Antone's Nightclub
Levin Contemplates Levin
RECEIVED Tue., June 21, 2005
Dear Editor,
In regard to the article "Pro-Kim/Anti-Clarke Crowd Celebrates" [News, June 17] which was quite accurate overall, I'd like make a few points.
First, I didn't feel at all out of place at the Kim victory party. While most attendees were Democrats, there were at least half-a-dozen Republicans there ranging from Asian business leaders to Republican activists I have worked with for many years.
I also enjoyed catching up with several friends from my years at UT who are either Democrats or independents. I don't mind talking to Democrats or else I would have to stop speaking with my parents! Ultimately, all of us are more than just party animals and every Austinite has a stake in good city government.
Also, I was asked whether a Republican could win citywide now and candidly said no. Of course, I don't have veto power over which Republicans, if any, might run citywide against Kim or anyone else. I always encourage fellow Republicans to get involved in city government and run for office while also trying to be realistic. There is value in providing voters a choice and getting a platform to advance important issues, even if victory is elusive.
Also in saying "we pulled her over the line," I did not necessarily just mean Republicans, although I think the results in different parts of the city show that the support of Republican activists may well have been a necessary though not sufficient condition.
I think an even broader center-right coalition was mobilized, including, for example, real estate agents who were offended by Clarke's attacks and young professionals who tend to be conservative on economic issues though their views may vary on social issues. Thus, I do strongly agree with the Chronicle's conclusion that this election represents a changing of the guard in Austin politics.
In regard to the article "Pro-Kim/Anti-Clarke Crowd Celebrates" [News, June 17] which was quite accurate overall, I'd like make a few points.
First, I didn't feel at all out of place at the Kim victory party. While most attendees were Democrats, there were at least half-a-dozen Republicans there ranging from Asian business leaders to Republican activists I have worked with for many years.
I also enjoyed catching up with several friends from my years at UT who are either Democrats or independents. I don't mind talking to Democrats or else I would have to stop speaking with my parents! Ultimately, all of us are more than just party animals and every Austinite has a stake in good city government.
Also, I was asked whether a Republican could win citywide now and candidly said no. Of course, I don't have veto power over which Republicans, if any, might run citywide against Kim or anyone else. I always encourage fellow Republicans to get involved in city government and run for office while also trying to be realistic. There is value in providing voters a choice and getting a platform to advance important issues, even if victory is elusive.
Also in saying "we pulled her over the line," I did not necessarily just mean Republicans, although I think the results in different parts of the city show that the support of Republican activists may well have been a necessary though not sufficient condition.
I think an even broader center-right coalition was mobilized, including, for example, real estate agents who were offended by Clarke's attacks and young professionals who tend to be conservative on economic issues though their views may vary on social issues. Thus, I do strongly agree with the Chronicle's conclusion that this election represents a changing of the guard in Austin politics.
Marc A. Levin