ustxtxb_obs_2006_11_03_50_00021-00000_000.pdf

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, creates innovative television that inspires and educates not just in Austin, but throughout all of Texas. KLRU explores politics with Texas Monthly Talks; makes learning fun with The Biscuit Brothers and Central Texas Gardener; and showcases live music with Austin City Limits. Look for these KLRU programs on your local PBS stations. kiru tv and beyond kiru.org 06server readers are SMART PROGRESSIVE INVOLVED INFLUENTIAL GOOD LOOKING \($t9 are Merver aavertisersr Get noticed by Texas Observer folks all over the state and nation. Let them know about your bookstore, service, restaurant, non-profit organization, event, political candidate, shoe store, coffee house, boutique, salon, yoga studio, law practice, etc. ADVERTISE IN THE OBSERVER! REASONABLE RATES GREAT EXPOSURE Call 512-477-0746 and ask for Julia Austin ore-mail [email protected] \(?server readers Consider advertising your business or non-profit in the Observer. GOOD FOR YOU GOOD FOR THE OBSERVER The amiable Hunterhis colleagues in the House refer to him as Dr. Bob could make the difference for either candidate on Election Day. But he has declined to endorse anyone. Hunter attends a Church of Christ, as well, and is a senior vice president emeritus at Abilene Christian. He says he maintains friendships with both King, the fellow Republican, and Halley, whom he knows as a colleague at the university. At a recent candidates’ forum populated by retired teachers at the Wylie Elementary School near Abilene, King, who wore a hot pink coat with a black belt, sought to paint herself as the candidate who would most maintain a conservative agenda if elected. “I’m a combination of Ronald Reagan, Abraham Greenspan,” King told the attendees. She talked tough about reducing government spending, lowering the tax burden and her pro-life stance. Not to be outdone, the lanky, steelyeyed Democrat with a mustache and glasses told the forum attendees, “I am fiscally conservative, believe it or not.” Some members of the crowd nodded in appreciation. Like King, he reiterated his anti-abortion position. More nods. He also talked to the retired teachers, a generally altruistic bunch, about how important a strong government is to properly educate young people. That position earned Hailey a round of applause. Voters in Abilenelike many at the forum at Wylie Elementary School have approached Hailey’s candidacy with doubt. He knows he must say the right things and earn whatever votes he gets. Being a Democrat, Hailey has to be precise when he discusses the issues most important to Abilene voters. Asked about abortion at the Wylie Elementary School forum, Hailey said he doesn’t come close to being considered. pro-choice. “Even being a pro-life Democrat, I have to convince people I’m pro-life,” he says. Knowing that anti-abortion claims might not be enough, Hailey touts his endorsement by the Texas Right to Life Political Action Committee. King wasn’t considered because she didn’t send back a questionnaire to the PAC. It might be difficult to find anyone taking bets in a conservative Christian town like Abilene, but there’s no question that the odds are looking up that Abilene is in a position to elect a new kind of Texas Democrat. Tim Eaton is a freelance journalist based in Austin. NOVEMBER 3, 2006 THE TEXAS OBSERVER 21