Houston Chronicle Endorses James Cargas for Congress
HOUSTON (Oct. 16, 2014) –The Houston Chronicle has endorsed James Cargas for Congress in Congressional District 7 over the seven-term incumbent declaring “it’s time for change.”
From today’s editorial page:
For Congress
We need representatives who will advocate for the needs of Houston and Texas
District 7: James Cargas
After seven terms in the congressional seat once held by George Bush, John Culberson remains a backbencher in Washington, more follower than leader. The 58-year-old congressman has marginalized himself by clinging to an antiquated view of government and being more right-wing bomb-thrower than builder. The self-proclaimed “Jeffersonian Republican” has pandered to Obama-hating “birthers,” cavalierly supported government shutdowns and taken up Tom DeLay’s mantle as chief saboteur of Houston’s light rail system. In the 7th district, which goes from Bellaire through the Galleria to the Energy Corridor then north to Jersey Village, it’s time for a change.
We endorse Democratic challenger James Cargas, who also ran in 2012. Cargas, 48, is a reasoned moderate more interested in working for the common good than scoring empty political points. He has worked in Congress, the White House, the Department of Energy and currently is Mayor Annise Parker’s “energy” lawyer. He supports light rail, reasonable immigration policy and energy development, including fracking, a big issue in a district thick with oil companies. Unlike Culberson, he’ll be a constructive force in Congress, which would be a welcome change.
The Chronicle Editorial Board had previously endorsed Cargas in the Democratic Primary, saying he has “experience tailor-made to represent the district.”
Houston Deserves Better!
James Cargas offers extensive public service experience. He has served in the U.S. House of Representatives as a deputy press secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a law clerk, Clinton White House as an aide, and U.S. Department of Energy under Secretary Bill Richardson as a political appointee. He currently serves Mayor Annise Parker as the Senior Assistant City Attorney for Energy for the City of Houston, a position he also held under Mayor Bill White. James is married to Dr. Dorina Papageorgiou, a neuroscientist who works in the Texas Medical Center.
Additional information on the James Cargas campaign website.