City Council Races: Usual Suspects Endorse Usual Suspects
Democrats around the country are clamoring for change in a heated presidential campaign. But as the endorsement rounds for the May city council races come to a close back here in Austin, the message is more of the same.
Place 1 incumbent Lee Leffingwell has all the establishment support in his re-election campaign against upstart Jason Meeker, who is criticizing Leffingwell for essentially running two campaigns: one for re-election this year and a second, for Mayor, next year. Meeker makes some sense when he says incumbent should come clean about which job he really wants, since voters will have to pay for the special election to replace Leffingwell on the council if he wins mayoral race. Still, the usual progressive groups have endorsed Leffingwell, proving once again that they are not as progressive as they like to think.
Jennifer Kim, the Place 3 incumbent, has lined up the Austin Neighborhoods Council, Capitol Area Progressive Democrats, and other establishment types despite a tenure marked by controversial behavior and criticism that she is too close to business. Her challenger, Randi Shade, is considered a true progressive but has struggled to put together an endorsement list that can break through the status quo support Kim is getting.
In the Place 4 race to replace the retiring Betty Dunkerley, Laura Morrison has picked up establishment support and newcomers like the Better Austin Today PAC, which already seems stuck in its ways. The other two viable candidates, Cid Galindo and Robin Cravey, have based their candidacies on new ideas and innovative proposals — exactly the sort of forward-looking campaigns the Austin establishment hates.
With so much change in the air this election, the groups that like to think they run Austin are having none of it.
Posted on March 30, 2008 – 6:24 pm by APR
3 Responses to “City Council Races: Usual Suspects Endorse Usual Suspects”
Hey APR, don’t you think it’s time you FINALLY came out of the closet and told us who you are? If we knew WHICH political pro you were, it would no doubt go a long way toward helping your readers understand why your “opinions” are what they are…
By JOLLY RANCHER on Mar 30, 2008
The downtown crowd has its candidates who have presumably pledged not to upset the apple cart. Why would they want to change the system they have rigged?
By The Chief on Mar 31, 2008
Whoever is elected come May will have to take the oath that includes, to obey State Law, Obey City Ordinances, Uphold the US Constitution and forget about all campaign contributions, since they will represent everyone in Austin.
We already have a Mayor that violated his oath for assaulting a tourist while intoxicated. Wynn did apologize during a council meeting, but to those of us, Wynn violated his sworm oath and therefore resign his position as Mayor.
If the person I expect to win the race for Travis DA is successfull, Wynn will have legal problems before this current term expires.
By Pat on Apr 4, 2008