2012 saw a breakout star and a tragic death
As we get ready to celebrate the New Year, it’s a good time to take a look back at the year that was 2012 in Texas politics.
The last 12 months saw state politicians break out on to the national scene, a veteran Senator call it a career, and one of the state’s most popular politicians lose his battle with liver disease.
Governor Rick Perry, a late entry into the 2012 Presidential race, pulled out of the presidential election in January. Harris County Republican Party Chairman Jared Woodfill told KTRH he expects a comeback from Perry in the not so distant future.
“It wasn’t his best performance, but I believe Governor Perry will be a future leader, not only in Texas, but in this country,” Woodfill said.
State Republicans rebounded from that disappointment and watched as Ted Cruz stunned Lt. Governor David Dewhurst in the primary and then go on to win the Senate seat vacated by the retiring Kay Bailey Hutchison in November.
“It just shows you that regardless of where you come from that you can rise to one of the highest offices in the state of Texas and the entire country,” Woodfill told KTRH.
Hutchison is leaving Washington after serving as Senator for nearly twenty years. Harris County Democratic Party Chairman Lane Lewis told KTRH that he didn’t always see eye to eye with the Senator, but that she had respect from everybody, whether they were Democrats or Republicans.
“We disagree on a lot of issues, but I have respect for her,” Lewis said. “I definitely have respect for her.”
The year also saw its share of sad news, as State Senator Mario Gallegos passed away in October at the age of 62 because of liver problems. Lewis says he misses his old friend.
“Mario and I were good friends. It was a great loss. My heart goes out to his family, who is still involved in politics,” Lewis explained.
San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro broke out on to the national scene at the Democratic Party’s convention. Castro is seen as the Democrats' version of Cruz, a rising star.
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