Ringing Up Chris Bell
Well since I managed to miss out on not one, but two Richard Morrison conference calls, I didn't want to go jinxing another candidate into announcing he wouldn't be running for office, so I made it a point to check in with the Chris Bell Blogger Conference Call (there may have been a side stage with musical acts ... was Kinky there?).
A hardy and vocal chattering class of bloggers made the gig from across the state and Chris obliged us all. I'll leave it to others for a detailed play by play, but the general category of questions basically came down to two common themes: message and mechanics.
The obvious: when does the exploring end and the running begin? Chris has set a July target for his decision-making and the rationale makes sense. Chris' wife, Alison Bell, has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. The status is apparently upbeat, but more should be known to Chris & Alison around June. That also gives Chris time to see if there's the structural basis for a campaign on his part. That said, the responses have been great throughout the state and Chris is reaping some benefits from being the first mover on the campaign trail, as well as being well positioned for what I think is a very real demand for newer candidates.
As luck would have it, my phone died on me as Chris was getting into the second part of my question. The first part basically inquired a bit on what Chris has taken from Jim Wallis' book: "God's Politics." The degree to which Chris has been influenced by the book is pretty evident in his New Mainstream speech and, true to form, Chris describes the book as a liberating read. I'm sure Chris also gave a fascinating recap to the second part of my question which was how his thinking has evolved since going from nonpartisan city politics to partisan elective office. If someone offers up a transcript, I'll be sure to enlighten the world with it.
Of course, there's one thing that helps any campaign ... ok, actually two. But voting for Chris isn't an option till March and November of 2006. For now, try the one remaining helping hand ... money.
But voting for Chris isn't an option till March and November of 2006.
Not an option for me at all, because I'm registered in the State of New Jersey.
then double up on the money ;-)
I have met Bell a couple of times and like him. In fact, I think he would do a great job as governor. Nonetheless, I just do not think that he has a chance. Frankly, I (and it appears Bill White as well) think that Kay Bailey would have a better chance at beating Perry - but who am I to know what will happen? It should be an interesting election and I wish Bell plenty of luck.
I will give Bell money when/if he formally declares and commits himself to a gubernatorial bid. Right now, with respect to Texas politics, my personal priorities are the Congressional bids of former Congressman Nick Lampson and Congressman Chet Edwards. As a non-Texan, my superficial speculation is that Bell might have a chance against Perry, but probably not against KBH. If she runs for governor, will some of the Democratic Congressmen defeated in 2004 decide to run for Senate? Will Ronnie Earle ever indict Congressman Tom (the Money Changer in the Temple of our Democracy) DeLay?