April 04, 2006
CD10 runoff article

OK, I know it's all Tom DeLay all the time, but there are other races, too. One is in CD10, a district that would not exist in its current configuration were it not for DeLay. There's two Dems in the runoff for the party's nomination, and the Chron writes about it here.


[Ted] Ankrum is a retired Navy captain who served four tours in Vietnam during his 15 years of active duty and another 15 years in the reserves. His experience also includes working for NASA as deputy director and later serving with that same title for the Environmental Protection Agency. He was a diplomat in Australia during the Clinton administration and worked for U.S. Sen. John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign.

Growing up in an Air Force family, Ankrum lived in several Texas towns, then graduated from a high school in Europe. His own military career took him across the country and the world before he retired to Texas in 2002.

Ankrum sets himself apart from Foreman by putting energy independence on his list of priorities. He wants the United States to achieve it within the next 10 years. He also hopes to increase the minimum wage.

[Paul] Foreman is a writer who also has worked as a police officer and a teacher.

He has written several novels, including a story of Texan prisons called Sugarland , and has penned books of poetry. He also has worked as an editor and was one of the founders of the Texas Writers League.

A self-described centrist, Foreman said he's on the side of the people.


It's my opinion that Ankrum is the stronger candidate, and that he should get your vote in the runoff. His statement on the runoff is here. This is not a top-tier race, but after the Democrats shamefully failed to run anyone on the ballot in 2004 (UT prof Lorenzo Sadun made a valiant if futile run as a write-in), I definitely want to see a good candidate get the support he needs. If you're in CD10, give Ted Ankrum a look and make sure you get to the booth to give him your vote, too.

UPDATE: Vince has a nice Q&A with Ankrum that's worth your time to read.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on April 04, 2006 to Election 2006 | TrackBack
Comments

Thanks for the shout-out, Charles!!!

Posted by: Vince Leibowitz on April 5, 2006 7:14 AM

Ted Ankrum and Borris Miles are scheduled to speak tonight at the Houston GLBT Political Caucus meeting. The caucus has endorsed both candidates, and I'm sure they'll both have a lot to say about the dynamics of their races. Make it out if you can.

Where: 3400 Montrose (the SkyBar building, across from Kroger), Suite 207
When: 7pm

Posted by: Ryan Goodland on April 5, 2006 8:46 AM

There's a candidate advocating energy independence? I'm stunned. And thrilled! For years now, I've thought dependence on oil a national security tar baby.

Posted by: Misty on April 5, 2006 10:10 AM