Obama victory lifts local Dems’ hopes

MARBLE FALLS — The sweep at the national polls Tuesday by President-elect Barack Obama has local Democrats predicting an upsurge in their party’s influence in predominantly GOP-controlled Burnet County.

U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, carried the county, reflecting a statewide trend in traditionally red Texas.

That didn’t stop a group of Highland Lakes Democratic women from having a celebratory luncheon Wednesday at River City Grille, where they predicted more Dems likely will enter future Burnet County races.

There hasn’t been a serious Democratic contender in a local race for a few years.

“I think this means as much for the Highland Lakes as it does for the nation,” said Marti Pogue, president of the Highland Lakes Democratic Women and secretary of the Burnet County Democrats. “We’ve been needing changes for the economy for some time. I feel very strongly we can move ahead and unite to work on things to improve them for our kids and future generations.”

Pogue feels the election of a Democratic president will encourage more local Democrats to run for office.

“I think there will be more Democratic contenders in the future,” Pogue said. “It’s been one-sided for so long. More people will now feel as though they can gain the support they need and effect the change necessary to better our healthcare, job and educational environments.”

Not everyone is happy with the outcome of the presidential race. One conservative reacted to Obama’s victory by saying it may be time to leave the country.

Dawn Flagg is a Burnet County resident whose family listed their home for sale the morning after the election. She said they will travel extensively outside the U.S.

“There is a feeling of uncertainty for our future,” Flagg said. “We want to move closer to our kids, but we are devout Christians and have serious doubts about the personal and political connections of the new president. His background is questionable.”

She said despite her concerns, she will continue to pray for the new president’s safety and leadership.

“Regardless of the presidential decision, I have respect for anyone who holds that office. We can only move forward with the hope that our concerns are not justified. I would like to see us return to our presidential choices being based on the popular vote and do away with the Electoral College altogether,” Flagg said.

Meanwhile, local Republicans said it remains to be seen whether the Illinios senator’s victory will translate into increased influence by local Democrats.

“You have to realize 71 percent of the elected officials in Burnet County are Republican,” said Linda Rogers, Burnet County Republican Party chairwoman. “Strong Republican values will continue to be a driving force in our area.With their background and values, we hope the economy here will continue to improve. As to how things work out on the federal level, we’ll just have to wait and see what the outcome is. To be realistic, we have to watch our pocketbooks.”

Rogers believes prudent spending during the presidential transition phase is a good idea.

“Regardless of who is our president, they don’t make decisions by themselves. There are a lot of people who make the decisions, and we have to trust they will use their conservative values and judgment to make the best choices,” Rogers said.

Some area business managers voiced concern that Obama’s comments during the campaign about redistributing the wealth could spell a tax increase.

“As for his presidency’s effect on business, it is based on what he has said and his legislative actions,” said Bill Parmeter, a banker and the president of the Republican Club. “It will probably be extremely negative as to small businesses and big businesses at a critical time when such businesses do not need additional taxation as Obama has proposed.”

Young Democrats said they feel a renewed sense of hope.

“For the wealthy, I don’t think the presidential election will matter, but for me, it’s a welcome surprise,” said Omar Gonzalez, a senior at Burnet High School and president of the Burnet County Young Democrats.

“I think the lower-income bracket will prosper under his tax and healthcare plans in comparison to those of Sen. John McCain. Many Democrats have come out of the woodwork in the last two years to work on getting their name on the ballots. We’ve had a lot of well-wishers and phone calls recently showing more support.”

Gonzalez added, “Although this area is not representative of the preferred candidate, I hope people will look back and know that this was a good decision.”

Gonzalez said he also hopes greater measures will be taken to provide for the safety of Obama once he is sworn into office.

“I don’t think it’s the average Joe we have to worry about as much as some of the more radical conservative opponents,” Gonzalez said.

 byoung@thepicayune.com