Burnt Orange Report

April 25, 2005

Richard Morrison Withdraws from CD 22 Race

By Byron LaMasters

Does this mean that the path is clear for a Nick Lampson campaign in CD 22? Here is the email that Richard Morrison sent out to supporters this afternoon. I'm sure that speculation as to whether Morrison was forced out of the race will quickly ensue:

Dear Friends and Supporters,

It is with great sadness that I must withdraw my name from the race for District 22. As you all know I devoted 2 years of my life to win and placed my law practice on hold. With the prospects of having to spend another 2 years winning a primary and then challenging DeLay, my family’s financial situation is not the rosiest. My wife is expecting our 5th child in August and I feel that I must devote my time to getting my financial house in order. I think the biggest issue this county faces is our national debt and for me and mine to be facing debt that could quickly become unmanageable is irresponsible and unwise.

My mother and children's grandmother has also been diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas. She has vowed to me that she will fight it every step of the way and I have committed to help her with that fight. I ask for your prayers for her and my father.

I am not giving up my fight. I will continue to stay active and work hard for democrats. I ask that you do the same. Tom DeLay is bad for democracy and bad for America. If I can be so bold, I demand that each one of you will commit to work as hard for Congressman Lampson or Councilman Quan as you did for me. Democracy will suffer if you slack off even one bit.

Please do more in your community than just Democratic politics. Become active in Rotary, the local Chamber of Commerce, or your church, mosque or synagogue. Volunteer and began to carry the load in these organizations. Become indispensable to them. And when the conversations turn to politics, let them know that you are a Democrat. Demonstrate by your service that the Democratic Party cares. Through our service we can win back what we have lost and make this great county better.

Finally, I want to thank each one you who has contributed their time,
talent and treasure. This campaign was a campaign of service to the people of District 22 and each of you deserve all of the credit. I would not have been the candidate I was without your support.

Fight on!
Richard Morrison

I know that I join many Democrats in thanking Richard Morrison for his tireless work for the Democratic Party, his fight for ethical government, and perhaps most significantly - his efforts to take on and expose Tom DeLay. I wish Richard and his family the best, and I encourage them to contiune their service to our Democratic Party, and their community.

Update: The DCCC denies attempting to force Morrison out of the race, and point to this comment by the Morrison campaign on this Kos diary.

Posted by Byron LaMasters at April 25, 2005 03:58 PM | TrackBack

Comments

That makes me sad.

Posted by: matth at April 25, 2005 04:26 PM

Yeah, me too... I really think he was the only one who might have beat DeLay. The other two are professional politicians- Morrison isn't. Still, I understand why this is happening.

Posted by: Andrew Dobbs at April 25, 2005 04:56 PM

To be the contrarian, I am willing to buy the story that he's not being forced out. Morrison lists a whole lot of personal reasons for opting out.

Moreover, if this were merely a case of musical chairs, then he'd probably be running for something else (state rep?).

Posted by: Jim D at April 25, 2005 05:17 PM

I was looking forward to a tough campaign with Morrison. Based on his recent entry in Kos, I thought he was in for the long haul. huh?

fred
http://truth-serum.blogspot.com/

Posted by: truthserum at April 25, 2005 08:52 PM

The wind is blowing against DeLay in any event. Every other headline is about DeLay's corruption or ethical failings. Hell, even Leno and Letterman are making jokes about him, and many Republicans have begun deserted the sinking ship.

I think what is happening here is that the Democrats are clearing the field for a run by Nick Lampson. Yes, he doesn't live within the district boundaries, but that only gives him the opportunity to raise redistricting as an issue (i.e. "Well, we all know who drew these district lines, don't we?"). He is experienced, he can raise money, he can't be dismissed as a liberal and he will be a solid candidate.

Posted by: Jeff at April 25, 2005 10:58 PM

say it ain't so. on the other hand, it would be fitting for Lampson to take DeLay's seat...

Posted by: crias at April 26, 2005 12:56 AM

Let me clarify my above statement a bit

Even with all of the scandals, I really think that DeLay will be reelected barring an indictment or something of that nature-- the district is a solidly Republican one and he has a lot of money. Even Richard Morrison would have a helluva time against him, but had a chance. His religious background and his outsider "David vs. Goliath" scenario made him a very appealing candidate.

My biggest fear, though, is that this will close the door on Lampson's career from here on out. The guy is going to lose badly to Tom DeLay. Richard Morrison had a little bit of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington in him, Lampson doesn't. People who liked the fact that Morrison was an outsider fighting against big Washington won't really identify with a longtime politician from DC taking on another longtime politician from DC. Lampson will be incredibly lucky to break 40% most likely (I hope I am wrong, and have a tendency to be so), and his career is over. He should consider a run for comptroller and let Gordon Quan, a local guy who can help us solidify the Asian-American community in Houston as an emerging Democratic constituency, take a run at DeLay.

Just my 2 cents.

Posted by: Andrew Dobbs at April 26, 2005 04:05 PM

News, Politics, and Fun From Deep in the Heart of Texas

April 25, 2005

Richard Morrison Withdraws from CD 22 Race

By Byron LaMasters