We encourage our readers to familiarize themselves with the candidates (a sample ballot appears in today’s issue) and where they stand on the major issues, particularly those that will have a significant impact on job creation and economic growth.
As a service to our readers, the Bee-Picayune editorial staff again presents our endorsements in contested races. As always, we encourage voters to select the best candidate, not to vote the straight party option at the top of the ballot.
For U.S. Representative, District 15, we strongly favor Eddie Zamora, Rep., in his effort to unseat incumbent Congressman Rubén Hinojosa. We encourage voters to hold Congress accountable for the runaway spending and higher taxes, such as the stimulus, health care reform and “cap and trade” (energy tax). Hinojosa voted with House Speaker Pelosi on the wrong side of all those measures which negatively impact small businesses, job creation and struggling families. Three strikes and he should be out.
For Governor, we offer no recommendation. Gov. Rick Perry probably will win re-election, although he has been criticized for many reasons, from his refusal to debate Democrat Bill White to his support of the Trans Texas Corridor and his vetoing funding for community colleges. Yet, there is no denying the fact that Texas, as a low-tax-and-less-regulation state, has the most favorable business climate in the U.S., and Perry would probably be the more fiscally conservative choice in dealing with the feds and making appointments.
For Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller of Public Accounts, Commissioner of the General Land Office and Commissioner of Agriculture, we encourage votes for the incumbent Republicans, David Dewhurst, Greg Abbott, Susan Combs, Jerry Patterson and Todd Staples, respectively. All are doing their jobs effectively and professionally, and should easily win re-election.
However, for Railroad Commissioner, we support Jeff Weems, Dem. Weems is easily the most qualified candidate; the Houston oilman and attorney knows the industry and understands the commission.
For Justice, Supreme Court, Places 3, 5 and 9, we urge votes for the GOP incumbents, Debra Lehrmann, Paul Green and Eva Guzman. They are well-respected and have earned another term on the Supreme Court.
For Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Places 2, 5 and 6, Lawrence “Larry” Meyers, Cheryl Johnson and Michael E. Keasler, Republican incumbents, should be returned and have been cited as fair and well-reasoned.
For Member, State Board of Education, District 3, we join other publications in supporting Michael Soto, Dem. He is a Harvard-educated Trinity University professor who is a product of the Brownsville public school system and is well-versed in education problems.
We will continue with our regional and county contested race picks in the next edition.
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