Republicans compete for shot to replace Miklos

by Andy Hogue

Feb. 6, 2010 - Three Republicans are hoping that the Dallas-area Democratic surge that put Rep. Robert Miklos (D-Mesquite) into a seat held by Republicans since the mid-80s has subsided.

Latham launches comeback campaign
Mesquite-area native Latham, who held the seat during the 80th Legislature, lost the '08 Republican Primary to former Mesquite City Council member Mike Anderson 54-46 percent, a race that drew 7,539 voters (Miklos brought in 8,866 voters in the Democratic primary).

He said the low turnout may have hurt him, and Anderson didn't have the clout to maintain the seat for the GOP. But this time, Latham said, a conservative reaction against the policies of the Democratic Party on the federal level and the popularity of the Tea Party movement will help a Republican to win.

Latham, a retired police officer of nearly 30 years and Vietnam veteran, said he was inspired to pursue a career in law enforcement on the day of the University of Texas Tower shootings in 1966, following his honorable discharge from the Army. After retirement, he was elected twice to the Sunnyvale Town Council and the city's Board of Adjustment.

He said his advantage is that if he wins, it will be the incumbent versus a former incumbent. A newcomer, he said, might look weak against Miklos.

"If you look at the other two," he said, "they can say they have been Republican organizers and kept their clubs together. They can say that they promise to be conservative. But we don't know that."

Latham was behind several memorable laws from the 80th session, including Jessica's Law, which increases the penalty for child predators. He filed eight bills in his first year, including one that makes it a felony to misuse a child's identity. Latham said he was instrumental in establishing a DPS high-speed vehicle training facility in Florence in Williamson County.

On transportation, Latham said he is not a fan of the Local Option (a plan to allow county commissioners to place gas tax or fee increase referenda before voters to pay for transportation projects) and favors a line-per-line analysis of the transportation budget.

He supported ending diversions from Fund 6, the state’s transportation budget.

"And I will never, ever suggest taking a road we already purchased and tolling it," he added. "I do support building a toll road if that's a new project."

On property tax reform, Latham said he favors a switch to a consumption tax and the closing of exemptions on certain state sales tax-exempt items and services, such as bottled water and haircuts, to reduce the burden of school taxes.

Regarding immigration, Latham opposes additional penalties on businesses which hire undocumented laborers. He supports strengthening driver license requirements in order to prove citizenship so employers can more easily verify legal residency.

Latham's main weakness, taking into account local endorsements for his opponents, may be his 2008 primary defeat. Also a factor: Latham declined to meet with the Dallas Morning News editorial board. The paper's write-up on the Latham campaign was not favorable.

He is, however, endorsed by former opponent Rep. Elvira Reyna, who held the seat for many years before Latham ousted her by a mere 65 votes. Reyna now resides in Little Elm in Denton County.

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Latham Files for Republican Nomination in House District 101

December 10, 2009

MESQUITE, TX – Republican Thomas Latham officially filed with the Republican Party of Texas to launch his campaign as State Representative for District 101. He is seeking his party’s nomination in the March 2, 2010 Republican Primary.  Latham, a conservative Republican, previously served in the Texas House of Representatives from 2007 to 2009.

The Mesquite native cites an increasing concern with the spiraling economy and ballooning government growth as motivation to enter the race. His decision was made final after visiting with numerous local leaders and citizens who encouraged his return.

"I have been humbled by the outpouring of support from my friends and neighbors who have asked me to enter this race," said Latham. "They want the conservative change that our district needs and deserves. As our leaders in Washington spend recklessly, I will work to lower taxes, create more jobs, and practice the fiscal responsibility that we need during these tough economic times."

Latham has dedicated his life and career to serving our country and his fellow citizens. He volunteered for service in the U.S. Army where he joined the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He was also a career officer in the Garland Police Department, where he achieved the rank of Commander. Latham served on the Sunnyvale Planning and Zoning Commission, the Sunnyvale Town Council and Board of Adjustments, and was selected as a member of the North Central Texas Council of Governments Criminal Justice Policy and Development Committee. During his tenure in the Legislature, he was regarded as a leader on public safety and criminal justice issues. Most recently, he served on the Texas Racing Commission after being appointed by Governor Rick Perry.

"I am the only Republican candidate in this race with a proven record of conservative leadership on both a local and state level," Latham said. "I look forward to continuing my lifelong fight for limited government, fair taxation, and fiscal conservatism."

Thomas Latham resides in Sunnyvale with his wife, Mary. The Lathams have a daughter, Leslie, who is married to Scott Milder, and three grandchildren, Thomas, 10; Grace, 9; and Mandy, 4.

District 101 is located in East Dallas County and includes Mesquite, Balch Springs and Sunnyvale. For more information on the Thomas Latham for Texas House campaign, please call (214) 536-8810 or email info@LathamForTexas.com.