An Interview with Richard Morrison for Texas Tuesdays

Hey everyone, hope you are giving all you can to Richard Morrison on our inaugural Texas Tuesday! Don't forget to add $0.36 to your donation so we can track it!

Richard was nice enough to answer a few questions from us about the race and about what he thinks is in store for Texas Democrats this year and in the future.

How can you succeed in a race where others have failed?

Those that have run against him in the past have tried to run a civil and somewhat low profile campaign because he is so powerful and so ruthless to his enemies. I am not afraid of Mr. DeLay and I am running an aggressive campaign by exposing his false statements and lack of leadership on every issue. I'm working hard to establish myself as a reasonable, conservative Democrat who shares the values of the district and has a vision for the 21st Century. If I can give district voters a good alternative, I think DeLay's arrogance and corruption will do the rest.

What is the impact of the independent candidate in the race?

Well, both the Green Party and the Libertarian Party had candidates on the ballot in 2002 and they got less than 2% of the vote combined. Michael Fjetland, the independent candidate, ran surprisingly strong against DeLay in the GOP primaries in 2002 and 2000. He got 20% in the 2002 GOP primary. Which I think is more a reflection of DeLay's weakness in his home district than anything else. I don't think it will hurt any if Fjetland runs a strong campaign -- he's certainly a passionate critic of DeLay.

What are you hearing voters on the campaign trail say about the race and Tom DeLay?

People are excited that I'm running! Honestly, the feedback I've gotten has been the most rewarding and inspiring part of this whole experience. I can't tell you how many people have told me, "Richard, I'm a Republican, but I just can't vote for that Tom DeLay any more. You'll be the first Democrat I've ever voted for, but I'm going to do it because I believe you'll do a better job of representing me and my family in Congress."

More...