Texas Politicians, and probably politicians in general, have never been above using their name above their substance for votes. We've had governors elected on the basis of who her husband was and who his father was. A few years ago, in my Congressional district we had a Democratic candidate (who actually lived in the Valley) who ran simply because his name, Jack Brooks, was the same as a very popular former Congressman. But in early voting today, I saw the funniest example of this ever. There is a Libertarian Party candidate for Court of Criminal Appeals whose name is (I kid not) Quanah Parker.
I guess the responses have blown the whole 'name recognition' angle out of the water, I didn't know who this was either.
There's a guy running here for local office... his signs say... Dean Martin Familiar Name, Best Choice
How about Gene Kelly? The goofus keeps running, and the only reason the guy gets any votes at all is his name. I thought the fact that this fellow Parker's parents named him Quanah is a trip. Well versed in history, with a sense of humor, unless the guy is making it up. Keep D&D Civil.
If he is cool enough to live up to the name, then he's got it made. If he's unsure, or not able to live up to his name, then it is just a lot of pressure on the guy.
One of my actor friends named his kid Jet. Their last name is Black! Hello! My name is Jet.... Jet Black!
I early voted today and saw the same thing and was impressed in a nerdy way, too. I actually voted for the guy based solely on his name, making me not only a nerd but a bad voter. He's actually run before. I think I remember seeing his name in the last election (2004).
I visited family in Arkansas this past weekend and saw signs encouraging voters to vote for Doc Holladay for Sheriff.
