Texas BOMA: The 2008 Elections
by Robert D. Miller and Gardner Pate

Texas will hold elections in 2008. The major parties will hold their primary elections on Tuesday, March 4, 2008, and any run-off will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2008. The general election date is Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

The United States Presidency will not be the only office on the ballot in 2008. One of Texas’s United States Senators, John Cornyn, is up for re-election, and will likely face State Representative Rick Noriega (D-Houston). All 32 United States Congressional seats are up for election.

In addition to those federal offices, many state offices will be on the 2008 ballot as well. Michael Williams, one of the three members of the Railroad Commission that regulates oil and gas activities, is up for re-election. Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson, and Supreme Court Justices Dale Wainwright and Phil Johnson, are on the ballot. Three members of the Court of Criminal Appeals are also up for re-election. Finally, all 150 members of the Texas House of Representatives and 15 of the 31 state senators will be on the ballot.

There are several important dates in connection with the 2008 elections. The first is the January 2, 2008 candidate filing deadline. After this date, Texas BOMA will know the names of all candidates for office, and can begin the process of deciding which candidates to endorse and support, financially and otherwise. The field of candidates will narrow further after the March primaries (and, if necessary, the April run-offs). After this date, Texas BOMA may choose to endorse and support more candidates.

Throughout the election process, Locke Lord will assist Texas BOMA in determining who the Association should consider supporting. Part of this process involves talking with the candidates about certain issues, such as their position on the appraisal reform process, the new Margin Tax as applied to building owners and managers, and real estate transfer taxes. By proactively supporting candidates whose views on legislative matters are best aligned with the group, Texas BOMA will build relationships and goodwill for the next legislative session.

Important Dates for the 2008 Election Cycle
January 2, 2008 Last day a candidate may file for office
February 4, 2008 Last day to register to vote in the March primaries
February 19 – 29 Early voting period for the March primaries
March 4, 2008 March primary election date
April 8, 2008 Primary election run-off date (if necessary)
October 6, 2008 Last day to register to vote in the November general election
October 20 – 31 Early voting period for the November general election
November 4, 2008 General election date

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