Kim Ogg is endorsed by the Houston Chronicle and Houston Business Connections Newspaper in the race for District Attorney

Kim Ogg is endorsed by the Houston Chronicle and Houston Business Connections Newspaper in the race for Harris County District Attorney on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 over Devon Anderson in Harris County, Texas. All Harris County voters who are not voting a straight ticket are strongly encouraged to consider casting their votes for Kim Ogg on Election Day!

2016 ENDORSEMENT GUIDE

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "I would like to respectfully ask you to consider our distinguished list of 2016 Houston Business Connections Newspaper "Reader Endorsed Candidates" when you go to the polls on Tuesday, November 8, 2016."

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033

DECISION TIME 2014: District Attorney Devon Anderson is being challenged by Kim Ogg in the race for Harris County District Attorney - NOTE: Greg Abbott, Wendy Davis, and Kathie Glass are featured candidates in the race for Governor of Texas

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Harris County District Attorney (Unexpired) 

Devon Anderson, Republican VS. Kim Ogg, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Harris County District Attorney (Unexpired) at this time. This page is designed to assist (you) our readers in identifying the candidates who are asking for their (your) vote and support in the Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Midterm Election. Early voting begins on Monday, October 20, 2014 and ends on Friday, October 31, 2014.

POSITIVE CAMPAIGN ADS

This space in being made available for candidates to send a direct message to the readers of Houston Business Connections Magazine. Call us at (832)212-8735 if you are a candidate who would like to place a video or campaign banner advertisement on this page to promote your campaign.

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MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Our willingness to be a part of the process of electing leaders who are positive and willing to work for the benefit and interests of all the people is crucial. And there's no better time to start the process of identifying the positive candidates who value our vote than right now. Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine does not endorse political candidates. However, this page is designed to assist you in your process of identifying the candidates who value, respect, appreciate and need your support on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 when you enter the voting both in Harris County. Early voting begins on Monday October 20, 2014 and ends on Friday, October 31, 2014.

We must do our best to identify the haters and nullify their hateful efforts. If you're not sure what a hater is, I've provided the best definition of a hater I could find below. The late Dr. Maya Angelou did a really good job explaining how we can go about identifying haters. And she even went as far as to describe the course of action we can take to deal with haters.

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A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Congressman Kevin Brady is one of the candidates asking for your vote and support on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the 2014 Midterm Election. Congressman Brady currently represents the 8th Congressional District of Texas and does not have a Democratic challenger on Election Day. However, Ken Petty is a Libertarian candidate also running for United States Congress for the 8th Congressional District. So don't forget that early voting for this race will begin on Monday, October 20, 2014 and end on Friday, October 31, 2014. Click here if you would like to learn more about Congressman Kevin Brady. NOTE: As of the date of this blog post Congressman Kevin Brady is the only candidate in the race for United States Congress for the 8th Congressional District who is seeking your vote.

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A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Judge Kyle Carter is one of the candidates asking for your vote and support on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the 2014 Midterm Election. Judge Carter is currently serving as Judge for the 125th Civil District Court in Harris County. However on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 he will be on the ballot running for Chief Justice for 14th Court of Appeals District in Texas against Justice Kem Thompson Frost the Republican incumbent. So don't forget that early voting for this race will begin on Monday, October 20, 2014 and end on Friday, October 31, 2014. Click here if you would like to learn more about Judge Kyle Carter. NOTE: As of the date of this blog post Judge Kyle Carter is the only candidate in the race for Chief Justice for the 14th Court of Appeals who is seeking your vote.

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A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Attorney John Schmude is one of the candidates asking for your vote and support on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the 2014 Midterm Election. Attorney John Schmude is the Republican candidates running for District Judge for the 247th Judicial District Court in Harris County. Attorney Schmude will face off against Democrat Clinton "Chip" Wells in this race. So don't forget that early voting for this race will begin on Monday, October 20, 2014 and end on Friday, October 31, 2014. Click here if you would like to learn more about Attorney John Schmude. NOTE: As of the date of this blog post Attorney John Schmude is the only candidate in the race for District Judge for the 247th Judicial District Court who is seeking your vote.

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A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Judge Jay Karahan is one of the candidates asking for your vote and support on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the 2014 Midterm Election. Judge Karahan is the Republican incumbent running for reelection for Judge, County Criminal Court No. 8 in Harris County. Judge Karahan is facing a challenge from Democrat Kelli Johnson in this race. So don't forget that early voting for this race will begin on Monday, October 20, 2014 and end on Friday, October 31, 2014. Click here if you would like to learn more about Judge Jay Karahan. NOTE: As of the date of this blog post Judge Jay Karahan is the only candidate in the race for Judge, Harris County Criminal Court No. 8 who is seeking your vote.

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A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Lt. Col. Sean Seibert is one of the candidates asking for your vote and support on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the 2014 Midterm Election. Lt. Col. Seibert is the Republican candidate running  for United States Congress for the 18th Congressional District. Lt. Col. Seibert is challenging Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for this seat. So don't forget that early voting for this race will begin on Monday, October 20, 2014 and end on Friday, October 31, 2014. Click here if you would like to learn more about Lt. Col. Sean Seibert. As of the date of this blog post Lt. Col. Sean Seibert is the only candidate in the race for United States Congress for the 18th Congressional District who is seeking your vote.

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Definition of a Hater by Maya Angelou

A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all

their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall.

They are very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever

good enough! When you make your mark, you will always attract some

haters…That’s why you have to be careful with whom you share your

blessings and your dreams, because some folk can’t handle seeing you

blessed…

It’s dangerous to be like somebody else…

If God wanted you to be like somebody else, He would have given

you what He gave them! Right? You never know what people have gone

through to get what they have.

The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but

they don’t know my story… If the grass looks greener on the other side

of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there

too!

We’ve all got some haters among us! People envy you because you can:

Have a relationship with God

Light up a room when you walk in

Start your own business

Tell a man / woman to hit the curb (if he / she isn’t about the right thing)

Raise your children without both parents being in the home

Haters can’t stand to see you happy, Haters will never want to

see you succeed, Haters never want you to get the victory, most of our

haters are people who are supposed to be on our side. How do you handle

your undercover haters?

You can handle these haters by:

Knowing who you are & who your true friends are *(VERY IMPORTANT!!)

Having a purpose to your life? Purpose does not mean having a job. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled. A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be. Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you.

By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation. Fulfill your dreams!

You only have one life to live…when it’s your time to leave this earth,

you ‘want’ to be able to say, ‘I’ve lived my life and fulfilled

‘my’ dreams,…Now I’m ready to go HOME! When God gives you favor, you can

tell your haters, Don’t look at me…Look at Who is in charge of me…’

Maya Angelou

Definition of a ‘Hater’ by Maya Angelou

VISIT THIS LINK TO VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR THE LATE DR. MAYA ANGELOU FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Statement from Dr. Maya Angelou’s Family:

Born: April 4, 1928, St. Louis, MO 

Died: May 28, 2014, Winston-Salem, NC

"Dr. Maya Angelou passed quietly in her home before 8:00 a.m. EST. Her family is extremely grateful that her ascension was not belabored by a loss of acuity or comprehension. She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace. The family is extremely appreciative of the time we had with her and we know that she is looking down upon us with love."

Guy B. Johnson

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If you are a COMMUNITY LEADER, BUSINESS LEADER, CIVIC LEADER, MINISTRY LEADER, ELECTED OFFICIAL, OR CORPORATE LEADER and would like to be a part of our "FREEDOM DANCE TEAM" please email Bishop Anthony A Allen at: bishopaaallen@yahoo.com. Bishop Anthony A. Allen, affectionately known as "BISHOP A" is the president and CEO of Hip-Hop Party League (HPL) Records. HPL is a music label with a divine purpose. The purpose is to promote the concept of freedom in life. Not letting our everyday or long lasting problems hold us back; but allowing our lives to be lived in a prosperous manner. All HPL Records performers/artists strive to promote this message of freedom through their artistry.

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MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "We are currently looking for "THOUGHT LEADERS" as we seek to grow our reader base and become even more diverse and inclusive. Below is our editorial calendar for June 2014 through January 2015. Call us at (832)212-8735 or (832)894-1352 to discuss your inclusion as a "THOUGHT LEADER" or to simply discover solutions to your branding, promotional, advertising, event coverage, press release or marketing needs for 2014."

yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com

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AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "On behalf of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine, I want to thank the following community, business and political leaders for finding value in our ONE AMERICA - "Leaders Celebrating Freedom Series" currently being published inside Houston Business Connections Magazine through January 2015. Here are a few of our contributing "THOUGHT LEADERS" who have valued our request to share their insights on freedom and why they're proud to be American as part of our ONE AMERICA - "Leaders Celebrating Freedom Together Series" inside Houston Business Connections Magazine: Republican Harris County Treasurer (Orlando Sanchez), Democratic City of Houston Controller (Ronald C. Green), Republican 8th Congressional District U.S. Congressman (Kevin Brady), Democratic Congressional Candidate (Niko Letsos), Republican Congressional Candidate (Lt. Col. Sean Seibert), Democratic Candidate for Texas Attorney General (Sam Houston), Republican Supreme Court Justice (Jeff Brown), Republican Justice 14th Court of Appeals (Ken Wise), Republican State Representative HD-126 (Patricia Harless), Democratic Candidate for State Rep. (Laura Nicol), Democratic State Representative HD-144 (Mary Ann Perez), Republican Candidate for State Rep. (Chris Carmona), Republican 234th Judicial District Court Judge (Wesley Ward), Democratic Judicial Candidate Judge (Steven Kirkland), Republican Judicial Candidate (David Newell), Republican Judicial Candidate (John Schmude), Democratic Judicial Candidate (Farrah Martinez), Businesswoman (Stephanie Boutte), Political Consultant (Philip Owens), Democratic Judicial Candidate (Mack McInnis), Republican Candidate for State Rep. (David Hamilton), The Spirit of Freedom Republican Women's PAC (Debbie Fancher), The Houston Republican Liberty Caucus (Rusty Kuciemba), Political Consultant (Phillip Webb), Democratic Judicial Candidate (Ramona Franklin), Attorney (Sean Roberts), Lone Star Republicans (Diane Peirson), Democratic Judicial Candidate (Kim Bohannon Hoesl), County Criminal Court No. 8 Judge (Jay Karahan), Candidate for Harris County District Attorney (Kim Ogg), Judicial Candidate (Nikita Harmon), 55th Judicial District Judge (Jeff Shadwick), 269th Judicial District Judge (Dan Hinde), 190th Judicial District Judge (Patricia J. Kerrigan), 334th District Court Judge (Grant Dorfman), Republican Candidate for Comptroller of Public Accounts (Glenn Hegar) more to come...call (832)212-8735 to discuss your inclusion. 

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Pastor Robert L. Thomas, his wife Tracey and daughters, Mariel and Taylor

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Why We Should Vote in the Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Midterm Elections

By Pastor Robert L. Thomas

 I know many of us will say the old cliché’ “Our forefathers died for this right!,” which is very true; but that alone as an argument to motivate us to do what we should already be excited to do – just isn’t enough.

 Why we have to extol the virtues of voting to a people just a few decades removed from one of the worst atrocities ever perpetuated against mankind in the detestable act of slavery is really beyond me.

 It really boils down to this: if you are interested in having a better quality of life – you should go out and vote; if you want your children to be able to afford to attend college – then go vote; if you think your taxes are too high for the services you receive – go out and vote; if your school system is not what you want it to be – yep, you should get up and roll to the polls.

 It really is true – your vote is your voice! We have to be stronger in voice, so that what we say, when we say it, matters – and we are responsible for doing that at the voting booth. Elected officials work for the taxpayers, not the other way around, and as such, they should not be able to tell us what they are going to do…they are to push forward the positive agendas for bettering our safety, opportunities, prosperity and quality of life.

 The choice is yours, accept things as they are, or vote and seek the systemic change we all so richly deserve!

 Be Safe, and Stay Informed!

 Robert L. Thomas, Jr.
Robert Thomas Ministries
Senior Pastor of Olivet Missionary Baptist Church
Contact: (713)224-1515

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LISTEN TO DR. TONY EVANS



CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE BY DR. EVANS

 Let's Promote Oneness - This is a powerful message from Dr. Tony Evans, one of the most respected leaders in the body of Christ. Dr. Evans discusses how we should be promoting unity to show the world how the body of Christ works, Dr. Evans along with his wife, Lois, established Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in 1976 with only ten people in their home. Serving as senior pastor for more than 36 years, Dr. Evans has seen his church grow from 10 to over 9,700 members with 100 plus ministries.

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LISTEN TO BISHOP ALLEN

The American Dream - This is an inspirational hip hop message from Bishop Anthony A. Allen and Billy Cook a legendary hook singer and rapper. Bishop Allen and his wife Matishe, are the founders of Anthony Allen Ministries and one of the "FEATURED SPONSORS" of the Houston Business Connections Magazine "Celebrating Freedom" series June 2014 - January 2015. Billy Cook has been featured on over 500 records including Chamillioanire's "The Sound Of Revenge". He's worked with just about every big name rapper in Texas. Bishop Anthony A. Allen is an apostolic leader who also serves the community at large as a businessman, entrepreneur, investor, author, and entertainer. He is the founder and president of Anthony Allen Ministries, a ministry called to serve the urban community.

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CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE BY BISHOP ALLEN

The American Dream Is Ours...So Let's Go Get It -- You have authority to walk in dominion. So don't let anything stop you from doing what you've been called to do. We must bring our community at large to another level of existence. To do this we must put some principles into perspective and practice.


We must put people into office who are not afraid to stand up for righteousness, and walk in the authority given to them by God.



We must put entrepreneurs in their rightful place as leaders in our communities and the marketplace. We must do this by making sure that we support our businesses. But we must also make sure our banks are supporting our businesses and empowering them to be competitive in the marketplace.



We must also educate and empower our communities on the concept of how the economy and free market really works.

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Go vote on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the 2014 Midterm Election for Harris County

By Bishop K.J. Brown

Voting is an empowered opportunity to choose leadership which should be exercised every time we have the opportunity. Our collective voice is of great value to our neighborhoods, communities, city and country.

Our political system affords us the opportunity to vote…and every vote matters. Everyone who is eligible to vote should do so. Never buy into polls and percentages put out in the media…and figure that your vote won’t make a difference. Every vote counts and every voice will be heard by you participating in this very important and pivotal election taking place on Tuesday, November 4th.

Be attentive to the issues and think forward. When I cast a ballot at the polls I use a biblical example as my guide. God chose David as King. When I read the story of David, I see a lesson we can all use in voting. God chose David because of the following reasons. ONE: His heart. TWO: His History. THREE: How he would handle the issues. FOUR: How he would help the people. FIVE: How he would be used to heal the land.

God knew that David wouldn’t be perfect; but God was able to use him in civil government in order to fulfill his divine purpose. Voting is not only valuable to the candidates. Voting is valuable to you and your family too. Our families are counting on us at the polls. Your right to vote is very valuable. So use it to be a part of the collective voice that leads this country forward. God Bless America!!!

Bishop K.J. Brown Ministries

“Building Winning Lives!”

Email: bishopkjbrown@gmail.com

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U. S. Senator 

John Cornyn, Republican VS. David M. Alameel, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for United States Senator at this time. Rebecca Paddock is a Libertarian candidate also running for U.S. Senator for Texas.

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United States Representative District 2 

Ted Poe, Republican VS. Niko Letsos, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for the 2nd Congressional District of Texas at this time. Cecil Anthony Ince is a Libertarian candidate also running for United States Congress for District 2.

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United States Representative District 7 

John Culberson, Republican VS. James Cargas, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for the 7th Congressional District of Texas at this time.Gerald Fowler is a Libertarian candidate also running for United States Congress for District 7.

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United States Representative District 8 

Kevin Brady, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for United States Congress for the 8th Congressional District of Texas. Ken Petty is a Libertarian candidate also running for United State Congress for District 8. Congressman Kevin Brady is seeking your vote in this race.

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United States Representative District 9 

Al Green, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for United States Congress for the 9th Congressional District of Texas. Johnny Johnson is a Libertarian candidate also running for United States Congress for District 9.

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United States Representative District 10 

Michael McCMcCaul Republican VS. Tawana Walter-Cadien, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for the 10th Congressional District of Texas at this time. Bill Kelsey is a Libertarian candidate also running for United States Congress for District 10.

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United States Representative District 14 

Randy Weber, Republican VS. David Brown, Democrat, and John Weider, the Libertarian candidate. This is one of our featured races taking place outside of Harris County, Texas. -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for the 14th Congressional District of Texas at this time. 

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United States Representative District 18 

Sean Seibert, Republican VS. Sheila Jackson Lee, Democrat -- *Sean Seibert (R) is the only candidate seeking your vote in the race for the 18th Congressional District of Texas at this time.

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United States Representative District 22 

Pete Olson, Republican VS. Frank Briscoe, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for the 22nd Congressional District of Texas at this time. Rob Lapham is a Libertarian candidate also running for United States Representative for District 22.

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United States Representative District 29 

Gene Green, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for United States Congress for the 29th Congressional District of Texas. James Stanczak is a Libertarian candidate also running for United State Representative for District 29.

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United States Representative District 36 

Brian Babin, Republican VS. Michael K. Cole, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for the 36th Congressional District of Texas at this time.Rodney Veach is a Libertarian candidate also running for United States Representative for District 36.

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Governor of Texas 

Greg Abbott, Republican VS. Wendy R. Davis, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Governor of Texas at this time. Kathie Glass is a Libertarian candidate also running for Governor of Texas in the 2014 Midterm Election.

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Lieutenant Governor 

Dan Patrick, Republican VS. Leticia Van de Putte, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Lieutenant Governor of Texas at this time. Robert Butler is a Libertarian candidate also running for Lieutenant Governor of Texas.

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Attorney General 

Ken Paxton, Republican VS. Sam Houston, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Texas Attorney General at this time. Jamie Balagia is a Libertarian candidate also running for Attorney General of Texas.

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Comptroller of Public Accounts 

Glenn Hegar, Republican VS. Mike Collier, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts at this time. Ben Saunders is a Libertarian candidate also running for Comptroller of Public Accounts.

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Commissioner of the General Land Office 

George P. Bush, Republican VS. John Cook, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Commissioner of the General Land Office at this time. Justin Knight is a Libertarian candidate also running for Commissioner of the General Land Office.

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Commissioner of Agriculture 

Sid Miller, Republican VS. Jim Hogan, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Commissioner of Agriculture at this time. Rocky Palmquist is a Libertarian candidate also running for Commissioner of Agriculture.

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Railroad Commissioner 

Ryan Sitton, Republican VS. Steve Brown, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Texas Railroad Commissioner at this time. Mark Miller is a Libertarian candidate also running for Texas Railroad Commissioner.

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Chief Justice, Supreme Court 

Nathan Hecht, Republican VS. William Moody, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Chief Justice, Supreme Court at this time. Tom Oxford is a Libertarian Candidate also running for Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Texas.

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Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6 (Unexpired) 

Jeff Brown, Republican VS. Lawrence Edward Meyers, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6 (Unexpired) at this time. Mark Ash is a Libertarian candidate also running for Supreme Court Justice Place 6, Texas.

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Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7 

Jeff Boyd, Republican VS. Gina Benavides, Democrat  -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7 at this time. Don Fulton is a Libertarian candidate also running for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7.

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Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8 

Phil Johnson, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8 in Texas. Roberto Koelsch is a Libertarian candidate also running for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8.

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Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3 

Bert Richardson , Republican VS. John Granberg, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3 at this time. Mark Bennett is a Libertarian candidate also running for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3.

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Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 4 

Kevin Patrick Yeary, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 4 in Texas. Quanah Parker is a Libertarian candidate also running for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 4.

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Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9 

 David Newell, Republican -- *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm election for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9. William Bryan Strange III is a Libertarian candidate also running for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9.

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Member, State Board of Education, District 4 

Dorothy Olmos, Republican VS. Lawrence A. Allen Jr., Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Member, State Board of Education, District 4 at this time.

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State Senator, District 7 

Paul Bettencourt, Republican VS. Jim Davis, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Senator, District 7 at this time.Whitney Bilyeu is a Libertarian candidate also running for State Senator for District 7.

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State Senator, District 15 

Ron Hale, Republican VS. John Whitmire, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Senator, District 15 at this time. Gilberto Velasquez, Jr. is a Libertarian candidate also running for State Senator for District 15.

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State Senator, District 17 

Joan Huffman, Republican VS. Rita Lucido, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Senator, District 17 at this time. George Hardy is a Libertarian candidate also running for State Senator for District 17.

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State Representative House District 126 

Patricia Harless, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 126 in Texas. Chris Hernandez is a Libertarian candidate also running for State Representative for House District 126.

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State Representative House District 127 

Dan Huberty, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 127 in Texas.

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State Representative House District 128 

Wayne Smith, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 128 in Texas. Ken Lowder is a Libertarian candidate also running for State Representative for House District 128.

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State Representative House District 129 

Dennis Paul, Republican VS. John Gay, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 129 at this time.

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State Representative House District 130 

Allen Fletcher, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 130 in Texas.

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State Representative House District 131 

Alma A. Allen, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 131 in Texas.

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State Representative House District 132 

Michael Schofield, Republican VS. Luis Lopez, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 132 at this time.

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State Representative House District 133 

Jim Murphy, Republican VS. Laura Nicol, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 133 at this time.

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State Representative House District 134 

Sarah Davis, Republican VS. Alison Ruff, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 134 at this time.

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State Representative House District 135 

Gary Elkins, Republican VS. Moiz Abbas, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 135 at this time.

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State Representative House District 137 

Morad H. Fiki, Republican VS. Gene Wu, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 137 at this time.

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State Representative House District 138 

Dwayne Bohac, Republican VS. Fred R. Vernon, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 138 at this time.

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State Representative House District 139 

Sylvester Turner, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 139 in Texas.

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State Representative House District 140 

Armando Lucio Walle, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 140 in Texas.

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State Representative House District 141 

Senfronia Thompson, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 141 in Texas.

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State Representative House District 142 

Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 142 in Texas.

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State Representative House District 143 

Ana Hernandez, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 143 in Texas.

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State Representative House District 144 

Gilbert Pena, Republican VS. Mary Ann Perez, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 144 at this time.

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State Representative House District 145 

Carol Alvarado, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 145 in Texas.

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State Representative House District 146 

Borris L. Miles, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 146 in Texas.

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State Representative House District 147 

Garnet F. Coleman, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 147 in Texas.

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State Representative House District 148 

Chris Carmona, Republican VS. Jessica Cristina Farrar, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 148 at this time.

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State Representative House District 149 

Al Hoang, Republican VS. Hubert Vo, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 149 at this time.

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State Representative House District 150 

Debbie Riddle, Republican VS. Amy Perez, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 150 at this time.

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Chief Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District 

Kem Thompson Frost, Republican VS. Kyle Carter, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Chief Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District at this time.

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Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 3 

Russell Lloyd, Republican VS. Jim Sharp, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 3 at this time.

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Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 5 

Laura Carter Higley, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 5 in Texas.

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Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, 

Place 4 (Unexpired) 

Marc Brown, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 4 (Unexpired) in Texas.

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Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 7 

Ken Wise, Republican VS. Gordon Goodman, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 7 at this time.

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District Judge, 55th Judicial District 

Jeff Shadwick, Republican VS. Kay Morgan, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 55th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 113th Judicial District 

Michael Landrum, Republican VS. Steven E. Kirkland, Democrat  -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 113th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 157th Judicial District 

Randy Wilson, Republican VS. Jim Peacock, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 157th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 180th Judicial District 

Catherine Evans, Republican VS. Randy Roll, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 180th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 182nd Judicial District 

Jeannine Barr, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 182nd Judicial District in Harris County.

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District Judge, 183rd Judicial District 

Vanessa Velasquez, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 183rd Judicial District in Harris County.

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District Judge, 184th Judicial District 

Jan Krocker, Republican VS. Mark Thering, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 184th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 185th Judicial District 

Susan Brown, Republican VS. Mack McInnis, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 185th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 189th Judicial District 

Bill Burke, Republican VS. Ursula A. Hall, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 189th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 190th Judicial District 

Patricia J. Kerrigan, Republican VS. Farrah Martinez, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 190th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 208th Judicial District 

Denise Collins, Republican VS. Chuck Silverman, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 208th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 209th Judicial District 

Mike McSpadden, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 209th Judicial District in Harris County.

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District Judge, 228th Judicial District 

Marc Carter, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 228th Judicial District in Harris County.

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District Judge, 230th Judicial District 

Brad Hart, Republican VS. Greg Glass, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 230th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 232nd Judicial District 

Mary Lou Keel, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 232th Judicial District in Harris County.

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District Judge, 234th Judicial District 

Wesley Ward, Republican VS. Barbara Gardner, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 234th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 245th Judicial District 

Roy L. Moore, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 245th Judicial District in Harris County.

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District Judge, 246th Judicial District 

Charley Prine, Republican VS. Sandra Peake, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 246th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 247th Judicial District 

John Schmude, Republican VS. Clinton "Chip" Wells, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 247th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 248th Judicial District 

Katherine Cabaniss, Republican VS. Shawna L. Reagin, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 248th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 257th Judicial District 

Judy Warne, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 257th Judicial District in Harris County.

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District Judge, 262nd Judicial District 

Denise Bradley, Republican VS. Jules Johnson, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 262nd Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 263rd Judicial District 

Jim Wallace, Republican VS. Herb Ritchie, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 263rd Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 269th Judicial District 

Dan Hinde, Republican VS. George H. Arnold, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 269th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 270th Judicial District 

Brent Gamble, Republican VS. James Hippard, Jr., Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 270th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 280th Judicial District 

Lynn Bradshaw-Hull, Republican VS. Barbara J. Stalder, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 280th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 281st Judicial District 

Sylvia Matthews, Republican VS. Tanner Garth, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 281st Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 295th Judicial District 

Caroline E. Baker, Republican VS. Latosha Lewis, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 295th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 308th Judicial District 

James Lombardino, Republican VS. Jim Evans, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 308th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 309th Judicial District 

Sheri Y. Dean, Republican VS. Kathy Vossler, Democrat  -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 185th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 310th Judicial District 

Lisa Millard, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 310th Judicial District in Harris County.

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District Judge, 311th Judicial District 

Alicia Franklin, Republican VS. Sherri L. Cothrun, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 311th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 312th Judicial District 

David Farr, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 312th Judicial District in Harris County.

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District Judge, 313th Judicial District 

Glenn Devlin, Republican VS. Tracy D. Good, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 313th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 314th Judicial District 

John F. Phillips, Republican VS. Natalia Oakes, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 314th Judicial District at this time.

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District Judge, 315th Judicial District 

Michael Schneider, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 315th Judicial District in Harris County.

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District Judge, 334th Judicial District (Unexpired) 

Grant Dorfman, Republican VS. Daryl Moore, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 334th Judicial District at this time.

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Harris County District Attorney (Unexpired) 

Devon Anderson, Republican VS. Kim Ogg, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Harris County District Attorney (Unexpired) at this time.

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Harris County Judge 

Ed Emmett, Republican VS. Ahmad Robert Hassan, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Harris County Judge at this time.

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Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 1 

Debra Ibarra Mayfield, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Judge, County Civil Court at Law #1 in Harris County.

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Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 2 

Theresa Chang, Republican VS. Scot "Doli" Dollinger, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Civil Court at Law #2 at this time.

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Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 3 

Linda Storey, Republican VS. Gloria Cantu Minnick, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Civil Court at Law #3 at this time.

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Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 4 

Roberta Lloyd, Republican VS. Damon Crenshaw, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Civil Court at Law #4 at this time.

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Judge, County Criminal Court No. 1 

Paula Goodhart, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Judge, County Criminal Court #1 in Harris County.

----------------------------

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 2 

Bill Harmon, Republican VS. Harold J. Landreneau, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #2 at this time.

---------------------------

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 3 

Natalie C. Fleming, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Judge, County Criminal Court #3 in Harris County.

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Judge, County Criminal Court No. 4 

John Clinton, Republican VS. Nikita "Niki" Harmon, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #4 at this time.

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Judge, County Criminal Court No. 5 

Margaret Stewart Harris, Republican VS. Ramona Franklin, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #5 at this time.

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Judge, County Criminal Court No. 6 

Larry Standley, Republican VS. Linda Geffin, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #6 at this time.

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Judge, County Criminal Court No. 7 

Pam Derbyshire, Republican VS. Shelia Acosta, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #7 at this time.

---------------------------

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 8 

Jay Karahan, Republican VS. Kelli Johnson, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #8 at this time.

---------------------------

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 9 

Analia Wilkerson, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Judge, County Criminal Court #9 in Harris County.

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Judge, County Criminal Court No. 10 

Dan Jeffrey Spjut, Republican VS. George Barnstone, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #10 at this time.

---------------------------

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 11 

Diane Bull, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Judge, County Criminal Court #11 in Harris County.

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Judge, County Criminal Court No. 12 

Robin Brown, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Judge, County Criminal Court #12 in Harris County.

---------------------------

Judge, County Criminal Court No. 13 

Don Smyth, Republican VS. Jason Long, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #13 at this time.

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Judge, County Criminal Court No. 14 

Mike Fields, Republican VS. David L. Singer, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #14 at this time.

---------------------------

Judge, County Criminal Court No.15 

 Jean Spradling Hughes, Republican VS. Raul Rodriguez, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #15 at this time.

---------------------------

Judge, County Probate Court No. 1 

Loyd Wright, Republican VS. Kim Bohannon, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Probate Court #1 at this time.

---------------------------

Judge, County Probate Court No.2 

Mike Wood, Republican VS. Josefina Tendon, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Probate Court #2 at this time.

---------------------------

Judge, County Probate Court No. 3 

Rory Robert Olsen, Republican VS. Jerry Simoneaux, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Probate Court #3 at this time.

---------------------------

Judge, County Probate Court No. 4 

Christine Riddle Butts, Republican VS. James Horowitz, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Probate Court #4 at this time.

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District Clerk 

Chris Daniel, Republican VS. Judith Snively, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Harris County District Clerk at this time.

---------------------------

Harris County Clerk 

Stan Stanart, Republican VS. Ann Harris Bennett, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Harris County Clerk at this time.

---------------------------

Harris County Treasurer 

Orlando Sanchez, Republican VS. David Rosen, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Harris County Treasurer at this time.

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County School Board Trustee, Position 5, At-Large 

Mike Wolfe, Republican VS. Debra "Debby" Keener, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for County School Trustee, Position 5, At-Large at this time.

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County School Trustee, Position 7, At-Large 

Don Sumners, Republican VS. Melissa Noriega, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for County School Trustee, Position 7, At-Large at this time.

----------------------------

County Commissioner, Precinct 2 

Jack Morman, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for County Commissioner for Precinct 2, in Harris County.

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County Commissioner, Precinct 4 

R. Jack Cagle, Republican VS. M.I. Bad at, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for County Commissioner for Precinct 4, at this time.

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Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2 

David M. Patronella, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election race for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1, Place 2, in Harris County.

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Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 2 

Leonila Olivares-Salazar, Republican VS. George E. Risner, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 2 at this time.

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Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Place 2 

Don Coffey, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election race for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, Place 2, in Harris County.

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Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2 

Laryssa Korduba, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election race for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4, Place 2, in Harris County.

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Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2 

Jeff Williams, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election race for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 5, Place 2, in Harris County.

----------------------------

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6, Place 2 

Armando V. Rodriguez, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election race for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 6, Place 2, in Harris County.

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Justice of the Peace, Precinct 7, Place 2 

Zinetta Burney, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election race for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 7, Place 2, in Harris County.

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Justice of the Peace, Precinct 8, Place 2 

Louie Ditta, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election race for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 8, Place 2, in Harris County.

 # # # #

(From: Hartley, William H., Vincent, William S.. American Civics. N.Y., 1974, pp. 34ff) 

HOW OUR GOVERNMENT WORKS

Government is the authority or power that people establish to help them run their affairs. 

Governments serve many important purposes, but the most important one is that government makes it possible for people to live and work together. Government provides us with rules of conduct we can follow. Government makes it possible for people to live by known laws, and helps provide many services that citizens acting alone could not perform themselves. 

Our nation's government is based on the American Constitution. This Constitution, together with its Bill of Rights and other amendments, provides us with a workable plan of government. The Constitution also guarantees to all Americans many priceless rights and freedoms. 

Our nation's government is based upon the approval, or consent, of the people who are governed. It is a federal system in which certain powers are given to the national government and other powers are left to the states and to the people. Certain powers are shared by both federal and state governments. In both federal and state governments, powers are separated and balanced among three branches of government.

# # # #

The Rights and Freedoms of Americans 

In drafting the Constitution, most of the Founding Fathers believed that the safeguards written into it would protect the rights of Americans. But when the Constitution was sent to the states in 1787 for ratification, a great roar of disapproval went up. In Virginia, Patrick Henry protested vigorously against the lack of a specific statement of rights. Other Americans from different states demanded that a Bill of Rights be added to the Constitution. A number of states ratified the Constitution only conditionally. That is, they would approve the Constitution only if it were changed to include these rights.

Two years after the new American government went into effect, the Bill of Rights was added as the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Congress discussed nearly 200 proposals for amendments before it presented these ten to the states for approval. The states ratified these amendments, and they became part of the Constitution in 1791. 

THE BILL OF RIGHTS 

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, or the Bill of Rights, set forth the priceless rights or freedoms that all Americans may enjoy. A brief summary of these great freedoms is given here. 

FREEDOM OF RELIGION 

The first right, or freedom, guaranteed in the Bill of Rights is freedom of religion. This right is guaranteed in the First Amendment. Freedom of religion guarantees to all Americans the right to practice any religion they choose, or to practice no religion at all.

Congress is forbidden to establish any religion as our nation's official religion. Congress cannot favor any one religion over others or tax citizens in order to support any one religion. 

FREEDOM OF SPEECH 

The right to express your ideas and opinions when you speak is called freedom of speech. Freedom of speech also means the right to listen to the thoughts and opinions of others. This freedom guarantees that Americans are free to express their thoughts and ideas about anything. They may talk freely to their friends and neighbors or speak in public to a group of people. Of course, no one may use his freedom of speech to injure others. If a person knowingly says things that are false about another, he may be sued in court by the person or persons who believe they have been harmed by what he said.

Americans are free to express opinions about their government or anything else. They are free to criticize the actions of the government and of government officials. In a dictatorship, where the nation's government has all the powers, the people have no right to speak like this. They do not dare to criticize the actions of the government. If they do, they may be imprisoned. But all Americans enjoy the freedom of speech, which is guaranteed in the First Amendment. 

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS 

The freedom to express your ideas and opinions in writing is known as freedom of the press. This freedom is closely related to freedom of speech and is also guaranteed by the First Amendment.

Freedom of the press gives all Americans the right to express their ideas and thoughts freely in writing. This writing may be in newspapers, books, magazines, or any other printed or written form. Americans are also free to read what others write. They may read any newspaper, book or magazine they want. Because they are free to read a variety of facts and opinions, Americans can become better-informed citizens. 

FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY 

Another priceless freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment is freedom of assembly, or freedom to hold meetings. Americans are free to meet together to discuss problems and to plan their actions. Of course, such meetings must be carried on in a peaceful way. 

FREEDOM OF PETITION 

The freedom of petition is the right to ask your government to do something or to refrain from doing something. The First Amendment contains this guarantee, also. The freedom of petition gives you the right to write to your Congressman and request him to work for the passage of laws you favor. You are free to ask him to change laws that you do not like. The right of petition also helps government officials to know what Americans think and what actions they want the government to take. 

THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS 

The Second Amendment to the Constitution guarantees Americans the right to bear arms. In the early years of our nation, Americans needed weapons in order to serve in the militia, or volunteer armies, that were established to defend our states. The militia provided protection during emergencies, too. Many Americans also believed that without weapons they would be powerless if the government tried to overstep its powers and rule by force. 

"NO-QUARTERING" RIGHT 

The Third Amendment states, "No soldier shall, in times of peace, be quartered in any house. . . ." Under British rule, the colonists sometimes had to feed and house British soldiers against their will. As a result, Americans wanted this practice forbidden under the Bill of Rights. 

THE RIGHT TO EQUAL JUSTICE 

The Bill of Rights contains many rights that are guaranteed to persons accused of a crime. Amendments Five, Six, Seven, and Eight are all concerned with these rights. Our nation places great importance on these rights in order to guarantee equal justice for all Americans.

A person must be indicted, or formally accused of a crime, by a group of citizens called a "grand jury" before he can be brought into court for trial. 

A person accused of a crime is guaranteed the right to know what law he is accused of breaking. 

A person accused of a crime has a right to a prompt public trial by a jury of his fellow citizens. 

An accused person cannot be put into prison and kept there for weeks or months while awaiting a trial. He has the right to leave jail, in most cases, if he can raise a certain sum of money, or bail, as a pledge that he will appear at his trial.

An accused person has a right to a lawyer to represent him in court. 

All the testimony and evidence against an accused person must be presented publicly in court. 

The accused person has the right to call any witnesses to appear if their testimony will help him.

The accused person cannot be forced to testify or give evidence against himself.

If the accused person is found guilty, he cannot be given cruel or unusual punishment. If the accused person is found not guilty of a serious crime, he cannot be tried a second time for this same crime. 

THE RIGHT TO 
OWN PRIVATE PROPERTY 

The Fifth Amendment guarantees Americans the right to own private property. No person may take away anything that we own. Nor can the government seize our land, money, or other forms of property without cause, or without paying for it. The right to own private property is one of America's basic freedoms. Our free economic system is based upon this right. 

THE RIGHT TO ENJOY 
MANY OTHER FREEDOMS 

To make doubly sure that Americans should enjoy every right and freedom possible, Amendment Nine was added to the Constitution. This amendment states that the list of rights contained in the Bill of Rights is not complete. There are many other rights that all Americans have and will continue to have even though they are not mentioned in the Bill of Rights. Among them are the following.

Freedom to live or travel anywhere in our nation

Freedom to work at any job for which we can qualify

Freedom to marry and raise a family

Freedom to receive a free education in good public schools

Freedom to join a political party, a union, and other legal groups 

As a final guarantee of our rights, the Tenth Amendment set aside many powers of government for the states. This Amendment says that all powers not given to the federal government by the Constitution, nor forbidden to the states, are set aside for the states, or for the people. This provision leaves with the states the power to act in many ways to guarantee the rights of their citizens. 

SUMMARY 

Government is the authority or power that people establish to help them run their affairs. 

Governments serve many important purposes, but the most important one is that government makes it possible for people to live and work together. Government provides us with rules of conduct we can follow. Government makes it possible for people to live by known laws, and helps provide many services that citizens acting alone could not perform themselves. 

Our nation's government is based on the American Constitution. This Constitution, together with its Bill of Rights and other amendments, provides us with a workable plan of government. The Constitution also guarantees to all Americans many priceless rights and freedoms. 

Our nation's government is based upon the approval, or consent, of the people who are governed. It is a federal system in which certain powers are given to the national government and other powers are left to the states and to the people. Certain powers are shared by both federal and state governments. In both federal and state governments, powers are separated and balanced among three branches of government. 

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The individuals featured on this page are not connected to one another directly or indirectly unless noted. Being featured on this page does not constitute and endorsement or recommendation by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications unless noted.