It’s time for the Texas Democrats to select the chair, and a challenge has been filed to incumbent Boyd Richie: party vice chairwoman Roy LaVerne Brooks and attorney and 2006 unsuccessful attorney general candidate David Van Os. We’ll keep you updated.
***
I just asked Brooks and Van Os why they are challenging the chairman under whom the Texas Dems have made substantial gains in the Legislature (and a takeover of the Congressional seat previously held by Tom DeLay).
Brooks would only say, “for a better Texas.” Other than that, she said she was a bit too caught up in the moment to comment.
Van Os said, “My complaint is that once again they intend to project a defeatist attitude about carrying Texas. I want the Democratic Party to make up its mind that it is going to carry Texas for the presidential ticket and stop this incrementalism. I’m not satisfied with just winning a few targeted state House districts. It’s time for the Democratic Party to campaign to carry this state and mean it.”
UPDATE: It’s hard to imagine Richie will be unseated after the gains made during his tenure, but Van Os actually got louder applause. Of course, he gives a more rousing speech. As for Brooks, she’s a woman of few words. Her speech probably used less than a minute of her alloted 10. Richie’s supporters chose to be more visual in their show of support, forming a conga line of sorts as they carried signs through the floor. (See photo gallery.)
They’re about to caucus by Senate district on the race.
Prediction: Van Os is going to finish behind Jennifer Gale.
Final result:
Boyd Richie: 63.24%
Roy LaVerne Brooks: 16.83%
David van Os: 19.93%
This article appears in June 6 • 2008.