Reply #13: A population time bomb is ticking in Texas

[reality based]

The Republican takeover in Texas was apparent as they began to win local races in traditionally Democratic areas. However, the day is not far off when Texas white Anglos will be in the minority among the voting age population. The Republican Party's own projections show them beginning to lose local races in Dallas and Harris (Houston) Counties soon Dallas County, long the bastion of right wing Republicanism in Texas, almost went for Kerry in 2004. This why Rove continues to make a play for Hispanic votes. Similar demographic patterns are in play elsewhere in the south. As the south becomes more urbanized, different problems will arise that will challenge the current Republican/Christo-fascist/quiet racist coalition. In the meantime Democrats should not attempt to become Republican-lite to attract southern votes-- that will only lead to debilitating third party splintering. For the near future Democrats should concentrate on a modification of the old "quadcali" strategy-- the northeast quadrant (Minnesota to Maine), the west coast, western states of opportunity (New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Montana, Colorado), and try to chip off a few southern and border states (Missouri, West Virginia, Arkansas, Virginia, Florida). I think a major effort should be made to bring Ohio back into the Democratic column. The disaffection of the South is currently a function of the growing assertiveness of the religious right in the Churches. I see little hope for quickly reversing that trend, although some effort should be made to divide it where possible. Democrats should not take the Hispanic vote for granted and take steps to shore up our traditional support there.