David Van Os and the Return of the Texas Democrats

[Lisa0825]

I went to a meeting tonight for David Van Os for Texas Supreme Court. Unfortunately, due to bad weather, it was a small group. However, on the bright side, we had some really interesting conversations about Texas' political history, and the history of the Democratic Party in Texas. also in attendance were the Harris County Democratic chair, Gerry Birnberg, Melissa Taylor from the Richard Morrison campaign, and Judge Criss. Being a political newbie, meetings like this, where I can just sort of absorb everything, are really interesting.

Anyway, what I really got from this meeting is optimism.

David Van Os, http://www.vanosforsupremecourt.com/ , shared a story about Democrats in Amarillo being totally sure Texas would go Democratic, because everyday they hear from people in Republican country who pledge they are not voting for Bush. And they figure if it is happening there, it is happening everywhere! Of course, all of us have had our own similar stories, but somehow it just seemed so uplifting hearing it from a candidate for judge, who has been travelling all over the state.

Van Os also told us that as of the last business day before the filing deadline, the papers reported that only about 7 Democrats were expected to file to run against Republican incumbents. Well, as of the close of business on the filing deadline, 35 Democrats had filed to run against Republican incumbents! He said he really feels this is a major turn of events in the Texas Democratic Party. He feels that the party is going through an awakening, and that we are also being heard by the national party. We are sick of being ignored, and having the national party just let us fall to the Republicans. We are asking for national candidates to pay attention to us again. We are requesting John Kerry's presence at our state convention. We expect to be heard, we expect to get attention, and we will not accept defeatism anymore. In fact, Charles Soechting, Texas party chairman, declared when he took office that defeatism would NOT be tolerated, and when he caught an employee being defeatist, he sent 'em packing!

I hope this is the beginning of a new day for Democrats in Texas. It does feel that way to me, from what I have heard from local and state levels. It may or may not come to fruition with this election cycle, but I have the feeling the tide has turned, and we are coming back!

[TexasProgresive]

1. Remember the Alamo!

Let's throw all of em out, now. Let's begin with prissy perry and Mr. Obnoxious down in Sugarland.

[Lisa0825]

2. LOL! prissy Perry! that's as good as Governor Good Hair!LOL!

Yes, we definitely need to boot those two out ASAP!. The good news is that both have lost considerable support even in members of their own party. they may not be as invincible as they think!

[Wwagsthedog]

3. Shame on you...

...for calling obnoxious mr.

[aquart]

4. Oh, I think he has quite a bit of status among the obnoxious.

Well deserving of the distinguishing Mr.

[Lisa0825]

5. I Agree....

I think perhaps emperor might more adequately appeal to his ego. (amusing aside... while looking at thesaurus.com, one synonym I came across was "despot." Oh, the many thoughts that word brings to mind...)

[mhr]

6. Do Not Vote For David Van Os - This Man Is Trouble!

PM me for details.

I repeat, do not vote for David Van Os!

[cosmik debris]

7. Van Os fan?

You imply that he is WORSE than a Republican, but you don't seem to want to provide information publicly. I can't help but be suspicious. Why not publicly?

[mhr]

8. Long Story Best Explained Via Email Or Better Via The Phone

I just don't want to type the whole sordid history up.

[cosmik debris]

9. Van Os

I have met Mr. Van Os. I liked what he said. If you won't give me a reason not to vote for him, then I will vote for him. If it is not worth your time to type up two or three good reasons not to vote for him, then I can only conclude that you must not have very good reasons. I can only judge him by the evidence that I have.

And the "sordid story" bit sound like you just want to pass along some gossip that can't be documented. I was really hoping for some links to news stories or documents of some sort.

[Lisa0825]

10. I read a couple of LTTE where people defended him

against something that had been in the paper in Austin. Apparently he was being accused of being less labor-friendly than he claimed, but he was vigorously defended by the writers. That's the only negativity I have found/heard so far.

Anyway, we have a completely Republican court in Texas. I'll vote for any Democrat who runs!

[cosmik debris]

11. he has been endorsed

by my local Labor Council and some of the local Unions. He may not be pro-labor, but labor is pro Van Os

[Lisa0825]

12. He has a lot of labor endorsements.

http://www.vanosforsupremecourt.com/vanos_endorsements.htm

I didn't find the original article or letter that the others were in reply to, so I could only guess based on the responses. I like what I know of him.

[mhr]

13. PM Me And I Will Give You My Telephone Number And We Can Talk

It is a long, long sad tale.

To put it very bluntly though he is not what he seems and is a closet ***hole!

[cosmik debris]

14. You asked the group not to vote for Van Os

But you will not give the group your reasons.
If you will not speak on the record about this issue, then I don't need to hear what you have to say.

[NoPasaran]

15. I hope the national party is hearing us

And I hope that Kerry does come to the state convention.

[Gothmog]

16. Scott Brister is definetly a major league jerk

I do not know what the problems may be with Van Os but I do know Scott Brister. The man is homeschooling his girls to keep them away from the evil influence of boys and liberals. Brister is a religious fanatic and would vote against Roe v. Wade and abortion rights at any chance.

I know several appellant attorneys who were happy to get Brister off the 14th Court of Appeals. Unfortunately, Brister may be able to do more damage in Austin on the Texas Supreme Court.

In case you are not aware, the Texas Supreme Court is extremely anti-consumer and pro-business. The democrats need to get someone on the supreme court and Van Os may be the best bet.

[sonias]

17. I'm putting in defense for Van Os here

I know David and his wife Rachel, and a harder working couple in Texas politics would be harder to find. David maybe has a personality that can grate on people, but he has a huge heart and it’s in the right place. He is a populist, man of the people, progressive thinker, labor and union supporter. Those are qualities that are hard earned and well worn.

I've heard many tales from people who supported Molly Beth when the move was made to get her to resign. And I know the fight for Democratic Party chairman this past year was ugly too, but David was absolutely right to take on the defeatist attitude our party had. You either lead or you get out of the way. We needed a shakedown and we needed it fast.

I support David Van Os for Supreme Court and I support taking my country back and rebuilding the Texas Democratic party.

Viva Van Os!!

Sonia

[Lisa0825]

18. At the meeting last weekend, David mentioned the race for party chair

and said that Soechting was doing a great job. It's nice to see party members support each other's efforts. I don't know the story about Molly Beth. I have met David three times, and his wife twice now, and they have always seemed really nice. But you don't get anywhere without asserting yourself, and someone, somewhere is bound to feel wronged at some point. So, I don't doubt that there may be hard feelings in some circles. However, the fact is that the Republicans have a monopoly in this state right now, and we've got to support all our candidates in order to take back texas.