The Texas Progressives

Most people don't associate progressivism with the so-called uber-red state of Texas, but even the Lone Star state is feeling the urge to get away from the Bush brigade that it spawned. Of course, you might not have heard about the Dem ticket for 2006 in Texas and that's exactly how the mainstream news media wants it....buried and gone. But progressives have ascended to a prominent position in the party and are fighting as hard as they can to wrest power from the Neo-cons, "con"-servatives and Repugs in Dems' clothing that have plagued the state for decades. That being said, there is still a large contingent of "conservative" Democrats standing in their way and it's up to the grass roots to get the job done.

There seems to have been a renewal of both populism and anger that have merged into a grass roots attempt at ousting the Repugs from Austin. One would most likely locate the breaking point sometime during the 2000 presidential election. Dems all over were angry and frustrated having found that the national party, once again, saw Texas as a lost cause and only harassed supporters for money that would not be used in the state. The state convention swelled with new activists looking to change the balance of power. New blood from El Paso to Lubbock to Beaumont came together in Houston. More recently, the Fort Worth convention saw an all-out battle between the traditional and liberal factions for party chair. The libs lost (you know how deal-making turns out), but the message to the establishment was clear. "We're here and you will deal with us."

While there are Dems fighting all over the state in even the most scarlet of counties, here's a taste of some of the most progressive, populist, state-wide barn-burners leading the way.

David van Os is a populist progressive firestorm labor lawyer running for the position of Texas Attorney General against the law-breaking, partisan hackery of Bush-crony Greg Abbott. David has publically challenged the malfeasance of the oil giants shouting his war slogan, "I'm coming for you!" He is publically opposing the Trans-Texas Corridor and abuses of eminent domain. As David says, "There is no legislation that can't be repealed, and no politician that can't be fired at election time..." A staunch supporter of the 14th Amendment and veterans, David has received many awards for his lifetime of work fighting for the Constitution, including Civil Libetarian of the Year from the ACLU and Good Guy recognition from the Texas Womens' Political Caucus. David is also a founding member of the Texas Progressive Populist Caucus. David van Os is a true champion of the people. Those who see him speak live are always impressed and ready to go out and kick elephant behind. Join him at http://www.vanosfortexasag.com/.

Hank Gilbert wants to be Texas's next Ag Commissioner and is supported in that cause by many, including the Texas Fraternal Order of Police. Hank is a former teacher and all around good guy who also opposes the Trans-Texas Corridor. But he grew up a farmer and has farming in his blood. Hank understands the Republican agenda that is hurting so many people across Texas and we're not just talking about farmers. If you want to know how all Texans can benefit from a Democrat as Ag Commissioner, just ask Hank. As he says, "If you eat, you're automatically involved in Agriculture." Help Hank out at www.http://www.hankgilbert.com/

Maria Luisa Alvarado is A San Antonian looking to be the new Texas Lt. Governor. Most people don't realize that the Lt. Governor in the Lone Star state is more powerful than the Governor with lots of pull in the legislative process. Maria seeks to stop the abuses of Austin in matters of equality and, as a veteran herself, wishes to see all Texas vets gets a fair shake. Maria is one of those do-gooders-turned-politician you really have to hear. Maria's campaign can be found at http://www.onetexasforall.com/about.html.

Eliot Shapleigh is a state senator who most people in Texas can't vote for, but unlike higher profile races such as Lampson's bid for DeLay's seat, this race is not getting the attention it needs. El Paso is one of the last bastions of Democrats in Texas, but Eliot is facing a Bush-crony candidate backed by Karl Rove's firm. Shap, like many candidates, is taking a beating in the local media which has conclusively decided to back his challenger, insurance baron Dee Margo. Margo has blasted Shapleigh as being uneffective and a failed leader because El Paso has become the fourth poorest county in the nation while Eliot has been in office. What Margo omits is that it is the leadership in Austin that has failed El Pasoans....the Repug leadership. Tom Craddick has publically stated his opposition to helping El Paso. Margo represents corporate interests and sides with anathemas such as ASARCO, a copper smelter that plans to reopen right smack in the heart of El Paso's Westside, after decades of poisoning people in three states and two countries. Margo is well-funded and backed by developers. Shap could use the help. Go to http://shapleigh.org/ .

There are so many great candidates running for office this time around and they would all appreciate your support. Texas wins when these people win and it is up to the voters to get out there and put them in office where they belong. For too long now, the Repugs have run roughshod over Texas and have engaged in the most despicable acts of partisan politics. It's time to stop allowing them to enrich themselves at our expense and, to paraphrase Sean Penn playing Huey Long in the upcoming movie All the King's Men, "Let them lie in the filth they made."

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