Every Sunday morning reporter Jason Whitely of WFAA 8, ABC’s local affiliate in DFW, hosts “Inside Texas Politics” and discusses Texas political news with guests, one of which is always Ft. Worth Star-Telegram columnist, Texas politics guru, and extremely conservative Bud Kennedy. This morning show is an excellent source of informed opinions and discussions about the latest changes and updates in the Lone Star State’s political circles, although given that it is a Texas-centric program and given Kennedy’s conservative beliefs, it’s not always the most friendly environment for liberals.
It’s noteworthy, then, that of late the show has been taking a more favorable approach towards liberals and their views. A few weeks back, for instance, saw Keith Ellison discussing the huge impact that female candidates could have on races across the country in light of the ongoing backlash sparked by #MeToo and similar efforts. During that interview, Keith Ellison confidently predicted Democrats would win House and Senate majorities in Congress in 2018.
Yesterday’s interview was about the recent controversy over Governor Greg Abbott being named honorary Grand Marshall of a Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade to be held in the city of Arlington, smack dab in the middle of the 6th Congressional District. The decision sparked outrage among local citizens, many of whom are African American or Latino, and stiff opposition from the local branch of the NAACP. Sunday’s opening interview segment discussed the reaction to this profoundly poor choice by parade organizers, and there was only one woman for the job of providing some insight into the matter: Democratic candidate for Congress Ruby Faye Woolridge. (Link to video of interview)
Ms. Woolridge started off strong, stating that she was concerned by Abbott’s refusal to respond to her messages to him and his unwillingness to meet with local constituents about why they were upset by his being named or their concerns. Kennedy next brought up religion, asking why it was inappropriate for Abbott to attend an event celebrating a man of faith and the notion of equality in the eyes of God. Woolridge is more than just a counselor and member of the Arlington Parks and Recreation board, she is also an ordained minister and did not hesitate to point out the flaw in that argument, citing the bible itself:
KENNEDY: “This is the only holiday devoted to a man of faith, a man of deep religious faith. Why is it inappropriate for Governor Abbott to be a marshal of this parade and share in the belief that everyone is equal in the eyes of God?”
WOOLRDIGE: “Well, his behavior has not been that way. Micah 6:8 says ‘What does the Lord require of us but to do justice, love mercy, and walk calmly with him?’ Justice has not been served so far as the black community’s concerned by our Governor. And so for him to come and be the marshal and be at the front of the parade and not have worked with that community on voter ID laws, on the gerrymandering, on expanding the healthcare program through Medicaid, it’s like an oxymoron.”
Woolridge remained calm and poised throughout the interview, insisting that this was not about politics but about the people of Arlington wanting to be heard by a governor who has ignored them and whose policies have hurt them. She continued to stress that rather than hide from the controversy Abbott should take this opportunity to hold a town hall and hear the people, a novel concept among Republicans these days it seems but certainly a good idea given how quickly the proposed honor turned into a toxic negative story for the Governor.
Turning to her own candidacy, Ruby was frank in addressing the questions posed to her, pointing out the changing demographics of the district, dissatisfaction driving crossover voters, and the broad support base Dems are seeing across the board from moderates to Bernie Sanders-type progressives all as reasons why her run for this seat is far more competitive than one would think. She’s not alone in this opinion; one person who agrees with her that this seat is going to go blue in November? None other than conservative political guru (and her fellow panelist that morning) Bud Kennedy:
He hasn’t just tweeted about it either; on the last episode of Inside Texas Politics of 2017 Kennedy flat out said that he expects this seat will go to the Democratic nominee, naming Ruby as one of the two candidates he felt would most likely be winning it in November.
Ruby took over 100,000 votes in 2016’s election despite minimal fundraising (she achieved that turnout with less than $1 per vote spent), and forthcoming FEC reports will show that her campaign has already raised more money at this point in the primary campaign than she did for the entirety of the 2016 race! People are motivated and want a change, and Ruby is the right woman for the job: with three decades of experience as a counselor in public schools and years of working alongside the Republican-controlled city council and mayor’s office on the Parks and Recreation Board, Ruby knows how to fight for those who cannot fight. She has been the one parents and children have turned to when they need help or someone to talk to, she’s heard their stories and comforted them, wept with them, and went to battle for them in her 30+ years in the education system. She has worked to improve the city’s parks, fought to beautify and improve the city and learned to compromise and work alongside an opposition party that does not always share her views or her dedication. She is no stranger to sacrifice in the name of service either, having lost her veteran son due to Gulf War Illnesses.
Voters will have a chance in November to elect a candidate who has consistently fought for them and has served them for much of her life. Your support can make all the difference in this fight. We need donations for everything from yard signs to postage for postcard mailings. Even just a few dollars can make the difference. Right now, we’re asking everyone who can donate to join our “Six for the Sixth” drive: donate $6 to help us win the primary election on March 6th, then flip the 6th Congressional District itself. You can make donations or volunteer at our website!
I am the Communications Coordinator for the Ruby Faye Woolridge for Congress 2018 Campaign.