Hispanic Endorsement Hurts Democrats in Texas

FindLaw.com ^ | October 8, 2002 | Jeff Franks

[Flyer]

Is this the latest tactic for Democrats in losing campaigns? Endorse Republicans to try to drag 'em down a few notches?

Bob Barr isn't campaigning. Maybe he can go to New Jersey and do a fund raiser for Launtenburg.

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

I agree this can be handled but it should have started today. Perry could have taken the endorsement, said thanks, and left it at that, without the news conference. I will keep y'all update if we get fallout over this.

[RainDog]

Rick Perry is an empty suit. He belongs on General Hospital, or something . . . let him play a doctor or a governor on TV.

I just paid $1500 for homeowners insurance that should have cost me $500. I am paying $185 to my irrigation district for NO WATER for my 10 acres. Our citrus has been saved by recent rain, not Perry, and we did not even bother planting a crop on our back 8 this year.

Of little consequence as our small patch may be, Perry has done my family harm. Insurance and water in south Texas: Perry blew it.

While I have voted puro Republican in south Texas, not this time. Besides, it is time for meaningful and significant hispanic leadership in Texas. That would convey and imply a great deal. My vote cancels that of Dan Morales! Viva Tony Sanchez!

[anymouse]

Looks like DU has some sleeper agents posting to FR now.

At least try some variation in your talking points. The same screed blaming Gov. Perry for phoney ills is wearing thin. Some how I don't think Gov. Perry has time to run your insurance company and irrigation district and run the state at the same time. You have a problem with your insurance, change companies. Problem with your water provider, dig a well.

I'm sure senior Sanchez will gladly pay your insurance bill and help dig that well for you. /sarcasm

[Diddle E. Squat]

Think it through. Those insurance hikes are a direct result of 1) excessive jury awards pushed by trial lawyers(Democrats' biggest contributors) 2)skyrocketing mold claims(how is Perry and the GOP to blame for that?) 3) weather(how is Perry and the GOP to blame for that?)

So of the factor influenced by politics, a vote for Perry may not lower your rates as much as you like, but a vote for Sanchez will either push your rates even higher, or lead to a withdrawal of insurers from the market because it is no longer affordable. Either way, you lose by voting for Sanchez.

As to water, you actually think Sanchez will pressure Mexico harder? Please, that is pie in the sky. And what does his race have to do with effectiveness?

[RainDog]

With Farmers pulling out, there are now only TWO insurance providers left in Texas. I have no choice but to pay what they will have of me.

You seem to suggest-- and I question-- that if we elect (not re-elect-- Perry was given the job) Perry then he will take on the insurance issue? No, Perry was whistling past the graveyard on this issue during his watch, and he absolutely blew it. He should have exerted some leadership and called a special legislative session this summer.

As far as Mexico's non compliance with the water treaty, you men are right-- Perry can't do much about it. But much of politics is symbolism. Perry is the governor of all of Texas; he could spend a little time down here pretending he gives a damn.

As to race, there are times when race should be considered. My wife was born in Mexico. Half my family is Hispanic. We're talking pride. That's me personally. On the macro, what makes Texas Texas is the commingling of our cultures. Must the anglo always be our leader at the levels that count?

Pride is called for at least once every couple of hundred years. Perry is an empty suit. It is time. Tony Sanchez is a billionaire. There is a corporate cat in that. He's my guy.

Finally, I'm a Dem op? No, no, not at all.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Personally I don't care what color or race any govt official is. I just want the most conservative of whoever is running.

But back to insurance, WHY are there only 2 carriers left for your situation? Primarily because the trial lawyers and excessive jury awards have driven them out of the state. Too risky and not profitable now in the current legal climate.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Oh, as to why Perry didn't address the insurance problem, too much dem control in the statehouse. But redistricting will change that, and enable Perry to push for substantial and meaningful tort reform. Its the only way to sustainably bring down insurance costs. Artificially low limits will just drive the remaining companies out.

[RainDog]

But back to insurance, WHY are there only 2 carriers left for your situation?

It isn't just my situation. There are only two carriers left for ALL Texans, any situation. Two carriers.

Thanks, Rick Perry, and Diddle E. Squat is asking me why? It isn't even my question to answer.

That is what leadership is for: Take on a [catastrophic] state problem-- either the opportunistic trial attorneys OR the inept insurance companies who have lost their shirts (to the trial attorneys or in the stock market? hmmmm . . . I'd love to see the stats as to where the preponderance of their losses LIE) and lead an effort for a solution.

Perry hasn't. Te wacho, guey.

[RainDog]

Oh, as to why Perry didn't address the insurance problem, too much dem control in the statehouse.

Negatory. The governor of Texas can call for a special session of the state legislature during the summer to hammer out a pressing state issue.

In the history of Texas, what issue will impact the pecuniary interests of every Texan more than this? If the status quo remains, certainly more money will be pulled out of my fine state from this than fell from Enron, if not already.

I am paying 1k more for insurance than I should be, and I am just one of how many million Texans? Do the math, and please be intellectually honest with the issue. Such is a Freeper's duty.

[jf55510]

Negatory. The governor of Texas can call for a special session of the state legislature during the summer to hammer out a pressing state issue.

In the history of Texas, what issue will impact the pecuniary interests of every Texan more than this? If the status quo remains, certainly more money will be pulled out of my fine state from this than fell from Enron, if not already.

I am paying 1k more for insurance than I should be, and I am just one of how many million Texans? Do the math, and please be intellectually honest with the issue. Such is a Freeper's duty.

As long as Laney is in charge of the House, no meaningful reform can go through. You are right, Perry could have called a special session but nothing would have been done. Also Farmers would probably be pulling out anyway as this problem has been manifesting for many many years. Laney can/will control what comes out of his House. When the Republicans take over the State House, Senate and Lite Guv, it is extremely important for Perry to win the Guv mansion.