With this issue, AAN&I again shows what a committed publication can do to educate its readers.  In this special election issue, we provide you with information on the major state races for the November 5 election. We give you a little background information on the candidates. If you are a regular reader, you likely know what the issues are.  In addition to these features on specific candidates or races, our editorials and guest editorials will further enlighten you.

Voting is a special privilege, one we cannot take for granted. Some people have said in the past few weeks that it has been hard to get African American voters excited this election season. Now why do we have to be excited to vote? Why do we need people to come up with catchy rap voter messages to get our tired behinds to the polls? Folks ought to just get excited that we are still allowed to vote at all.  But for those of you who need to feel some rush to get to the polls, consider this:  In Texas, a strong turnout among African Americans has the chance to change the landscape for many years to come - if we turn out in strong enough numbers we can vote in the first black U.S. senator from the Lone Star State elect the first Mexican American governor.

Take back the state offices of Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, Secretary of Agriculture and Land Commissioner. The election of these people opens the door for people of color to be chosen secretary of state and the heads of important boards and commissions. The election of these folks will once again open some doors to state government that were closed since the defeat of Ann Richards.

As governor, Tony Sanchez would be able to fill some judicial vacancies.  In other words, we could once again become relevant in this state. If that doesn’t excite you, just vote because its the right thing to do.