I like to wait to vote on Election Day because it gives me more time to get to know the candidates. This year I haven’t spent much time doing that, mostly observing from the outside via the various social media platforms, the candidate websites, the campaign finance reports and the reports in the mainstream media outlets. I’m close to finalizing my choices and this is how my ballot looks thus far, starting from top to bottom for contested races.
Governor – Don Huffines
While I don’t think that Gov. Abbott has been as bad as some R’s think, I do believe that he is a reactive politician and I don’t much like that. I have no doubt that he will win the primary and I’ll vote for him in November but for now I’ll do a “protest” vote and hope that Abbott chooses to use his next four years wisely.
As for Huffines himself, it’s basically a process of elimination for me. I’m not going to vote for Florida Man (Allen West) or for the comedian (Chad Prather), so Huffines it is. Although it’d be fun to vote for Rick Perry.
Lt. Governor – Dan Patrick
This really isn’t a contested race but it’s on my ballot, so there you go. Dan has done far better than I thought he would when he first ran, so it’s an enthusiastic vote.
Attorney General – Ken Paxton
This one was a bit harder than it should have been. If it weren’t for Paxton’s ethical problems it’d be a slam dunk because he has been a good conservative AG. And I’d probably vote for Eva Guzman if it weren’t for the sources of her campaign cash. Ain’t no way in Hades I’m voting for P Bush and Gohmert is too far out there for me.
Comptroller – Glenn Hegar
Another one that’s not really contested but on my ballot. Hegar has run the office with efficiency and proficiency and this is an enthusiastic vote.
Commissioner of the General Land Office – Ben Armenta
In a crowded field there are some good choices and any of them will be an improvement over P Bush. Mr. Armenta gets my vote because of a clear vision and an ability to communicate it. On my ballot he barely edges out Dr. Jon Spiers. I assume that Dawn Buckingham will be in the runoff but she’s a professional politician at this point and to top it off, she hired a guy in Houston that works for Democrats to defeat Harris County Republicans.
Commissioner of Agriculture – Sid Miller
Truth is, I just like Sid Miller. He’s personable, affable and very conservative. Another enthusiastic vote. James White has become just another politician, spending his time attacking Miller instead of telling us why he has better ideas and policies.
Railroad Commissioner – undecided
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 9 – David J. Schenck
Seems like a good judge with lots of experience. The incumbent was appointed by Abbott for reasons other than being a good judge and if you get a chance, take a look at his campaign finance reports (filer id 00086069). No thanks.
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5 – Clint Morgan
The guy has gotten every endorsement that matters to me and the incumbent was elected solely on the basis of his name.
State Senator, District 11 – Mayes Middleton
Mayes is young, got a good conservative head on his shoulders, has a stellar record as a State Representative and is a leader. Dr. Armstrong is also a good candidate but doesn’t have the record Mayes has. And Bob Mitchell lost me completely with the way he highlighted the Houston Chronicle’s endorsement of him. No Republican in their right mind would do that.
Family District Judge, 308th Judicial District – undecided
Family District Judge, 311th Judicial District – undecided
Family District Judge, 313th Judicial District – undecided
County Judge – undecided Alexandra del Moral Mealer (click here to find out why)
Leaning towards Vidal Martinez but could go with Alexandra del Moral Mealer. Ruled out Martina Dixon based on her school board experience and campaign finance reports. Like Randy Kubosh but this isn’t the job for him.
County Treasurer – Kyle Scott
An enthusiastic vote because Kyle is a solid conservative. Eric Dick is a joke, he basically single-handedly turned the Harris County Department of Education into a Democratic controlled, Critical Race Theory pushing liberal institution. At this point it appears that he is using political campaigns to pick up clients that want to sue insurance companies. Just for fun ask him if he is going to close or suspend his law practice if he is elected. He’ll probably win based upon spending and name recognition and if he does, I’ll skip the box in November.
County Commissioner, Precinct 2 – Jack Morman
Another enthusiastic vote. Jack did great in his previous terms as commissioner and would be even better now that he has a different perspective.
And there you have it, as it stands today. Another good thing about waiting until Election Day is that you continue to get mailers from candidates and see them getting shriller and shriller every day. Dixon is now claiming that she cut school taxes 15% in Humble. Just ludicrous.