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Looks like Chris Bell has a problem with his Dems~Soros Shadow Party primary backers being admitted and advertised Communists, Socialists, Marxists, Atheists, Anti-Capitalists, Homosexuals, Ultra Liberals, and others, that openly want to destroy the very fabric of our American values, beliefs, and culture. Oh, and don't forget the Mexican crime wave and illegal immigrants taking over South Texas that Texas Democrats pander to. Sam Houston is rolling in his grave.

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Rift with Democratic Governor Hopeful Chris Bell Leaves Gays Undecided on Support
March 16, 2006, 10:44PM
POLITICS
By KRISTEN MACK, Houston Chronicle

HOUSTON'S leading gay political group backed the loser in the Democratic primary for governor, and now has to decide how — or whether — to mend fences with nominee Chris Bell. He got crosswise with the Houston Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Political Caucus last year when he refused to oppose a constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage.

Bell won the Democratic nomination with 64 percent of the vote statewide.

"They wanted to turn this year's (endorsement) discussion into a referendum on gay marriage, and that's just not where a majority of people are," Bell said, adding that it's been sad for him to watch the local GLBT group's clout decline. "They are going to have to get their internal politics together. If it continues on its course, I don't think it's going to have a great impact in future elections."

Further complicating matters, Glen Maxey, who headed the statewide campaign opposing the amendment, is running for state party chair. Bell is endorsing someone else for the position.

Another race widening rift? - In an already fractured and disorganized state Democratic Party, it seems the establishment is putting distance between itself and gay causes. The race to replace Texas Democratic Party Chairman Charles Soechting is the latest test.

Soechting said last fall that he wasn't seeking re-election. His successor was going to be chosen at this summer's convention. That changed Tuesday when Soechting announced he would step down in April. He cited heading a new section of his law firm — and the customary desire to spend more time with his family — as the reasons for stepping down sooner.

It's timed to coincide with the State Democratic Executive Committee meeting, where a successor will be appointed. "It is a transparent political move," Maxey said. "Soechting is trying to make sure a hand-picked candidate can go into this convention as an incumbent." That candidate isn't Maxey, a former Democratic state representative from Austin who is gay.

The other contenders are San Antonio lawyer Charles Urbina Jones and Boyd Richie, a county attorney in North Texas who also serves on the SDEC. Soechting says Richie has a leg up. "He gives a sense of balance that people really want right now," Soechting said, adding that he is trying to stay out of it.

The undercurrent is that Maxey's candidacy may do more to hurt the Democratic Party, said some Democrats who don't think Texas Democrats are ready to accept a gay man as their leader. "It's a factor. It shouldn't be, but it is," Soechting said. >>>Maxey, who says he has been "gay-baited" in every race he's run, says he will not allow this one to be about his sexual orientation. "I'm not running to be the gay party chair," he said, citing his experience, ability to organize and institutional memory.<<<< (ROFLOL - fla)

Bell is supporting Richie but says "to pretend that everyone is opposing Maxey's candidacy on the basis of his sexual orientation is absurd."

Bell called 'problematic' - Although he was just chosen as the Democratic nominee last week, the Democratic Party infrastructure is lukewarm on Bell. No big-money players appear ready to spend money on his behalf.

That leaves him counting on endorsements from the usual constituencies, such as the gay community.

Maria Gonzalez, president of Houston's GLBT Political Caucus, said the group was split in the Democratic primary on whether to endorse Bell, "who is an old friend of the community," or Bob Gammage, who opposed the anti-gay-marriage amendment and "was closer to their values." They chose Gammage.

"Bob Gammage has an incredible charisma; in a way, Chris Bell is more wonkish," she said. "It's problematic because (Bell) really struggles to connect with an audience." Bell will be put through the caucus's endorsement process again, and the caucus will invite independent gubernatorial candidates Carole Keeton Strayhorn and Kinky Friedman to seek its support.

As far as having Maxey lead the party: "It would be great to have a GLBT person as a Texas state leader," Gonzalez said. "There's probably going to be a backlash, especially after last November's election (on same-sex marriage). I'm hoping people are exhausted by that kind of silliness."

If the party further fractures at the June convention, it will only be in worse shape come November.