Tuesday, May 29, 2012 in the primary election in Texas (my home state). The primary elections are more important than most voters realize because few people vote in them and they set the ballot in the general election.  One reason why the candidates seemingly become more extreme every year is that the only voters who get fired up to vote in the primaries are extremists and old people. If this is ever going to change, the reasonable, young and middle-aged people have to get to the polls.  I’ll admit that up to this point, my primary election participation leaves much to be desired. But as I get older (uh-oh) this will no longer be the case.

As regular readers know, though I have always abhorred the use of candidate litmus tests, for now and the immediate future public education and public education funding are my sole candidate litmus tests.  With that being the case, I submit to you the members of the Texas House and Senate who orchestrated and supported the gutting of public education funding in 2011, who are on the 2012 primary ballots. 

Whether this information enters into your decision making or not, as a reasonable, thinking LYSer, make sure you get out and VOTE.  

The Texas Senate – Voted For Slashed Education Budgets

The Texas House – Voted for Slashed Education Budgets