Election Night 2007

Well, looks like I almost batted 1.000 with my DC Picks. First of all, congrats to Melissa Noriega for driving the nail into the political coffin of ol' Roy. And to James Rodriguez for running all over his opponents and winning his seat in Round 1. Of course, I'm proud to have supported Joe Treviño in the At-Large 5 race. I have to say that I'm not surprised with his performance, and I'll be ready to help him in any way I can!

DISTRICT E
I am proudest of my candidate in District E Wil Williams. We knew going into this race that it would be an uphill climb, and Manisha Mehta's late entry and mad-money didn't make it any easier. Still, Wil earned the Chron board's endorsement, as well as two other meaningful endorsements in his first run for office. Unlike the others in the running who talked about "cutting expenses," Wil lived it by staying within budget and not going into personal debt (at least not to the point of some of the others!). More than anything, Wil Williams stayed true to his beliefs and values as a Democrat--even when grilled on Houston's non-existent "sanctuary" policy by the Lake Houston Pachyderms, he didn't take the bait. Unfortunately, the other three did, although I only expected that from the two Republicans and not Mehta. (I don't care how "legal" you are Manisha, you don't play into a right-wing group's hands and still call yourself a Democrat! I'm disappointed.)

Anyway, more than anything, we all learned one thing about District E: Silly Democrats, District E's for Republicans! But we'll never learn!

Note: I was told by more than one person that Wil didn't "sound like a Democrat." In what way? Because he didn't say he was a Democrat? In District E? Actually, Wil is a good Democrat: He serves Senate District 4 (Harris County) as Chair, he's been a precinct chair, he represented all of SD-4 as a Kerry delegate at the Convention. And let's not forget the campaigns he's helped along the way. I expect great things from Wil Williams in the future, and he will serve his community in one way or another.

Encabronado y Animado about AL-5
I'm more encabronado than ever about running as Democrats, and I expect Joe Treviño and Jolanda Jones to make this run-off campaign a great discussion about our values as progressives and what they can each bring to the Council chamber. And I mean to the point where Republicans just stay home! A great opportunity is upon us: Every single At-Large seat will belong to a Democrat, as long as we stay true to our beliefs and values and not use this opportunity to sell-out to the worse the Republicans have to offer (race-baiting, support from anti-Latino members of Congress, appearances on right-wing talk radio, etc.). So, let's make At-Large 5 a good race!

I'm sure we'll be analyzing these races for a while. Where did we grow? Where did we falter? Would two more direct mail pieces have helped? Do endorsements from Democratic groups that endorse Dan Morales instead of Tony Sanchez really matter in District E? : )

Anyway, those are my initial thoughts. Like good Democrats, we celebrated last night in Kingwood at a nice and cozy Democratic household (and not some stuffy Republican restaurant) and I must thank the Menkes for hosting another great party. And kudos to Toni's great idea about that Wil Williams cake! Cake decorators can do anything nowadays! And to all the volunteers for the Wil Williams campaign...thanks!

Update: I joked briefly last night with party-goers about my "No Endorsement" of Peter Brown in At-Large 1. Frankly, mine was a political beef since he endorsed Manisha Mehta, otherwise, I have little against Peter as a member of City Council. But did the DC "No Endorsement" affect Peter's performance? Greg had a few comments about AL-1 in his post-election post:

At Large 1 ... whole lotta undervotes there. Curious how well it portends for someone to run for Mayor when they have the confidence of a mere 68% of the voters in a non-existant contest. Guess we'll find out soon enough.

Damn, gente! I was jus' keedeeng!!

Update #2: Looks like Marc Campos is basking in the glow, and rightfully so. He had a lot to say, particularly about the Commish #2. Check out the post. And I thought I was encabronado (in a good way).