By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-909492.mp3
Corpus Christi , TX –
Thursday, Texas Democrats celebrated two big wins as they prepared for the kickoff of their state convention. KERA's Shelley Kofler is covering the convention and has more from Corpus Christi.
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If you're a Democratic candidate trying to raise money it doesn't get much better than being endorsed by Former President Bill Clinton. Thursday, in a fundraising letter, President Clinton endorsed Bill White's bid for Governor calling the Houston Mayor "one of the most effective, respected, and popular mayors of a large American city."
Then a state district judge agreed with Texas Democrats who argued the Green Party should be kept off the November ballot. Democrats claimed Republicans schemed to collect signatures to put a liberal Green candidate on the ballot who could siphon votes away from Democrat White. Republican Governor Rick Perry's campaign denies involvement, but a UT student testified Perry's former chief of staff and friend Mike Toomey paid him $2,000 a month to collect signatures.
Richie: I think it exposes a culture of corruption that is continuing and continuing and continuing
For state Democratic Party Chair Boyd Richie and democrats gathering sea-side at the Texas State Aquarium, the court ruling was like red meat to sharks.
Richie: It's all about Rick Perry trying to hang onto power in anyway possible
Democrats see a Perry defeat as the key to turning around a party that hasn't held a statewide office in 15 years. Kathleen Thompson, a delegate from North Texas, is encouraged by polls showing White is either tied or close to Perry.
Thompson: Bill White is going to be our best chance to get back into the Governor's office since Ann Richards
Tarrant County Democratic Party Chair Steve Maxwell believes a Bill White win could sweep other democrats into office.
Maxwell: If Bill White wins his race it gives candidates running under him- Linda Chavez-Thompson, Barbara Ann Radnofsky, Hank Gilbert- all the people running statewide level, they're going to bring in more votes because of what Bill White brings in.
Many political pundits believe Texas is still too republican for White to win. But don't tell that to these delegates. At this convention they'll practice messaging that depicts republican rivals as immigrant bashing, environment polluting, out-of-touch right wingers who support historically inaccurate textbooks and preside over an off the charts drop-out rate. And they'll argue Rick Perry, at the helm, is to blame.