The Way Of All Things

Here is a picture of a fossil I took a few weeks ago at the local science museum.

A lot of things in life make people angry.

But you’ve got to take it all in stride. You’ve got to at least try.

Carol Kent To Be Reelected In Texas House District 102

(Blogger’s Note–Brilliant Harvard Kennedy School of Government graduate and Burnt Orange Report blogger Phillip Martin has teamed up with Annie’s List to report on some of the most competitive 2010 races for the Texas House of Representatives. Phillip has been nice enough to allow me share these profiles with Texas Liberal readers.  Today’s post covers House District 102.  This district is in the Dallas area. Above you see the Plaza Theater in Garland. This fine structure is part of District 102. The Plaza was built in the 1940’s and has recently undergone an art deco refurbishment. The Plaza can be rented for your upcoming event.)

Candidate Pages: Rep. Carol Kent website, on Facebook, on Twitter

Candidate Pages: Stefani Carter website, on Facebook, on Twitter

District Overview: The Numbers, The Issues, and the Candidates

• House District Map: District 102
  
• District History: 2008 Election Results

Representative Carol Kent completed her first session in the Texas Legislature on the heels of her impressive win in 2008. In 2009, she was named ‘Freshman of the Year’ by the Women’s Health Caucus and is the Chair of the Subcommittee on Victims’ Rights and Violence Against Women. District 102 is situated squarely in North Dallas and part of the city of Garland. Traditionally a tough district for Democrats, Obama carried this Republican-leaning outpost with split 50.2% in 2008. Rep. Carol Kent ousted a 20 year Republican incumbent in 2008 with 53% of the vote and will face a tough challenge this year as well. Expect this race to focus on utility rates, homeowner’s insurance and Stefani Carter’s credibility — or severe lack thereof.

If there is a worse Republican candidate running in a “challenge race” for the Texas House, I don’t know who that would be. Consider the following:

• Stefani Carter’s own bosses have endorsed Carol Kent.
• Stefani Carter plagiarized Obama’s speech and lied on her resume
• Stefani Carter has lied to voters in her attacks

If there is anything redeeming in Stefani Carter’s campaign, it’s that it will be over in eight weeks.

Why Rep. Carol Kent Returns Next Year

Rep. Carol Kent has the experience and the support to run a professional campaign. She’s hit the ground running and is aggressively working to communicate her impressive legislative records with voters in the district. Stefani Carter, on the other hand, is still lagging well-behind Kent with cash-on-hand and may not have the resources to compete at the level required. Carter’s mountain of scandal will hurt her, as well. Carter has also been making what the Dallas Morning News calls “bizarre” claims, noting that her staff has called 911 on numerous occasions claiming they feared for their safety because a suspicious car was parked outside their campaign office.

One campaign is desperate — Stefani Carter.

June 30 Campaign Finance Report:

HD 102: Kent vs. Carter	Contributions	Expenditures	Cash on Hand
Rep. Carol Kent (D)	$193,494	$67,370	$253,007
Stefani Carter (R)	$149,013	$95,436	$87,261
Kent’s Advantage	$44,481	–	$165,746