In the Face of Kim Brimer: Courage abandons Republican Incumbent

The coward is not a gentleman, says Eddie Griffin, Fort Worth. So says other constituents:

Republican state Sen. Kim Brimer is so reluctant to face Democratic challenger Wendy Davis that he would rather file non-meritorious lawsuits than have the voters decide who is more qualified to serve as their state senator. State District Judge Tom Lowe upheld Davis’ position on every important disputed point. Brimer is apparently fearful of running on his Senate record and wants to avoid an exchange of ideas with the formidable Davis. This is understandable, given his poor record and her excellent qualifications. — Juana Byrd, Arlington

Brimer’s playing a political game, all right. It’s a new version of hide-and-seek where Brimer hides behind judges. (See J.R. Labbe column, "Blatant political game playing in Senate race?," July 27) Is that the focus of Brimer’s "high-profile" campaign? What about rising utility rates? Rising gas rates? Rising insurance rates? Air quality? Transportation, light rail, rush-hour gridlock? Unemployment and underemployment? High-profile campaigning is where you defend your voting record and lay out your positions on key issues. Possibly Brimer is hoping none of that comes about by playing musical judges.

The constituents of Senate District 10 should be able to choose their representation on the basis of the candidates’ position on issues important to them, not on political gamesmanship. Brimer’s silly games deny them that information and insult their intelligence. — Fred Harper, Fort Worth

Unlike J.R. Labbe, I think the 236th District Court gave a very definitive answer to the legal question of Davis’ eligibility to run for State Senate, and one that is highly unlikely to be overturned on appeal. However, even if there were unanswered legal questions, as Labbe suggests, Brimer has shown quite clearly that he doesn’t care about those questions. He didn’t even bother to show up to the courtroom for his own hearing.

My mother always told me that actions speak louder than words, and Brimer’s actions make him look like he is afraid to let the voters have their say in who represents them. I can only guess that’s because he knows that Davis is the stronger of the two candidates. — Jim Klimchock, Arlington

I have always voted Republican. But I’m voting for Wendy Davis. Sen. Kim Brimer has turned into "one of them." One of the "good guys" who have turned their backs on their constituents and are now part of the Big Business Machine running things in Austin.

Case in point: Brimer was in a key position as a state senator, along with Chris Harris, to put some limits on just how badly the deregulated electricity market was going to be able to put the screws to us. They helped squelch every law out of the Regulated Industries Committee that would have somewhat protected consumers. Don’t believe me? Check it out. Their excuse? They didn’t want to regulate "free enterprise." What a joke! — John T. Johnson III, Arlington