Republican candidates call for unity

October 08, 2008 03:09 pm

— BURLESON — Republican candidates competing in local races urged voters to choose Republican from the top to the bottom of the ticket in November’s election.
Six Republican candidates addressed and fielded questions from audience members Monday during a forum hosted by the Republican Club of Johnson County.
Present were Rob Curnock, candidate for the District 17 U.S. House seat; state Rep. Rob Orr, R-Burleson; Rex Davis, candidate for Place 2 on the 10th Court of Appeals District; Jerry Stringer, Precinct 3 County Commissioner candidate; state Rep. Bill Zedler, R-Arlington, and Sheriff Bob Alford.
Alford is unopposed in his quest for a fourth term as Johnson County’s sheriff.
“I hope you all vote for me anyway, to make me feel good,” Alford joked.
Alford voiced support for all the Republicans running contested races and said he believes it is important that Republicans prevail in all races. Alford called Republican presidential candidate John McCain his fourth or fifth choice — Fred Thompson being No. 1 — while at the same time praising McCain’s choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.
“I’m ready for her to be president,” Alford said. “I’m highly impressed and think she was a great choice by McCain.”
Curnock said he offers a stark contrast to his opponent, U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco. Curnock said Edwards has failed to support the values of District 17 residents. A district with a Republican majority deserves a Republican congressman, he said. Edwards’ endorsement of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama should cost him much of the Republican support he enjoyed in previous elections, Curnock said.
“The key to this race is Republican voters,” Curnock said. “Not Democrats or independents. If we can get 4-7 percent of [Republicans] to stay with us and not split-ticket vote, Edwards cannot win.”
Many who voted for Edwards in the past have voiced support for Curnock, he said.
“[House Speaker Nancy] Pelosi and Barack are our best campaigners in District 17,” Curnock said. “My opponent supports a man who’s an avowed socialist at the top of the ticket. When voters here, many who supported him in the past, see what [Edwards] is all about, light bulbs go off.”
Curnock said he and Edwards differ sharply on issues of the Iraq War and domestic energy policies.
“I do agree with Obama on one thing,” Curnock said. “We do need change, but that change is going to start right here in District 17. We’re going to have the political revolution of the decade right here in North Texas, and you’ll finally have a voice in Washington after 18 years.”
Orr spoke of the importance conservative leadership and family values to Texas said Republicans should be in charge of the state house and the White House.
Orr said he plans to fight for reform of eminent domain, tax and appraisal district problems if re-elected. Zedler said this is the most important election of a lifetime, urging voters to become energized and not take the election for granted.
Davis also told attendees to vote straight ticket and work to get others out to vote.
“With Democrats looking to maintain majorities in Congress, we don’t need a Democratic president too,” Davis said. “But I’m talking to the home folk here. And it’s time for us to do some missionary work. Get out and talk to the independents and Democrats.”
Stringer discussed several plans he intends to pursue if elected. They include road replacement and repair projects, adding more sheriff’s deputies and addressing fire protection matters.
Audience members asked about the Texas Department of Transportation and immigration reform, both of which, Orr and Zedler said, should receive significant coverage in the next session of the Texas Legislature.