Actual Texas Political News

We've reached that part of the summer where not much is shaking. The Lege is out of session (and not yet in a special session, if that's going to happen), and it's the wrong summer for much campaign news to be happening outside of the presidential variety. In the last few days, though, there have been a few developments here at home concerning some state rep races and Senate District 10 in Tarrant County, where Republican State Senator Kim Brimer might be vulnerable.

I received the following poll results from the Lone Star Project just today, concerning Brimer and his relationship with the district. He is notable as of late for the Rent-To-Own kerfuffle, and these numbers aren't good news for him at all:

Kim Brimer Favorability Rating
18.3% Favorable
25.1% Neutral
7.0% Unfavorable
49.7% Haven't Heard Of

Kim Brimer Re-elect
27.4% Re-elect
25.0% Prefer Democrat
47.7% Depends

(Source: LSP Poll, SD10 General Election Survey - May, 2007)

If you have a re-elect of 27.4%, you've got trouble. When you've got 49.7% of likely voters saying they don't even know who you are, you've got Capital T Trouble. A Star-Telegram newsblurb has it that Tarrant County Democratic Party Chair Art Brender is thinking about running, possibly as well as Wendy Davis of the Fort Worth City Council.

Also, you shouldn't be surprised if you see quite a few more polls from the Lone Star Project in the coming months. You can get the full poll results here.

A couple of days ago, the Chron reported on the possibility of some primaries in the state House, including some challengers to Democrats. From that piece:

Among the "Craddick Democrats" — Democratic House members viewed as loyal to Craddick — those most likely to draw opponents in their party's primary include Kevin Bailey of Houston, Robert Puente of San Antonio, Aaron Peña of Edinburg and Kino Flores of Mission.

Dawnna Dukes and Norma Chavez are also cited as possibly drawing challengers. The story also includes some interesting news about Craddick, not the least of which is this tidbit:

There has been quiet, but persistent talk among some Republicans that Gov. Rick Perry's senior political adviser, Dave Carney, plans to help recruit or assist primary challengers to Republican House members, presumably to help Craddick.

O, the Great Game! There will only be more news like this as we cross over Labor Day and race inexorably towards the primaries.