The 2010 census has come and almost gone. The state population totals will be due by December 31st of this year. The Texas population is said to have grown by 19% and the Texas congressional districts are expected to gain 3-4 more seats. This is very important for the redistricting of Texas. Texas is a republican ruled state and if the democrats want to change that, it is time for them to rally together and unite for the upcoming election.
Redistricting is mandatory after a census is submitted and tallied. Texas' recent rise in population is very good news for the democrats, but only if they can get out to vote. The last midterm election was in 2006 and the percentage of voters who came out to vote was only 33.64%. If the democrats could organize in Texas it could change the dynamics in Texas government. Although the majority is not substantial, after the republicans have control of the redistricting, they could easily keep the lead and make it so for future elections.
Following final adoption by both houses, each redistricting bill is presented to the governor for approval. The governor may sign the bill into law, allow it to take effect without a signature, or veto it. If the house or senate redistricting bill is vetoed and the veto cannot be overridden by the legislature, the Legislative Redistricting Board is required to meet. The governor plays a very influential role in deciding what new districts are going to be created. Therefore, it is very important that we elect a democrat as a governor if we want any chance of forming more democratic districts. Although the creation of districts are supposed to remain non-partisan, it happens every time.
If Texas does not gain a democratic governor and more democratic representatives, it will surely be an exciting redistricting year.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Informed Decision
Who is in the lead?
Governor Rick Perry and Bill White are in the race to become Governor in the 2010 Texas election. According the the Houston Chronicle, White is gaining momentum. He is apparently catching up to Perry in two polls released last Tuesday. This is no doubt because of the recent ads released on television by White and the Democratic Back to Basics PAC releasing ads in 24 different newspapers. The ads are calling Perry a coward for not wanting to debate with White and claiming that Perry isn't doing anything about insurance companies raising rates on Texans. White, on the other hand, has just released his plan for home owner insurance reform. Perry hasn't released a plan or progress for insurance reform and he has apparently wrote it off as a non-issue. Perry has not released any television ads, while White seems to be advertising everywhere. Everywhere you look there is an ad running for Bill White. Whether it be Internet, television, or newspapers. Perry advertising consists of sponsoring a Nascar driven by Bobby Labonte. There are some pokes at White on Perry's website, but that is about it. White is trying to take Perry down from all angles. The claim that Perry was a coward even reached national news. Perry is working hard to make it known that White didn't pay taxes in 1995. He seems to think this is the issue that will bring White down. White spokeswoman Katy Bacon said that White had left the energy department in 1995 to start an energy company and because of this investment, White had no taxable income. She claims that Perry is just trying to avoid talking about real issues, such as Texas's 18 billion dollar loss. Another claim supported by Perry is that you shouldn't vote for White because he has spent millions in Houston to expand parks, libraries, and public clinics. I don't really see how this is a bad thing. 1) Parks- Houston is considered one of the most obese cities in America and there is an increasing problem with childhood obesity. Additional parks seems like a good investment for a healthier Houston. 2) Libraries- This is another one I have a real problem with. Reading and research is essential for increasing an intelligent society. Additional libraries would help develop the minds of the growing city. 3) Public Clinics- Houston has one of the highest ratings for uninsured Americans. With that said, it would only make sense to try to accommodate that sector of society. The uninsured are less likely to seek treatment for their illnesses and it would behoove the city to keep all citizens healthy. Opening public clinics would give an affordable option to the uninsured. The upcoming months will test the candidate's campaign strategies. We will have to wait to see if White's strategy will continue to pull him forward or if Perry's strategy will keep him in the lead.
Governor Rick Perry and Bill White are in the race to become Governor in the 2010 Texas election. According the the Houston Chronicle, White is gaining momentum. He is apparently catching up to Perry in two polls released last Tuesday. This is no doubt because of the recent ads released on television by White and the Democratic Back to Basics PAC releasing ads in 24 different newspapers. The ads are calling Perry a coward for not wanting to debate with White and claiming that Perry isn't doing anything about insurance companies raising rates on Texans. White, on the other hand, has just released his plan for home owner insurance reform. Perry hasn't released a plan or progress for insurance reform and he has apparently wrote it off as a non-issue. Perry has not released any television ads, while White seems to be advertising everywhere. Everywhere you look there is an ad running for Bill White. Whether it be Internet, television, or newspapers. Perry advertising consists of sponsoring a Nascar driven by Bobby Labonte. There are some pokes at White on Perry's website, but that is about it. White is trying to take Perry down from all angles. The claim that Perry was a coward even reached national news. Perry is working hard to make it known that White didn't pay taxes in 1995. He seems to think this is the issue that will bring White down. White spokeswoman Katy Bacon said that White had left the energy department in 1995 to start an energy company and because of this investment, White had no taxable income. She claims that Perry is just trying to avoid talking about real issues, such as Texas's 18 billion dollar loss. Another claim supported by Perry is that you shouldn't vote for White because he has spent millions in Houston to expand parks, libraries, and public clinics. I don't really see how this is a bad thing. 1) Parks- Houston is considered one of the most obese cities in America and there is an increasing problem with childhood obesity. Additional parks seems like a good investment for a healthier Houston. 2) Libraries- This is another one I have a real problem with. Reading and research is essential for increasing an intelligent society. Additional libraries would help develop the minds of the growing city. 3) Public Clinics- Houston has one of the highest ratings for uninsured Americans. With that said, it would only make sense to try to accommodate that sector of society. The uninsured are less likely to seek treatment for their illnesses and it would behoove the city to keep all citizens healthy. Opening public clinics would give an affordable option to the uninsured. The upcoming months will test the candidate's campaign strategies. We will have to wait to see if White's strategy will continue to pull him forward or if Perry's strategy will keep him in the lead.
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