TX: Democrat Chris Bell announces run for governor

[Sam Spade]

With candidates like Chris Bell and Felix Alvarado, the Democrats will sure get far in the governor's race.

[/sarcasm]

Democrats are hoping that John Sharp will get into the race, but it appears like his political committee is donating money to Carole Keeton Strayhorn (not surprising).

In short, barring some surprise announcement, this looks like a two-person Republican primary battle for governor.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/3286291

Democrat Chris Bell announces bid for governor

Associated Press

AUSTIN — Former one-term Democratic Congressman Chris Bell announced his bid for Texas governor today in an e-mail to supporters.
 
Bell, a Houston lawyer, was elected to the U.S. House in 2002. He lost his seat to Democrat Al Green after his district was redrawn.

Bell is best known for accusing House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of ethical violations. DeLay, a Republican, was instrumental in the GOP-led Texas congressional redistricting effort that resulted in Bell's defeat.

Although DeLay was admonished by the House, Bell also was criticized for exaggerating misconduct allegations against the GOP leader.

Bell has been exploring a campaign for governor for months but has struggled so far to gain firm footing as a candidate who could win not only the Democratic nomination, but also win the Governor's Mansion in a state dominated by Republicans. The GOP has held every statewide office since the 1998 elections.

Bell reported raising about $153,000 in campaign contributions during the first six months of the year. Maverick independent candidate Kinky Friedman, a musician and author, raised $300,000 in the same period.

And Bell is well behind the millions raised by the top Republicans in the 2006 primary, Gov. Rick Perry and Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn.

Democrats also are waiting to see if former state comptroller John Sharp will run for governor. Sharp lost races for lieutenant governor in 1998 and 2002. The political committee for Ryan & Company, an accounting firm where Sharp is a principal, gave $200,000 to Strayhorn's campaign.

Felix Alvarado, a middle school assistant principal from Fort Worth who ran for Congress in 2002 and 2004, has also said he'll run for governor as a Democrat.

[Sam Spade]

This 'Texas Democratic Party' is getting too much press for not being one of the major parties.

In certain parts of Texas, the Texas Libertarian Party is more of a major party (runs more candidates, gets more votes) than the Texas Democrats.

Should tell you something about the state of the party.

[Sam Spade]

What a bunch of worthless right-wing propaganda. How the hell is it possible to exaggerate the scandals involving DeLay? He's involved in so many of them. Change your avatar already, Sam Spade. You are no Democrat.

Uh, what does this have to do with the topic, fern?  I just posted the announcement article from the Houston Chronicle which was copied from the Associated Press.  I didn't know the Associated Press was right-wing propaganda.

My minor commentary above is quite accurate, but has nothing to do with Tom DeLay. 

It has to do with the fact that Chris Bell is a laughable candidate.

Reasons:  Historically, he is a white candidate who appeals to the already Democrat latte liberal classes in Houston, Dallas and Austin and has had zero ability to gain votes among the black and Hispanic communities, either when he ran for mayor in 2001 or when his district got gerrymandered against him in 2004.  I should know about 2001, I voted for him then.  He also has zero appeal in the suburbs of Texas or in the rural areas.  With that combination, he'll be lucky to reach 40% against any candidate in Texas and with Kinky Friedman in the race, the number could go much lower.

Compare this to the successful outreach of my former Congressman, Gene Green, a white man who won a race in a 65% Hispanic district and who has not been seriously challenged since.

Fern, honestly your blind hatred gets the best of you sometimes.