Meanwhile, the Senate seat of Hutchison's comes open...

Now, with the floodgates open, let's take a look at who may/will run for the GOP and the Democrats in 2006 for the Senate:

THE DEMOCRATS
Out: Martin Frost, Ron Kirk, Nick Lampson, Jim Turner, Charlie Stenholm, Max Sandlin
Running for Governor: Chris Bell
In: Barbara Ann Radnofsky
(http://www.radnofsky.com)
Allow me to introduce Barbara to the blogosphere. She is, I am convinced going to be Texas' next US Senator. I got to know Barbara through my cousin, a trial lawyer down in Texas who's worked with her in the past. Mike (my cousin) told me she was exploring a Senate run, and I was intrigued. So, I met up with her at the DNC in Boston last summer. Well, let me tell you, I was politically lovestruck by Barbara. She was passionate, enthusiastic, honest-and she paid the dinner bill, too! She told me of her deep desire to help the people of Texas, who for so long have been shafted by Bushes and Perrys and DeLays. So I've been helping her ever since. In January 2005 she officially filed her candidacy, and she's been off and running ever since.

Barbara has an extraordinary record in the private sector. After graduating from the University of Houston at age 20 (she entered college at 16!), she became a lawyer, litagator and mediator. She's been recognized nationally as one of the nation's top lawyers, and in 2003 was named "Texas Superlawyer" by Texas Monthly Magazine. She currently works with Vinson and Elkins, LLP (where Ron Kirk currently works at), and is very active in helping students learn peer mediation techniques. For this, she's been recognized as Chief Arbitrator by the Internation Court of Arbitration (based in Switzerland) in 2002, and in 2004 served as President of the Texas mediation program. She's also served on the boards of the Anti-Defamation League and the Friends of World Aids Research and Prevention organization.

With her resume, Barbara has an extensive private sector background, especially in health care and education issues. She also has developed a remarkable scholarly knowledge of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and frequently lectures on them to Texan religious groups (this works REALLY well with religous voters who would vote Democratic if not for the "values" issue). All together, Barbara has the ability to serve as a great US Senator.

Barbara's also been eager to reach out online. Off the Kuff, Burnt Orange Report, Irregular Times, Greg's Opinion and many other small blogs have covered her campaign. In addition, Barbara has a frequently updated blog of her campaign, as well as an independent blog run by a supporter. Here are some of the links:

http://www.irregulartimes.com/radnofskyinterview.html

http://radnofsky2006.blogspot.com/

http://www.gregsopinion.com/archives/005730.html#005730

http://www.burntorangereport.com/archives/002992.html

http://www.offthekuff.com/mt/archives/003919.html

You can read for yourself what they think of Barbara. Trust me, they're worth it.

Barbara's stances on the issues:
Pro-Choice
Responsible Gun Rights
Opposed to Gonzalez, Would have confirmed Rice (along with all, but 12 Democratic Senators)
Preserve Social Security by the 1% option (rolling back the millionaire's tax break to secure the funding)
Gradual decrease of US troops in Iraq
Her numero uno issue in Health Care reform

If you want to know more in detail about her issue stances, I urge you to go the links above and read the interviews. They cover the issues very nicely.

But enough about Barbara-let's talk about some of the GOP candidates that will run:

THE REPUBLICANS
Out: Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (Incumbent)
In: Congressman Henry Bonilla, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst
Thinking About It: Attorney General Gregg Abbott, Congresswoman Kay Bailey Granger, Congressman Joe Barton, State Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Above:

Henry Bonilla:
Strengths-The Latino Republican could easily be a great poster boy for the GOP in 2006 and beyond, and his $780,000 fundraising quarter in 2005 won't hurt either.
Weaknesses-A Latino playing well amongst North Texas conservatives? Don't count on it. Also, ethics problems abound for anyone tied to DeLay, as he is.

David Dewhurst:
Strengths-Favorite of the Perry group, and with plenty of connections. Less connected to scandal than Perry and Texas GOP DC Delegation.

Weaknesses-Less well-known, and much more conservative than Bonilla. Also has much less money to start out with.

Greg Abbott
Strengths-Law/Order man in corrupt state might play well with fed-up voters.

Weaknesses-How on earth are you supposed to play well as Mr. Law and Order when you're neck-deep in the same system as DeLay and Perry?

Kay Granger
Strengths-Much like Hutchison, a moderate Republican with few scandals attached.

Weaknesses-Unlikely to gain organizational support from DeLay and Co. , and may lack statewide gravitas to win. Plus, can you imagine two "Kay Bailey" names on the ballot? Oh the confusion!

"Smoky" Joe Barton
Strengths-Plenty of cash, statewide campaign experience (lost to KBH in 1993 GOP primary to succeed Lloyd Bentsen)and knows where the money lies.

Weaknesses-Hated by environmental groups ("Smoky" refers to his pro-pollution stances on the environment), tied closely with DeLay, possibly too much of a retread.

Michael Williams
Strengths-Personally wealthy, few strings attached and with no scandals around him.

Weaknesses-Hey, can YOU name your State Railroad Commissioner? Talk about a waste of statewide ballot space! No name ID plus few ties to powerful GOP leadership = no chance.

Wildcard: State Comptroller Carole Strayhorn (or whatever her last name currently is) may very well run for Governor, Senate or Lt. Governor. Her popularity and independence could be a key factor in the state's races.

ALL in all, Texas is shaping up to be one heck of an interesting state in 2006. The GOP will bleed, the Democrats will rally around their candidates, and-who knows? It sure would be nice to have Lone Star Democrats in power once again! Keep your eyes peeled and the popcorn hot, becuase the Lone Star Circus is coming to your computer soon!