HD 4: Spitzer Faces Gooden, Again
Voters are uncomfortable with people who still seem to be finding themselves while in office.
Michael Quinn Sullivan | February 19, 2016
Taxpayer champion Stuart Spitzer is once again in a campaign against former State Rep. Lance Gooden. This will be the third election to feature the men fighting for the House District 4 seat.
Gooden was elected in 2010, when he defeated Betty Brown. Spitzer unsuccessfully challenged Gooden in 2012. In 2014, Spitzer made a second attempt and defeated Gooden.
Now, it's Gooden who is hoping for a second bite at the apple. It may be out of his reach.
Spitzer has developed a strong, consistent record as a legislator who has quickly connected with the residents and local leaders in the multi-county district not far from the Metroplex. Sptizer has received praise from both the conservative movement (like Texans for Fiscal Responsibility and Texas Right to Life) and business-friendly interests (like Texans for Lawsuit Reform).
That's something that eluded Gooden during his two terms in office. A one-time legislative aide, Gooden earned low ratings on the Fiscal Responsibility Index in his first session (2011) but came back in 2013 to earn a B+. Conservative movement and business groups aren't certain which Gooden would be coming back: the 2011 version, or the 2013 version.
Spitzer, on the other hand, hasn't had to struggle to find his identity or voice as a public servant. He has forcefully defended taxpayers and promoted a commonsense reform agenda. (Spitzer earned a 100 percent, A+ rating on the Fiscal Responsibility Index.)
While one can expect the race to be tight, Spitzer's proven himself to conservatives – and especially his constituents – as a steady, mature voice of wisdom in the Texas Legislature.