wendy davis interviewed at state convention

Be sure to check out Off the Kuff's interview with State Senate (SD 10) candidate Wendy Davis here at the Texas Democratic Convention this past weekend in Austin.

Kuff asks Davis about her qualifications, her personal history, and her candidacy. Listen to the interview and get to know the Democrat that wants to represent the Fort Worth area in the Texas Senate.

Also, you can hear Kuff's interviews with Rep. Dan Barrett, Robert Mikos, and Chris Turner.

dan barrett wins early vote in fort worth district

Dan Barrett, the Fort Worth Democrat endorsed by TexBlog PAC and the Texas Progressive Alliance for State Representative in District 97, has won the early vote in that district's special election and is on track to take the seat, according to Burnt Orange Report.

UPDATE: With nearly 30 of 46 precincts reporting, Barrett is still up with over 53% of the vote. Hat tip to KT at BOR for following this race so closely and accurately.

TEXAS PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE ENDORSES DAN BARRETT IN TEXROOTS 2007 SLATE

AUSTIN -- The Texas Progressive Alliance, a confederation of political blogs, bloggers, and online activists from across Texas, today announced its endorsement of Dan Barrett (D-Fort Worth) in the special election runoff in House District 97.

"We believe that Dan Barrett will make an excellent addition to the growing numbers of Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives," said Vince Leibowitz, Chair of the Texas Progressive Alliance. "We are pleased to offer him our support," he continued.

In early November, Barrett led a field of seven candidates vying for the seat vacated by retiring State Rep. Anna Mowery, a longtime ally of Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick.

"I believe the voters in House District 97 are ready for a change and will realize that Dan Barrett will be no rubber-stamp for Tom Craddick's regime and policies," said Charles Kuffner of Houston, the vice chair of the Alliance.

This is the second year for the Alliance, which is made up of more than 50 bloggers representing more than 30 of the state's most widely read progressive political blogs, to endorse candidates through its TexRoots program.

The TexRoots program helps bring blog readers and online activists to specific candidates and races where their funds can make an immediate difference. The Alliance endorsed three candidates for its TexRoots 2006 rollout during the mid-term elections including State Rep. Juan Garcia (D-Corpus Christi).

star-telegram predicts runoff in district 97

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram thinks a runoff election is likely in the race to replace retired State Rep. Anna Mowery, a Republican, in District 97. According to early voting totals, Democrat Dan Barrett is in the lead in that race with 32 percent of the vote.

Fort Worth attorney Bob Leonard, who held the seat before Ms. Mowery, was second after early voting with 22 percent of the votes. Pediatrician Mark M. Shelton was third with 19 percent, and Craig Goldman, a former aide to retired U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm, was fourth with 16 percent. Jeff Humbert, Chris Hatch and James Schull each received 5 percent or less of the early votes cast.

Yeah, depending on what the final numbers look like, we may be looking at a runoff election. Congrats to Dan, though! He's got a ten point advantage over his next closest competitor.