2006 10:16 AMA lot of people think of Texas as a far right state, but that's really not true. If anything, it's a libertarian state. "Just leave me the hell alone" would be our state motto if we wanted to be direct about it. As such, I really can't see Perry winning at this point. He's just too much of a party hack and lacks that cowboy spirit--something both Strayhorn and Kinky have. As for the Dems...I imagine they'll be fighting it out for 3rd place. Posted by: Alan at January 6, 2006 11:46 AMWell, if you like wit, you can still root for Kinky. He's already got the perfect campaign slogan; "LET'S GET KINKY!" Posted by: Blue Jean at January 6, 2006 02:58 PM"Just leave me the hell alone" would be our state motto if we wanted to be direct about it. Dibs! Since y'all aren't using it. |
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