11.12.09
Gilbert’s getting noticed, giving voters the specifics they want
Hank Giblert is getting noticed more and more, Shocking Development: A Democrat with Guts.
Dear God, can this be true? A Democrat with guts? This is highly irregular, people. Texans are used to Republicans swinging for the ideological fences and paying no political price for even the wildest swings. But Texas Democrats? Pure-T wusses.
[...]
On Wednesday, Gilbert signaled that he doesn’t just have guts: He also has ideas. Specifically, in this case, bold and (at first glance) eminently sensible ideas for cleaning up Texas’ environment — and reforming its euphemistically named environmental “regulators.”
[...]
More than anything, Gilbert’s moves show that there’s at least one Texas Democrat with the basic good sense to understand that you don’t win elections without giving people something to vote for. The days when mealy-mouthed, money-soaked DINOS (Democrats In Name Only) like Lloyd Bentsen could win statewide elections have long since passed.
Gilbert, so far, has next to no money. Schieffer and Friedman will likely fund-raise circles around him. But if he continues to be the sole Democrat with a scintilla of progressive energy and genuine ideas, there’s an outside shot that the man in the cowboy hat could catch fire on the netroots, mobilize the TexObamans, and teach the wusses a lesson next March. [Emphasis added].
That last part there is why Gilbert at this point stands head and shoulders above the rest of the candidates on the Democratic side. It’s a tough enough task for a Democrat to win statewide in Texas, but it’s impossible without and engaged base of the party.
Ben Phillpot of KUT/Texas Trib has this report on Gilbert’s recent policy proposals, Hank Gilbert Takes a Stand. Again. From listening voters want specifics, and Gilbert is delivering them.
[UPDATE]: As EOW reported yesterday Gilbert’s transportation plan is a hit with Democrats and Republicans, Lawmakers Agree: Gilbert Gas Tax Plan Makes Sense.
Eye on Williamson » GOP divisions can bring Democratic gains in Texas said,
January 7, 2010 at 12:52 pm
[...] a good transpiration infrastructure is something that benefits all Texans are in the minority. Hank Gilbert’s transportation plan is easily the best plan that’s been put forth in this state in decades to pay for roads. [...]