This column was written well before the results of the 2010 gubernatorial race were published. But that doesn’t really matter.
Regardless of what happened Nov. 2, the result was pre-determined, and that’s why we are screwed.
Four years ago, Texans were presented with a veritable cornucopia of voting options. Granted, some were a bit odd, but they certainly seemed better than our current governor. From the charismatic Friedman to the Austin-shaking Strayhorn, voters only had themselves to blame for allowing Heir Perry another four years in office.
Things are a little bit different this year. The great dictator of the Texas GOP has returned, but his one and only opponent is equally off putting. Former Houston mayor Bill White lacks the confidence Perry exudes so easily. Considering the fact that Perry seems to think he has the office of governor locked up for as long as he wants, it would be difficult to match his swagger, but White doesn’t even come close. He looks downright terrified competing at this level.
Still, appearances can be deceiving; it’s what these two gentlemen have done while in office that really solidifies them as terrible options.
Let’s start with the incumbent. I have amassed a laundry list of complaints with this man. After all, he has given me a decade to gather material for this column. But in the interest of time, let’s look at his greatest shortcoming – advocating the Trans Texas Corridor. This little doosie was the Texas leg of the River Trade Corridor, a toll road that would give easy entrance to the United States from Mexico without those pesky custom people to deal with.
I don’t think it’s necessary to state the obvious flaws with this plan. After all, the whole idea was canned, but why would anyone, not to mention a Republican Governor, advocate this idea? It’s dangerous, reckless and downright pointless. All this road would have done was create potential security risks and add to the ever-increasing drug problem in the states.
Sadly, it doesn’t appear the candidate from the left side of the world is much better. White’s biggest concern is clean energy. He cut his teeth working with Congressman Bob Krueger developing energy policy. I’m not saying this kind of work isn’t important, but it lacks vitality for the governor’s office. The drug war that has spread all over Texas’ southern border should be the primary concern of both candidates.
White has no experience in this area. He was not a mayor who attacked drugs in Houston. He was a mayor who reduced litter and traffic. Crime reduction was not an area he excelled in as mayor, so why would he as governor?
The weird irony is that it seems the problem is that a candidate with too much experience is up against one with too little. There is no middle ground. On top of that, so much nonsense has been slung around this year that it’s hard to know who’s a worthwhile candidate and who isn’t. A successful campaign cannot be built on the grounds of vote for me over the other guy. That mentality has lead the way in not only the gubernatorial race, but all races this year.
Regardless of what happened, I’ll hold on to the slim hope that a worthwhile candidate will rise in 2014.