Leonard, Landtroop, and Isett — Oh My!
Today is a big day for local election news.
First, Lubbock City Councilman John Leonard has announced that he will run in the Republican primary for Lubbock County Commissioner Precinct 4, currently held by Patti Jones. Leonard’s push last week to modernize the Lubbock City Charter in a hurry makes more sense in light of this announcement: he’s trying to make it look like he’s accomplished something while in office. I believe that Leonard is a problematic candidate who has lost support even among his base, and a challenger in either the primary or the general will stand a good chance against him.
Next, Representative Joe Heflin (Texas HD85) could be facing Jim Landtroop, the guy he beat the first time around (in 2006), assuming Landtroop wins the Republican primary in HD85 (which is very likely, in my opinion). My prediction for a 2010 Landtroop/Heflin rematch is an even bigger win by Heflin, who has done a wonderful job representing his district in Austin.
Lastly, today KCBD and Pratt on Texas both broke the story that Carl Isett will not seek reelection for Texas HD84. This news is HUGE. With no incumbent, the seat is wide open. With the right voter turnout effort, this house district could turn blue in 2010. We just need some qualified candidates to run an exciting Democratic Party primary in this district to get the ball rolling. I don’t know of any Republicans who have stepped up to run in Isett’s place, but perhaps today’s official announcement will reveal someone in that role. If not, I believe that “unknown Democrat” versus “unknown Republican” in this district will make a very close race.
2010 is shaping up to be an exciting year in Texas politics.
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December 18th, 2009 at 8:04 am
Wow! That’s some interesting news.
One caveat (I don’t know how to spell that): after reading the AJ’s article yesterday on the effort to alter the city charter, it seemed to me that the real push behind it is the mayor who wants to decrease the city managers power and increase the ability of the mayor and city council to influence city employees and maybe it appeared to have more power over who does and does not have jobs with the city, and what such employees have the right to speak about.
Did Isett give a reason for stepping down?
December 20th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Carl Isett got caught paying his wife illegally. He had to pay his campaign back. It’s very possible he quit to keep the campaign fund. He also will get a state retirement check for his over 10 years in office. I personally “cooked Carl” at his last “Coffee With Carl” over his campaign donation to Patti Jones Campaign. Chris Winn give me “thumbs up” signal and I peppered Carl with more “hardball questions”. Carl Isett looked concerned as republican chair smiled while “Bulldog Burnett” nipped at Carl Isett’s ankles. This was at a bakery downtown across from CitiBus this summer.
Clif Burnett(D)