Texas: General Elections 2006

Lying just west of Houston is the territory defined clearly and unmistakably as Texas’ 7th district.  Primarily white (67%), partially hispanic (18%), and little African-american (6%) and earning on average $57,846 yearly; $13,373 over the national average. Texans living in the 7th district will have an interesting time deciding who to vote for this November.  They must choose between the Republican incumbent John Culberson, or his Democratic opposition: Jim Henley.  Let’s start with the underdog.

Jim Henley has a strong background as an educator, 19 years and was voted Lanier Middle School Teacher of the year for 2005-2006 school year…if that’s not enough for Jim to earn your vote, he brings yet more to offer!  As you could imagine Jim is devoted to education and reforming the current education system.  He pines for more qualified teachers, and intends to achieve this by providing higher salaries for teachers to lure them in.  In to what exactly?  Voting for him most likely…OK enough with education.

The war in Iraq has spurred Jim on to make strong comments regarding the situation.  He has said that he has no support for the war and feels that American is now “less secure” since the invasion.  He feels that we have strengthened our enemies while diverting our own resources.  He is in strong support of a phased withdrawal including a set date that must be adhered to.  However, Jim isn’t against the War on Terror; he believes that we should be relocating troops from Iraq to the Afghanistan/ Pakistan border to eliminate the threat of Al-Qaeda.  He also believes that we should increase aid to Afghanistan to help them rebuild…but wait…he feels that we are strengthening our enemies and believes that Al-Qaeda is residing in Afghanistan, so why does he support this act?

In response to the current energy that is fuelling debates all over the country (but not in this district, but we’ll get to that later) Jim feels that there should be a higher standard for vehicle efficiency.  In a strange act to gain support Jim has said that he favors a tax credit for people who buy Hybrid vehicles…but wait, is this not Texas – the land of Hummers and Range Rovers?  Well, he supports the further research of alternative fuel sources and I’m sure that the drivers of these humungous S.U.V.’s will appreciate decreased fuel costs…

On another hot topic, possibly the hottest in Texas, Jim does NOT support illegal immigration.  It’s a bold stance, I know, but it’s just what he believes.  Jim has shown support for guest worker programs and programs for illegal immigrants to gain amnesty and citizenship.  Jim has stated his opposition to John Culbertson’s “simplistic solutions” such as constructing a 700 mile wall to help defend a 2000 mile border.  This is the first real shot at a conflict between the two…do I smell a debate?

Not a chance!  Jim Henley has invited John Culberson to debate publicly 6 times and John has denied him every time.  The Rice University College Democrats and College Republicans invited the two to debate and John accepted…as long as it wasn’t open to the press or public.  So much for that…

Moving on to the incumbent John Culberson it must be noted that he is a lifelong resident of the 7th district.  He was the third congressman to represent the 7th district, the first being none other than George H. W. Bush.  John runs behind the motto “Let Texans run Texas” and it seems to be working.  The New York Times shows him in the lead and lists this as a “safe republican” district.

John has strong feelings on the war in Iraq as well.  He says that he is proud of our troops and even goes so far as to say that he prays for their safe and speedy return.  Texans love praying don’t they?  That must be what put him in such a safe lead.  That must be why he doesn’t need to debate his opposition…

John removes all doubt and states that Tomas Jefferson is his hero and quotes him frequently while applying his beliefs to his own life.  Personally, I would feel much better voting for someone with such a reputable hero.

As far as immigration is concerned, John doesn’t support any guest worker programs or anything to provide support to illegal immigrants.  He reveals his soft side, however, when he says that he would allow them the opportunity to gain American citizenship…after being deported…and applying like everyone else…and being put at the end of the line…and waiting 11 years…

Although these two differ greatly on the immigration issue and even slightly on energy policies it doesn’t look promising to see a debate any time soon.  John’s calendar on his website is simply booked!  (For those of you who couldn’t detect the sarcasm in my voice while saying that aloud I’ll explain that John has nothing on his calendar.  On his own support website he has not a single event scheduled…at all)

And so, for all of you residing in the 7th district I leave the decision up to you…you have a formidable incumbent with 6 years experience and a middle school teacher of the year that conservatives seem to not even notice.

Sources:

NewYorkTimes.com

HenleyForCongress.com

CulbersonForCongress.com