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.