The Denton County Texas primaries have been set. On the Republican side, it looks like a free for all for the local seats, per usual. On the Democratic side, even though only fielding 4 local candidates, they are all very well qualified for their contests, which is something that hasn't always happened in past years.
The Republican side has several races with contested primaries. I've been hearing part of this is due in part to Tea Party rabble rousing, and partly because that party enjoys eating their own. Oh, and partly because many judicial candidates know they have a stark chance of winning as a Democrat, so they run under the Evil Empire instead.
State Reps Myra Crownover and Burt Solomons both drew primary challengers, which is somewhat surprising, given their strong base in the GOP. But it would appear they are targets of the Tea Party. Googling Mike Murphy of Frisco, Solomons's opponent, shows him to be the more "conservative" choice for some. (since original press time, we have been provided a Facebook page for Mr. Murphy by his supporters). Ditto with Kurt Hyde, who is challenging Myra Crownover. He is more along the lines of a Ron Paul fan. They should make for an interesting debate, but I can't see any Republican primarying out their sitting state representative no matter how liberal they might perceive them. They had no problem reelecting them in 2008, so nothing has changed since then.
The other GOP incumbents may be in trouble. In 2008, the incumbent County Commissioner Cynthia White was booted in her primary in favor of since elected Hugh Coleman. 2010 could bring the same fate for incumbents in the judicial races and even District Attorney. Most interesting is 34 year old attorney Brent Bowen, who has filed to run against District Attorney Paul Johnson. Bowen is a past Assistant D.A. for the office. So I am sure he is aware of the allegations that Johnson's office is racist and promotes a hostile work environment. I am not sure that is something Denton County GOP'ers want to keep around. Bowen could pull the upset.
Now on to the people that actually matter and can make a change. Our Democratic field. Former Denton City Councilman and Denton County Democratic Party Chairman Neil Durrance is running for Congressional District 26 and may face some stiff challenges in the general election. Not only will he have to face incumbent Congressman Michael Burgess, he may also be facing multiple 3rd party candidates and an independent candidate with cash, Donald Tracey. While it is hard to run against 3rd parties, who typically siphon votes, they may very well siphon them from Burgess. So Durrance does have a shot at pulling it close. I know Neil will put up a fight regardless of what happens.
First year attorney Paul Gomez will be running for Justice of the Peace District 6 which is in the southeastern corner of the county with Carrollton and Dallas. If voters in the southern portion of the county will actually VOTE then he has a shot at taking down the incumbent. All 4 Dallas precincts went blue in 2008, but their turnout numbers have always been questionable. Those precincts are heavy on apartment dwellers. Keeping transient people motivated is always a problem.
Bill Barnett of Denton will challenge for the Justice of the Peace District 1 spot, which rests in the city of Denton. This seat may very well be the best shot of a Democrat pulling the upset in 2010 and finally gaining a seat in Denton County. Mac Poe, who ran in 2006, had the best vote percentage among Democrats in the entire county against the incumbent Joe Holland. In a losing effort, he pulled 42% of the vote in a time in which Democrats were not even nearly as popular in Denton. Only Mike Ballard, in a losing effort for Constable in 2008, has done any better percentage wise. In an election with around 22,000 votes, winning this seat is entirely possible if it is targeted in the right way.
Last but not least is Stephen Stephens. While he has a great name for weatherman or news anchor, he is a probate lawyer and looks to be our next Probate Court Judge. He has been a probate lawyer for over 30 years, so he is extremely qualified for the job. He also has already held judicial seats, having been a Lewisville and Flower Mound Municipal Court Judge, as well as the City Attorney for Hickory Creek. Probate Court could also be another Democratic upset, as the incumbent is not running for reelection.
I thought it would be rather bland only months ago, but 2010 looks to be an exciting mid term election. I am looking forward to hosting many of these Democratic candidates at the Stonewall Democrats candidate forum on January 15th. We can all learn more about everyone.
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