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Both national and Texas politics promise to be a lively spectacle filled with incredible drama as Election Day draws near. Even though Texas is traditionally considered a Republican state, more than twice as many Democrats as Republicans voted for president during the 2008 March primary. However, no one can predict how these same citizens will cast their votes in November. More than ever in today’s uncertain political climate, every vote carries additional importance because the fate of a party’s supremacy balances precariously on several pivotal legislative seats.
Presidential hopefuls may influence Texas politics
Several critical down-ballot races across Texas may hinge on the presence or absence of presidential hopefuls John McCain and Barack Obama. Their level of involvement could affect everything from who wins the Texas House Speaker race to which party gains the majority in the House. In the Texas House, a shift of just four seats from Republican to Democratic will result in an even split between the parties; a shift of five seats would result in a Democratic majority. There are at least that many seats in play, though expectations are that some previously Democratic seats may go Republican and vice-versa, so it’s anybody’s guess whether the absolute margins will change or not.
In the Senate, there is a significant Republican majority that will not change. However, the Senate has traditionally adhered to a two-thirds rule requiring two-thirds of its members to vote to approve consideration of any bill. Currently the Democrats have 11 seats in the Senate, which is just enough to block consideration of legislation if they vote together, with no margin for somebody to be taking a bathroom break! Though there are several contested Senate races, three are considered to be seriously in play–meaning that the party of the seat holding them might shift.
What you do can make a difference
It will be crucial for voters to educate themselves about these national and state races. Educators can start by doing their homework and visit the texasteachersvote.com website to establish where their state candidates stand on education issues. The voting records of incumbent candidates and education surveys by other candidates can be accessed and reviewed. For a brief overview of where the presidential candidates stand on the education issues and links to more detailed information, see Washington Watch.
I invite you to determine your personal comfort level of involvement and join in the process. Know that your involvement in the political process can be as simple as making a small monetary contribution to your candidate or as involved as actively helping to get your candidate elected. Any and every effort you make time for will have a positive impact.
Electing teacher-friendly legislators helps TCTA’s top-ranked education lobby team when they meet with legislators to discuss sensitive education issues and craft legislation that benefits teachers. Help our lobby team by contacting your candidates to let them know where you stand on incentive programs, vouchers, high-stakes testing, discipline issues, etc. Informed, vigilant constituents who take the time to contact candidates before the election help keep legislators on the right track during the legislative session.
Please make it a top priority to get yourself to the polls and remember to encourage your colleagues to vote on November 4. Better yet, take advantage of the early voting window October 20-31 and cast your vote early. Teachers are busy people; avoid letting last-minute conflicts interfere with your ability to cast your vote. Taking an active role in the election process serves as a wonderful model for your students and your family. This election cycle promises to be a wild ride; hop on board by casting your vote.
Web posted: 08/19/08 from The Classroom Teacher, Fall 2008
