Posted on 04/22/2005 2:26:22 AM PDT by anymouse
Nearly two weeks after Tony Buzbee stepped down as chairman of the Galveston County Democratic Party, the state party has appointed a temporary leader.
Late Monday, state Democratic Party chairman Charles Soechting appointed John Patrick of Friendswood, an activist with the national Democratic Party, as temporary chairman.
His responsibilities will include calling the precinct chairs together within 20 days to select an interim party chair. The interim chair will hold office until the March 2006 primary when a new chairman can be elected.
Under party bylaws, an election by the various precinct chairs within the county will select the next county chairman.
Speculation among party circles was that Lloyd Criss, a former state representative and former La Marque city council member, was the frontrunner.
Criss confirmed he had tossed his hat into the ring.
Criss, who was party chairman in the early 1980s, said he pleaded with Buzbee several times not to step down before urging other party activists to seek the office — all to no avail.
“When no one was willing, I just said I would try to do it myself because I had done it before,” said Criss. “It’s a tough job — I understand that. It’s like throwing someone into a tub of piranhas.”
The once dominant party in the county has seen its power base erode.
Democrats lost to Republicans last year in the races for 56th District Court judge and county tax assessor-collector.
The Democratic Party also saw countywide losses in the 122nd District Court and county treasurer races in 2003.
“We have a very strong group of Democrats on the ticket in 2006,” Criss said. “A lot needs to be done. We need to unify the party, raise finances and improve the party structure.”
Criss said that in addition to being without a party chairman, Democrats also lack a party secretary and treasurer.
Galveston County Republican Party Chairman Chris Stevens declined to comment.
But a smirk did come across his face. :)
Shadenfreud at Democrat implosion in Texas ping.
Hi Meekie. Back in the '50s my late father worked so hard to get an R party going in Galveston Co....I know he's smiling at this news.
hehe! :)
212th Judicial District Court
Honorable Susan Criss, Judge
http://www2.co.galveston.tx.us/JudgeCriss/
GCDP will be run out of Susan's
office.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
