Were the Republicans to actually make good on their “Win 10 in ’10″ goal for the November 2 elections, what changes could we expect to see on the House floor? How much difference does 10 actually make in a legislative body of 150 members? Enough to make Democrats understandably nervous.With many major issues facing Texas decision makers in the coming months, a 77-seat Republican House population may not sound like much less than an 87-seat majority, but outnumbered by 24 Representatives, Democrats would struggle to maintain an assertive voice on important causes. On the docket will be very influential discussions of immigration, as we have seen large scale controversy erupt to the West in Arizona, voter identification and the always pertinent budget concerns. With 87 seats, each of these issues would likely be voted on and passed with a noticeably Republican flair, great for GOP backers but concerning for the diminished donkey supporters. (more…)

Republican Rick Perry has spent the last 10 years as the Texas State Governor. In many ways he represents the classic Texan image that so often comes to mind in terms of ideals, attitude, he even looks like a Texan, plain and simple. However, despite President Obama’s dismal approval ratings and the well documented disenchantment with the White House among Texans over the past 2 years, Perry is in the midst of what could be his tightest race for reelection during the course of his gubernatorial career.In two words, Rick Perry is old school. A 5^th generation Texan, Perry was born the son of ranchers just north of Abilene in West Texas. He grew up an Eagle Scout, later graduating Paint Creek High School to attend Texas A&M University, where he would serve as a member of the Corps of Cadets and one of the school’s five famous yell leaders, a high honor among male cheerleaders at A&M. He earned his degree in Animal Science, spent time in the service, married his high school sweetheart; he’s what every traditional Texas parent hopes their child grows up to be. So why might Perry be in trouble?Former Houston Mayor Bill White is alive and well on the campaign trail. After 10 years, perhaps the changing Texas landscape is growing tired of the old sheriff in town. It’s certainly not a reflection of Perry’s lack of dedication to his current office, as he is on record citing no further political aspiration, calling his position as the Governor of Texas “the greatest job in the world.” (more…)

Currently holding a slight advantage within the Texas House of Representatives, the Republican Party is optimistic about what the future may hold for politics on the state level, though much of the hope relies on federal level disenchantment. In fact, the key to gaining more seats and expanding their lead in terms of representation starts with the President and depends on the idea that voter dissatisfaction with his time in office thus far will trickle down and manifest itself on the state level. It is no secret that Obama’s administration has done little to gain favor among Texas Republicans at least since the campaign trail, however, Democrats remain skeptical of the Republicans newfound plans for resurgence.As it currently stands, the Texas House is comprised of 77 Republicans and 73 Democrats. Perhaps confidence among the Democrats centers around the pro-Democrat trend that has shown through in state elections dating back to 2002, with the party continuing to gain ground in the Texas house on an annual basis. Of course, 2002 would also correspond with Bush Administration’s second year, so it could be argued that voter dissatisfaction with the Oval Office has played a part in that shift as well. (more…)