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August 04, 2005
Candidates Anyone? State House District 133
Several weeks ago, we began a call for candidates on the Democratic side for Houston area races in 2006. Given the less than impressive governing performance by Texas Republicans at every level, and natural increasing competitiveness in Harris County, it is critical that Democrats field strong candidates next year for a number of local races.
First on the list to be profiled was State House District 134. Happily, a strong candidate -- Ellen Cohen -- has already announced her intention to run, and has already been out there working hard.
Next on the docket: State House District 133, home to the ethically challenged Joe Nixon (there's a face only a mother could love), who will likely throw his hat into the ring to replace retiring State Senator Jon Lindsay.
This west Houston district abuts District 149 (now represented by freshman superstar Hubert Vo), and mirrors it in many ways.
Here are some interesting parallels.
1980 Race/Ethnicity Breakdown
Dist. 133 Anglo - 82% African American - 4% Latino - 7% Asian - 7%
Dist. 149 Anglo - 81% African American - 5% Latino - 6% Asian - 8%
1990 Race/Ethnicity Breakdown
Dist. 133 Anglo - 64% African American - 13% Latino - 15% Asian - 8%
Dist. 149 Anglo - 61% African American - 12% Latino - 13% Asian - 14%
2000 Race/Ethnicity Breakdown
Dist. 133 Anglo - 43% African American - 19% Latino - 23% Asian - 13%
Dist. 149 Anglo - 41% African American - 18% Latino - 21% Asian - 21%
Est. 2004 Race/Ethnicity Breakdown
Dist. 133 Anglo - 35% African American - 21% Latino - 27% Asian - 17%
Dist. 149 Anglo - 35% African American - 20% Latino - 23% Asian - 23%
And then there's this:
Democratic Share of Two-Party Presidential Vote – 1976-2004
District 133 District 149
1976 20% 20%
1980 19% 19%
1984 22% 24%
1988 27% 30%
1992 34% 43%
1996 37% 43%
2000 39% 39%
2004 44% 46%
This district is ready for a Democrat to win it. As of yet, while several possibilities have been mentioned, nobody has stepped up to run.
Democrats must file a strong candidate for this race -- someone with broad appeal, who can either provide his or her own resources or raise money, who will campaign like hell for the next year plus.
Any takers?
Posted by houtopia at August 4, 2005 10:46 PM