As many of you know I ran against Tom DeLay in 2004. At the time the Democratic insiders saw it as a fool's errand...
I started off with no name recognition, no money and only my family as supporters. I was told to stay on the phone and ask people for money and that's what I did. On most days I stayed on the phone for eight hours asking for donations. I went to the local democratic club meetings and stated my case. By far the best event I attended was a public event hosted by Gov. Dean at a park in downtown Houston. There were 3,000 people there and the Gov. let anyone speak. He let me speak last. All I said was, "I'm Richard Morrison and I'm the man that's gonna beat Tom DeLay." I got a five-minute, standing, roaring ovation. By the time the primary rolled around I had raised about $30,000 (mostly in 50$ donations). I had a primary opponent and barely had enough money to buy yard signs and do one mailing. But I did win the primary by garnering 70% of the votes.
Soon after that Democracy for America and the Daily Kos endorsed me. I worked hard and continued to stay on the phones. I tried to be everywhere. I walked in parades, passed out ten thousand push cards, hung twenty-five thousand door hangers, attended every county fair and festival in the district, block walked in the most staunch republican precincts in the district. It began to pay off.
I was endorsed by the Houston Chronicle, the Brazoria County Facts, the Fort Bend Star, the 80/20 PAC, and a Fort Bend Republican precinct chair. I raised almost $700,000.
I think many people were surprised by the results. I was disappointed, I knew I should have done better. I know I can do better.
I announced in February that I would run again. I felt that I had some unfinished business. Soon after I made my announcement, I began to hear whispers that other prominent democrats would also run, including Nick Lampson and Gordon Quan. I went to DC to talk with the DCCC and it became clear that I was not their candidate of choice. I need to know from the netroots whether I should run again. Will you give me your support, because I expect none from the DCCC.
My case is simple. I am not afraid of Tom DeLay. I have lived in the district for 10 years and know the people and the issues very well. The district needs someone who will fight for them to lower the cost of healthcare, eliminate the birth tax, and bring commuter rail to the voters. I care about growing my party locally and am committed to turning Texas from red to blue. I am committed to run in this primary. I believe that I have at least earned the right to run again. Will you support me in the democratic primary against the DCCC's candidate?
Let me know what you think. Your voice is very important to me.
Thank you,
Richard Morrison