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[Nerokis]

No, it's not. It's a rapidly changing demographic. That's why there are websites like "keepitred.com." It's the next battleground state.

She probably won't win in 2014. But this will do exactly what she needs to do -- build a state-wide (and national) donor base, energize Democratic voters in Texas, hopefully allow some to ride in on her coat tails of what will be a closer election than one usually sees in the state... all for another state-wide run when she can win.

It's what she needs to do right now. It's what the Democrats need nationally. It's brilliant.

And hey, Abbott could always fuck up. Most Republicans in statewide elections in Texas aren't exactly known for having to deal with close opponents.

Well said. Exactly. As a Texan, I'm excited. I hope Wendy Davis lives up to the hype, because win or lose, this could be a great race for the Texas Democratic Party.

I've been in Houston for 2 months and the big surprise for me was to know that the mayor is democratic (and also lesbian), because I had the idea of Texas being a strong republican state. I know a city doesn't represent a state of course, but why are you saying that it's hard for her to win? Because I think Austin, Dallas and San Antonio have democratic mayors. I'm not american, so I'm asking this just to get to know more about this.

I think this image sums it up:

 

[makingmusic476]

I've been in Houston for 2 months and the big surprise for me was to know that the mayor is democratic (and also lesbian), because I had the idea of Texas being a strong republican state. I know a city doesn't represent a state of course, but why are you saying that it's hard for her to win? Because I think Austin, Dallas and San Antonio have democratic mayors. I'm not american, so I'm asking this just to get to know more about this.

It's common for urban areas all across the US to lean Democratic, while rural areas lean more Republican. Suburban areas can lean either way.

Even in deep red states, their largest cities will often be blue. Here in Louisiana, New Orleans has had Democratic mayors for decades upon decades (edit: and apparently Baton Rouge now has a Democratic mayor as well). No Republican has come close to having a shot, yet Republicans rule the larger state.

Texas' larger cities are pretty blue, with Austin being extremely liberal relative to the rest of the state.

Four of the five blue counties you see in the right half of the state are Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, which make up the Texas triangle:

Edit:

For comparison, here's California (in which Obama got over 60% of the vote in 2012) and Louisiana (where Obama barely got 40%):

Edit 2:

Baton Rouge has a Democratic mayor. :O I had no idea!

 

[Forever]

It would be very nice if she won. But we can't have nice things.

 

[crackhead_bob]

But is it possible that the Abbott could be distasteful enough to spur voters into Davis' camp?

 

[SmokyDave]

Meanwhile, outside the rally:

This picture is worth a thousand words. Even though each of those words is 'ugh'.

 

[TheSadRanger]

She might have a shot, especially if she can rile up voters who remember Ann Richards. Believe it or not gaf Texas did have a democrat as a governor in 91-95 who was pretty awesome.

 

[Empty]

This picture is worth a thousand words. Even though each of those words is 'ugh'.

i like how she had to slant the 'and' to make sure PRO GUNS was the biggest part

priorities

 

[lednerg]

We need a purple Texas, and this is a welcome step in that direction. She won't win, but whatever.

 

[SmokyDave]

i like how she had to slant the 'and' to make sure PRO GUNS was the biggest part

priorities

Awesome, ain't it.

I like 'Pro Family*'.


*where the constituents of a family are only those recognised as such by myself and my peers.

 

[Brian Griffin]

TexasGAF here. My Facebook feed exploded with "Liberal abortion slut/whore", "baby killer", "liberal women belong in the kitchen, not in Texas legislature", etc.

Yeah... I'm ready to campaign against all those bigot fuckers. Who's with me?

Who the hell are you "friends" with??

 

[Macam]

People shouldn't automatically rule out a Davis win.

There are obvious obstacles, but for a virtual unknown at this point, she's only 8 points behind Abbott, and, provided she runs a good campaign, can certainly make it a close one, especially if the financial gap closes.

 

[SolsticeZero]

As a proud Texan, she has my vote! The major left leaning metropolitan areas of the state are big enough to almost offset the more rural right leaning areas. It's only a matter of time before Texas gets a left leaning governor.

 

[perfectchaos007]

People shouldn't automatically rule out a Davis win.

There are obvious obstacles, but for a virtual unknown at this point, she's only 8 points behind Abbott, and, provided she runs a good campaign, can certainly make it a close one, especially if the financial gap closes.

She'll need funds coming in from out of state supporters to have a chance that's for sure

 

[Four_Chamber]

As somebody who lived in Dallas the last few years, I'm thrilled about her candidacy. Unfortunately, I moved out of state so I won't be able to do any leg-work on the ground. Even if Davis doesn't win, this is an important campaign. The demographics of Texas are changing and in 10-15 years, it will become a true "purple" (if not outright blue) state. When the GOP loses Texas, its electoral chances will be gone.

 

[mackattk]

I wish her the best of luck.

 

[theprodigy]

barring another legitimate rape moment for the GOP, they won't drop it in 2014, but it's important to build up a base of voters and donors (seriously, turnout in Texas is shit)

 

[Trojita]

Awesome, ain't it.

I like 'Pro Family*'.


*where the constituents of a family are only those recognised as such by myself and my peers.

Pro Life and Pro Guns

Wut

 

[ConfusingJazz]

She probably won't win, but even if she doesn't, this campaign will do some great things.

A) Get more Democratic money in this state. National money hasn't flowed in here since the mid 90s.

B) Organize the state's Democratic Party. It's been shit since it got wiped out in 94. Get people used to actual campaigning again, especially in a mid term election. Hopefully people will stop only looking at the presidential results and look at lower level politics in the state.

C) Get some enthusiasm for down ticket races and win a couple of "safe" seats. Everyone talks about the gerrymandering in this state. What they don't look at is how thin the Republicans cut those margins. With a decent democratic turnout, especially in some of the suburbs of the major cities, you could flip a couple of seats. Not necessarily for congress, but definitely for state legislature.

D) Get women on board the Democratic train.

However, her race won't turn the big one, the hispanic vote. We are hoping for the Castro brothers do that for us.

 

[JohnDoe]

Pro Life and Pro Guns

Wut

The GOP doesn't hold silly things like logic in very high esteem.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

PRO-LIFE AND PRO-GUNS

I wonder went on in that person's head when writing that.

 

[besada]

Abbott's probably going to roll right over her.

It would be nice if that didn't happen, but given his fundraising lead, gerrymandering, and his years at Lt. Governor, I'd be astonished if she won. Pleasantly astonished, but astonished.

Frankly, I wish we had a better Democratic candidate than a woman who's mostly known for being able to stand up a long time.

 

[Emwitus]

Texas is pro life.................unless its a mexican baby then you can deport their parents to mexico and stuff them in a childrens home. Oh and also deny them people who are sick health care and let em die, that life ain't worth saving.

The hypocrisy among the christian conservative community is almost chocking now.

 

[xavi42]

doesn't stand a chance