can ken leach win in denton county?

Our friends over at WhosPlayin have broken down the statistics to show that a victory for Democrat Ken Leach, who's running to unseat Rep. Michael Burgess, a CD-26 Republican, is not out of the question.

Can Democrats really pull off an upset in conservative Denton County?

Well, there's only one way it can happen. YOU have to get out the vote! When you go vote, take a friend, a sibling, a parent, a cousin, a neighbor. Make sure that every progressive voter you know makes it to the polls on Tuesday. This election is so important, and with so much within our grasp we can't afford any missed opportunities.

early voting!

Early voting began today, but you already knew that, didn't you?

After all, Tarrant County smashed early voting records today when over 25,000 people showed up to vote there.

Find more information about early voting by clicking on your county:
Tarrant County
Denton County
Dallas County

Vote! It's your civic duty! And make sure you watch this before you head out to the voting booth.

Castle Hills Democrats

All you South County Dems, take heart. There is a new kid on the block in the world of Denton County political blogs. With a productivity that puts us to shame, Judith Ford, a precinct chair in 227, has launched Castle Hills Democrats.

Castle Hills lies northwest of Dallas between Plano and Carrollton in the Lewisville ISD, approximately three miles east of Interstate 35 East. It is generally bounded by State Highway 121 on the north, Hebron Parkway on the south and Josey Lane on the east and Old Denton Road on the west. It is approximately 8 minutes west of the Dallas North Tollway and Park Blvd.

Judith describes her blog as a mixture information pertinent to Castle Hills residents, plus Democratic commentary, news and viewpoint. Even if you're not from southeast county, bookmark it. There is a calendar of countywide Democratic events that you'll want to return to often.

Oh, and did I mention that there's a presidential poll?

Denton County's Grassroots

In the frenzy of a holiday weekend, we're betting a lot of you missed John McClelland's overview of politics in Denton County at The Texas Blue. It's a very encouraging look at the resurgence of democratic activism in an area that hasn't been associated with that in a very long time.

It should be noted that Denton County’s political offices are held entirely by the GOP. But this does not deter those who want to change a county just north of the newly blue enclave of Dallas. The official Democratic Party structure in the county includes the county chair and precinct chairs. As few as five years ago, the party only involved anywhere from 10 to 20 precinct chairs for the entire county, out of 140 voting precincts. The number of precinct chairs has steadily increased as Democrats make gains in other parts of the country and state. The current number of precinct chairs reached 50 this summer. Thanks in part to active recruitment of friends and neighbors, the Precinct Chair Leadership Committee has worked diligently to add to the party. It also held its first grassroots training class for new and existing precinct chairs in June of this year.

Committees such as Precinct Chair Leadership have made a resurgence due to active county chairs who want to make a difference. Former County Chairwoman Edra Bogle’s active involvement in groups such as Democracy for America started the grassroots push in local party politics. She stepped down in 2006 and was replaced by UNT professor Dr. John Gossett. Dr. Gossett’s vision included pushing the party into areas of the county long since neglected outside of the city of Denton. Holding meetings in Lewisville, house parties in Krum and Plano, and booths in Highland Village were all a way to show that Democrats exist in all parts of Denton County. Unfortunately, Dr. Gossett suffered health problems that led to a short tenure as Chair. A contest to replace him this past spring resulted in Issues & Policy Committee Chairman Neil Durrance becoming Chairman of the county party. Mr. Durrance has continued the policy of covering all parts of the county, and has been working actively to give Democrats a message.

While the message is prepared, others are preparing the candidates to take that message to the people. The Candidate Recruitment Committee initiated a program called Project Farm Team. Chairman Steve Southwell envisioned a system similar to that of the farm system in baseball that built potential candidates up before they hit the ground running in the big leagues. "We are all about preparing individuals to take up the battle against crime, corruption, and cronyism that currently tarnishes our public sector. We are about taking people of integrity and giving them the tools they need to make a successful campaign," Southwell said. "But Project Farm Team is also about encouraging leadership, activism, and public service outside of government. We're very excited about Project Farm Team, and we have heard from other Democrats across the state that they are anxious to see how well it works out." Potential candidates attend training sessions and listen to speakers of various experience levels, while learning about what offices could be a good fit for them. Some members are former candidates and even former office holders.

One candidate has already emerged from the system: Carrollton lawyer Karen Guerra has announced her intention to run for 16th District Court Judge. Another goal of Project Farm Team is to prepare a coordinated campaign for Denton County in 2008. The 2006 coordinated campaign in Dallas County resulted in a clean sweep of every contested judicial seat. A similar attempt may be made by Denton County in the 2008 election cycle to pool resources and make a run at taking back at least some, if not all, of the seats up for grabs.

There is much more, including an overview of some of the more active clubs in the area. Read it and be inspired.

If you live in Denton County and haven't contacted the county party or one of the local clubs (check out our sidebar), you might just be surprised at how active Democrats are in Denton County. If you're not already engaged in this effort, plan on joining us at the Donkey Fest on the evening of September 29th at the North Texas State Fairgrounds.

Karen Guerra to Run for 16th District Court Judge

A Denton County attorney from Carrollton has declared for the 16th District Court. From the Carrollton Star Leader:

Karen Guerra, prominent local attorney, announced this week that she is seeking election as Judge of the 16th District Court in Denton County. Mrs. Guerra has been an attorney for almost 18 years and currently operates a private law practice in Carrollton, Texas. She is board certified as a specialist in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. In her announcement, she pledged to work hard for the citizens of Denton County as the 16th District Court Judge.

“The district courts are vitally important to our citizens, since they are the primary trial courts in Texas. District courts handle felony criminal cases, family law cases, suits for title to land, and large civil cases. I have extensive experience in the types of cases that come before the District Court,” Guerra stated. “We need judges with experience in all areas of the law. The citizens of Denton County want judges who will be fair and impartial and who will make rulings based on the evidence and the applicable laws. I will be such a judge. I am committed to making a positive improvement in the administration of justice in that Court.”

.....She went on to say, “It is time for a change. I recognize that in Denton County, I may be considered an outsider of the current political establishment. But I believe this is an advantage, since a judge is to be fair and impartial. More importantly, most informed voters in Denton County vote for the individual who is best qualified for the job, regardless of party affiliation.”

Karen Guerra has been married to fellow attorney John Guerra for 33 years. Their son, Johnny and his wife Michelle, recently blessed the Guerras with their second grandchild.

Ms. Guerra will run against the Republican incumbent Carmen Rivera-Worley in the November 2008 general election.

Whoplayin has the press release.

To learn more about the eminently qualified Ms. Guerra, visit her website. To contribute to the campaign, click here.

War Protest Scheduled Today

As the debate over troop escalation in Iraq continues to dominate Congress and the media, tens of thousands will gather today on the National Mall to protest the continuation of the war.

Groups including United for Peace and Justice, Win Without War, the National rganization for Women and the RainbowPUSH Coalition, have organized a rally and march around the Capitol building Saturday, and arranged a "citizen lobby" day on Capitol Hill Monday, urging protesters to target House members, senators and congressional staff in an effort to force them to do more to stop the war.

"The president is a lost cause and everybody knows it," said Andrews, a former Democratic representative from Maine.

"So we are going to push the Democrats in Congress to not just talk but act and use their power — and that power is the power of the purse," said Andrews. "It's time to stop the rubber stamp of Congress and start the accountability and stand up to the president." Andrews said congressional Democrats are in danger of spending all their time debating "toothless words." He was referring to the nonbinding resolution against President Bush's plan to send 21,5000 additional troops to Iraq, which the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed this week.

Locally, activities are scheduled in Denton and Dallas.

denton county totals dismal

Here are the percentages for the candidates on Denton County ballots... keep in mind these are Denton County totals, not statewide totals. While they may seem dismal, Democrats succeeded in making inroads in traditionally conservative areas of Denton County and look forward to future election cycles.

U.S. SENATOR
Hutchison: 69.67%
Radnofsy: 28.01%
Jameson: 2.31%

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 24
Marchant: 62.25%
Page: 34.71%
Frohman: 3.03%

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 26
Burgess: 67.33%
Barnwell: 30.02%
Haas: 2.63%

GOVERNOR
Perry: 46.96%
Bell: 23.09%
Werner: 0.57%
Friedman: 12.34%
Strayhorn: 17.01%
Dillon: 0.00%

These figures are with about 70% of precincts reporting in Denton County. Our best showing was in the State Rep. 64 race, where John McLeod took nearly 41% of the vote. We also showed well in the two judge races and in U.S. Rep 24, where Gary Page received about 35%.

All of the Denton County totals can be found here. Expect more election analysis tomorrow.

Where to Vote on Election Day

Here's everything you need to know to cast your ballot tomorrow in North Texas. Please forward the following information to friends and family in North Texas. Let's make a real effort to get out the vote and increase turnout among progressive voters. This is definitely the year to give this our best effort. 2006 is the year: we'll take back Congress... with your help we can also take back Texas. See you at the polls.

[Ed. note: If you experience any problems voting or witness anything suspicious on election day, contact the Texas Democratic Party's Election Protection Team at 512-478-9800.]

Denton County:

• Polling places
• Sample Ballot
• Find your precinct
• League of Women Voters Guide

Collin County:

• Polling places
• Sample ballot
• Find your precinct
• League of Women Voters Guide

Dallas County:

• Polling places
• Sample ballot
• Find your precinct
• League of Women Voters Guide

Tarrant County:

• Polling places
• Sample ballot
• Find your precinct
• League of Women Voters Guide

To view the League of Women's Voter Guide to statewide races, click here. To view NTL's endorsements for North Texas races, click here.

What's Stopping You? Get Out and Vote!

Don't let a little drizzle keep you inside today. Get to a polling place, do your civic duty and vote. (And take a friend if you can!)

Here's all you need to bone up on the candidates and issues and find the closest early polling location.

In Denton County:
League of Women Voter's Guide

In Collin County:
League of Women Voter's Guide

In Dallas County:
League of Women Voter's Guide

In Tarrant County:
League of Women Voter's Guide

To view the League of Women's Voter Guide to statewide races, click here.

For a list of early voting locations for Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall and Tarrant Counties, click here.

ballot propositions in the golden triangle

Early voting began today in Texas and will continue through Nov. 3. North Texas voters are faced with several bond elections and propositions this year. If you plan to vote, make sure you are prepared to vote up or down on each referendum.

Denton County
Denton, Sanger, Aubrey, Krum, Argyle, Bartonville, Copper Canyon, Corral City, Northlake

Dallas County
Dallas, Irving, Coppell, Lancaster, Glenn Heights, Cockrell Hill, Richardson, Sachse, Wilmer

Tarrant County
Arlington, Grapevine, Keller, Azle, Everman, Samson Park, Forest Hill, Burleson

If you are aware of another proposition on any ballot in North Texas that isn't listed here, please let us know in a comment! We'll be happy to add it. Inform yourself and vote!

an evening in the tropics with amy manuel

Mark your calendar! Join the Amy Manuel campaign in Carrollton on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. for An Evening in the Tropics, featuring African and Latin food, drinks, and music.

Event coordinators suggest a $25 minimum contributon to Democrat Amy Manuel's campaign for Denton County Commissioner Precinct 2. Please RSVP as soon as possible. For more event information, please contact Donna Obenda.

events tomorrow in denton & collin counties

Tomorrow (Saturday, August 19) will see a full day of Democratic events in both Collin and Denton counties. Please consider attending these exciting events to support your local candidates in North Texas.

The Highland Village Balloon Fest will continue tomorrow at Copperas Branch Park. Highland Village is located off of I-35 E near Lake Lewisville. This weekend marks the event's twentieth anniversary. After you check out the hot air balloons and other activities, make sure to head over to the booth hosted by the Denton County Democratic Party to meet several local candidates, including Tim Barnwell, Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives from the 26th District.

At 7pm, join Democratic candidate for Collin County Commissioner in Precinct 2, Bill Baumbach, for Burgers with Bill. The event will take place at Fuddruckers in Plano (located at 2205 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 100). Kids are welcome and vegetarian options will be available. Event coordinators suggest a $25 donation to the Baumbach campaign.

Also at 7pm, the Amy Manuel campaign will host a house party in Lewisville. Join the candidate and her friends and supporters for wine, cheese, and other refreshments. Event coordinators suggest a donation of $10 or more. Please contact John McClelland for more information, including directions. Help Amy Manuel get elected as the next Denton County Commissioner in Precinct 2!

Denton County Teacher Back-to-School Celebration

Join John McLeod, Democratic candidate for State Representative in District 64, as he celebrates with some of the hardest working men and women in the county, our teachers.

You may have noticed stores and businesses busier than normal and restaurant waiting times increasing, helping to remind us all that it's back to school time again. For the last few months the media and our conversations have been filled with discussion of our struggling Texas schools as the Legislature, once again, failed to increase school funding by even $1. However, what often gets overlooked is that despite the many failings of our representatives, we are blessed with some of the best educators anywhere. These hardworking men and women continue year in and year out to overcome substantial obstacles to teach our children in difficult circumstances. To thank them for all their sacrifices and hard work, we are hosting a special event. We will be providing fun, food and fabulous door prizes thanks to the generosity of many local businesses that care about our teachers.

What: Denton County Teacher Back-to-School Celebration
When: Wednesday, August 16th from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Downtowner, 725 N. Elm St., Denton

If you would like to volunteer, donate food, gifts or gift certificates, or make a donation to this event, please email liz@mcleodfortexas.com

Grapevine Company Cited for Drilling Violations in Denton County

Lowell Brown of the Denton Record Chronicle has an article on the impact of gas drilling in Denton County.

As development of the Barnett Shale fields travels east, more and more sites in Denton County are being drilled in proximity to home owners. Brown's article highlights the problems facing residents of Briarcreek Estates subdivision in Argyle.

Jennifer Cole didn’t know much about the gas-drilling industry until it arrived at her backdoor.

But when her backyard view changed from 12-acre prairie to potential drilling site last year, the stay-at-home mother started doing her homework.

She’d heard about recent gas-drilling accidents, including one in Palo Pinto County last December where a blowout left a 750-foot-wide crater and burned more than 50 acres. Could something like that, she wondered, happen in her neighborhood?

The residents petitioned government officials to investigate.

Last month, the city of Denton sued Grapevine-based Reichmann Petroleum Corp., claiming the company was operating at area sites — including the one behind Cole’s home and a nearby well — without city approval.....

The company failed to comply with city regulations on attaining plats, posting signs,
erosion control, drainage, security and well site maintenance, according to the lawsuit. City officials say gas lines that aren’t platted could be ruptured during routine utility construction, risking the safety of nearby residents.

Regulation of gas drilling comes under the jurisdiction of the Texas Railroad Commission, but laws generally favor mineral rights over surface rights. The commission has limited authority on placement of equipment, although it is chartered to ensure the purity of the watershed.

The site’s reserve pit of drilling “mud” — a blend of clay, salts, other chemicals and water — abuts the creek line, and neighbors worried a heavy rain could cause it to overflow into the creek. The pit has since been drained.

However, residents are still dealing with the impact of flooding caused by changes in the sites drainge patterns.

[Denton's gas well inspector] said the city would have considered drainage issues during the platting process, had Reichmann complied with it.....

Denton receives royalties from gas wells on city property, including several at Denton Municipal Airport. The Denton school district also has leased land for gas wells, including two at Guyer High School.

To appreciate just how important the impact of gas drilling is in Denton County, view the map.

The State Chair Race

The Democrats this year are running on a fifty state strategy. But in Texas, that doesn't translate to a 254 county strategy. Why? Texas' population is a bit unevenly distributed, to say the least. In fact, Texas has the distinction of having some of the most and least populated counties in the country.

There are five candidates running for state party chair at the upcoming convention, but it's safe to say that the frontrunners are Boyd Richie and Glen Maxey. Boyd Richie is from Young County, population 17,843. Glen Maxey is from Austin. In the Burnt Orange Report, former Denton County Chair Edra Bogle responds to someone who suggested that Maxey might focus too exclusively on Travis County:

In 2004 the eight counties with the largest populations contained over half of the registered voters in the state. The situation probably still applies. Of these, Travis County was fifth in size, with 555,565 registered voters of the total 12,722,671 registered in the state. Young County had 11,337 registered voters, or 2.04% of those in Travis County and .09% of those in the state...

What makes Mr. Teal believe that a small-town lawyer with a background limited to West Texas even for his college work (except for a couple of years as a young man in Washington, DC) will be able to understand the problems and interests of the large urban counties in the state? Of the African/American population, since it is only 1.32% of the population in Young County with Hispanics at 10.62% and "other" at .81% (2004/05 Texas Almanac, 294)?

Good question.

Denton County is the ninth largest in Texas. But as any candidate with a "D" by their name can tell you, we don't rate very highly in the priorities of either the national or the state party. That probably has something to do with the fact that we're also the second or third most Republican in the state. So a question for Mr. Richie and Mr. Maxey: What are you gonna do about that?

Early Voting

Early voting for the March 7 primary continues this coming week through Friday, March 3. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

For information on early voting sites in Denton County, click here.
For Dallas County, click here.
For Collin County, click here.
For Tarrant County, click here.

In addition to the slate of candidates, voters will be able to vote on two propositions for the Texas Democratic Party platform.

Propsition 1
Do you support lifting millions of families above the national poverty line by increasing the state minimum wage above it's current level of $5.15 per hour?

Proposition 2
Do you support the restoration of Texans' full rights to a trial by jury in civil cases?

It's important to get Democratic turnout in the primaries. Allocation of polling resources is based on turnout from previous elections, so we need your vote even if there are no contested primary elections on your ballot.