GUEST BLOG: State Rep. Garnet Coleman, Co-Chair, Texas House Democratic Campaign Committee

by: Vince Leibowitz

Thu Jul 10, 2008 at 14:12:31 PM CDT

Republicans gained control of the Legislature in 2003 by gerrymandering our Texas House and Senate districts. That same year, courtesy of the new Republican leadership, hundreds of thousands of Texas children were cut from the rolls of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Last session, the Republicans blocked Democratic legislation that would have fully restored CHIP, thus ensuring that we remain last in the nation when it comes to insuring our kids.

But they didn't stop there.

Republicans failed our kids and our public school teachers by opposing increases in teacher pay and pushing private school vouchers.

I believe our legislative priorities should focus on solving the problems Texans face every day: An unequal and underfunded public education system, overcrowded and crumbling transportation infrastructure and toothless environmental protection programs, all of which will affect future generations.

Fortunately for Texans, this year marks an historic opportunity to hold Republicans accountable for their actions and inactions. To do so, we must elect representatives who will walk the talk. I'm preaching to the choir when I say this, but through the power of Netroots activism, Democrats are mobilizing like never before.

That's why I am proud to be a co-chair of the House Democratic Campaign Committee (HDCC) along with Rep. Jim Dunnam (D-Waco) and Rep. Pete Gallego (D-Alpine). The HDCC has been responsible for so much of the current momentum we are seeing at the state level.

Lead by the Texas Democratic House leadership, the HDCC focuses on protecting every incumbent Democrat, recruiting top-quality candidates, training campaign staff and developing winning strategies - at no cost to candidates. The HDCC has been instrumental in regaining nine House seats since 2003.

In 2008 our focus is set: We must hold on to the 71 seats we have and win the five more seats needed to take back the Texas House.

The HDCC can only do this with your help. Please click here to make an investment in the HDCC today - any amount helps. We have seen what a dramatic effect Netroots contributions and organization has had throughout our nation. It's time to harness that energy and put it to use here at home.

We must hold the Republicans accountable for failing Texans. It's time to elect leaders who practice what they preach. Support the HDCC now and vote Blue in November.

Garnet F. Coleman
D-Houston
Co-Chair, House Democratic Campaign Committee

For more information, or if you would like to contact me, please visit GarnetColeman.com