We Recommend Nathan Johnson in the Democratic Primary in State Senate District 16

Both Democrats in the state Senate District 16 race strike us as smart and well-qualified. We recommend Nathan Johnson over Joe Bogen for the nomination due to his superior command of issues and strategy. There aren't many stark differences between the candidates -- both are Dallas lawyers and first-time office seekers -- in terms of positions on key issues. They both think the state should spend more on public education and transportation, for example; Johnson had the more specific ideas about how to do that by reforming the margins tax and exploring multiple funding options for transportation. Bogen confessed a lack of specific ideas beyond squeezing the proverbial waste, fraud and abuse from the system.Johnson, 49, a bankruptcy and commercial litigator, is also better versed on the challenges facing Texas ranging from foster care to bail reform to innovative ways to help the working poor break out of poverty. And he spoke thoughtfully about how to appeal to moderate Republicans, whom he called "the homeless political class," and to work with a GOP-controlled Legislature to get things done.Both have lived in the district for years, but Johnson's network seems broader and deeper given his residency there for the last two dozen-plus years. Bogen, 36, who lived in the district as a child and moved back into the district in 2015, acknowledged in our interview relying more on his parents' community network than his own. A criminal defense lawyer, Bogen likely would make a good legislator and we might recommend him against a different opponent. But overall, Johnson is the better pick for this far-flung district, which sweeps roughly from DFW International Airport to near Lake Ray Hubbard.The winner of this primary faces incumbent Republican Don Huffines in the general election.This is one in a series of Dallas Morning News recommendations for the March 6 primary elections.Last day to register to vote: Feb. 5Early voting starts: Feb. 20Election Day: March 6For more information: Collin County 1-800-687-8546 co.collin.tx.us/electionsDallas County 214-819-6300 dallascountyvotes.orgDenton County 940-349-3200 votedenton.comKaufman County 972-932-0298 kaufmancounty.org/electionsTarrant County 817-831-8683 access.tarrantcounty.com/en/elections.htmlFor more help, including how to check your registration status, contact the Texas secretary of state at 1-800-252-8683 or visit votetexas.gov.  Continue reading...

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