Monday, February 23, 1998

Cornyn heads candidates in primary races

Early voting begins today for the March 10 primaries, with a full slate of candidates for statewide office going before the voters. A glance at the ballot shows that contested races on the Republican side far outnumber Democratic ones.

For your consideration as you go to the polls, here are the Abilene Reporter-News editorial boardís endorsements in those contested races:

Republican

Attorney general -- Former Texas Supreme Court Justice John Cornyn brings a more impressive resume of legal experience and competence than either Jim Mattox or Dan Morales had when they were elected to this position. Cornynís intelligent leadership is just what the attorney generalís office needs.

Land commissioner -- Houston oilman David Dewhurst has demonstrated how to run a multi-million dollar company successfully, and he says this office ought to function accordingly. Heís right.

Agriculture commissioner -- A rancher from a family of ranchers, Susan Combs would be a powerful and energetic advocate for Texas agriculture, building on the groundwork established by Rick Perry.

Railroad commissioner -- Former Texas Secretary of State Tony Garza has shown his ability in statewide office and is capable of handling the administration of this agency.

Texas Supreme Court, Place 2 -- An appellate judge in Houston, Harriet OíNeill receives the highest ratings for her competence from the attorneys who appear before her, whether they win or lose. Her opponent is a district judge in Dallas who has some of the lowest ratings ever seen in that county.

Texas Supreme Court, Place 4 -- Incumbent Justice Deborah Hankinson was appointed by Gov. Bush to fill the seat left vacant when John Cornyn resigned to seek the attorney generalís job. She deserves a full term.

Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 1 -- A widely respected district judge in Dallas, Mike Keasler is a legal scholar and teacher of seminars for judges whose conservative philosophy is right for this court.

Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2 -- An appeals court judge in Houston for the past four years, Harvey Hudson was an effective prosecutor during his 15 years with the Harris County district attorneyís office prior to assuming the appeals bench. He would make a sound addition to this court.

Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3 -- Incumbent Judge Larry Meyers was the first Republican ever elected to this court in 1992, and his moderating influence helped establish a needed balance. His solid record in six years on the bench is adequate argument for his re-election.

Democratic

Attorney general -- Former Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Morris Overstreet would provide more sensible leadership for this office than his opponents.

Agriculture commissioner -- Brookston farmer and rancher Pete Patterson is the stronger candidate in this field.Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story