Bell Taking A Look At Senate Seat Special Election
Ok…ok, I know that Sam and I have been out of pocket a bit lately, and for that we apologize. Believe us, if we could circumvent the day jobs, we would. But time in now back on our sides, and what better way to get started than with the news that former Houston City Councilman, candidate for Mayor of Houston, 1 term Congressman, crybaby over being just a 1 term Congressman, and failed Gubernatorial candidate Chris Bell is now thinking about making a run at the State Senate seat being vacated by Senator Janek. I guess if he keeps running, then Chris Bell will eventually find something, right?
As Gardner Selby reports (scroll all the way down to the bottom of the Central Texas Digest), Chris Bell - who had the worst campaign website for a gubernatorial candidate ever - is thinking about and being encouraged to throw his hat in the ring for the SD 17 seat. But poor Bell really made money sound like an issue, with his only comments on the matter centering on his struggles to pay off his debts from his statewide race in ‘06, not exactly the sound bite you would be looking for if you’re trying to start a buzz about your chances.
Since Chris can’t do it himself, I’ll start that buzz for him. I could see him winning this race, I wouldn’t bet on it, but it wouldn’t surprise me either. Here’s why. Senator Watson is right, the name ID that Bell would have at the start of this race would be leaps and bounds ahead of his opponents, giving him the upper hand in securing votes. Bell’s prior service to the Houston area will also give him a boost, and, in my opinion, Democrats seem to do a little better in Special Elections than Republicans, an advantage they will need in this district that still goes about 58 - 60 percent Republican.
But Bell’s biggest advantage in this race could be his former foe, Rick Perry. If Perry sets the Special Election date to coincide with the November general then Scott Hochberg (a.k.a. Chicken) will likely sit it out and not wager his House Seat for the promotion, thus clearing the way for one Democrat candidate…Chris Bell.
If that scenario plays out then the scenario that Chris Bell would be looking to follow would be for multiple R candidates to split an apathetic R November vote and for him to ride his name ID and sole claim to the D vote to victory. That could happen, which is why I hope that Harris County Republicans are ready for this race.
So now that I have created the buzz for Chris Bell (you see, I’m good to Democrats too) I’ve got a prize for who ever can name and provide proof of whoever was the last person in Texas to run and lose for Governor, and then turn around and run for a seat in the State Legislature.
Happy hunting.
2 Responses to “Bell Taking A Look At Senate Seat Special Election”
By Paul Burgess on May 25, 2008
The problem with what you write is that you refute your own contention. Bell has obviously “found something” twice and would still be in congress today but for the Repugs’ redistricting (something you conveniently forgot to mention). You don’t think Repugs would engage in a little complaining if the Democrats were to concoct and carry out a similar scheme when the majority shifts in the near future? Right. Furthermore, I read Selby’s story and it’s not about Bell’s “money woes” at all. Just the opposite: he has no debt left from his race for governor so he is completely free to turn Kyle Janek’s seat from red to blue. That’s what you’re obviously upset about and when it gets so freakin’ bad that you have to criticize a guy for his website - oh well, I guess it’s just that freakin’ bad for Repugs these days.
By Jake Hatlin on May 25, 2008
RE: Paul
That article was completly about Bell’s money woes. There were no quotes about how excited he is at the prospect, or how he’s got the money in the bank to do it.
The Demns are talking big about this race, but when push comes to shove, we’ll see if they are actually there with the money.
And that was the worst website ever - totally opening Bell up for any grief he gets down the road.