Lamar Smith is a Texas Republican in a district that is 2/3 R -- any effort to unseat him would have to involve a primary challenge and thus speak to Republican primary voters.
FWIW, Smith's district is very similar to, and adjacent to, Ron Paul's district. So it's thinkable that the seat could be held by a better Republican… although the advantages of incumbency are many and on most issues Smith is acceptable to his constituents.
I believe that so much of what's wrong in American politics, from the inability to throw out incumbents, to the polarization seen in primaries, can be attributed to gerrymandering.
This says he represents (among other places) much of Austin. Isn't Austin a tech hotbed?
Surely there are a couple hundred people in his district who have a lot at stake here? Judging from the campaign rhetoric I've heard, "XYZ's policy destroyed [or will destroy] my business" definitely speaks to Republican primary voters.
It's a ridiculously gerrymandered district, winding around to catch the Republican precincts in Austin. I live in the district. Sure, I'll drop him an email. Just for the exercise. I've done it before. There's zero chance he'll react. You can't vote this guy out of office with a district like this. He collects the big money -- not from constituents, but from The Interests -- as Judiciary chairman. Untouchable.
I live in Cedar Park, which is Judge Carter's district. I called to see where he stood on SOPA, only to find out he's not only a supporter, but a cosponsor. Williamson County is a similarly safe district, so it doesn't cost Carter anything to support his buddy. My goal for the next few years is to make sure that it costs him a lot more than he anticipated.
Lamar Smith is a Texas Republican in a district that is 2/3 R -- any effort to unseat him would have to involve a primary challenge and thus speak to Republican primary voters.