Familiar name on ballot

December 2nd, 2007

Houston Chronicle

by Clay Robison

Sam Houston is a name that resonates in Texas, more than 170 years after the frontier general and future governor led the army of Texian rebels to independence at San Jacinto. But does the name still have any ballot magic?

We will soon find out. A lawyer from Houston who shares the hero’s name will run for the Democratic nomination for the Texas Supreme Court seat now held by Republican Dale Wainwright.

This Sam Houston is a civil defense lawyer highly regarded by his peers, said political consultant Dan McClung. He isn’t a descendant of the historic Sam Houston, but in a race for a low-profile office, his high-profile name should be worth some votes.

A judge named Sam Houston Clinton served for several years on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.