Democrats declare they're 'here to win' in Texas
AUSTIN — In their first meeting in the Lone Star State in more than three decades, national Democrats vowed Friday to repaint red-state Texas in Democratic blue and assailed Republicans as obstructionists to President Barack Obama’s economic recovery and healthcare initiatives.
"We’re here to win, folks; we’re here to win," proclaimed Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, chairman of the Democratic National Committee. He said the DNC is prepared to stand side by side with Texas party leaders to lead Democrats to victories in 2010 and 2012.
Kaine blasted Republicans for opposing Obama’s economic recovery program while America is trying to pull itself out of the worst downturn since the Great Depression.
"Texas Gov. Rick Perry openly opposed it and even threatened to secede because of it," Kaine said, referring to Perry’s much-publicized suggestions that some Texans might favor seceding out of frustration with the federal government.
Perry has opposed the president’s stimulus plan but has repeatedly said he does not advocate secession.
"He’s right; the governor did oppose the federal stimulus package," Perry spokesman Mark Miner said in response to Kaine’s remarks.
More than 500 DNC members and party officials are attending the three-day meeting, which marks the first time the party leaders have gathered in Texas since the 1970s in San Antonio. The meeting winds up today, and Republicans plan a demonstration at the State Capitol to tell Democrats to keep their "hands off" Texas.
But the message from Kaine and other speakers served notice that national Democrats firmly believe that Texas is becoming a competitive state after years of Republican domination. No Democrat has won statewide since 1994.
Kaine, who has helped lead a Democratic resurgence in his state, called the Texas Democratic Party "one of the best-organized in America," saying it has helped produce a "tremendous acceleration" of party strength across the state in recent years. The DNC’s decision to meet in Texas reflects the national party’s recognition that Texas has the potential to become a blue state, he said.
Republicans strongly dismissed that notion.
"We don’t feel good about their chances. We feel good about our chances," said Bryan Preston, spokesman for the Texas Republican Party.
He said the "Hands Off Texas" rally today represents the kickoff of Republicans’ counteroffensive against Democrats. Organizers plan to bring in busloads of supporters to denounce Obama’s policies and trumpet Republican strength.
Strategists in both parties say the biggest political tug of war in 2010 will be over the state House of Representatives, where Republicans have watched their 6-year-old majority dwindle to a precarious 76-74 edge. Races for governor, the U.S. Senate and hundreds of local offices are also high priorities for both parties.
Kaine’s pledge to actively assist the Texas party with money and resources represents a shift in tone from previous years, when Texas Democrats often complained that the national party wrote off the state as unwinnable and ignored their pleas for financial support.
Even though Republicans still dominate statewide offices, Texas Democrats have made steady gains in the Legislature and local offices, particularly in urban areas such as Dallas and Houston.
