Democrat Brian P. Ruiz is running for House district TX-31 against Republican John Carter. This is a tough R+15 district, where local roots and Christian values are still key concerns for many voters.
Past Democratic challengers against Carter were unsuccessful, and Ruiz certainly has his work cut out for him, but I believe there is hope if we can get the netroots behind him. But what can you do?
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The Incumbent:
The Republican incumbent, Carter, is a former attorney and judge. A loyal Bushy, he was first elected in 2002, then re-elected in 2004 and 2006. Carter sits on the House Appropriations Committee, believes in staying the course in Iraq, and seems to consider the omission of the word "God" on some flag certificates to be the most pressing issue voters are facing at the moment, since it’s his latest press release.
A more detailed analysis of Carter’s stance on various issues can be found over at the excellent local blog Eye on Williamson.
The Challenger:
Brian Ruiz comes from a very politically active family. His parents (based on his website profile) seem to embody the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" and "give back to the community" aspects of the old-fashioned American ideals. Also, if you check out the Ruiz family photo album, you’ll see a wonderful image of a modern American family that does not allow race or cultural heritage to interfere with familial love. This is what really ought to be meant by "family values".
Interestingly, Ruiz spent some time in Uganda and appears to have come back with better understanding of (and concern for) what the rest of the world thinks about the United States. With TX-31 encompassing many military families from Fort Hood, his message regarding the war should resonate with local voters:
"I believe our military men and women should consider their efforts in Iraq as an overall success but it is time to create a timeline for them to come home. It is also time to salute and congratulate all of our military men and women for their hard work and sacrifices. Now we should refocus our efforts on the war on terror and Osama Bin Laden."
The second issue on his list his healthcare, which is not surprising, considering that Texas has far higher percentages of uninsured people than much of the rest of the country. (For a slightly outdated but still very interesting report on the lack of health insurance among Texans, check out this 23-page PDF file from the Access Project.)
Ruiz also takes an interesting stance on the issue of global warming:
"What if our children look back at 2007 and realize global warming was wrong?
What if all of the scientists were wrong?
What if everyone was wrong?
Then, their consolation prize will be an energy independent country that will not have to rely on foreign oil. Renewable energy would be widely used so our children will never experience the type of electric bill we are so used to today."
He directly (if somewhat ineloquently) addresses the people who still doubt the reality of global warning (even if "all of the scientists" agree that it is) and argues that measures taken to counter global warming will at least result in more energy independence and lower energy costs.
What we have here is a homegrown politician with a healthy view of the world and the ability to balance a progressive agenda with the concerns of a conservative district. This is what I would call "representing the people". This is exactly the type of person we need in Washington.
The Problem of Campaign Funds
The incumbent Carter received massive campaign donations from such giants as TXU, Dell, and UPS, allowing him to hugely outspend his Democratic challengers in the past. In contrast, Ruiz has spoken out against politicians who are considered "viable" only because of their networks of wealthy donors. As a result, he has made the 199 Pledge:
"I have decided to dedicate the Ruiz for Congress Campaign to the hard working families and individuals who feel they are not whole-heartedly represented in the political process and the U.S. Congress with the 199 Pledge. With a pledge of $199 between now and October 2008 ($16.50/mo.), you can help my campaign become a ‘viable’ political machine as well.
I’ll not accept a dime from PAC’s (Political Action Committees) or special interest groups. My allegiance will be clear and concise--I’m representing you!"
What We Can Do:
We must not let Carter get away with victory again. With Bush’s abysmal ratings, the public’s frustration with the war, the deep concerns about healthcare, and the need for a balanced budget and energy independence, I believe Brian P. Ruiz has a chance to topple this tough incumbent.
But he can’t do it alone. If you’re in the area, consider volunteering to help his campaign. Attend his events.
If, like me, you are not actually in TX-31 at the moment, at least sign up for his mailing list. Drop a few friendly comments on his blog. Join him on Facebook or MySpace. Show your support.
Finally, please consider donating a few dollars via his ActBlue page, even if you can’t afford the sum he asks for in his pledge. We desperately need change in Texas and in Washington. Ruiz is the candidate for the job. But Ruiz is the type of candidate who needs OUR help.
Let us prove again that the netroots can do it!
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Links:
Ruiz for Congress '08 Campaign Website
Donate to Ruiz’s campaign: ActBlue