Who can replace Kay Granger’s clout in Congress? See our GOP primary endorsement | Opinion
There’s no sugar-coating the loss of clout for a city when a lawmaker such as Rep. Kay Granger retires.
Granger spent 30 years climbing the congressional ladder, and she was instrumental in keeping the local defense industry humming and delivering for the 12th District and all of Fort Worth. Look no further than the recent alarm over the Biden administration’s proposal to cut production of the F-35 fighter jets made at Lockheed Martin, Fort Worth’s largest employer.
Granger will be in place the rest of the year, but she’s retiring, and her successor will start at the bottom of the seniority ladder. So, it’s important that the next representative have the leadership and political skills to be influential. In a five-candidate Republican field, the best choice is clearly Craig Goldman.
In six terms representing southwest Tarrant County in the Texas House, Goldman has climbed steadily as a Republican leader and worked on key issues facing the state. He currently chairs the Energy Resources Committee. Among legislative achievements of note, Goldman pushed for “Molly Jane’s Law,” which requires police investigating sexual assault to enter details into a national database to look for possible connections to other cases.
Goldman, a 55-year-old small businessman in Fort Worth, has drawn criticism from some hard-right Republicans who question his conservatism. But his record on top issues is consistent with GOP priorities and the majority of voters in the 12th district, which includes western Tarrant County and most of Parker County.
And none of his rivals can match his record or effectiveness. Clint Dorris, 53, of Annetta North in Parker County, is an engineer and military veteran who was decorated for his actions in combat. His knowledge of defense issues could well serve the district, but his staunch conservative views may not match the district.
Shellie Gardner of Benbrook, a 57-year-old engineer and owner of a lighting business, is running as a political outsider who can tackle issue such as the budget deficit and the border. She shows promise as a potential problem solver but should start with a smaller office.
John O’Shea, a former banker and investment firm owner, ran previously against Granger as a challenger from the right. He’s a 55-year-old Fort Worth resident. Also running is Anne Henley, an 82-year-old retiree who lives in rural Parker County.
If no candidate wins an outright majority in the primary, the top two finishers will meet in a May runoff. The GOP winner will take on one of two Democrats in the fall.
Early voting starts Tuesday and ends March 1. Election Day is March 5. U.S. House members are elected to two-year terms.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHey, who is behind these endorsements?
Members of the Editorial Board, which serves as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s institutional voice, decide candidates and positions to recommend to voters. The members of the board are: Cynthia M. Allen, columnist; Steve Coffman, editor and president; Bud Kennedy, columnist; Ryan J. Rusak, opinion editor; and Nicole Russell, opinion writer.
Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
How does the process work?
The Editorial Board interviews candidates, asking about positions on issues, experience and qualifications, and how they would approach holding the office for which they are running. Board members do additional research on candidates’ backgrounds and the issues at hand. After that, members discuss the candidates and generally aim to arrive at a consensus, though not necessarily unanimity. All members contribute observations and ideas, so the resulting editorials represent the board’s view, not a particular writer.
How do partisanship and ideology factor in?
We’re not tied to one party or the other, and our positions on issues range across the ideological spectrum. We tend to prefer candidates who align with our previously stated positions, but qualifications, temperament and experience are important, too.