Van Zandt is a tough county for Democrats to win in the future. Former state Senator David Cain received 49% in VZ in 2000, but only received about 43% in 2002. John Sharp did not carry Van Zandt in 2002 either. But that Hays guy that ran for County Judge lost by only 80 votes. The GOP is ran by the Senator Bob Deuell (still can't believe it) and Bob Reese right wing bunch.

But I'm glad that the Dems there haven't given up.

First of all, Thanks to Byron and the folks at BOR for this post. It made our day in Canton and VZC.

PC says that our county will be difficult for Dems to win in the future. I don't think so---if we can get our turnout up. If we'd had as many vote in 2002 as we did in 2000 the county would NOT have gone Republican in any race except Governor, Comptroller, and State Rep, and maybe State Senate.

John Sharp won here in 1998. He just suffered from a ticket that was structured such that it wasn't appealing to many of the older, rural voters in our county.

You mention Deuell, and he's only set foot in this county six times since his election. Bob Reese is one of the ones that "runs" the local GOP along with the person "that guy Hays" beat: Jeff Fisher, former Executive Director of the Christian Coalition of Texas.

Any help anyone can give will be appreciated!

As the one who originally purchased, designed and maintained vzdemocrats.com as my contribution to the local Democrats in 2000, I am dismayed by what I find when I click the above links - I no longer live in VZ County, but have followed the site with interest and pride... What has happened???

Denise Gardner