Elections/Voting – Page 3 – The Other Side Dallas

April 21, 2022April 21, 2022

Beto In Dallas

Dallas Democrats had what they wanted. Beto in Dallas yesterday and the press conference was as expected: free drugs, new casinos, and Medicaid expansion.

The Democratic nominee for Governor came out swinging against Governor Abbott on marijuana legalization, opening casinos in Texas, and expanding Medicaid.

He was joined by State Senator Nathan Johnson and City Council District 7 member Adam Bazaldua. The trio addressed local economics, but not the rising crime rate.

Bazaldua has been part of rising taxes since he joined Dallas city council was also a proponent of defunding the police – which has led to more police leaving the job and higher crime rates.

Governor Abbott’s campaign was quick to respond.

“Serial flip-flopper Beto O’Rourke is once again misleading the public,” said Abbott campaign communications director Mark Miner. “Gov. Abbott has reduced property taxes for Texans by over $18 billion since taking office, while Beto O’Rourke has an established track record of increasing property taxes while serving on the City Council in El Paso.”

Beto In Dallas: Another Change In Direction?

O’Rourke who has not spoken openly about legalizing gambling in Texas plans to introduce the plan to lower property taxes which are quickly rising given the influx of new residents seeking Texas’ positive economic outlook.

O’Rourke is not only fighting the national headwinds which show President Biden polling lower than former President Trump at the same time in his administration, but is also facing a Texas Republican Party which has a strong edge in data analytics, messaging, and voter communication efforts that many Democrats refuse to admit.

April 18, 2022April 18, 2022

No Representation 100

“No representation 100” is the new phrase being bandied about by Democratic Precinct chairs who recently learned that State Representative Jasmine Crockett did not show up to vote against SB7 in the Texas legislature.

Crockett is being described by a Washington consultant as dangerous. She is the “poster child for Republicans to run against,” he said.

“Crockett loves being a show horse, but has no stomach for being a work horse,” he continued. “She loves hearing herself speak on CNN about SB1 (Senate Bill 1), but couldn’t show up to vote no.”

In August 2021, Crockett went on CNN saying, “Texas is the hardest state to vote.” It is unclear if she meant for ordinary voters getting to the polls or if she meant elected representatives who don’t show up to work.

The transcript is here.

Texas House of Representatives Journal Download

More To No Representation 100

Crockett is the only state representative to not have a district level office providing constituent service.

Her Chief of Staff Karol Rimmal has openly used the N word which several pastors in South Dallas have said they find offensive.

In addition to the news above it has been revealed that Democrats in Austin found Crockett hard to work with day to day.

Meanwhile her opponent in the May primary run off, Jane Hope Hamilton, has been steadily gathering endorsements from local elected officials. One of the more prominent endorsements came from Senator Royce West.

March 31, 2022March 31, 2022

Endorsement Rumor True

Endorsement rumor true per multiple emails and comments that came to Other Side Dallas after we posted Texas State Senator Royce West might endorse Jane Hope Hamilton in Texas’ 30th Congressional District Democratic Primary runoff.

Endorsement Rumor True

In a Twitter release, the Hamilton campaign notes endorsements from numerous North Texas leaders including Congressman Marc Veasey, the Honorable Ron Kirk, State Senator Beverly Powell, State Representative Chris Turner, State Representative Rafael Anchía, and Commissioner John Wiley Price.

JUST IN: Endorsed by Senator ⁦⁦⁦@RoyceWestTX⁩ ! HOPE is on the Ballot for Congressional District 30 https://t.co/8UQEqktwMl
— Jane Hope Hamilton (@JaneHopeTX) March 25, 2022

Hamilton is widely recognized as a strong leader and trusted voice among Democrats and the broader civic community in Dallas and throughout our state. Hamilton was a Strategic Advisor to the Biden-Harris campaign and was Campaign Manager for Clay Jenkins’ reelection run.

Jane has deep and broad experience in public policy, in competitive campaigns, working within the Texas State legislature, and as a Chief of Staff in the United States Congress. Jane has been asked by respected leaders across the community to consider running for Congress.

Hamilton is a graduate of Lake Forest College, where she double majored in Political Science and Mass Communications. She lives and works in Dallas, Texas. She, her husband, and their two children are members of the Dallas West Church of Christ.

There are less than sixty days left until the primary runoff election.

March 30, 2022March 30, 2022

Royce West Endorsing Jane Hope Hamilton

A rumor is circulating that Royce West is endorsing Jane Hope Hamilton as early as this weekend. This would be another significant endorsement in the Democratic Primary runoff in Texas Congressional District 30.

Jane Hope Hamilton previously announced multiple endorsements from both current office holders and former opponents.

It is not clear if thes endorsements help, but Crockett’s campaign was hit by allegations of inappropriate behavior by her Chief of Staff Karrol Rimal earlier in the campaign. The Youtube video below includes some of his comments.

Royce West Endorsing Jane Hope Hamilton: Help or Hurt?

Last year, Senator West endorsed Donald Parish Jr. for City Council in District 7 over incumbent Adam Bazaldua.

March 17, 2022March 22, 2022

New Endorsements For Jane Hope Hamilton

On Wednesday, three new endorsements for Jane Hope Hamilton dropped all from former 2022 Democratic candidates who opposed her in the March primary.

Hamilton’s run off campaign started with the endorsement of State Representative, Chairman Rafael Anchía. She has now added former State Representative Barbara Mallory Caraway, former Councilwoman Vonciel Jones Hill, and former Constable Roy Williams Jr.

The New Endorsements For Jane Hope Hamilton

Congressional District 30 needs a representative in Washington who will work to lower prescription drug costs so families won’t have to make the hard decusion between the high cost of medication and putting food on the table. We need someone who will work for safer neighborhoods by decreasing the escalating gun violence and crime plaguing our district. At the same time we need a representative who will work to ensure we keep our voting rights in this crumbling Democracy. That person is Jane Hope Hamilton.
Former State Representative Barbara Mallory Caraway

Jane Hope Hamilton has my support for Congress. Her history of advocating for our neighborhoods and speaking up for our underserved populations makes her the right choice. I look forward to working with her in Congress as we both continue to serve our communities.
Former Constable Roy Williams Jr.

March 7, 2022June 21, 2022

Allred Soft On Russia

Former Vice President Mike Pence accused Colin Allred of being soft on Russia for not supporting the KeystoneXLpipeline in an earlier Congressional vote.

Allred reacted via press release. His statement in part is below.

“It is abhorrent for Mike Pence and the GOP to use the war in Ukraine to score cheap political points. Ukrainians are fleeing their homes and losing family members to a senseless invasion by a murderous dictator. “

“This is the same Vice President who stood with Trump as he cozied up to Putin and did nothing while he blackmailed the Ukrainians and withheld the arms they needed to defend themselves.”

Some have been critical of the 32nd District Congressman for trying to run against Donald Trump instea of Antonio Swad or Justin Webb, who will face one another in the Republican runoff.

Allred’s Local History Mixed

Colin Allred is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and recently took a CODEL – a Congressional Delegation trip – to Ukraine recently.

The two term Congressman has been considered vulnerable since his first election and has concentrated on securing his own seat rather than working locally to build a strong Democratic base. He lost the chance to face Brad Namdar in November after voters in the primary placed him fifth.

He was asked by the Congressional Black Caucus to give a response to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union as a way to raise his profile.

Allred reportedly faced an ethics investigation two years ago over harrassment allegations, but neither he nor the House Ethics Committee would comment.

Additionally, last year when Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh came to Dallas he avoided taking questions about why SBA was not funding loans to local nonprofits.

Locally nonprofits received loan qualifications, but SBA staff never finalized the loan to keep them afloat. The student was briefly detained by staff believed to have been associated with Secretary Walsh or the Congressman.

March 2, 2022June 21, 2022

Primary Election Results 2022?

We were hoping to report primary election results 2022 for our readers this morning, but as it stands only 105 of 440 precincts are reporting.

There are a few clear data points though.

First, it appears Dallas Democrats will have an interesting slate of candidates if current trends last. Statewide, it may not matter as the Republican Party looks to continue their numbers superiority in statewide races.

Locally, while he is not coming in last in the field of six, Brad Namdar looks to have taken a major hit with local voters after allegations were reported he solicited an escort.

Primary Election Results 2022 – Symptom Of Something Bigger?

For years conservatives have questioned Dallas County Elections Department, particularly after John Wiley Price placed a close confidante in the role, Toni Pippins-Poole.

The inability of local elections departments to ensure a smooth electoral process with announcement of vote totals the same night – particularly with the Democrats emphasis on Early Voting options – decreases the overall trust in the process.

March 1, 2022February 28, 2022

Primary Election Day 2022

Today is primary election day 2022 here in Texas.

Dallas County Democrats have numerous contested races including at the top of the ballot where they are expected to nominate Beto O’Rourke. This is the Democrat sample ballot.

Dallas County Republicans mostly have contested races at the top of the ticket including Don Huffines challenging Greg Abbott for the gubernatorial nod and who will face Colin Allred in TX32.

The Republican sample ballot is here.

Primary Election Day 2022 Voting Locations

Schools, fire houses, and churches across Dallas will be used for voting locations. You can find a convenient voting location for you here.

February 28, 2022February 27, 2022

Dallas, Dallas ISD Surrenders On Masks

One day before primary voters choose party standard bearers, Dallas County and Dallas ISD surrenders on masks to Lauren Davis and reality.

Lauren Davis is challenging Edwin Flores for the Republican nomination to challenge Clay Jenkins in the November General Election.

Davis has gained prominence leading protests at Dealey Montessori Academy starting in September and as Chief Culture Officer for The Gents Place which has had unique views unrelated to men’s salon services recently.

The protests caused parent anger, particularly when Dallas Police seemed to go out of their way to protect white protestor rights over those of Black Lives Matter protests just a year prior. The protests seemed to be the impetus for Beth Wing’s sudden departure.

The Hinojosa flip flop comes as he reportedly prepares a mayoral run next year.

Dallas, Dallas ISD Surrenders On Masks – Any Change In Data?

In a late Friday afternoon statement, Judge Clay Jenkins announced his revised order regarding mask requirements in Dallas County.

“One hour after the CDC recommendation today, the public health committee met to look at hospital numbers here, medical modeling from UT Southwestern, and other information critical to advising,” said Jenkins.

However, some say, “What order? Government facilities have not mandated masks. Look at local theater operations,” said one county employee.

Many have complained that neither Dallas County, nor City of Dallas, took serious precautions once they decided to open back up.

“The theater here is that we needed masks,” the employee said. “This has all been political posturing by people who have magnetic attractions to microphones.”

“Clay Jenkins never mentioned paper masks don’t work against omicron. You need a N95 or KN95, but that doesn’t work for his audience of knitting circles.”

Both Dallas and Dallas schools says masks will no longer be mandated, but that they are “recommended.”

February 20, 2022June 21, 2022

Trouble For Dallas Democrats 2022 Edition

Polls are out pre-primary and it shows more trouble for Dallas Democrats 2022 edition.

The Dallas Morning News/UT Tyler poll shows Greg Abbott beating presumed Democratic nominee Beto O’Rourke by eleven points. O’Rourke still must win his primary, but Betocrats came out hard against whispers Matthew McConaughey might enter the race.

At the time, polls showed McConaughey beating Abbott – the only potential candidate to do so in any poll.

Currently, O’Rourke is well ahead of his other four primary opponents, but it is unclear what he does next if he loses again.

Lt. Governor candidate Mike Collier leads 21 points to 18 for state representative Michelle Beckley and Democratic Party Vice Chair Carla Brailey at 15 percentage points.

The big surprise may be progressive Latina Rochelle Mercedes Garza who is leading Joe Jaworski and the field of five candidates for Attorney General. She currently has 22 percentage points, nearly doubling presumed front runner Jaworski’s 13 points.

In that race, Lee Merritt and Mike Fields each come in with 9 points.

Dallas Democrats continue to shoot themselves in foot.

Locally, the party is still recovering from losses in 2020 that lost the chance at Texas House of Representatives membership parity. At the time insiders said a circular firing squad started.

It was also revealed that in a Dallas County Democratic Party audit that there were almost no operational or financial controls over money flowing into and out of the party. This all happened as Democrats included convicted felon Terry Hodge as a member of their Electoral College slate.

Trouble For Dallas Democrats 2022 Despite Self Inflicted GOP Wounds

The good news for Dallas Democrats mostly comes from a Republican Party that seems focused on nominating local QAnon supporters as standard bearers for their campaigns.

The other difficulty the GOP appears to be having will come in the 32nd Congressional District if they choose to nominate Brad Namdar who has been accused of soliciting an escort for sex and then not paying her after a second encounter.

That accusation led to him being suspended from an anti-trafficking program Namdar participated in with the Texas Secretary of State.

DMN/UT Tyler Poll Methodology

The Dallas Morning News/UT-Tyler Poll is a statewide random sample of 1,118 registered voters conducted between February 8 – 15, 2022.

The mixed-mode sample includes 276 registered voters surveyed over the phone by the University of Texas at Tyler with support from ReconMR and 912 registered voters randomly selected from Dynata’s panel of online respondents.

The margin of error for a sample of 1,118 registered voters in Texas is +/- 2.8 percentage points, and the more conservative margin of sampling error that includes design effects from this poll is +/- 3.1 percentage points for a 95% confidence interval.