Another Poll and an Unscientific Take through Day 11

The Lone Star State’s newspapers released another poll yesterday and they all but say that this race is over and Guv Dude is heading toward snatching up the checkered flag.  They have Dude with a 12 point lead.   What can I say? 

Early Voting in Person through eleven days yesterday in Harris County was at 332,892 as compared to 591,027 through eleven days in 2008.

In 2008, Kingwood was 3.9% of the total (678,312 in person) Early Vote for Harris County.  Through yesterday they were 4.8% (of 288,568).

In 2008, Clear Lake was 3.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday, they were 5%.

In 2008, West Gray was 5.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 6.5%.

In 2008, Tracy Gee was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 3.2%.

In 2008, Acres Home was 3.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.8%.

In 2008, Palm Center was 2.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2%.

In 2008, Ripley was 1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were .8%.

In 2008, Moody Park was 1.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.2%.

In 2008, HCC was 1.5% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.1%.

In 2008, 126-C in Champions Forest was 4.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 5.3%.

In 2008, Ponderosa (Riddle’s district) was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.8%.

Of course, we’re still learning about voting early in person.  At first glance however, it looks like the GOP areas are bit more enthused here in Harris County – at least through the eleventh day of Early Voting in Person.

There was a bit of an increase with African American Early Voters but I still don’t have a good feeling about where things are headed.  The local Dem Party better have a kick-arse GOTV program for African American and Latino voters this weekend. 

Mickey Mantle holds the World Serious career dinger record with 18.  He is followed by Babe Ruth (15) and Yogi Berra (12).  Who holds the number four position with 11 career World Serious dingers?

The Chron’s Columnist has a piece today on Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia and her campaign and that she is in a tough race – maybe. 
Check out the piece.   Her opponent is up on the radio attacking her.  I don’t know about that.  Of course, the last time there was a pretty good Latino turnout in a gubernatorial race was when Tony Sanchez ran in 2002 when the Commissioner was first elected.

I was checking out the campaign spending reports of the red light camera folks.  Those that want to keep the red light cameras raised $1.5 mil in the last month. $1.4 mil of that came from the folks that provide the red light cameras.

Dodger great Duke Snider of course is at number 4 with 11 World Serious career dingers.

It took four days for Latino elected Dems to come out and say they were disgusted with Dude’s police widow commercial. Now that is what I call a manana rapid response!

I wonder if everybody at The Yard has voted.   I do know that The Yard sits in HISD Trustee District VIII and they haven’t stolen the signs that are hanging right under the clock tower.  That’s all I have from The Yard.

 

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Handicapping and an Unscientific Take through Day 10

The Roundtable General Election Pick’em Pool was released yesterday.  Here’s how you score.  You get more points if you pick an underdog and the dog wins.  For example, if you pick Hunker Down and he wins, you only get 2 points.  If you pick Gordon Quan and he wins, you get 18 points.  A winning Guv Dude pick is worth 2 points and a winning Former H-Town Mayor pick is worth 20 points.  Here some other point matchups if you pick them right:

Ann Harris Bennett 10, Stan Stanart 10.

Loren Jackson 5, Chris Daniels 15.

Trautman 10, Summers 10.

Harris County Republican Judicial Sweep 20, Dem Sweep 50.

It looks like the composers of the ballot think the GOP is going to do better than the Dems in Harris County.  We will see!

Early Voting in Person through ten days yesterday in Harris County was at 288,568 as compared to 513,888 through ten days in 2008.

In 2008, Kingwood was 3.9% of the total (678,312 in person) Early Vote for Harris County.  Through yesterday they were 4.9% (of 288,568).

In 2008, Clear Lake was 3.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday, they were 5.1%.

In 2008, West Gray was 5.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 6.5%.

In 2008, Tracy Gee was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 3.3%.

In 2008, Acres Home was 3.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.6%.

In 2008, Palm Center was 2.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.9%.

In 2008, Ripley was 1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were .8%.

In 2008, Moody Park was 1.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.2%.

In 2008, HCC was 1.5% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1%.

In 2008, 126-C in Champions Forest was 4.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 5.3%.

In 2008, Ponderosa (Riddle’s district) was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.8%.

Of course, we’re still learning about voting early in person.  At first glance however, it looks like the GOP areas are bit more enthused here in Harris County – at least through the ninth day of Early Voting in Person.

There was a bit of an increase with African American Early Voters but I still don’t have a good feeling about where things are headed.  The local Dem Party better have a kick-arse GOTV program for African American and Latino voters this weekend. 

Who holds the World Serious career dinger record by a pitcher?

One noted political observer who doesn’t have a dog in this year’s hunt says the GOP is going to sweep all the countywide races – ouch!

How come the local GOP candidates have a commercial and Dems don’t?

Pitchers Bob Gibson of San Luis and Dave McNally of B-More each had 2 dingers in World Seriouses.

Pam-In-Charge handed me off a couple of cool ‘Stros trick or treat bags for Dante and Lucas and that’s all I have from The Yard.

 

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An Unscientific Take through Day 9

Former Secretary of State Jim Baker had a statue of him unveiled yesterday at that park or greenspace across the street from the Downtown post office.  The Baker statue joins the 41 statue that has been there for a few years.   Nobody is ever going to see the statue because nobody ever goes by there. 

Some folks are still talking about Guv Dude’s latest ad and whether or not it is a low blow.  Yeah, it is a low blow but low blows are used all the time in high stakes political campaigns.  The press interviewed the widow and she doesn’t think it is a low blow and has no problem with the spot.  Stay tuned!

Not much is changing in Early Voting in Person in these parts.

Early Voting in Person through nine days yesterday in Harris County was at 250,066 as compared to 443,267 through nine days in 2008.

In 2008, Kingwood was 3.9% of the total (678,312 in person) Early Vote for Harris County.  Through yesterday they were 5% (of 250,066).

In 2008, Clear Lake was 3.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday, they were 5.1%.

In 2008, West Gray was 5.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 6.5%.

In 2008, Tracy Gee was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 3.3%.

In 2008, Acres Home was 3.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.5%.

In 2008, Palm Center was 2.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.8%.

In 2008, Ripley was 1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were .8%.

In 2008, Moody Park was 1.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.2%.

In 2008, HCC was 1.5% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1%.

In 2008, 126-C in Champions Forest was 4.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 5.3%.

In 2008, Ponderosa (Riddle’s district) was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.8%.

Of course, we’re still learning about voting early in person.  At first glance however, it looks like the GOP areas are bit more enthused here in Harris County – at least through the ninth day of Early Voting in Person.

I don’t have a good feeling about where things are headed.  The local Dem Party better have a kick-arse GOTV program for African American and Latino voters this weekend. 

Who holds the World Serious career RBI record?

Charlie Sheen must have been watching “Major League” the other night.  How else do you explain turning into the “Wild Thing.”

Mickey Mantle of course holds the World Serious career RBI record with 40.

About the only thing coming from The Yard this week is a pumpkin carving contest that ends Friday.

 

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Judith Cruz Makes Democrats for Education Reform 2010 HOT LIST and an Unscientific Take through Day 8

HISD Trustee District VIII candidate Judith Cruz made the Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) HOT LIST along with 14 other candidates throughout the country and she is in good company along with the likes of Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennett, New York’s Andrew Cuomo, and Delaware U.S. Senate candidate Chris Coons. 

Here is what DFER says:  DFER’s mission is to encourage a more productive dialogue within the Democratic Party on the need to fundamentally reform American public education. The Hot List candidates below are DFER’s top electoral priorities for fall 2010. Please give as generously as you can.  Here is the link:  http://www.actblue.com/page/dferhotlist.

Early Voting in Person through eight days yesterday in Harris County was at 214,778 as compared to 376,761 through eight days in 2008.

In 2008, Kingwood was 3.9% of the total (678,312 in person) Early Vote for Harris County.  Through yesterday they were 5.1% (of 214,778).

In 2008, Clear Lake was 3.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday, they were 5.2%.

In 2008, West Gray was 5.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 6.5%.

In 2008, Tracy Gee was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 3.3%.

In 2008, Acres Home was 3.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.5%.

In 2008, Palm Center was 2.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.7%.

In 2008, Ripley was 1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were .8%.

In 2008, Moody Park was 1.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.2%.

In 2008, HCC was 1.5% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1%.

In 2008, 126-C in Champions Forest was 4.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 5.3%.

In 2008, Ponderosa (Riddle’s district) was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.8%.

Of course, we’re still learning about voting early in person.  At first glance however, it looks like the GOP areas are bit more enthused here in Harris County – at least through the eighth day of Early Voting in Person.

The local Dem Party better have a kick-arse GOTV program for African American and Latino voters this week.  We will see!

The Yankees have played in 40 World Seriouses.  Who is number two on the list of playing in World Seriouses?

Guv Dude’s newest ad was the talk yesterday.  I don’t think Dude’s content with just winning.  I think he’s more interested in pummeling the Former H-Town Mayor all the way until 6:59 pm of November 2.  Dude also raised a ton of money.

Hillary Clinton is celebrating her 63^rd BD today! Happy Birthday Madam Secretary!

Judith Cruz’s opponent put out a statement last night saying she does not condone sign stealing.  OK, but can we have our signs back – pretty please!

The Dodgers of course have played in 18 World Seriouses.

You gotta love Baggy!  He explained yesterday why he couldn’t be the hitting coach this season.  He said it was tough being away from his little girls.  That’s all I have from The Yard!

 

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To Catch a Sign Thief and an Unscientific Take through Day 7

It has happened to just about everyone that has been involved in political campaigns – getting your campaign signs stolen.  The Judith Cruz for HISD Trustee, District VIII campaign has been plagued by sign stealing from Day 1.  They’ve taken most of our 4×8 signs from private property and have taken yard signs out of the yards of our supporters.  The big signs can cost around $25 each and the smaller ones $3 each. 

Friday night, Judith Cruz decided to file a theft report with HPD.  Saturday night, we decided to stake out the Ripley House Early Vote location and lo and behold we nailed the thief.  I can’t give you his name right now but he was driving a King Ranch Blue and Tan pick-up.  He was putting out signs for our opponent Juliet Stipeche and snatching up Judith Cruz signs.  He was also putting out signs for another candidate that I prefer not to mention.  He was accompanied by another fella that drove off in a small white pick-up that has been parked at Ripley House with a big Stipeche sign.   We filmed the King Ranch pick-up fella in the act of stealing and turned the video and license plate number over to the police.

Nobody saw the King Ranch pick-up yesterday and the smaller white pick-up was also AWOL.   We caught the thief.  We will be posting more on the thief tomorrow including his name.

Burkablog put up some of my unscientific Early Vote takes on his website last week and got some folks to talking and predicting.  First let me say that my takes are “unscientific.”  I think we’re still learning about folks Voting Early and their habits.  Plus, remember we had a big fire that destroyed a whole lot of the eSlate gizmos a few months and there was a call for folks to Vote Early.

Let me take you back to what happened in November of 2008.

In State House District 131 (Alma Allen in an African American Dem District), 30.1% of the total votes cast were cast on Election Day.  That means 69.9% Vote Early in Person or by mail.

HD 139 (Sylvester Turner in an AA Dem District), 31% voted on Election Day so that means 69% voted Early.

HD 141 (Senfronia Thompson in an AA Dem District), 29% voted on E-Day.

HD 142 (Harold Dutton in an AA Dem District), 30% voted on E-Day.

Does the above mean that African Americans just couldn’t wait around and wanted to vote for Barack Obama ASAP.   Maybe they are not in a hurry to vote this time around.

In 2008, HD 132 (Calegari in a GOP District), 37.4% voted on E-Day, 62.6% voted Early.

HD 135 (Elkins in a GOP District), 38.6% voted on E-Day.

HD 136 (Woolley in a GOP District), 38.1% voted on E-Day.

HD 150 (Riddle in a GOP District), 40.1% voted on E-Day.

Does the above mean that this time around GOP voters are a little bit more fired up and are in a hurry to say no to The President’s policies? 

In 2008, HD 133 (Thibaut in a leaning Dem district), 33% voted on E-Day, 67% voted Early.

I think both campaigns had aggressive efforts to get their vote out Early.

In 2008, HD 134 (Ellen Cohen in leaning Dem district), 40.9% voted on E-Day, 59.1% voted Early.

I’m scratching my head on this one.

In 2008, HD 140 (Armando Walle in Latino Dem District), 50.1% voted on E-Day, 49.9% voted Early.

HD 143 (Ana Hernandez in Latino Dem District), 53.5% voted on E-Day.

HD 145 (Carol Alvarado in Latino Dem District), 50.1% voted on E-Day.

The above tells me that the Latino vote is a community that is paid the least attention to and they’ll wait until manana to go vote.

We will see!

Early Voting in Person through seven days yesterday in Harris County was at 181,084 as compared to 314,252 through seven days in 2008.

In 2008, Kingwood was 3.9% of the total (678,312 in person) Early Vote for Harris County.  Through yesterday they were 5.2% (of 181,084).

In 2008, Clear Lake was 3.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday, they were 5.2%.

In 2008, West Gray was 5.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 6.6%.

In 2008, Tracy Gee was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 3.4%.

In 2008, Acres Home was 3.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.4%.

In 2008, Palm Center was 2.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.7%.

In 2008, Ripley was 1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were .8%.

In 2008, Moody Park was 1.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.2%.

In 2008, HCC was 1.5% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1%.

In 2008, 126-C in Champions Forest was 4.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 5.2%.

In 2008, Ponderosa (Riddle’s district) was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.8%.

Of course, we’re still learning about voting early in person.  At first glance however, it looks like the GOP areas are bit more enthused here in Harris County – at least through the seventh day of Early Voting in Person.

The local Dem Party better have a kick-arse GOTV program for African American and Latino voters this week.  We will see!

Everyone knows that the Yankees have won the World Serious 27 times.  Who is at number two?

The Chron had a piece on Guv Dude yesterday and the article points out that the state is still in the ditch in a lot of categories. Check out the piece.   So how come Dude is leading in all the polls? 

Speaking of, the Texas tribune released a poll this morning showing Dude with a 10 point lead – yikes!  Check it out.

The Austin American Statesman has a story about the H-Town area being a battleground in the race for governor.  Here is from the piece:

"They’re locked in this very heated battle for the Houston metro area," said Rice University political scientist Mark Jones. "For Bill White, that’s bad news. If the people who know him best, who are Houstonians, aren’t going to give him overwhelming support, that suggests he’s going to have a hard time" elsewhere.

Polls in September by the state’s largest newspapers and by the University of Texas/Texas Tribune showed Perry and White essentially tied in the Houston region.  Here is the article.

It doesn’t help that Dude is running that ad here with the police officer widow cracking on the Former H-Town Mayor.

San Luis of course comes in at Number 2 with 10 World Serious Championships.

Well, it looks like Roy O. and The Big Puma won’t be at the World Serious this year and Baggy won’t be our hitting coach next season and that’s all I have from The Yard.

 

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An Unscientific Take of Day 4

Early Voting in Person through four days today in Harris County was at 104,420 as compared to 170,629 through four days in 2008.

In 2008, Kingwood was 3.9% of the total (678,312 in person) Early Vote for Harris County.  Through yesterday they were 5.2% (of 79,678).

In 2008, Clear Lake was 3.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday, they were 5.3%.

In 2008, West Gray was 5.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 6.6%.

In 2008, Tracy Gee was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 3.5%.

In 2008, Acres Home was 3.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.3%.

In 2008, Palm Center was 2.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.9%.

In 2008, Ripley was 1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were .8%.

In 2008, Moody Park was 1.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.1%.

In 2008, HCC was 1.5% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1%.

In 2008, 126-C was 4.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 5.2%.

In 2008, Ponderosa was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.7%.

Of course, we’re still learning about voting early in person.  At first glance however, it looks like the GOP areas are bit more enthused here in Harris County – at least through the fourth day of Early Voting in Person.

A front page story in today’s Chron says “Early voting here near ’08 levels.”  I don’t think so!

Here is from the piece:

“We’re experiencing tremendously high turnout, both in-person and mail ballots,” said Kevin Mauzy, deputy Harris County clerk. “The numbers rival what we did two years ago in a presidential election.”

I don’t agree with his math.  Check out the story here.

This MLB pitcher started in Game One of the following World Seriouses: 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1961, 1962, and 1963.  Who am I talking about? 

What about that Hunker Down ad with that “Leave it to Beaver” sounding tune in the background.  I was waiting to hear something like – “Wally, where’s Hunker Down?”

Whitey Ford of course started 7 Game Ones for the Yankees and he should have started Game One of the 1960 World Serious but Casey Stengel had other plans.

My  Brown Eyed Girl gave me a cool ‘Stros light jacket last night that she brought from The Yard and I’m waiting for it to cool down so I can wear it and look cool – cool! 

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An Unscientific Take of Day 3 and the Latino Vote 2010, Part 12 (Another Guest Opinion)

Early Voting in Person through three days today in Harris County was at 79,6787 as compared to 126,214 through three days in 2008.

In 2008, Kingwood was 3.9% of the total (678,312 in person) Early Vote for Harris County.  Through yesterday they were 5.1% (of 79,678).

In 2008, Clear Lake was 3.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday, they were 5.3%.

In 2008, West Gray was 5.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 6.7%.

In 2008, Tracy Gee was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 3.5%.

In 2008, Acres Home was 3.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.3%.

In 2008, Palm Center was 2.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.9%.

In 2008, Ripley was 1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were .8%.

In 2008, Moody Park was 1.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.2%.

In 2008, HCC was 1.5% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were .9%.

In 2008, 126-C was 4.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 5.2%.

In 2008, Ponderosa was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.7%.

Of course, we’re still learning about voting early in person.  At first glance however, it looks like the GOP areas are bit more enthused here in Harris County – at least through the third day of Early Voting in Person.

Among former and current MLB pitchers with at least 300 career decisions, who ranks first with a winning percentage of .690, the all-time highest percentage in modern baseball history?

I want to thank Ty Wiggontonner’s Brother for tossing me this piece from Politico that talks about what Commentary has been talking about for a while now – Dems engaging the Latino vote or not engaging the Latino vote. 
Here’s the piece.   Here are some snippets from the piece.

I’ve never seen the (Latino) investment so anemic,” said Jorge Mursuli, president and CEO of Democracia-Ahora, a Miami-based group with operations in seven states, including Nevada, Pennsylvania and Colorado. “It is like night and day. I think it is going to be devastating.”

Democrats are preparing to launch what has been described as a “major” national and regional (Latino vote) TV and radio campaign later this week, according to a source familiar with the plans.

But activists warn that the ad push, while welcome, is a case of too little, too late. And any hard feelings among Latino voters this year could have profound implications for 2012.

Of course, Commentary has been talking about this for years now.  I was the first to raise the issue.  Finally I have some fellow Latino political consultants speaking my language.  I’ve been talking about it for so long that the Dem higher ups in Austin, wish I would go away.  It looks like I have some company and we’re sticking around. Here are more snippets from the piece.

To activists, the last-minute feel of the Democratic efforts is a sign of disrespect to an electorate that values relationships. It affirms a perception that the party’s approach is simply transactional, said Rudy Lopez, political director for the Center for Community Change, which operates in 10 states.

“You come in and take what you need and leave,” Lopez said of the party. “It is like the Big Top Circus. A big show comes to town, and you get everyone excited — and after the election is over, you pack up the tent and head over to the next town.”

Enough said!  Nope, here are some additional snippets.

“The party absolutely understands the importance of the vote, as a base vote and a vote that was very decisive the last time around,” said Fernand Amandi, vice president of Bendixen & Amandi, a leading Hispanic polling firm that worked with Hillary Clinton during the presidential primary and with Obama during the general election. “But to the extent there has been a comprehensive effort to engage this audience through paid communications in Spanish-language media during this election season, I have not seen it.”

Stay tuned!

Yankee great and Hall of Fame pitcher Whitey Ford of course was 236-106.  Whitey Ford is celebrating his 82^nd BD today!

Former ‘Stro Roy O. was brought in last night and took the loss for the Phillies in the bottom of the 9^th inning and The Big Puma of the Yankees lost his footing chasing a foul ball and took a nasty slide into the railing yesterday, yet he still managed to get a key Sac Fly RBI last night a couple of innings later.  Meanwhile, the ‘Stros officially announced that their last two Spring Training games next year will be played at The Yard against the Red Sox.

 

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An Unscientific Take of Day 2 and the Latino Vote 2010, Part 11

Early Voting in Person through two days today in Harris County was at 53,496 as compared to 82,612 through two days in 2008.

In 2008, Kingwood was 3.9% of the total (678,312 in person) Early Vote for Harris County.  Through today they were 5.1% (of 53,496).

In 2008, Clear Lake was 3.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday, they were 5.1%.

In 2008, West Gray was 5.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 6.8%.

In 2008, Tracy Gee was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 3.5%.

In 2008, Acres Home was 3.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.2%.

In 2008, Palm Center was 2.3% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.9%.

In 2008, Ripley was 1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were .8%.

In 2008, Moody Park was 1.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 1.2%.

In 2008, HCC was 1.5% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were .9%.

In 2008, 126-C was 4.6% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 5.2%.

In 2008, Ponderosa was 3.1% of total county Early Vote.  Through yesterday they were 2.6%.

Of course, we’re still learning about voting early in person.  At first glance however, it looks like the GOP areas are bit more enthused here in Harris County – at least through the second day of Early Voting in Person.

Meanwhile, the Chron has a front page story on next year’s congressional redistricting in the Lone Star State and the resources that are being poured into state by both political parties heading into November.   Check out the story.

In the piece, here is what the DNC Chair had to say:  “The DNC has invested pretty heavily in Texas and that’s not something we’ve done in the past.”

Based on two days of Early Voting, I don’t think the resources have hit the Latino communities in the H-Town area.  I’ve been out and about and I haven’t seen any activity in the ‘hood.

This past weekend I got a tiny card/letter from the State Democratic Executive Committee letting me know that I was part of the Hispanic Voter Project and that I was supposed to spread the word to other Latinos about going to vote.  The card included an autographed picture of my old pal Henry Cisneros and our nominee for Lite Guv.  They got to do a lot better than that to get Latinos to the polls. 

Who holds the record for most career walk off dingers in regular season play?

At last night’s debate, the Former H-Town Mayor passed on giving The President a rating.  I don’t know about that.   I’m sure some of the Dem base voters aren’t too happy about that if you know what I mean.

Speaking of, NBC and the Wall Street Journal released a poll last night and it is not good news for Dems nationally.  Here is what was said:  NBC/WSJ co-pollster Peter Hart (D) said. “It’s hard to say that the Democrats are facing anything less than a Category 4 hurricane.” Adds co-pollster Bill McInturff: “The Democrats … are facing very, very difficult arithmetic.”

Supreme Associate Justice Clarence Thomas’s wife called Anita Hill over the past weekend and wants to visit and get an apology.  I guess she wants to sit down over a can of Coke…awwww!

Mickey Mantle of course has a dozen career walk off regular season dingers.  If Mickey Mantle were still around, he’d be celebrating his 79th BD today.

I drove by The Yard yesterday and nothing was going on.

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An Unscientific Take of Day 1

Hector put out a statement last night reporting 26,051 voted early on the first day of Early Voting in Person yesterday as compared to 8,545 that voted on the first day of the 2006 election – the last gubernatorial race.

I’d rather compare the 26,051 that voted yesterday to the 39,201 that voted on the first day in 2008.

In 2008, Kingwood was 4% of the total Early Vote first day total for Harris County.  Yesterday they were 5.1%.

In 2008 for first day, Clear Lake was 3.3% of county, yesterday they were 5.2%.

In 2008, first day West Gray was 5.7% of county, yesterday they were 6.8%.

In 2008, first day Tracy Gee was 3.5% of county, yesterday they were 3.5%.

In 2008, Acres Home first day was 3.1% of county, yesterday they were 2.3%.

In 2008, Palm Center first day was 2.3% of county, yesterday they were 2%.

In 2008, Ripley first day was .9% of county, yesterday they were .8%.

In 2008, Moody Park first day was 1.5% of county, yesterday they were 1.2%.

In 2008, HCC first day was 1.5% of the county total, yesterday they were .8%.

In 2008, 126-C first day was 4.7% of the county total, yesterday they were 5.3%.

In 2008, Ponderosa first day was 2.9% of the county total, yesterday they were 2.5%.

Of course, we’re still learning about voting early in person.  At first glance however, it looks like the GOP areas are bit more enthused here in Harris County – at least on the first day.

Here’s what Chron.com said about the Former Mayor after he voted early: White, a former Houston mayor, voted at a Houston community center with his wife, Andrea. He told reporters he did not vote straight Democrat.  He says, "I usually tend to go through office by office and position by position."

Translation:  He didn’t vote for Jim Sharp.

The Tea Party folks showed their true colors yesterday and showed up as poll watchers at locations where African Americans and Latinos vote.  I don’t know about that!

In the 1963 World Serious, one future Hall of Fame pitcher won two games, while another future Hall of Fame pitcher lost two games?  Name the two?

From the who gives a rat’s arse department, the only two people that give a rat’s arse about Shami endorsing Guv Dude are Shami and Dude.  I’m betting Shami had to be reminded that early vote started yesterday and November 2 is Election Day.

Sandy Koufax of course won Games 1 and 4 over Whitey Ford of course as the Dodgers swept the Yankees in the 1963 World Serious.

From Alyson’s Footnotes today:

Let’s get this one out of the way now: Carl Crawford is from Houston, he’s only 29, and he can do a lot of things really well — hit for average, hit for power, play tremendous defense…plus, he’s fast (as kids, he and childhood buddy Michael Bourn were pretty much considered the fastest runners in Houston and used to go toe-to-toe, literally, for bragging rights.) In a nutshell, Crawford is that five-tool player worthy of a nice, fat contract and appears to be the most attractive free agent about to hit the market this winter.

A lot of you have asked what the odds are that the Astros will be the team to sign him to that nice, fat contract. I put the odds at slim to none.

The numbers I’m hearing bandied about from industry insiders is six years at $120 million or seven at $140 million. Yes, there will be a team out there goofy enough to shell out that kind of cash. I cannot envision it’ll be the Astros.

That’s all I have from The Yard!

 

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Judith Cruz Endorsed by Chronicle

The Judith Cruz campaign scored a big one this morning.  Judith was endorsed by the Chronicle.  They can take our signs but they can’t take this one.  Here it is.

HISD board: For District VIII trustee, the Chronicle endorses Judith Cruz (Oct. 17, 2010, 8:07PM)

How hot a topic is education these days? Hot enough, we’re glad to report, that the opening on the Houston Independent School District’s board has attracted a terrific slate of candidates. Of that strong group, we believe that Judith Cruz is the most likely to improve our kids’ education.

Cruz firmly supports the “Waiting for Superman” brand of school reform: She believes that urban schools can do a much better job of educating our kids than they do now; that every student, regardless of race or family income, should be held to high standards; and that it’s critical to have an effective teacher in every classroom.

We’re particularly impressed by her real-world experience. The daughter of an immigrant, she grew up bilingual — a significant plus for the heavily Hispanic District VIII.

After earning degrees at UT-Austin and George Washington University, she joined Teach for America. Certified in both Special Education and English as a Second Language, she’s worked with some of the hardest-to-reach students that inner-city Washington, D.C., and Houston have to offer.

"I have taught gang members, teen moms and dads, students living in poverty, students who worked full-time, students who were abused, students who experienced discrimination, and students who either lacked previous schooling or whose schooling was interrupted," Cruz writes on her Web site.

She knows from experience how much difference a school and a teacher can make in those kids’ lives.

Though she’s reform-minded, her vote would not be a rubber stamp for HISD Superintendent Terry Grier.

She supports some of his initiatives (the "twilight" program for high-school students unable to attend during regular school hours; the credit-recovery computer labs), but has questions about others (the expense of the Apollo 20 program). "He needs to have more dialogue with the communities," she says.

She says that, in part, as an HISD parent: The oldest of her three sons is a kindergartner at Lantrip Elementary School. Lantrip, Cruz says, is terrific, and so are other high-achieving District VIII schools such as Eastwood Academy and East Early College High School. What she wants, she says, is for every HISD school to be that good.

Not bad at all.

The “Odd Couple” is trying to make a comeback of sorts.  CM Jolanda Jones and Paul Bettencourt were on TV yesterday sitting side by side and cracking on Prop 1.  I don’t know about that.

When was the last time the Yankees and Giants met in the World Serious?

Bettencourt said on TV yesterday he was representing HISD.  I don’t k know about that either.  Does he even live in HISD?

It is good to see that the Former H-Town Mayor still drops in on Commentary.  He also called out Guv Dude for not calling The President The President in his ads.

Commentary dropped by the Dem Early Vote Rally last night and it was good to see the H-Town Mayor introduce the Former H-Town Mayor.

My pal Robert Miller sent out his election picks today and they are all red if you know what I mean.  He says Dude and the rest of the statewide GOPers will win. Dems will lose Texas House seats.  Dems will lose the U.S. House.  He didn’t pick in the ALCS or NLCS.

In 1962 of course, the Yankees beat the Giants in seven games.

I wonder where Robert Miller will pick the ‘Stros to finish next year in the NL Central Division? 

 

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