Eye On Williamson County

NEW WEBSITE FOR EYE ON WILLIAMSON COUNTY!

2006-03-29T15:14:00.000-06:00

Please change your bookmarks. All new content will be on the new site. The new website is:

www.eyeonwilliamson.org

TTRC Report Is Out

2006-03-29T11:42:00.000-06:00

Go to there site to download the report and draft of the tax bill, TTRC

[UPDATE]: AAS story, Perry, Sharp unveil school funding proposal.

Perry Offers Propaganda As TTRC Is Set To Release Its Report Today

2006-03-29T09:04:00.000-06:00

The governor has learned his lesson and has the media carrying his message loud and clear. He sat down a bunch of editorial page editors and told them that this proposal is fair and family friendly, no matter what the reality is. And it appears they got the message even though early LBB reports show that the wealthy fair much better. Also keep in mind this does nothing to solve the funding issue for public schools.

Taxing business:

The plan unveiled today by the Texas Tax Reform Commission would accomplish those minimal, essential goals, but it has much more to recommend it. Not least, it would not repeat the sin of earlier proposals that would have taken more money from the poor and conveyed it to the rich.

The commission, chaired by former state Comptroller John Sharp, does wish to sharply raise the tax on cigarettes, which are increasingly an unhealthy delicacy of the poor. However, taxpayers can escape this tax and improve their health by quitting, which an onerous tax would encourage.

Perry proposal cuts taxes for all income groups:

"By raiding the surplus to pay for a property-tax cut, Perry is proposing a plan that is still $1 billion short of inadequate because it forgets one very important thing: schools," Democratic gubernatorial nominee Chris Bell said through a spokesman.

[...]

Tax reduction

$14,042 and below...1.4

$14,042-$23,872...0.9

$23,872-$33,190...0.9

$33,190-$43,403...1.2

$43,403-$53,968...1.1

$53,968-$67,019...1.4

$67,019-$82,976...1.5

$82,976-$104,865...2.0

$104,865-$146,804...2.8

$146,804 and more...3.3

Source: Legislative Budget Board analysis

I'll bet he could've got that billion he's lacking if he kept that tax cut to 1.4/1.5 for the wealthy too.

Tax plan reduces families' burden:

Texas families at all income levels would get a tax break - with the wealthiest Texans receiving the biggest relief - under a massive tax-swap plan that Gov. Rick Perry and his Texas Tax Reform Commission will unveil today.

Of course those with the most deserve the most tax relief!?

And of course they take it out on smokers, and poor smokers the most, If you don't puff, you'll get a break in tax proposal:

Nonsmoking Texans at all income levels would see a net, modest reduction in taxes under a proposed tax overhaul to be formally unveiled today by Gov. Rick Perry.

Wealthier Texans, however, would realize about three times the savings, proportionately, as low-income taxpayers, according to a Legislative Budget Board analysis of the tradeoff for lower school taxes.

[...]

The tobacco tax increase, which would hit poorer smokers harder, was omitted from the analysis, because it would have had a negative impact on the overall projected savings.

Perception is reality and if the media says it it's got to be true.

Chairman Soechting To Speak At Sun City Democrats Meeting On Saturday

2006-03-28T21:26:00.000-06:00

Sun City Democrats & Friends

Regular Club Meeting: Saturday, April 1, 2006
Place: Sun City Activities Center Atrium
Time: 9:30 - 10:00: Coffee and Social time
10:00: Regular Meeting

Program:

Our speaker will be Charles Soechting, Chairman of the Texas Democratic Party. Mr. Soechting is a fifth generation Texan, a lifelong Democrat and an excellent speaker. Try not to miss his presentation!
Mr. Soechting practices law in San Marcos, TX. He was elected to his full term as Chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, at the Texas Democratic Convention in June of 2004. Previously, he had been elected in October of 2003 at a meeting of the State Democratic Executive Committee to serve out an unexpired term as Chair of the Texas Democratic Party. Soechting was previously the Hays County Democratic Chair and Texas Democratic Party General Counsel. He will be resigning his post as Chair of the Texas Democratic Party at the Texas Democratic Convention in June of 2006.

Be sure and check their web site, www.suncitydemocrats.com for more details.

More On The Upcoming Sessoin and The TTRC

2006-03-28T16:23:00.000-06:00

Perry not only became governor when Bush became president but he also got a time bomb left for him, Perry is under a gun that George Bush never faced:

AMONG the Texas accomplishments that then-Gov. George W. Bush touted during his first successful campaign for president six years ago were his effective working relationship with Democratic legislative leaders and his ability to cut taxes.

Both the Democratic leaders and the tax reductions back home are now as long gone as the "Mission Accomplished" banner that Commander-in-Chief Bush once unfurled over the Iraqi war. They have disappeared, along with the good political fortune that favored Bush during his statehouse years.

More special speculation, Will Carole bedevil the Big Three?:

Let's have a bit of masochistic fun.

Let's run a scenario on the Texas Legislature's attempt to reform the school tax system, as the state Supreme Court says it must by June 1.

And two from out west:

They're for the quick fix, State leaders facing tough choices:

The biggest problem that may face our lawmakers this session is being distracted by too many issues. Several lawmakers have said they also want to tackle such items as high school reform and merit pay for teachers.

We hold that it would be to our advantage to tackle school reforms and teacher incentive programs at another time. First and foremost, we should be tackling the finance portion of the agenda. In light of failure of past attempts at solving the school funding issue, there are enough problems associated with school financing than taking on other items even though they may be of great importance to the education of our students in Texas.

And read this one in case you were wondering what the oil and gas industry will get out of the coming tax swap proposal, The Sharp Commission proposal: How will it affect oil producers?

So, how will this new tax affect the typical oil and gas operator? Let's assume your gross income is $l million per year (a good round number) and your permitted deductions total 50 percent of your gross income, giving you a profit "margin" of $500,000. You will pay $5,000 under this new tax plan.

How much do you stand to save in ad valorem taxes? I pay a total combined tax rate of approximately $2.30 per $100 of valuation in the counties in which I operate. If the school district in each of those counties is currently charging the maximum M&O rate of $1.50, I will save $0.50/$2.30, or approximately 22 percent of my total ad valorem tax bill. I have found over the years that ad valorem taxes on working interest properties typically run 4 - 4.5 percent of my gross revenue, about equal to the severance tax on oil. So, the "typical" company with $1 million in gross revenue is currently paying about $42,000 annually in advalorem taxes and will save 22 percent of that, or $9,200. It appears that our industry is not going to realize the hoped-for significant net reduction in overall tax burden (which would be justified because of the severance and other taxes that we pay), but we may come close to breaking even or better, at least initially.

I wonder if that will be a sticking point in the House? You know the Speaker being from Midland and all? I think the oil and gas industry is pretty important there.

Tuition Deregulation Paying Off, But For Who?

2006-03-28T09:50:00.000-06:00

Here's what the governor had to say back in '03:

I join Speaker Craddick in calling for tuition deregulation so our colleges have greater control over their dollars. In addition to any savings this may generate, it's a matter of principle. If we're going to appoint Boards of Regents, let's give them room to do the job.

By estimating higher education income better, reducing special item projects, and asking community colleges to pay a proportionate share of insurance costs, we could net $1.1 billion in savings and recovered costs.

It also appears that our own Senator Ogden was against tuition deregulation until he was, ahem, assured by the university systems that they would not abuse their power:

In order to gain support for tuition deregulation, the university systems assured members of the legislature they would not abuse the new power. According to the Houston Chronicle, on June 1, 2003, State Sen. Steve Ogden, whose district includes A&M, stated that members of the Texas A&M Board of Regents assured him that tuition rates would not increase dramatically.

On March 26, 2004, less than a year after reportedly telling Ogden that it would not abuse its power to set tuition rates, the Texas A&M Board of Regents increased tuition rates by 21 percent.

[UPDATE]: There's a great report and timeline of the tuition deregualation process here.

If that's not abusing their power I'd hate to see what abuse of power is. Here are the latest results of tuition deregulation. This will not be a problem since low and middle class incomes have been rising so fast lately, sarcasm of course.

UT tuition, fees may rise 9.6% in fall:

Tuition and mandatory fees for undergraduates at the University of Texas at Austin would rise by about $400 in the next two years, to an average of $4,050 a semester, under a proposal to be considered today by the school's governing board.

The plan for a 9.6 percent increase this fall and a 1.3 percent increase in the fall of 2007 has stirred little controversy on campus, where there seems to be a consensus that additional revenue is needed to pay for repairs, hire new faculty members and give raises to faculty and staff members.

A&M regents lean toward tuition hike:

Texas A&M University students would pay an additional 8.9 percent in tuition and fees this fall under a proposal the Board of Regents will consider Friday.

ACCD raises tuition and fees:

Trustees for the Alamo Community College District voted Thursday night to raise students' tuition and fees by 5 percent to offset inflation and a general slump in state money. This is the fourth year in a row tuition has risen.

UNT considers tuition increase of 5.2 percent:

University of North Texas administrators Tuesday proposed a 5.2 percent tuition increase that would push the cost of a full-time undergraduate education past $3,000 a semester.

Texas Tech tuition rising; more hours reduces rate:

Students attending Texas Tech University in the fall will see a 4.5 percent increase in tuition, the board of regents announced Friday.

[UPDATE]: Tech is still thinking or tinkering, Regents order more tinkering on tuition plan:

Texas Tech ended Thursday not knowing what or how it will charge undergraduate students next year after its governing board tabled discussion of tuition and fees.

Regents were leery of a plan that charges students more money for taking fewer classes, concerned that the proposed "incentives-based" plan would punish students who must work to afford school along with those just wanting lighter course loads.

It's always good to see the free market at work.

Chris Bell has a plan to end this, Higher Education in Texas: An Agenda for Opportunity:

Mainstream Texans understand that investing in our higher education system is a much better long-term economic development strategy then giving huge subsidies to big-box superstores. Higher education is the key to helping Texas remain at the cutting edge of tomorrow's economy. The next generation of Texans will join the New Mainstream only when we have a governor who shares these priorities.

Higher Education in Texas: An Agenda For Opportunity
Ending tuition deregulation to keep college affordable for middle class families.
Giving our public universities the state funding they need to remain world-class.
Giving students a break at the bookstore by making textbooks tax-free.
Vigorously defending the TEXAS Grant program and other initiatives to make a college degree accessible to all Texans willing to put in the hard work.
Recognize the role community colleges fill in our state's economic development.

More Catch Up

2006-03-27T16:27:00.000-06:00

Two via Off The Kuff:

First on the lack of ethics accountability from the Ethics Commission, You don't need to know:

The Texas Ethics Commission decided Friday that public officials who receive cash or other gifts don't have to disclose the value, stunning open-government advocates.

"This is absurd, dangerous and completely undermines the reform legislation," said Rep. Lon Burnam, D-Fort Worth.

The seven commission members, appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and House speaker, wrestled with disclosure laws that compel public officials to report gifts over $250. The law calls for a description of the gift, and some commissioners said indicating simply "cash" - without an amount - satisfies the statute.

But government watchdogs told the commissioners that they are failing to enforce the clear meaning of the law, rendering it useless.

"This ruling leaves a big enough loophole to drive an armored truck full of money through," said Craig McDonald, director of Texans for Public Justice, which advocates for public disclosure. "All you would have to say is 'a truck.' "

Democratic State Representative Lon Burnam deserves all the credit for this. Here's Rep. Burnam's editorial from Friday on this subject, The elephants in the dark:

From Austin to Washington, Republican politicians and their cronies are destroying the public trust. For democracy to work, public business must be conducted in the light of day. Secrecy and nondisclosure have no place in honest and open government.

The ongoing controversy over Republican crony Bill Ceverha is a perfect illustration of the endemic secrecy and corruption in the Republican Party.

And Second a link to an HChron article on the declining state of women's health issues in Texas and the response form our Senator Steve Ogden, Who needs health care, anyway:

One of the House's most conservative Republicans, veteran Panhandle Rep. Warren Chisum, who helped pass the state's ban on same-sex marriage and longs to outlaw abortion in Texas, joined efforts to thwart the provisions before they passed. He's still hoping Panhandle funding will be restored.

"I'm not for abortion. I'm pro-life. But I'm not anti-women's health," Chisum said. ''You have your mixed emotions about it, but actually, in the Texas Panhandle, they don't perform abortions, so it's unfortunate that they're one of the ones that got their funds cut."

Yet Republican Senate Finance Chairman Steve Ogden is skeptical of the outcries, saying the complaints seem more about "turf protection and employee protection" than denying women services.

"There is not a single piece of evidence that anybody has offered to suggest that those changes have hurt an individual out there," said Ogden, of Bryan. "I would argue that it could have conceivably helped."

Health department officials, for their part, still are evaluating the effects of the provisions and say they may reallocate unspent funding as early as May.

Critics fear that might be too little, too late.

That's a great back-and-forth. Chisum, who authored the same sex marriage bill cannot even go as far as Sen. Ogden is willing to go. Is Sen. Ogden anti-women's health?

Playing Catch Up

2006-03-27T13:30:00.000-06:00

After noticing this:

Mike Krusee, Gov. Perry's Freeway Toll Road lap dog, was late reporting his personal financial disclosure last week with the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC). Filing this document late triggers an automatic $500 fine. Krusee can fight the fine, with an administrative process that involves going before the TEC.

Sal Costello started wondering what Mike Krusee does for a living when he is not in his role as the "Godfather of Toll". Here's what he's found out so far:

This incident has caused me to look closer at his financial disclosures from past years. The TEC disclosers are supposed to give citizens an insight on where legislators make their money. Krusee has listed such nebulous sources of occupation as "consulting" and "legal services". This is strange since Krusee has NO college education for anything, and he's certainly not a lawyer.

In 2005, Mike Krusee, Wilco's House 52 State Rep, listed he received occupational income by being Vice President of Paramount Document Retrieval (PDR), 550 Westcott, Houston, TX 77007. The Secretary of State shows David M. Hasha being VP of PDR and Mike Krusee is not listed for any position at all.

Interesting.

Next I'm starting to think that the Republicans in the legislature are now willing to work with the teachers to bring about something more substantial than just Gov. Perry's crony commission tax swap. This article from the FWST is a good place to start, Politicians listening to teacher organizations. Nothing like taking down the chair of the Education Committee to get their attention. Did you hear that all of you that are opposed to the TTC? If you want them to take you seriously why not take out the chair of the Transportation Committee, aka, the "Godfather of Toll". There is an alternative, Karen Felthauser.

And last the AAS published a the right-wing-James-Leininger-think-tank editorial today which basically tries to make the case than anyone who wants to tax wealthy people is just envious. He goes to great lengths to show this but the funny thing is he never mentions the word greed.

Report From Blackland Coalition Forum Tonight

2006-03-24T23:36:00.000-06:00

Received this via email tonight:

I just came from the candidates forum in Seaton where Kinky, Strayhorn and Bell spoke. Strayhorn brought the standing room only hall to its feet and had every one clapping loudly. She is by far the best and most forceful speaker and better able to rally people who need to feel that someone at a higher level is going to back them in their cause.

Bell who I like, however came across as a really wishy-washy and would lose his train of thought during his speech. If people would clap while he was in the middle of a sentence, while Strayhorn just got more and more motivated when folks interrupted her with applause and laughter. No one there really seemed to take Kinky seriously at all and just laughed at his jokes.

I talked to Chris Bell briefly and I like him however. No one in the corridor's path is apt to vote for him. They are all die hard Republicans and they are all in Strayhorn's camp. My feeling and just my feeling and opinion is this that Republicans are going independent in the rural areas and are not going to vote Democratic unless they have no choice. If they have no choice they may vote Democratic for a strong candidate like Brig Mireles or Jim Stauber that they feel will represent them.

This of course is just my opinion. There were a lot of news media and photographers there so there should be some news out soon about the situation.

The PAC has not made a decision however they introduced Strayhorn 1st so thats may give you an idea where they are.

Standing room only! Sounds like it was fun and funny. Too bad Perry wasn't there.

[UPDATE] Statesman article on the Forum, Candidate forum focuses on Trans-Texas Corridor.

Don't Forget The Gubernatorial Candidate Forum Tonight

2006-03-24T08:58:00.000-06:00

Come see the governor defend his plan to give away Texas farm land to a Spanish owned corporation for the good of our state. Oh yeah, I forgot Gov. Perry won't be there:

Perry foes to attack corridor plan

Gov. Rick Perry's three challengers will gather tonight east of Temple for what is likely to be a two-hour attack on the GOP governor's Trans-Texas Corridor plan. The Blackland Coalition, formed a year ago in opposition to the proposed network of intrastate toll roads and rail lines, is hosting the forum on the plan and eminent domain. It begins at 7 p.m. at Seaton Star Hall, 10842 Texas 53.

Democrat Chris Bell as well as independents Carole Keeton Strayhorn and Kinky Friedman (who are attempting to qualify for the November gubernatorial ballot) will give 15- to 20-minute speeches. All have said they oppose Perry's corridor plan as well as all or most toll roads.

Perry was invited but will not appear.

A few things here. First, notice the title by the AAS. Makes it sound like just a bunch of people sitting around complaining. The Blackland Coalition was formed to give voice to those who didn't have one in our current state government. What else were they supposed to do? Certainly their state representation wasn't voicing these constituents opposition to this plan. In actuality one of they were instrumental in shepherding - I personally like the moniker of the "Highway Twins" - this plan through the legislature. Second, it mentions nothing about the fact that this "proposed network of intrastate toll roads and rail lines" will be taking away family farms and some of the best farmland in Texas and has had little, if any, public input about it's proposed path. And last, If this is such a good plan shouldn't Gov. Perry be able to attend an event like this and defend his plan?

Get the details for the event here.

OTG Caves, Stops Payment To Federalist Group Too

2006-03-24T08:26:00.000-06:00

With pressure from BOR, Strayhorn Received Money from Maloney's Lobby Group:

Strayhorn Ignored Lobby Group That Donates Generously to Republicans -including Strayhorn Campaign

At least one of MaloneyÂs Federalist Group partners, Wayne Berman, contributed $5,000 to the Strayhorn campaign on October 19, 2002. (Source: Texas Ethics Commission)

The Lone Star Project disclosed in a report issued on November 18, 2005 that former Tom DeLay senior staff member Drew Maloney, who leads the Federalist GroupÂs Texas lobby effort from Washington, has contributed over $6,500 directly to DeLay and $22,750 to Texas Republican Congressmen since the contract was signed. Other associates at the Federalist Group have added thousands of dollars to Texas RepublicanÂs campaign accounts. (Source: Houston Chronicle 1/19/2006 and Federal Election Commission)

Drew Maloney gave no money to Texas Democrats (Source: Federal Election Commission)

Maloney joined other Federalist Group members in sponsoring a Washington, DC fundraising event for DeLay on November 17, 2005. (Source: Roll Call, 11/17/2005)

And more pressure from Chris Bell, Bell slams payments to state's outside lobbyists:

Bell on Thursday said Strayhorn also should have cut off payments to Texas' other outside lobbyists, the Federalist Group. The Washington-based group's lead lobbyist for Texas is Drew Maloney, a former top aide to DeLay who had raised money to help Republicans take control of the Texas House in the 2002 elections.

"If she were really serious about shutting down the cash-and-carry system that (Gov.) Rick Perry has set up, she wouldn't show favoritism to Tom DeLay's good friends at the Federalist Group," Bell said.

With that showing the blatant hypocrisy of her actions or incaction, OTG has now stopped the payments to the second firm in our Republican controlled state governments crony-lobbyist payment scheme. She tried to cover it up but Kathy Walt is there to help out:

Matt Angle, with the Democratic Lone Star Project, noted that Strayhorn in 2002 took a $5,000 contribution from one of Maloney's lobby partners, Wayne Berman.

But Strayhorn spokesman Will Holford said the comptroller did not have to freeze the Federalist payments because the state-federal relations office has not put in a request for payment for the firm since October.

Holford said the company has a contract to lobby for the state through August 2007 for a total amount not to exceed $220,000. The Federalist Group had been paid at a rate of $15,000 a month.

Holford said Strayhorn's auditors will be looking at payments to both Cassidy and Federalists. If any improper spending is discovered, he said, she will seek a refund from the companies.

Perry spokeswoman Kathy Walt said Strayhorn's office was wrong and the Federalist Group has received at least two state checks since October 2005.

Walt issued a detailed rebuttal to Strayhorn's reasons for blocking the payments to Cassidy, describing the comptroller's work as sloppy.

Walt noted that Strayhorn claimed Cassidy was paid $302,363 by the governor's office in 2004, but the payments actually were to a related company for tourism promotion.

She said Strayhorn also claimed she had "auditors on the ground" when she decided to freeze the Cassidy payments, but Walt said the auditors didn't arrive at the offices of state-federal relations until a day later.

Walt has defended the decision to hire outside lobbyists as good for the state in terms of bringing in extra federal dollars.

It's always good to see Republicans fighting over who is more corrupt. It also shows what a farcical campaign trick this whole event has been.

A Few Items

2006-03-23T11:19:00.000-06:00

Q & A with Senator Ogden, next Tuesday:

The public is invited to the Rotary Club meeting at 7 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, at Cedar Park Methodist Church. Sen. Ogden will present a straightforward message and answer your questions. If you would like to eat breakfast with the Rotary, call Jack Spillman at 259-8034 and let him know you will attend.

Report from yesterday's House Corrections Committee hearing, Gallows humor:

Best Line:
"What's our prison population?" asked Chairman Madden. "Full," replied Connolly. Right now it's at 151,585, she said. "But there's an execution today," deadpanned Rep. Jim McReynolds, "so that's 151,584."

The lastest blog post from Barbara Ann Radnofsky at Capitol Annex:

Week of March 20-22: Highlights of this week so far included a spirited discussion with the Blackdems in Houston, and receiving their endorsement; many talks with vibrant and educated teachers; and planning for the opening of our office and endorsement announcements on Friday at one thirty.

I hope you'll come! Chris Bell will lead off with his endorsement at one thirty at our new campaign office in Houston at 1770 St. James Place just off of San Felipe and Chimney Rock.

And last but by now means least from the TFT's website on yesterday's "Fair Funding for Kids" summitt at the Capitol:

On TFT's behalf (Rena) Lara spoke out in support of a grass-roots agenda of "fair funding for kids," calling among other things for an across-the-board pay raise for teachers, across-the-board funding equity for schoolchildren statewide, and a reform of the tax structure to avoid undue burdens on working families and the indigent.

Check out their 6-point plan (.PDF).

CHIP Architect Would Like To Make It Right Again

2006-03-23T10:05:00.000-06:00

Former State Rep. Patricia Gray, who shepherded the landmark CHIP legislation through the House in 1999 is not happy with what has been done to it. The Austin Chronicle has the story, Chipping Away at CHIP. CHIP was instituted and working well and then in came the Republican majority and privatization:

The agency's (Health and Human Services) privatization plan calls for shuttering the state's community-based offices, firing thousands of workers, and replacing both with privately operated call centers to determine a person's eligibility for receiving CHIP benefits, Medicaid, food stamps, and other social services.

This is not what the original architects of CHIP had in mind when they designed what was supposed to be a relatively user-friendly program for families who can't afford health insurance but don't qualify for Medicaid. The state-funded program was set up to tap $423 million a year in federal matching funds to serve more than 500,000 eligible children.

The CHIP upheaval stems from the 2003 Legislature's two-pronged massacre of the state's health and human services programs, first with deep budget cuts (since partially restored) followed by a massive consolidation and overhaul of the state's health and social services. The changes wrought by that year's HB 2292, authored by former GOP Rep. Arlene Wohlgemuth, also opened up new contract opportunities for Accenture. Several states have hired Accenture to develop new electronic voter file systems or to manage state-funded social service programs. But Accenture's record on both fronts is shoddy at best. In the last two years, at least half a dozen states have fired the contractor for failing to deliver on its obligations.

"One 'Selectively' Silent Grandma's" Campaign Strategy

2006-03-23T09:06:00.000-06:00

Her campaign strategy appears not only to be to co-opt the Democratic candidates ideas, but she is also going to try and hold herself out as the clean, moralistic, sanctimonious, uncorrupt candidate to swing Republicans in Texas to her side. Case in point, yesterday's campaign stunt. OTG is trying to show she has gotten religion on this issue of Perry's cronyism. Phillip Martin at BOR has the story, An Open Letter to Comptroller Strayhorn. But she's only got a problem with some of Perry's corruption:

Yesterday, you/(OTG) announced that the Comptroller's office is indefinitely stopping the state's payments to the Washington, D.C. lobbying firm of Cassidy & Associates, the infamous lobby group that has lobbied Congress on behalf of the Office of State-Federal Relations. This action comes as a result of the audit you launched on Cassidy & Associates on January 27, 2006.

There's an expression that goes, "day late, dollar short." You are years late in acting, and your prolonged silence risked millions of dollars of taxpayer money. Your decision to stop payments is long overdue, and what's worse is that you're only doing half of what you should have done a long time ago. You still must stop the payments to Drew Maloney, the high-power lobbyist of the Federalist Group, who is also being paid with taxpayer dollars.

Why did she wait to do this until after the primaries? The point of the post is that she's been writing the checks the whole time and continued to after this was exposed in January. She could have stopped this from the beginning or certainly soon after it was exposed. No, in true OTG form she waited until it would benefit her the most to do what's right. More from BOR:

The public's trust can not be bought and sold with your cheap tricks any more than it can with Governor Perry's endless cronyism.

You remained silent until it benefited you and your campaign. As a proud Texas Democrat, I find your silence appalling. It is my sincere hope that you immediately take action on Drew Maloney's contract, and stop pretending you're "tough" for doing what you should have done a long, long time ago.

Well said.

The Session Ahead

2006-03-22T15:37:00.000-06:00

With the Republican Party in Texas lacking a single leader or anyone with the ability to bring all the factions within the party together it should come as no surprise to anyone that going into the upcoming session there is no consensus on what to do in the upcoming special session. As this article shows, Top 3 officials at odds over session, the so-called “Big 3” (Gov., Lt. Gov. & Speaker) can't agree on what needs to be done:

In a sure sign of political fireworks to come, the state's top political leaders parted ways Tuesday on how they perceive the Texas Legislature's mission for the special legislative session.

Oooh, fireworks. Anyway, here's a random sampling of what's being discussed before the session starts:

Just a tax swap to satisfy the Supreme Court (Perry)
A teacher pay raise
Reform the entire Texas public school system (Dewhurst)
Use the surplus now to satisfy the court and then revisit this in full during next year's regular session (Chisum, et al.)

Now we all know that the governor sees a tax cut as the manna he can give to his Republican base/disciples in order to seal his reelection deal in November. He needs this so bad that he even enlisted his once and again best friend and fellow Aggie John Sharp to lead a commission of cronies and business people to devise the best way to tax themselves.

David Dewhurst has ambition for higher office and is trying become a “uniter not a divider” - like someone else we know – by trying bring about something nobody has ever been able to do in Texas, a complete school finance overhaul, and he is one of the weakest Lt. Gov.'s in modern history. Probably not gonna work.

Speaker Craddick, with his House caucus in shambles, is going to have to try and form a coalition in the house out of lame ducks, scared incumbents and pro-voucher members in his own party. Good luck.

The question on the Republican side is...is there anyone in their party that wields a big enough stick or has enough power to bring these three guys together on a plan that they can then go and threaten the legislature to pass or else? Harvey Kronberg's latest at News 8 says there's two likely outcomes:

With failure not an option, there are two likely scenarios.

The first is the plan to expand business taxes developed by the Sharp Commission. It is the most ambitious of any of the offerings to date and has a lot to recommend it. Although the plan has not yet been finalized, it includes a low business tax rate and incentives for hiring and employee health care. It would also raise cigarette taxes.

As attractive as the plan may be, its opponents include a group of major law firms who are prepared to argue that it amounts to a personal income tax on partners. Mr. Sharp disagrees.

Another proposal by a group of lawmakers argues that you cannot pass a major tax bill when the state is enjoying a surplus of at least $4 billion which may balloon to as much as $8 billion next August. The money is not really a surplus, it is simply unspent cash that will be needed to fulfill financial commitments next year. But that may be a distinction without a difference for many voters and while it is only a temporary fix, it may be the most that this exhausted and politically bloodied legislature can do.

What will the solution be? Well, your guess is as good as mine. I believe the legislature will come up with something. They will not let the schools be shutdown, no matter what. That could mean buying down property taxes with the “surplus” and put off debate on school finance, again, this time until the 2007 regular session. Since the governor's call will be narrow, and I doubt if they get his property tax swap accomplished they will stick around or the governor will call another special session to deal with school finance in an election year. But remember a good percentage of the surplus is money that was set aside by the legislature last year for school funding which could be used for a teacher pay raise It was also built by taking from the least among us:

This surplus that Chisum and others are touting is less than meets the eye, however. For one thing, included in it are sums the legislature last year said would be reserved for education programs and personnel, not for tax cuts. Legislators also need to remember that the so-called surplus exists largely because of harsh cuts in compensation imposed on school employees in the 2003 legislative sessions--cuts that continue in effect today. And that's not to mention the other cuts in vital programs like children's health insurance.

Just a quick aside. For us here in Williamson County we don't have to worry because our two state representatives, Rep. Krusee and Rep. Gattis, will vote with the Speaker and the pro-voucher crowd like they always have. I've searched to find any kind of statement from either one of them on the upcoming session and can't find anything. (Of course the Godfather of Toll has better things to do). I'm sure if they did say anything it would be the tired ol' line of property taxes are too high, we need greater accountability, yada, yada, yada.

Inevitably, of course, in response to criticism like this the Republicans will say that the Democrats don't have a plan. My answer to that is what chance would a Democratic plan have in the Republican dominated legislature? Exactly, none. Those who say that should also remember that the only plan that got majority support last session was from Rep. Hochberg, a Democrat. Which just goes to show two things. We have a complete lack or leadership and ideas in today's Texas Republican Party and also Republicans hold the majority in every branch of government. That is something that every Democratic candidate for any office Federal, state and local need to make very clear. Republicans control Texas government and therefore they are to blame for the state of things in Texas.

[UPDATE]: Received this tip, Governor calls special session, via email I didn't check the TDP before posting, thanks for the tip:

Republican Representative Mike Krusee said he wants to see a solution that includes lower property taxes.

"Most importantly we have to meet the court's demand that we fix school finance," he said. "I hope while doing that we can lower property taxes dramatically. I think we can solve the school finance issue, lower property taxes and leave with a better, fairer tax system than when we started."

[...]

Krusee also said changes to the tax system were critical to finding the right solution.

"Some legislators are going to be attracted to not fixing tax system but using the surplus. I don't think that's a long term solution," he said. "I think next session the legislature will likely have a large surplus and it is my hope that surplus will fund further property tax decreases and a pay raise for teachers."

Bell Calls For Teacher Pay Raise, Strayhorn Piggy-Backs

2006-03-21T13:50:00.000-06:00

I found out about Chris Bell's plan to raise teacher pay yesterday from BOR, Chris Bell Calls For Teacher Pay Raise. Looked like a good idea and a great way to attack the governor who only wants to give a select few teachers a pay raise. You can also read about "Put the schools back in school finance":

Surrounded by local Democratic elected officials, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Chris Bell accused Rick Perry of pursuing temporary solutions and ignoring schools in the run-up to the special session on school finance.

"Rick Perry'’s biggest priority is to pass a tax cut," said Bell, who helped pass a property tax cut on the Houston City Council. "My top priority is different. Texas can have the best public schools in the country, but only if we avoid a fiscal 'sugar rush' that would use $1 billion from the budget surplus to soothe our craving for a tax cut at the expense of a balanced revenue diet for our schools."

Who were those local elected officials?

Big thanks to Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos for introducing him, as well as state Reps. Elliott Naishtat and Eddie Rodriguez, city council members Brewster McCracken and Lee Leffingwell, Constable Bruce Elfant, and state senate candidate Kathi Thomas for lending their support.

The SAEN has a good wrap-up, Bell says tax cut won't fix schools:

Simply using a budget surplus to reduce school property taxes during a coming special legislative session would be like "a sugar rush" without fixing the state's school funding system, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Bell said Monday.

[...]

"Texas can have the best public schools in the country, but only if we avoid a fiscal sugar rush that would use the budget surplus to soothe our craving for a tax cut at the expense of a balanced revenue diet for our schools," Bell said.

[...]

"If you are proposing revenue-neutral ideas, you are basically rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic," Bell said. "We need more money coming into our state coffers."

Bell did this at the AFL-CIO headquarters in Austin, that's right a union hall, I doubt you'll see OTG hanging out there anytime soon. I hope teacher's union members see and hear that! But from what I can tell Chris Bell brought this up first yesterday as this DMN/AP article shows:

Earlier Monday, Democratic nominee Chris Bell called on Republican incumbent Gov. Rick Perry to give all Texas teachers a $6,000 pay raise.

No matter, the DMN/AP saw fit to give OTG top billing in there story and hardly even mentioned Bell. I guess this is the kind of treatment from the press Chris Bell will have to expect over the coming campaign. He comes out with a great idea and the liberal Texas media will drown it out by either Kinky with an open beer, OTG piggy-backing or Gov. Perry with a bad hair day.

One last thing on the teacher pay raise. From today's AAS Gardner Selby does his best to show that those challenging the governor are just playing politics with teacher pay. The funny part is how he tries to do that. By quoting defeated incumbent and still chair of the House Public Education Committee Rep. Kent Grusendorf:

Rep. Kent Grusendorf, R-Arlington, chairman of the House Public Education Committee, sniffed politics in the pay proposals.

Grusendorf, who lost his re-election bid last month to Diane Patrick, a GOP challenger backed by teacher groups, said of the proposers: "They're in a bidding war for the teacher vote." He said: "Aw, let's give them $10,000. It's not my money anyway, what do I care?"

Grusendorf said: "Our best teachers are underpaid. We have to try to find a way to solve that." But, he said, lawmakers should focus in the 30-day session on answering the Texas Supreme Court's judgment that schools are too dependent on property taxes.

Only "our best teacher are underpaid", he says. I wonder how he determines who "our best" teachers are? Call me crazy but if I'm Gov. Perry I'd be trying to find some common ground with Texas teachers. One way to do that would be to replace Rep. Grusendorf for the upcoming special session with someone who is a little more friendly with Texas teachers. Obviously I'm not Gov. Perry and that would also take cooperation from Speaker Craddick. But that would probably go a long way and since we know Rep. Grusendorf is not friendly to teachers, help the governor politically.

The Blackland Coalition Is Holding A Forum For The Candidates For Governor...

2006-03-21T09:36:00.000-06:00

...and guess who hasn't responded?

Gubernatorial Candidates: Bell, Friedman and Strayhorn confirmed to speak on TransTexas Corridor and Eminent Domain

March 24, Seaton Star Hall (5 Mi. East of Temple on Hwy 53 - 10842 State Hwy 53, Temple, Texas 76501), 7:00-9:00 PM, the Blackland Coalition will hold a meeting open to the public and interested parties. All four candidates running for Governor of the State of Texas were invited to speak, only Rick Perry has not responded. Chris Bell (D), Kinky Friedman (I) and Carole Strayhorn (I), candidates for the office of Governor will speak on the issues and impact of the proposed TransTexas Corridor and Eminent Domain. Time permitting, a limited number of written questions from the audience will be addressed.

Blackland Coalition will present information regarding the status of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and the process for filing comments and objections by the public.

Seaton Star Hall SPJST will open at 5:30 PM - BBQ and refreshments will be sold. Meeting begins at 7:00 PM.

Blackland Coalition is organized to educate, protect and defend Texans against the TransTexas Corridor.

Come and give a listen to what a governor not named Rick Perry will do about the Trans-Texas Corridor and Eminent Domain.

Despite Deregulation Texans Paying More For Electricity

2006-03-20T23:24:00.000-06:00

Via PLAN and the FWST, Study: Rates are up, not down. The opening paragraph says it all:

Under electricity deregulation, Texans have paid some of the highest rates in the nation -- a reversal of at least a decade of relatively cheap electricity under the state's old regulated system.

Here are the numbers:

$108.40: The average utility bill for a typical Texan.

$94.80: The average utility bill for a typical electricity consumer in the United States.

40th: The ranking of Texas among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., on the affordability of electricity.

SOURCE: Office of public utility counsel, based on 2005 figures

Military Support & Homeland Security In Congressional District 31

2006-03-20T21:55:00.000-06:00

As we all know the Republican Party has tried to say that they are the party of security and military support. But unfortunately there actions betray them.

This scathing OP-ED, A Top-Down Review for the Pentagon, written by Paul D. Eaton, a retired Army major general, was in charge of training the Iraqi military from 2003 to 2004, calls for Rumsfeld to resign among other things. It ends with a couple of solutions. I don't agree with Lieberman for Sec. Def. but the policy he puts forth is sound.

First, President Bush should accept the offer to resign that Mr. Rumsfeld says he has tendered more than once, and hire a man who will listen to and support the magnificent soldiers on the ground. Perhaps a proven Democrat like Senator Joseph Lieberman could repair fissures that have arisen both between parties and between uniformed men and the Pentagon big shots.

More vital in the longer term, Congress must assert itself. Too much power has shifted to the executive branch, not just in terms of waging war but also in planning the military of the future. Congress should remember it still has the power of the purse; it should call our generals, colonels, captains and sergeants to testify frequently, so that their opinions and needs are known to the men they lead. Then when they are asked if they have enough troops - and no soldier has ever had enough of anything, more is always better - the reply is public.

Our most important, and sometimes most severe, judges are our subordinates. That is a fact I discovered early in my military career. It is, unfortunately, a lesson Donald Rumsfeld seems incapable of learning.

How could this possibly happen with the current Republican leadership? It can't. We need new leadership, especially in TX CD 31 where the military contituency is so imporant.

The other thing that happened in the last week to shine a light on this is the Bush blowback furor over the Dubai ports deal. After the deal was killed the Democrats tried again to get money added to the budget to fund port security. You'll never guess what happened. Right-Wing Blocks Funding For Port Security, Disaster Preparedness. You can see Congressman Carter's vote against the amendment here. But they did put in $1.7 billion dollars for the still unproven so-called missle defense system.

The good news in all of this is that in November there is a choice and a good one at that. We need new leadership for the security of our country and to support our military. That leader is Mary Beth Harrell.

A Few Items

2006-03-20T16:20:00.000-06:00

The SAEN has this article today on the Leininger election wrap-up, GOP winners say cash won't guide their votes. Right, and George W. Bush is a compassionate conservative. Tell me another one. Here's a few quotes:

Two victorious candidates who filled their campaign war chests with money from a wealthy San Antonio businessman resent allegations that they were "bought," despite sharp criticism from their opponents after the Republican primary votes were counted.

Both Nathan Macias of Bulverde and Wayne Christian of Center said Dr. James Leininger's money - although much appreciated - would have no influence on the way they vote on the state House floor.

Furthermore, they said, it wasn't the money that led them to victory, but their effective campaigns against two incumbents who had lost favor with their constituents.

[...]

"I think our party is in trouble," she said. "I don't think it's representative of the masses who vote Republican. We've turned it over to the extremists."

Casteel pointed to well-funded interest groups that can flood mailboxes and airwaves with slick ads and misleading claims.

"The more immediate threat is the purchase of seats," she said. "First, it may stifle independence. 'If I don't vote the way so-and-so wants me to, I won't be back.' It scares me that democracy is for sale. That's not a good thing.

The long and the short of the Casteel v. Macias race is that if he doesn't get all that money from Leininger it doesn't matter what his message is, it doesn't get out. How much worse do you think Rep. Krusee would have done if Barbara Samuelson would have had that kind of money? Exactly. He'll also think twice, at least, when he benefactors pet project(s) are up for a vote.

Looks like things with the TTRC, aka the Sharp Crony Commission, changed over the weekend. They were scheduled to release their report tomorrow and hold hearings Tuesday and Wednesday. Now from this article in the AAS on Saturday they are delaying it for a while,
Preparations for special session begin. Here's the subtitle, Business groups, lobbyists, lawmakers gearing up to consider possible solutions to school finance system. I'm sure that parents, teacher's, school administrators and hopefully voters are too. Anyway, here's the part about the delay:

A commission appointed by Perry is studying the state's tax structure. The panel of two dozen business leaders, led by former state Comptroller John Sharp, is expected make recommendations soon. However, the group's report may not be issued next week as planned, its staff director said.

The recommendations might include reducing school property taxes by a third without raising the state sales tax. To do that, they will probably suggest revising the business franchise tax, raising the cigarette tax and using $1 billion of the state's $4.3 billion budget surplus.

And they've postponed the hearings (scroll to the bottom) until the end of March. I wonder if those business groups, lobbyists and legislators had anything to do with that?

Capitol Annex has the latest from PLAN on the 65% Rule.

What's Needed For Public Schools

2006-03-20T09:33:00.000-06:00

This is a great editorial in today's DMN, Get it right, Austin. It does a good job of laying out what we really need in Texas to fix our public schools. It also does a godd job of stating that it's probably too big a chore for us to expect with the current leadership vacuum we have in Texas:

Austin, this time you really do have to fix the mess. Will the upcoming special session bring an end to the mess? Do not bet on it. Here's the rub: Gov. Rick Perry supports lowering school property taxes but opposes increasing school funding. Moreover, fixing the state tax system so that it can generate the tax revenue needed to end all the problems is not being considered. Instead, the plan is to push through a small illusory fix that uses the state surplus and then publicly claim that all is well. In truth, our public schools will remain inadequately funded, our state tax system will still not have the needed capacity, and our courts will again have to intervene.

Texans expect a real fix and will see through any charade. Trying to sneak by with something less than a real fix will invite their wrath. Hopefully, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, House Speaker Tom Craddick and a majority of the Legislature will resist this route and do a real long-term fix.

In the absence of strong political leadership and courage in Austin, Texans can be sure of one thing - the mess will just get messier.

I have to disagree with the writer of this on one thing. Texans have been unable to see through charades for a while now and I think a surplus scam would work just fine on enought Texans to get most of these people reelected. I would be very happy to be wrong on that front. It does a great job of pointing out what's needed, courageous leadership.

The 65% Rule Exposed, Again

2006-03-19T23:46:00.000-06:00

This article from the AAS, Spending on instruction varies among Texas school districts. It's the same stuff we already konw. It doesn't work and that shouldn't surprise anyone becuase that has nothing to do with the reason for it being implemented. The 65% rule is all about dividing teachers and administrators. Here's a few key quotes from this article:

Even Texas' highest-performing school districts vary widely in how much they spend on instruction, according to a study released this week by a coalition of education groups, a finding that adds to the debate about the reasoning behind Gov. Rick Perry's "65 percent rule."

[...]

"To have a one-size-fits-all number that is used not just for reporting but for sanctions is inappropriate," said Catherine Clark, associate director of the Texas Association of School Boards.

[...]

"I am open to having an annual process by which I must explain (spending decisions) to the public," Austin Superintendent Pat Forgione said. "But having an arbitrary trigger of 65 percent, . . . I've not seen any research that says it's better than 60 percent or 70 percent."

[...]

The study also found greater spending variations when it compared higher- and lower-performing districts among their peers in the same class than when comparing higher- and lower-performing districts to each other.

For example, Palo Pinto, a small district outside of Fort Worth that was rated exemplary by the state, spent less than 50 percent on instruction in the 2003-04 school year because it has higher transportation and utility costs, Clark said.

By comparison, the Hamilton school district near Waco, also rated exemplary that year, spent about 64 percent.

Lower-performing districts tended to spend more on instruction than higher-performing districts.

State Education Commissioner Shirley Neeley has not released spending guidelines for Perry's rule.

Why is this still going forward?

Tarrant County DEC adds a data point

2006-03-18T13:01:00.000-06:00

A number of you have commented on my recent post on DEC strife Note: DEC is short for "Democratic county Executive Committee". I really appreciate the feedback.

Annatopia added Tarrant to the list of counties with DECs fighting amongst themselves. Tarrant is the Texas county containing Fort Worth. Annatopia's post details the fireworks from a Tarrant DEC meeting to canvass the March 7 primary vote. Read all about it.

On that note, the WCDP EC met Wednesday to canvass the March 7 Primary results. The meeting was incredibly smooth and positive. One precinct chair wanted to discuss and item not on the posted agenda. The parliamentarian instantly found the discussion out of order. This was good for the purpose of handling the crucial task of canvassing the vote, but left a few in attendance grumbling. We will have a chance to bring up new business at our next regular monthly meeting on April 13.

Perry Calls Special Session For April 17th

2006-03-17T15:05:00.000-06:00

Gov. Perry says One more time for the Supreme Court:

"The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that Texas - current tax system must be reformed by June 1," Perry said. "This special session provides legislators of both parties a rare opportunity to significantly reduce property taxes, make substantial reforms to the franchise tax so it is fairer and broader, and ensure our schools have a reliable and constitutional stream of revenue."

No big shocker here. We knew this was coming. Sharp's crony commission the TTRC will be releasing it's report next week and will be holding two hearings in Austin next week. Some are joyous and think that Sharp is a miracle worker for coming up with a fix this quick. He may have. Bur remember this puts no new money into schools, it's revenue neutral, and the legislature hasn't got a hold of it yet.

Popular Myth Destroyed

2006-03-16T10:01:00.000-06:00

Republicans Control Congress

It's really important to know that, especially when you see headlines like this, Expect Congress to take a pass on cutting spending and this, Senate sets vote on federal debt limit.

Today's popular myth destroyed is that we have "fiscal conservatives" running Congress. They may be "conservative" but not fiscally. When the Republicans became the majority in Congress and tried to institute the Contract on America one of their main points was a balanced budget amendment. It was able to get through the House but not the Senate. But that Republican Congress along with a Democratic President was able to balance the budget none the less. Fast forward to today, of course there is no contract anymore, and the "fiscal conservatives" run every branch of government. If you didn't know any better that would lead one you to believe that the budget is balanced, right? Well wrong. It's not tax and spend it's spend and spend.

The interesting part to us here in CD 31 is, of course, where our Congressman stands on all this. After touting his vote for the so-called Deficit Reduction Act in February:

"The Deficit Reduction Act is important to reducing wasteful spending and encouraging a more efficient government, while continuing to support the needs of Americans," Congressman Carter said. "I am proud to have supported a bill that takes important steps to reduce the federal deficit and keeps government safety net programs sustainable."

On Wednesday Rep. Carter voted for raising the debt ceiling. Here's what the head of the conservative Republican Study Group, of which Rep. Carter is a member, had to say:

Twenty-nine House Republicans (Rep. Carter not included) voted against their party leadership Wednesday on a rule to set terms of debate on the spending bill. It was an extraordinary defection on a measure that typically receives a party-line vote.

"House conservatives were profoundly disappointed," said Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., the leader of House GOP fiscal conservatives.

But check out who's leading the fight against this and why the Republicans that control Congress won't do what they always said they would do:

The Senate this week fended off, in a tie vote, a Democratic effort to require all new tax cuts and spending increases to be offset by spending cuts elsewhere. The House of Representatives on Wednesday beat back an attempt by fiscal conservatives to require offsetting cuts to pay for $91.8 billion in spending for Iraq and the hurricane-damaged Gulf Coast states.

In both cases, Republican leaders led the fight against budget restraint. In the Senate, Republicans said Democrats only wanted to make it more difficult to extend expiring tax cuts. In the House, GOP leaders wanted to avoid forcing Republicans facing tough re-election fights to cut popular programs.

"It's difficult to do that with small majorities in an election year, when every cut and slice is going to get magnified," said Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va.

Quick fact:

The national debt has grown 50 percent during Bush's presidency.

The real reason that the Republicans in Congress are doing this is not just election year politics. It's polls and the new Majority Leader thinks the American people need to be educated about the deficit:

A poll this week by the Pew Research Center found that the public no longer views the deficit as a crisis, unlike in the 1990s. In 1993, 17 percent listed the deficit as the most important problem facing the nation, behind unemployment and the economy. In January, only 2 percent considered the deficit the most important issue.

As a result, Republicans calculate that cutting spending is politically riskier than not.

House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said this week that if lawmakers want to tackle Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, they first must educate the public.

"To go in and start making cuts without first helping people understand the problem, the extent of the problem, and the fact that these programs are not sustainable for the long term is, I think, political suicide," he said.

When your worried about a terrorist attack the budget deficit doesn't seem like such a big deal, does it? Rest assured though, this is all part of the overall plan of running up the deficit to astronomical proportions so that someday the only thing left to do will be to cut social spending to the bone. And then we'll all be educated about the budget deficit.

Formatting Problems...Please Bear With Us.

2006-03-15T21:12:00.000-06:00

I am sorry for the technical difficulties. If you looking for the links, etc..scroll down to the bottom of the page. We have support ticket into Blogger and are waiting to hear back.

John Sharp Floats A/His Plan (So Far)

2006-03-15T09:09:00.000-06:00

Here's the story from the DMN, Sharp foresees no change to sales tax rate:

The state can reduce school property taxes by a third without an increase in the sales tax, a key component of plans considered by the Legislature last year, the chairman of the governor's tax reform commission said Tuesday.

The panel is heading toward a recommendation to use $1 billion from the state's budget surplus, overhauling the business franchise tax and raising taxes on cigarettes to fund the property tax cut, said its chairman, former state Comptroller John Sharp.

Speaking in an interview a day after the 24-member panel completed a series of 16 public hearings across the state, Mr. Sharp said his commission is ready to start drafting its recommendations for a special legislative session that Gov. Rick Perry is expected to call for next month.

"We believe we can safely use part of the state's budget surplus, and we intend to recommend the use of $1 billion of the surplus to buy down property taxes," he said.

That will help avoid an increase in the state sales tax – already one of the highest in the nation - and will still leave enough surplus funds to handle other expenses the Legislature chooses to pay for, Mr. Sharp said.

"Why increase the sales tax when you don't have to?" Mr. Sharp said, asserting that use of the surplus to buy down property taxes represents real tax relief rather than a tax swap.

Come now Mr. Sharp. You may not be swapping taxes not to raise the sales tax but I'm sure you're aware that most of the "surplus" was created by cutting benefits to the neediest among us. But, of course, your whole plan is a tax swap and I'm not really sure why the business lobby will accept it, this time. You must have something really horrible you're using to threaten them. Here are the particulars:

Cut local school property taxes by one-third.

Base the business franchise tax on gross receipts of most businesses after either salaries or the cost of goods are deducted.

Increase the cigarette tax $1 per pack.

Spend $1 billion from the state's surplus to help offset property tax cuts.

Now we know this isn't a fix. It's just a short-term fix to get us through until the next crisis. The article also mentions an even shorter-term fix that is circulating around the capitol:

Meanwhile, as the special session approaches, a group of House Republicans has been trying to drum up support for a temporary fix that would use more than half the budget surplus to reduce property taxes by about 20 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. Supporters say that would allow lawmakers to avoid a big tax bill in the special session and finish the job in the 2007 regular session.

Mr. Sharp, a Democrat, said that would be a big mistake and could leave the state with a deficit – especially if lawmakers can't agree on a new tax system in 2007.

"That's how you wind up getting yourself in big financial trouble," he said.

Shouldn't that say a more temporary fix? Leave it to a lame duck legislature to put off today what it can fix tomorrow.

The other thing to remember about this plan and what the TTRC has, or hasn't as the case may be, done. This is revenue neutral, meaning it puts NO NEW MONEY INTO PUBLIC SCHOOLS. This does nothing to fix the school finance problem it just lowers property taxes, for now.

[UPDATE]: Found this little snippet from the Texas Weekly RSS feed:

While former Comptroller John Sharp and the rest of Gov. Rick Perry's tax reform commission works on proposed revisions to the state's business taxes, they're starting to hear more noise from lawmakers and lobbyists. That's not unusual with a special session approaching, but it's dangerous for tax bills: An unprotected tax bill lasts about as long as free pot at a rock concert and isn't nearly as much fun.

Which I believe means that as of right now a sales tax hike is off the table and business will bear most of the burden for the TTRC plan. But this plan is being put ouf for scrutiny and is not being backed by anyone outside the TTRC, most notably the governor, at this time.

TxDOT Has Setup A Hotline For TTC-35 Info

2006-03-14T22:20:00.000-06:00

Here's the number,877-872-6789, if nobody answers you can leave a message. If my home was anywhere near - within 100 miles or so - one of the proposed paths I would definitely be calling this number to find out about the release date of the path and about when and where any public meetings will be held. Of course be polite and don't call too often.

Teachers Don't Turnout To Vote? They Did This Time!

2006-03-14T16:41:00.000-06:00

Reposted From Yesterday

Harvey Kronberg rehashes the primary and points out that teachers vote made a difference in a couple of races, Political fallout from primary elections.

Everyone always said teachers don't vote, well they did this time:

The education community proved that if you push too far, they can produce enough votes in some traditionally low turnout GOP primaries and bite back.

And teacher's and those that agree with them voting makes for a very interesting upcoming special session and November election:

As we go into the special session, there are a lot of nervous legislators. On paper, the November election should be irrelevant. But apparently, quite a few traditional primary voters skipped last week's election so they could sign petitions for Carole Strayhorn or Kinky Friedman. Those folks may well be sick of incumbents in general. So, despite the redistricting effort to disenfranchise November voters, there is no telling what might happen in more than 50 contested races next fall.

The Texas Federation of Texas is continuing the fight into the runoffs, Do you and other educators have the respect and influence you deserve at the capitol?

As previously reported, TFT members scored big wins in the March 7 primary election. Volunteer members reached about 35,000 primary voters by mail in targeted legislative elections.

The wins, listed below, add to the gains our Educator-to-Voter campaign achieved with the recent special elections of Donna Howard of Austin and Ana Hernandez of Houston. The nine March 7 winners in our targeted races included:

Diane Patrick of Arlington (defeating Kent Grusendorf)

Charlie Geren of Fort Worth Delwin Jones of Lubbock
Dora Olivo of Fort Bend County Garnet Coleman of Houston
Juan Escobar of Kingsville Norma Chavez of El Paso
Tommy Merritt of Longview Pat Haggerty of El Paso

If you are a TFT/AFT member and you are willing to send 20 postcards by mail to voters in the April 11 primary runoff elections and the November general election, click here.

If you already participate in the project, please forward this message to your fellow AFT members or immediate family using the "Tell a Friend" link below.

Help them out if you can and make a legislator nervous.

Why Are National Republicans Treating Texas Like This?

2006-03-14T09:36:00.000-06:00

Texans, and in particular Republican Texans, probably don't understand why their state with a Republican governor and a Republican Senate and a Republican House and a Republican everything is being treated like this by a Republican president. This article is what I'm talking about, State may not get paid for Katrina help. The governor went to D. C. and got walloped:

On Tuesday, Gov. Rick Perry told the Senate Appropriations Committee that Don Powell, federal coordinator of Gulf Coast rebuilding, told the state not to expect any additional help from Washington because the damage the state sustained from Rita was caused mostly by wind, not water.

Additionally, Housing Secretary Alphonso Jackson said communities had been compensated very well for providing millions upfront to Katrina evacuees for housing.

The biggest wallop to Texas pride came Thursday, when Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo., doubted Texas' need for compensation.

"I know there are costs and burdens, but I need to be convinced that they should be compensated," Bond said in a Senate Appropriations hearing.

He suggested that Texas has benefited from the influx of evacuees. "I think it's time we get back to being a good neighbor and not a paid companion," he said.

Bond was not available for an interview last week to elaborate on his concerns, spokesman Rob Ostrander said. Ostrander declined by e-mail a request for an interview in Bond's place, insisting that questions be sent to him first.

"Senator Bond's statement from earlier this week speaks for itself," he said in an e-mail.

Kit Bond? KBH had this to say:

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, who lashed out at Bond at this week's hearing, said in an interview Friday that Bond's comments were "unnecessary" and reflect "a fundamental misunderstanding of what Texas has done."

She's right, but will that change anything and can she? The reason for this, and this is going to sound simplistic, is because of politics. In case you haven't noticed the president's poll numbers are bad. To get them up the White House is trying everything they can and it still ain't working. But at this point the last thing they're going to do is start pumping the little remaining money they have to play with into a state that is one of the most reliable Republican voting blocks in the country. In other words because of Texas' sheep-like quality of voting Republican, no matter what, our state can be ignored by the RNC and national Republicans. They figure they can do anything, or in this case nothing, and Texans will still vote for Republicans. As many have said, when we have one party rule we have no accountability. Whether it's on the county commission or the entire state government, once they control it all and believe they can't lose that control, then they can, and most times, will ignore the public opinion and do whatever they want. Whether it's toll roads, voting for publicly funded vouchers, or voting against money for a Crisis Center. The way to change this is to vote them and their party out of office.

Overcoming DEC Strife

2006-03-14T00:40:00.000-06:00

After five consecutive electoral cycles of defeat, Democrats finally appear poised to make electoral gains at all levels of government. The only thing standing in the way of Democratic victory may be other Democrats.

The problems vexing the Williamson County Democratic Party are pandemic in Democratic party county Executive Committees (DECs) nationwide. Continue reading for an article about our local problems, links to related stories around the country, and a discussion of how to transcend petty grievances and focus energy on defeating Republicans.

In 1994, when former Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill wrote "All Politics is Local", Democrats controlled the Presidency, the Senate and the House of Representatives. A dozen years later, Democratic influence over government has receded to an unprecedented nadir.

The transition from O'Neill's world to the one we inhabit today has been tragic for America's working families. The challenge for Democrats in 2006 is to unite those displaced by Republican corruption and incompetence into a unified opposition that is strong enough to defeat ineffectual incumbents' lobbyist-financed warchests.

There is no shortage of displaced Americans from which Democrats can form a base of support. Seniors, college students, minimum-wage employees, scientists, former residents of New Orleans, school children, veterans, the unemployed, homosexuals, women who desire reproductive freedom, environmentalists, the uninsured, Freethinkers, employees threatened with outsourcing, employees forced to accept reduced health and retirement benefits, miners, competing local exchange carriers, air travelers and generally any person who is not a white male Christian have significant grievances.

Indeed, the widespread displacement of mainstream Americans is partly to blame for the Democrats' inability to congeal. With so many disaffected, driven by injustices large and small to engage their local Democratic Party, there is a steady supply of highly motivated political neophytes. These "activists" begin attending DEC meetings, asking questions, volunteering and participating in executive decisions.

It does not take long for the activists to cross swords with the party "establishment". These are the long-time DEC members who have long ago sewn their activist oats, and tend to be less idealistic and more plugged into the statewide and national party machinery.

Soon, the activists and the establishment find themselves expending more energy fighting each other than the Republicans we seek to defeat. Even worse, the vitriol can often drive potentially hard-working volunteers away from participating in the DEC.

For months, the Williamson County Democratic Party Executive Committee has been beleaguered by conflict. To grotequely oversimplify, one group consists of members loyal to outgoing chairman Jimmy Rocha (the "establishment"). The other is made up of various EC members who have at one time or another been offended or slighted by Rocha's actions; inactions; or worse yet, actions taken without adequately consulting the EC. The latter group loosely comprises the "activist" camp.

Those who fault poor Democratic message control should commend the
WCDP-EC for keeping a fairly tight lid on the fireworks. Some reporters have come around, but lacking a strong lede, the story has "no legs." When viewed up close, the WCDP's troubles are not particularly newsworthy. However, it is becoming clear that similar dramatics are playing out in DECs across the nation.

The recent problems in nearby Bexar county have been widely reported.

Gatordemocrat has been reporting on DEC battles in Florida over at MyDD. He has started a blog to discuss several possible solutions to county party woes.

A month ago, Demondeac related his frustration with the DEC in a North Carolina county (probably Forsyth County). A commenter from Corpus Christi referred Demondeac to the Nueces County Democratic Party as a model for other DECs to emulate. Very nice site, NCDP!

MetaData's excellent comment on Demondeac's diary deserves repeating:

My personal experience with volunteering met similar resistance or incompetence. A friend of mine exerted a huge amount of effort, and finally got to be half-precinct captain. Even then, when she showed up first in line for the county meeting, she was 20th to sign in because the "in-crowd" had already met behind closed doors.
Your report about the difficulty of entry into the local Democratic Party has several possible interpretations (all of which I think are true):
- (1) Dysfunctional Management; long-termers just holding down a chair between elections
- (2) It is human nature to work with known factors (friends, culturally similar)
- (3) Intentional barriers to maintain control and keep out people and ideas they don't like.
Perhaps you mostly need persistence to push through barriers 1 and 2, although you can see how difficult-to-open the gates might be to busy people, different culture from present club members, minorties, less-educated.
Barrier number three requires strategy, intentionality, and knowing when to keep your mouth shut. I know, it's supposed to be democratic, but think about it more like getting a new job at a company where you have to start at the bottom rungs, perhaps even a company where you don't agree with corporate policy or the corporate culture. You're not going to change things right away, but build a resume over time. In the short term, competence, courtesy and volunteering for the dirty jobs can gain you respect.
In the medium run, generating money, voter registrations, volunteers and ultimately voters moves you up the ladder.
Speaking of resume building: Join a non-profit board with community visibility. Learn how to fund-raise. Make lots of political friends. Dress nicely. Speak articulately.

Hudson at MyDD provided a nice overview of the successful tactics employed by a small group of activists in New York's Hudson Valley.

Dkulju at DailyKos pointed us to the Rochester County (New Hampshire) Democratic Committee website.

In Williamson County, our DEC has been significantly demoralized. The voters have probably detected the despondence. In the 2002 Democratic Primary, voters cast 6,228 ballots. Last week, only 2,581 voters cast ballots in the Democratic Primary.

The path to victory in November requires maintaining a positive attitude, persistence, forgiveness and continued Republican miscues. The most important thing each one of us can do to improve government is to converse with our neighbors (in equal parts talking and listening) to improve our political acumen and restore our faith that an informed electorate can be trusted with the most important decisions society faces.

Improve the world by improving oneself. All politics is local.

Where Does Gov. Perry Stand On An Across The Board Teacher Pay Raise?

2006-03-12T22:06:00.000-06:00

Here's how you do it. Take an issue everyone agrees on, a teacher pay raise, and make the governor and his party show which side of the issue they are on. Homer calls for teacher pay raise:

State Rep. Mark Homer, D-Paris, is calling on Gov. Rick Perry to add an across-the-board teacher pay raise to the call if he summons lawmakers back to Austin next month for a special session on school finance.

"This is the first request we have received on the subject," Rachael Novier, spokeswoman for the Republican governor, said Friday.

What was the governor's response?

The governor's spokesperson reiterated Perry's stand on both teacher pay and the upcoming special session.

"Gov. Perry strongly supports increased pay for teachers, especially those teachers who motivate students to achieve at high levels," Novier said.

In the upcoming session Gov. Perry is for a narrow call until the tax shift is accomplished:

"In the upcoming session, the governor has asked legislators to focus on the Supreme Court mandate to lower property taxes and modernize the way we finance our public schools," she continued. "Once that is complete, he will consider expanding the call."

Teachers again take a back seat under this governor.

Barbara Ann Radnofsky For Senate

2006-03-10T16:05:00.000-06:00

It appears BAR's campaign should have spent some money in the primary which may have saved her this runoff:

I've always said BAR was too busy running for November and not thinking about March like she should have been. He might be an old-coot, but one shouldn't underestimate the name of Gene Kelly.

But as Kuffner says they realize it and are moving forward:

At least the campaign has recognized that it needs to run against Kelly for the next 30 days. He's as easy a target as you could want. The contrast between the two of you and the reason why you're the only choice couldn't be plainer. Be just negative enough to remind people why they can't afford to go with him, and play up your qualities for all they're worth. The rest will follow.

BOR has a Texas map by county and analysis here. More evidence that the Radnofsky campaign is getting the runoff off to a good start:

The Dancer is Dead...Don't Let Him Kill the Party!

Texas Democrats need a fighter to take our state back and to keep fakers like Kelly from ruining our party. Barbara Ann Radnofsky has made 328 campaign appearances and received the endorsement of every major newspaper in Texas. And Kelly? Commentators describe him as a clown, a perennial joke, and an embarrassment to the party.

Barbara Ann fights for veterans' rights, for education, for better healthcare, and for Texans.

The dancer is dead, folks...please don't let him kill the Party.

Donate now and spread the word for the April 11 runoff.

BAR's Guest Post at Capitol Annex:

If we hadn't had this runoff, we'd never have had the opportunity to make a massive appeal and get my name out in a state mailing one, two or three times or to ask people like the folks on this blog to please rouse others out of their apathy and go vote (early on April 3 and in the election on april 11). As I mentioned, and to his credit, the Chairman of the State Dem Party has endorsed me, which is not often done in a contested dem race.

Barbara Ann Radnofsky is the only choice for Democrats if we want to have a chance in November.

More Cracks

2006-03-10T15:08:00.000-06:00

As we try to decipher what the meaning of Tuesday primary results are most of the newspapers around the state seem to think it's has weakened the Speaker, deepened the divides inside the TRP, and left everyone wondering about what will happen in Austin in about a month or so.

As one of the articles above states, it doesn't matter what happened on Tuesday, that doesn't change who's going to show up for the special in about a month. It's pretty much the same cast of characters from last year. Oh yeah, there's two more Democratic votes in the House than there was last summer.

The big question remains, what will be considered success in the upcoming special session(s)? Is success just getting to June 1st without the schools closing? Is success "reforming" the whole school finance system? Will there be another attempt to squeeze vouchers in? At this point it looks like Gov. Perry is trying to have it both ways, :

Kathy Walt, a spokeswoman for the governor, said that no one has been a bigger champion for lower property taxes than Perry. She said his plan is to call lawmakers back to first craft a tax plan that passes constitutional muster, and if time permits, they might then turn their attention to other matters.

But as this shows that divide is much deeper than that:

But Democratic state Sen. Rodney Ellis of Houston said he won't be satisfied with a quick fix for the public schools. Ellis said in an e-mail to his constituents that he intends to push for a significant pay raise for teachers and for a more generous health insurance package for educators. In addition, he said, any effort to raise taxes on consumers to offset property-tax reductions would likely meet with Democratic resistance.

"It makes little sense to raise the nation's highest sales tax to cut some of the highest property taxes," Ellis said.

Lutz said the challenge facing Republican leaders will be to smooth over the hurt feelings on the political front and to forge a consensus in the face of deep divisions over policy.

"Voters made it real clear that they want this done by the June 1 deadline," Lutz said. "Anyone who doesn't get that is taking on a big risk."

Republicans can rest assured that the Texas Parent PAC will be watching.

Precinct 4 & HD 52 Primary Analysis

2006-03-10T11:27:00.000-06:00

The Taylor Daily Press has an interesting article, Election shows precinct diversity , showing the disparity that exists between Republican primary voters in Williamson County's Precinct 4. Not only in the commissioners race but in how they voted in the HD 52 race.

When candidates spoke to voters in various forums prior to the March 7 primary election, they generally agreed that Williamson County's Pct. 4, which stretches from the east side of Round Rock to the eastern county line, is very diverse.

An analysis of the voting results for the 12 polling places east of the SH-130 toll road ratify that conclusion.

The commissioners race and the HD 52 race have given us an interesting look into the an emerging dynamic with the Republican voters in precinct 4. From Tuesday's election we can see there is an East/West, or rural/suburban, difference in voting patterns developing in precinct 4. It also shows that those in the Eastern part of the precinct are looking for an alternative or a candidate that doesn't represent the status quo.

There are a few things that need to be analyzed here. This shows a fracture in the Republican voters in precinct 4. Some may say it's because of the low turnout because there was not serious challenger in the governors race and many Republicans sat out the primary. Many of them, not all of those who sat out, may have sat out the primary because of their dislike of Gov. Perry and saw the only alternative to be signing one of the independents petitions. Either way it shows that in precinct 4 there are some previously reliable Republican voters that are at least looking at their options.

The eastern part of precinct 4 is more rural and much, much more concerned about the future route of the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC), which is responsible for much of this, but why? This means that they feel their issues are being marginalized or forgotten by those that are currently representing them No amount of corn, cotton and computer slogans are going to change that. Say what you will but if someone wanted to, or is willing to go along with those that want to put a freeway through my families property I'm sure I wouldn't vote for them either. It's unaccountable government that's the issue. That's what I've been trying to point out for a long time. The fact that if Williamson County keeps electing Republicans and Republicans only and expects the situation with the TTC to change they're kidding themselves.

If you really want to have a shot at ending the TTC then make sure the current chair of the House Transportation Committee doesn't keep his seat. That's right, Rep. Krusee had serious trouble in the eastern part of precinct 4 as well. He ran almost 9 percentage points lower in the eastern part of the precinct than he did in the precinct all together.

The voting patterns show that Mike Krusee, the incumbent state representative, is less popular east of SH-130 than he is on the west side. Over the entire precinct, Krusee defeated Barbara Samuelson by a margin of 63.76 percent to 36.24 percent, but east of SH-130 Krusee's margin was 55 percent to Samuelson's 45 percent.

In voting precinct 433 in Coupland, where anti-toll road sentiment is strong, Samuelson had 65 votes compared to Krusee's 25. Samuelson also beat Krusee in precinct 456 at Our Lady of Guadalupe by a margin of 15 to 11.

One interesting dynamic to watch in the runoff will be to see if either of the candidates tries some sort of anti-TTC gambit now that it's a two man race.

Coe and Morrison said they'll be studying these returns closely as they prepare for the April 11 runoff, especially in light of their close county-wide race which Coe won by a margin of 34.62 percent to Morrison's 32.67 percent

Remember all of you anti-TTC Republicans and Democrats as well. If you didn't vote in either primary you can vote in this runoff and can still register to vote in the runoff until March 13th. If you voted in the Democratic primary you cannot vote in the commissioners runoff.

This also provides an opportunity for the Democratic Party in this precinct and HD 52. Rural voters who started voting Republican in the late 80's and early 90's in Williamson County because of social issues appear ready to look at an alternative now that they see their family farms and economic livelihood being put in the path of this Republican lead toll road scheme. Whether they didn't vote or if they voted against the status quo, disaffected Republicans need to know that the Democrats in Williamson County are opposed to the TTC and will not sit idly by and allow this to happen when we are elected to office. Remember, your current state representative is for this scheme and neither one of the two remaining Republican commissioner candidates were against it before the runoff. One will probably try to go after your vote by claiming they are now, but I wouldn't buy it if it was my family farm. The only way you can make the commissioners court stands up and take notice is to vote for change in November and change is Brig Mireles and Karen Felthauser.

TTRC Holds Final Hearings

2006-03-09T16:58:00.000-06:00

The John Sharp headed crony commission, better known as the Texas Tax Reform Commission (TTRC) is holding it's final hearings this week and next. Hearings were held this past Monday in San Antonio and Wednesday in Houston and the final one will be next Monday in Arlington.

There are several things the TTRC has done and I'm not really sure it's what the purpose of the commission was. First, it showed every Texan that's been attentive that most businesses and corporations have been getting away with paying little or no taxes for quite some time. So that's who we have to blame for those high property taxes, well them and the politicians that allowed this to continue. Not to mention all those tax abatements corporations get when they bring their business to Texas. Second the TTRC has also reinforced what we already knew, we've got basically three choices. Raise business taxes, raise sales taxes - or some combination of the two - or institute a state income tax. The combination of raising the business/franchise tax and raising sales taxes is what the legislature and the current state leadership and their lobbyists couldn't agree on last year. Oh boy, meetings all over the state, cronies come together and all we get is this? What is it that will now make businesses and their lobbyists more receptive top paying higher taxes? Will they suddenly have a soft spot in their hearts to pony up money to pay their fair share to educate their workforce?

This may be a little early since it will be a couple more weeks until the final report is released but from what John Sharp has been saying, for a while now, a business and sales tax increase appears to be coming. Maybe I've been too critical and they'll bring something entirely different to the table. One of the good things, I think, the TTRC has done is shone a light, and not a bad one, on a state income tax. In Texas, because of the way one would have to be implemented, it is the fairest way to solve our tax problem in Texas and bring our public schools back to prominence.

Here's an exchange from Wednesday's meeting in Houston between a commission member and a Rabbi that I thought was interesting:

A number of speakers were members of The Metropolitan Organization, a coalition of Houston congregations and other organizations, which pledge its dedication to "ordinary citizens," who argued that a higher sales tax is regressive, or hits the pocketbooks of lower-income people more than others.

Rabbi Brenner Glickman of Houston's Congregation Beth Israel, saying he wanted to leave commissioners with a "theological message," referred them to an Exodus story about the construction of a tabernacle. Glickman said people who could not offer cattle for the effort were asked to offer two doves; those who could not do that were asked to donate bread.

"I am not here to testify that God is opposed to (an increased) sales tax, but I believe its true," Glickman said to the laughter of the audience.

Commissioner William Blaylock, tax director for Texas Instruments in Dallas, joked that Glickman did not mention a Genesis story in which ancient Israel took one-third of all the grain throughout the country, which he called the "first gross income tax."

Only time will tell but from what I've seen during this process and what is coming not much has changed. There's a big difference between getting and unelected commission to agree on this than there is in getting a majority in the legislature to agree.

As Their Leader Sinks..

2006-03-09T15:03:00.000-06:00

..like a stone the infighting begins.

Cato conservatives are jumping off the Bush bandwagon, At Conservative Forum on Bush, Everybody's a Critic:

If the ancient political wisdom is correct that a charge unanswered is a charge agreed to, the Bush White House pleaded guilty yesterday at the Cato Institute to some extraordinary allegations.

"We did ask a few members of the Bush economic team to come," explained David Boaz, the think tank's executive vice president, as he moderated a discussion between two prominent conservatives about President Bush. "We didn't get that."

Now why would the administration pass up such an invitation?

Well, it could have been because of the first speaker, former Reagan aide Bruce Bartlett. Author of the new book "Impostor: How George W. Bush Bankrupted America and Betrayed the Reagan Legacy," Bartlett called the administration "unconscionable," "irresponsible," "vindictive" and "inept."

And the ports deal is forcing more off, Suddenly, a Rebellion in the G.O.P. on a Signature Issue:

After more than five years of allowing President Bush relatively free rein to set their course, Republicans in Congress are suddenly, if selectively, in rebellion, a mutiny all the more surprising since it centers on the party's signature issue of national security.

[UPDATE]: There may or may not be a deal on the ports.

The president hits back blaming Congress for the slow Katrina reconstruction, Bush: Congress 'Shortchanged' New Orleans:

President Bush, on a Gulf Coast inspection tour that included his first visit to this city's storm-shattered Lower Ninth Ward, bluntly accused Congress on Wednesday of underfunding the repairs and called for speedy action to make good on federal commitments.

As the House set aside the president's Medicare cuts, the Senate sets aside HSA's, House Republicans oppose Bush's Medicare cuts:

President George W. Bush's plan to cut $36 billion from Medicare ran into stiff opposition on Wednesday from dozens of his fellow Republicans in the House of Representatives.

The move creates doubts about getting Bush's 2007 budget through Congress Â and is another sign of growing tensions between the president and his fellow Republicans in Congress.

In another headache for Bush, a top Senate Republican said he was putting on the back burner the president's proposal to expand tax-free Health Savings Accounts, a major component of the administration's effort to reduce health care costs.

And the "right-wing" RSC - of whice Rep. Carter is a member - wants to cut almost 10 times what the president did, House Conservatives Prepare Austere Alternative Budget:

But House conservative leaders would go far beyond the president's own budget proposal, illustrating the difficulty the White House and the Republican leadership have had in persuading the caucus to speak with one voice on the matter.

Senior aides say the conservatives' plan would wring about $350 billion from Medicare, Medicaid and other social programs and save $300 billion partly through a major reorganization of the Education, Commerce and Energy Departments.

Who's on first?

Is there such a thing as NASCAR Mom?

2006-03-09T11:53:00.000-06:00

Is there such a thing as NASCAR Moms or will Faith Hill and Tim McGraw get "Dixie Chicked"? That's the first thing that came to mind when I say this article today,
Faith Hill, Tim McGraw Blast 'Humiliating' Katrina Cleanup.

McGraw
"To me, there's a lot of politics being played and a lot of people trying to put people in bad positions in order to further their agendas," McGraw, a 38-year-old native of Delhi, La., told ABC News Radio.

"When you have people dying because they're poor and black or poor and white, or because of whatever they are -- if that's a number on a political scale -- then that is the most wrong thing. That erases everything that's great about our country."

Hill
Hill, who grew up in Jackson, Miss., echoed those sentiments. So overwhelmed, she uncharacteristically unleashed an epithet, calling the situation, "Bull- - - -"

"It is a huge, huge problem and it's embarrassing," she said.

"I fear for our country if we can't handle our people [during] a natural disaster. And I can't stand to see it. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out point A to point B. . . . And they can't even skip from point A to point B.

And this too:

Along the president's route, some frustrated residents held up signs in protest, one asking "Where's my government?" and another telling the president to "cut the red tap and help us."

It's in the bathtub. What else would you expect when you have a bunch of people who hate government running our government?

Republicans Control Congress! Tell Everyone You Know.

2006-03-09T11:26:00.000-06:00

Republicans Control Congress!
(If you unfamiliar with the concept, click on the link).

This strategy matters big time when you look at numbers like this. Poll after poll showing Congress' disapproval ratings moving into the 60's. So when you hear somebody complaining about the state of things remember to tell them that Republicans control Congress, along with every other branch of government.

Check Out Perry's Latest Crony Appointment

2006-03-08T17:06:00.000-06:00

Lee will be appointed to Teacher Retirement System board:

James Lee, a generous Republican donor and a pioneer of the mid-1990s boom in day trading, will be the next appointee to the nine-member board that oversees the $96 billion pension fund for Texas public school employees.

Gov. Rick Perry's office said today it is in "the final stages" of announcing Lee's appointment.

Lee, 39, is a private investor in Houston and a member of several corporate boards, including IncrediMail Ltd., a publicly traded e-mail software and services firm based in Tel Aviv, Israel. He also is the treasurer of the Houston-based Maverick Political Action Committee, which describes itself as a group of "under-45-year-old Bush activists" that supports Republican candidates.

Here's a story on the Mavericks from last August in the AAS, Bush Mavericks back Perry:

Young Texas Republicans who gathered more than $2 million for President Bush's re-election last year intend to flex their fundraising muscles in state politics, starting today with an endorsement expected to yield $200,000 or more for Gov. Rick Perry's 2006 re-election campaign.

Here's a list of the founders, see if there is anyone you recognize:

Founding board members

Bryan Pickens, chairman, Dallas investor

Jim Lee, treasurer, Houston investor

Paul Dickerson, general counsel, Houston, federal appointee, U.S. Department of Commerce

Nate Crain, secretary, Dallas investor, chairman of the Dallas County Republicans

Ben Bentzin, Austin, investor

Ted Cruz, Austin, lawyer with attorney general's office

Jim Grace, Houston, lawyer

Lisa Helfman, Houston, consultant

Meredith Iler, Houston, political consultant

Steve Payne, Houston, consultant

Chad Sweet, Houston, investment manager

Here's their web site

Who Can Vote In The Runoff?

2006-03-08T15:10:00.000-06:00

The Secretary of State is on top of the situation:

The Texas Secretary of State's office wants voters to know who can participate in the Republican and Democrat primary run-off election.

"A number of media outlets across the state have incorrectly reported that only those individuals that cast a ballot in the March 9th primary elections may vote in the April 13th run-off election," spokesperson Jennifer Waisath said. "Even if you did not vote on March 9th, all registered voters can still participate in the run-off elections on April 13th."

Who can vote in the April 13th run-off election?

Texans who voted in the March 9th Republican primary can cast a ballot in the Republican run-off, and Texans who voted in the Democratic primary can cast a ballot in the Democratic run-off; or,

Registered voters who did not participate in either of the parties' March 9th primary elections may choose to vote in the Republican or Democrat April 13th run-off election, but they cannot vote in both run-offs.

Early voting for the April 13th run-off begins today (April 5, 2004) and runs through Friday, April 9th. Since Friday, April 9th is Good Friday, if county offices are not regularly open for business on Good Friday, then the county is not required to conduct early voting on that day.

From the 2006 calendar in The Rules of The Texas Democratic Party (.PDF) you can even register to vote for the runoff until Tuesday March 13th.

Primary Wrap Up

2006-03-08T10:13:00.000-06:00

I think the first thing I take from last nights results - whether it's the commissioners race in Travis County, Grusendorf's loss in Arlington, Carter Casteel in New Braunfels, Sen. Madla, etc. - is that incumbents aren't safe in 2006.

Williamson County
Here in Williamson County there will be two runoffs. One on the Democratic side for County Chair:

County Chairman
VOTE FOR  1
(WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
Richard Torres.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     1,077   45.93
Henry Kight.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       700   29.85
Glen Fine  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       568   24.22
Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,345

On the Republican side it's the County Commissioner Precinct 4 race for the chance to face Brig Mireles in November:

County Commissioner Pct 4
VOTE FOR  1
(WITH 22 OF 22 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
Albert Filla  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       248    8.97
Louis F. Repa .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       527   19.07
Bobby Seiferman  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       129    4.67
Gary Coe.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       957   34.62
Ron Morrison  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       903   32.67
 Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,764

Barbara Samuelson, with little money and no support from the Republican Party in Williamson County managed to get better than a third of the vote against the incumbent Rep. Mike Kru$ee:

 State Representative Dist 52
VOTE FOR  1
  (WITH 48 OF 48 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
Barbara Samuelson.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     1,769   36.24
Mike Krusee.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     3,113   63.76
       Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     4,882

If you voted against him in the primary come and join Karen Felthauser's campaign.

Statewide
The governor's race is set it's Perry v. Bell...and eventually Kinky and OTG too. There will be a runoff for U. S. Senate, and Lt. Governor:

U.S. Senate - Dem Primary - Texas 8267 of 8289 Precincts Reporting - 99.73%

Radnofsky , Barbara Ann  Dem  227,892  43.50
Kelly , Gene             Dem  196,229  37.46
Hunter , Darryl          Dem  99,776   19.04

[...]

Lieutenant Governor - Dem Primary - Texas 8266 of 8289 Precincts Reporting - 99.72%
Name  Party  Votes  Pct
Alvarado , Maria Luisa  Dem  216,412  39.85
Grant , Benjamin        Dem  210,512  38.76
De Leon , Adrian        Dem  116,185  21.39

Around The State
The legislative races and especially the "Leininger 5" (L5) was a mixed bag. At this time the L5 is 2 for 5, in baseball that's a great day and against incumbents that's very respectable. Money, and lots of it, can really give someone an advantage in politics. I may be overstating the obvious on that. There are still some ballots out in the HD 73 race and it may very well go to a runoff since it's only a 44 vote spread right now. That one could change but I wouldn't bet the house on it. There are quite a few runoffs coming HD 47(Terry Keel's former seat)/DEM & REP, HD 50 REP (To run against Mark Strama), HD 146 DEM (Al Edwards race, he authored the cheerleader bill last session), to name a few. And Terry Keel himself will be in a runoff for the judge position he is seeking.

Damon McCullar has a good post over at BOR, A New Day in Texas to wrap it all up. It has this call to action:

What everyone who reads this blog needs to do now is seek out your local Democratic party or a local candidate's campaign and get invovled. You don't have to be a rich person to make a difference. Twenty dollars or so a week adds up in the end. And it doesn't have to be about money. I've found that some of the most effective campaigning comes not from high powered fundraising (though that is a part that can't be ignored), but from beatin' the streets as a field operative. Block walking can't be beat. Andy Brow was out last summer blockwalking in HD 48 and we now have a Democrat in that House seat. The inroads that Andy made with the HD 48 electorate was amazing. When he threw his support behind Donna Howard, there was no stopping her.

Bottom line is that the fight for November starts today! Get out there! Get involved! Check out the Texas Democratic Party's website for your local Democratic organization. Figure out which candidates are running in your district and campaign for them. Hold a fundraiser. You never know how much you can raise until you try. If we want our state back, if we are gonna turn this red state blue, it's gonna take some sacrifice. The Republicans aren't going to go down without a fight. It won't happen without you!

Final Results From Williamson County Primary

2006-03-08T09:51:00.000-06:00

"Final Unofficial" results from the Williamson County Democratic Primary.

Turnout:

VOTES PERCENT

       PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 92) .  .  .  .  .        92  100.00
       REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL .  .  .  .  .   200,405
       BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL.  .  .  .  .  .  .    15,809
       BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL REPUBLICAN .  .  .    13,184   83.40
       BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL DEMOCRATIC .  .  .     2,625   16.60
       VOTER TURNOUT - TOTAL  .  .  .  .  .  .              7.89

                ********** (DEMOCRATIC) **********

     US Senator
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Darrell Reece Hunter.  .  .  .  .  .  .       395   16.01
      Gene Kelly .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       567   22.98
      Barbara Ann Radnofsky  .  .  .  .  .  .     1,505   61.01
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,467

     US Representative Dist 31
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Mary Beth Harrell.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,207  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,207

     Governor
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Rashad Jafer  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       146    5.80
      Chris Bell .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     1,444   57.35
      Bob Gammage.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       928   36.85
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,518

     Lieutenant Governor
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Adrian De Leon.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       410   17.15
      Benjamin Z. Grant.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     1,012   42.33
      Maria Luisa Alvarado.  .  .  .  .  .  .       969   40.53
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,391

     Attorney General
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      David Van Os  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,278  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,278

     Comptroller of Public Accounts
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Fred Head  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,275  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,275

     General Land Office Commissioner
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      VaLinda Hathcox  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,229  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,229

     Agriculture Commissioner
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Hank Gilbert  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     1,619   70.67
      Koecadee Melton, Jr..  .  .  .  .  .  .       672   29.33
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,291

     Railroad Commissioner
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Dale Henry .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,233  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,233

     Justice, Supreme Court Place 2
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      William E. "Bill" Moody.  .  .  .  .  .     2,247  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,247

     Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      J. R. Molina  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,246  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,246

     State Senator Dist 5
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Stephen Wyman .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,235  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,235

     State Representative Dist 20
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 44 OF 44 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Jim Stauber.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     1,127  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     1,127

     State Representative Dist 52
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 48 OF 48 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Karen Felthauser .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     1,140  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     1,140

     Appeals Crt Justice 3, Place 2
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Jim Sybert Coronado .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,209  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,209

     Appeals Crt Justice 3, Place 3
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Diane Henson  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,262  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,262

     Appeals Crt Justice 3, Place 5
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Mina A. Brees .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,224  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,224

     Appeals Crt Justice 3, Place 6
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Bree Buchanan .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,229  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,229

     County Commissioner Pct 2
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 25 OF 25 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Michael Hofmann  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       469  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       469

     County Commissioner Pct 4
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 22 OF 22 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Brig Mireles  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       554  100.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       554

     County Chairman
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Richard Torres.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     1,077   45.93
      Henry Kight.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       700   29.85
      Glen Fine  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       568   24.22
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,345

     Precinct Chair, Pct 190
     VOTE FOR  1
         (WITH 1 OF 1 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
      Jessica Leeson Stempko .  .  .  .  .  .        19   76.00
      Robin L. Meade.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .         6   24.00
              Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .        25

Run Off For WCDP County Chair

2006-03-07T23:38:00.000-06:00

County Chairman
          VOTE FOR  1
              (WITH 92 OF 92 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
           Richard Torres.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     1,025   46.15
           Henry Kight.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       660   29.72
           Glen Fine  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       536   24.13
                   Total .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .     2,221

Williamson County Primary Election March 7th. Voting Information

2006-03-06T16:38:00.000-06:00

Williamson County has a great page to help you get to the right place tomorrow. Where to vote and sample ballots (Democratic and Republican). If you don't know what precinct you're in call the Elections Department at 512.943.1630. Polls are open from 7 am to 7 pm tomorrow.

Here's the link to the SOS site for election night returns.

Last Thoughts

2006-03-06T14:17:00.000-06:00

Will Strayhorn and Kinky, the so called moderates, not being on a primary ballot cause moderate voters to sit out the primary even more than usual? Will that give the Leininger 5 a better chance of winning?

Here's Harvey Kronberg's pre-election News 8 commentary, March 7 should be interesting:

Early primary voting in most parts of the state has been unusually light leading to a certain amount of nail biting, particularly among Republicans. If the trend holds through Tuesday, there are two likely conclusions. One is that the negative and largely dishonest campaigns throughout the state have confused and depressed the voters.

The second is that a substantial portion may have decided to reject both parties and sign petitions for independents Carole Strayhorn or Kinky Friedman.

With Strayhorn running as an Independent, it may keep the moderate Republicans from the polls to sign her petition. That could give the more extreme/right-wing Republicans a better chance of winning the primaries. We'll find out tomorrow.

TTRC In San Antonio Today

2006-03-06T13:11:00.000-06:00

SAEN has the story, Taxpayers, put your 2 cents in Monday. The funny thing about this commission seems to be that all they appear to be able to do is fiddle with the same "solutions" the Lege tried last year, business tax and sales taxes.

The commission won't consider anything that would require a constitutional amendment or a vote by taxpayers, such as a state income tax, casino gambling or lotteries, Sharp said.

The commission plans to draw up a proposed bill for Perry by the end of this month. Perry is expected to call lawmakers into a 30-day special session on education funding reform in April.

After the San Antonio meeting, the commission will meet with taxpayers in Dallas and Houston, Sharp said.

In hearings held throughout the state so far, homeowners have expressed various levels of dissatisfaction with property taxes, Sharp said. But all regions share this: Economic development officials are insisting the state lower property taxes.

"We have spent an awful lot of time with businesses large and small," Sharp said. "We knew from the beginning we didn't want to produce something in a back room. I think that we've produced some options that I believe the vast majority of businesses will find far superior to what they've seen before."

Monday's hearing in the City Council chambers will allow people to speak for five minutes, on a first-come, first-served basis. They're likely to bring many perspectives.

Merton Johnson, 75, a retired college professor in San Antonio, has lived in Texas more than 25 years, but he has also lived in Colorado, New York, Wisconsin, Kansas and Illinois.

"All of them have better educational systems and social services than we do, and all of them have a state income tax," Johnson said. "There is a whole lot wrong with the system as it exists. We need to eliminate waste wherever we find it. We need to fund education and social services well by having an income tax."

The other things this commission has done is show that in the limited time that will be available to the Lege in the spring they will not be able to implement any long-term fix. It will be a quick fix. The other is that it's becoming more and more apparent that Texans will probably have to choose between two things in the future to fix the problem of public school financing in Texas. An income tax of casino gambling. One's a fair tax the other is a gimmick.

A Few Items

2006-03-06T11:11:00.000-06:00

The "unofficial" early voting totals for Williamson County are here. Republican turn out was more than 5 times (5746) that of Democrats (1048).

On Sunday the SAEN did a series of articles on James Leininger. The main story, one on his web of PAC's and the last on his attempt to unseat Sen. Whitmire in 2002. Here's a summary of the last story. Leininger went after Sen. Wentworth because the Senator's law firm represented Metabolife, which Leininger didn't like. Long story short, Wentworth's law firm dropped Metabolife, Wentworth and Leininger are now friends, and not only will Leininger not back someone against Wentworth next time, he will not help a Houston Right to Life group finance a challenger to Wentworth. Looks like Wentworth and Leininger got what they wanted out of the deal.

Lt. Gov. Dewhurst and Speaker Craddick are crowing about their record in today's DMN, Watching Texas' Bottom Line. Yes they should be rewarded for balancing the budget on the backs of the poor and needy and for their inability to bring their own party together on a school finance compromise. I'm impressed.

The Blackland Coalition Ads & Endorsements ( See Comments)

2006-03-06T09:48:00.000-06:00

The Blackland Coalition put two ads out over the weekend. Here are the links to them: Texas Our Texas and Cornfield National Security. The first thing I noticed is there are no incumbents on the list. Excerpts from the Texas Our Texas ad are below.

TEXAS TEXAS OUR OUR TEXAS TEXAS

Preserving the heritage our forefathers fought for

The BLACKLAND COALITION would like to say THANK YOU to these various entities for standing up and fighting WITH US against the catastrophic Trans-Texas Corridor 35 plan to grab TEXAS land. Citizens should be proud that this admirable assembly of people are justly concerned for the future of their communities over a blind sighted approach to destroy and TOLL our public roads. We appreciate your continued support to keep our transportation system in the hands of TEXANS and away from foreign companies and special interests. THANK YOU FOR BEING TRUE TEXAS PATRIOTS!

Here are there endorsements:

We also thank the following political candidates that have taken a stand.

Carole Keeton Strayhorn (I) candidate Governor
Richard "Kinky" Friedman (I) candidate Governor
Larry Kilgore (R) candidate Governor
Robert "Star" Locke (R) candidate Governor
Rhett Smith (R) candidate Governor
Chris Bell (D) candidate Governor
James Werner (L) candidate Governor
David Stall (R) candidate State Senate, District 18
Mary Beth Harrell (D) candidate U.S. Representative, District 31
Jim Stauber (D) candidate State Representative, District 20
Barbara Samuelson (R) candidate State Representative, District 52
Karen Felthauser (D) candidate State Representative, District 52
Lillian Simmons (L) candidate State Representative, District 52
Jimmie Don Aycock (R) candidate State Representative, District 54
Edward Lindsay (D) candidate State Representative, District 54
Nicholas Kramer (L) candidate State Representative, District 54
Bill Smith (D) candidate State Representative, District 55
John Galligan (R) candidate Bell County Judge
Also the following individuals:
Linda Stall - Founder, Corridor Watch
Sal Costello - Founder, Texas Toll Party
Linda Curtis - Founder, Independent Texans

And the dedicated TxDot employees who continue to keep our transportation system operating efficiently in Texas.

Austin TV Station Does Story On "Money In Politics"

2006-03-05T23:13:00.000-06:00

I just happened upon this, switching channels Saturday night, CBS 42 Investigates Campaign Contributions. I recommend it:

Running for office is not cheap. Politicians spend a lot of money to get each and every vote.

If you contribute to a candidate, how do you know if the money was spent to get that candidate elected? Investigative reporter Nanci Wilson found out.

Yes, it takes a lot of money to run for office, but---wait a minute-- does it all go to get people elected?

"To run a headquarters, do mass mailings, to run an office you have to have a headquarter it's like a business office, to operate it, they have volunteers and all. They hire professional personnel like, public relations people, people who do the legwork and people to do the management. Also the money is used for press and commercials and advertisement," voter Susie Labry said.

Some is spent paying for TV and other advertising, but a surprising amount is spent in other ways. CBS 42 Investigates analyzed the campaign expenditure reports of a number of local and statewide officeholders.

Investigates found they spent thousands of dollars in campaign contributions living the good life--lavish meals, expensive trips, private planes and luxury hotels.

There's plenty more, click the link to read the rest or watch the video too.

Leininger Spends "$590,000 in last-minute 'in kind' contributions"

2006-03-04T17:46:00.000-06:00

He spent that this week alone! Here's the story, Voucher advocate gives final push:

A committee funded by school-voucher advocate James Leininger uncorked nearly $600,000 more this week against moderate House Republicans who sided against him last year.

Since last fall, Dr. Leininger has spent $2.4 million to knock off five GOP incumbents who helped scuttle voucher legislation. He has spent a total of nearly $3 million on all House races.

The San Antonio businessman said Friday that he's put away his checkbook.

"I certainly did make a sizable donation at the start of the week, and so I'm done, I can tell you that, I'm done," he said. "Hopefully, forever."

One of his main targets and "Texan Of The Year" Rep. Carter Casteel isn't taking this lying down:

The committee poured more than $305,000 this week into beating Rep. Carter Casteel, the New Braunfels Republican who was a leader in the fight against a voucher bill that failed in last year's regular legislative session.

She said Friday that the donations have allowed her opponent in Tuesday's primary, retired military officer Nathan Macias of Bulverde, to attack her in TV spots running on San Antonio's major TV network affiliates.

It is rare for legislative candidates to run ads on TV in major cities because of the high cost.

"Trust me, politics will never be the same in Texas unless we stop this foolishness of letting people buy elections," Ms. Casteel said. "If the man wants to own Texas, why doesn't he go up there and be governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the House and the whole shooting match?"

Dr. Leininger responded: "Obviously, that's ludicrous. Nobody buys even a state representative seat, let alone a governor or lieutenant governor or speaker of the House or anything else."

He added: "We have wide open ethics reports and everybody knows what you're spending, and the people decide."

But Ms. Casteel said retired teachers should have as much say in elections as Dr. Leininger, who has paid for poor children in San Antonio to attend private schools.

"To spend $305,000 in the last week, they've got to be desperate," she said.

The latest donations make her the top target of Dr. Leininger, who has spent about $755,000 to beat her.

Mr. Leininger has got it bad for Rep. Casteel. I sure hope that if Rep. Casteel gets through this race she will be following this up with some serious campaign finance reform legislation next year. But this all comes down to one question. Are the people of District 73 going to allow a rich man buy their representative or will they keep their independent representation (Click the link to get the T-shirt)?

Republican Corruption, Infighting & Turnout

2006-03-04T10:15:00.000-06:00

As Republican corruption begins to come home to roost, and the infighting in the TRP continues, we see that all it is doing is keeping people away from the polls and depressing turnout in the Republican Primary in particular, as people wait to sign petitions. Check out what these people have to say about the governor's race:

"He has done average," said Kenneth "KC" Willis, of Austin, a GOP voter crediting Perry with keeping the state economically attractive.

Roger Myers, of Llano, said, "Everybody can make improvements, but he's OK."

[...]

Barry Smith, of Kyle, a retired state worker, stopped near Bell's office and predicted that Perry will win another term. "He hasn't done enough wrong."

Yet Smith said he won't vote in the primary and might sign a petition enabling Strayhorn to qualify. Perry hasn't given teachers a fair shake, he said.

State employee Lynn Belton, of Austin, paused outside a supermarket to say she'll vote in the GOP primary. Belton called Perry's performance since succeeding George W. Bush in 2000 "not particularly remarkable. I don't think he's done anything poorly either" outside of calling several failed special legislative sessions on education finance.

Belton said she might favor Strayhorn in the fall because the self-styled "one tough grandma" seems less likely to put her future over what's best for Texas. Perry "might have higher ambitions," she said. "He's got the sexy movie-star looks."

Accountant Stephen Fox, of Leander, described himself as usually an early voter. But he's uncertain whether to vote in a primary or to sit tight and consider Strayhorn.

Zacharias Johnson, 21, a senior at Huston-Tillotson University, said he'll vote, maybe for Bell, who's spoken on campus. Johnson said Perry should visit or "at least make an appearance" at the university.

[...]

A half-hour drive west on Texas 71 inside Opie's Barbecue in Spicewood, Willis followed up on his "average" grade for Perry by questioning Strayhorn's presentation of herself as an outsider to Capitol shenanigans. "She's right in there with the rest of them, asses to elbows, playing politics," he said.

David Johnson, his lunch companion, hailed Perry's cheerleading on economic development and drawing more jobs to the state. He hopes the governor and legislators will create a plan slashing school property taxes. Perry has promised another special session after the primaries. A Gammage sign was stuck in a yard on East Main Street in Llano, but the candidate's nearby front yard was absent advertisement.

Downtown, Lee Duncan said he voted early for Bell. Duncan, 78, a barber for more than half a century, might vote for Friedman in the fall. Perry "is a very poor governor," Duncan said. "I rate him very low," for failing on school finance and catering to donors' interests."

Leah Stewart, toting her 13-month-old, Elisabeth, voted early in Llano. She eeny-miney-mo'd among three challengers to Perry, whom she says has inappropriately taken credit for an economy steered by Bush.

She'll ponder Strayhorn after the primaries. "I don't know if she has all the answers, but she thinks she does."

I think my favorite was, "he hasn't done enough wrong". Like the poll from last month it's obvious that most people really can't point to anything Perry's done as governor it's just that he hasn't been horrible. That would make a great slogan, "Vote Perry, I haven't done enough wrong not to be reelected!"

The one thing about all the contested primary races is that without an engaged electorate these races could turn on very few votes.

Grusendorf's Aces-In-The-Hole

2006-03-03T12:49:00.000-06:00

Rep. Kent Grusendorf chairman of the House Public Education Committee said this yesterday:

Longtime state Rep. Kent Grusendorf, locked in a Republican primary battle with Diane Patrick, said Thursday that he will resign his District 94 seat if the Legislature does not "pass legislation to fix school finance this spring."

This from Just Another Blog, Grusendorf's Ultimatum:

What happens if the call for the special session is only for tax reform, and they leave education reform for 2007? Can we still get Diane Patrick over Grusendorf? What a bold statement to make in a close primary fight. It might not even matter on March 7th.

This too from the TFT Hotline:

Speculation about what the legislature will do in the anticipated session is all over the map. A view gaining increasing currency is that lawmakers will shy away from a major tax overhaul. Under this theory, they would instead tap into the modest surplus of four or five billion dollars in the state treasury, use the money to replace a portion of local property taxes, and give districts the ability to raise local tax rates a few pennies for the coming year. That way they would hope to meet the court's mandate and get out of town until the next regular session starts in January, having cut property taxes without raising new taxes that could make major business interests angry before the November elections. It's a plausible scenario, but it's sheer guesswork at this point.

Is there really a surplus? Here's what the CPPP has to say, Texas Has No Surplus! As you can see Rep. Grusedorf promsed to resign if they don't fix school finance in the spring. Is he off the hook if the only thing in the call is a tax shift? And what if they "fix" it but only with the "surplus" money and have to "re-fix" it next year? "Got something up your sleeve Rep. Grusendorf?"

Friday News

2006-03-03T08:54:00.000-06:00

From this AAS today we learn three things: Donna Howard was sworn in yesterday, former State Rep. Glen Maxey is running from Chair of the Texas Democratic Party, and James Leininger's newest PAC (Texas Republican Legislative Campaign Committee) may face an ethics probe, sorry Mr. Selby.

Leininger's giving is now reported to be up to $2.3 million this election cycle. $500,000 to Tommy Merritt's challenger alone. His money has forced Republican House members to break one of the long-time unwritten laws of the Texas legislature, 5 current house members endorse incumbent Charlie Geren's opponent:

Earlier in the day, Geren was endorsed by Dewhurst, and he already had the backing of Tarrant County's two GOP state senators, Kim Brimer and Chris Harris, and former Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff.

"I think they have the opportunity to endorse whomever they want. I don't appreciate it, but I can live with it," Geren said. "We all make our own bed and we all sleep in our own bed.

"I'd much rather have the lieutenant governor's and the speaker's and Senator Harris' and Brimer's endorsement than a bunch of sophomore members of the House."

Geren said Zedler had earlier promised him that he would stay out of the race. After learning about his endorsement of Hatley, Geren called Zedler a "liar." Zedler could not be reached for comment late Thursday.

Here's the kind of trash this money pays for:

Look at the advertisement accompanying this editorial. The first thing you see is the picture of a dark-skinned young boy beside the headline, "Are you ready for him to be your doctor?" Turn it over, and the answer reads: "Neither is he. Social Promotion is unhealthy for everyone."

The disclaimer reads "Pol. Ad Chris Hatley," who's the Republican running against GOP Rep. Charlie Geren in Fort Worth. It doesn't take a Columbo to determine the Hatley crowd's motivation: Use stereotypes of uneducated minorities swarming Texas to gain votes.

I wouldn't want someone doing that with my money. It's the end that matters to these people and any action, no matter what it is, is justified.

I Thought Conservatives Were Supposed To Be For States Rights?

2006-03-02T16:52:00.000-06:00

Ever Heard of the National Uniformity for Food Act? Well Congress voted on it today and Rep. Carter voted for it. Here's a NYT editorial from today, The Abusive New Federalism:

After a murky legislative process distinguished by a lack of any public hearing, the House is ready to rush to approve a special-interest measure for the food industry today. The bill would pre-empt all state food safety regulations that are more protective than federal standards. A bipartisan majority behind this clearly dangerous bill is echoing the industry's line that the goal is simply to end consumers' confusion about varying state regulations that govern warning labels and protective inspections.

If consumers believe that, then we have some bottled water to sell them that no longer warns of arsenic levels, and a salmon fillet that drops the distinction between fish originating in the wild and fish from a farm. Such information and a much larger array of warnings could be expunged under the bill.

Professional associations of state health, farm and consumer officials - denied a hearing before Congress and taxpayers - warn consumers that countless protections on the state and local levels would be gutted in favor of a lowest-common-denominator dictated by food and retail interests. The broad proposal threatens existing food safety programs affecting things like restaurant sanitation and sales of milk and numerous other vital products. The bill would invent a burdensome process by which states would have to petition federal officials to restore the safety regulations they now have.

The driving force behind the bill seems to be the challenge to industry forces posed by California, which is leading the way in demanding consumer warnings about mercury levels in fish, lead in calcium supplements and other hazards. Other states have followed suit. Proponents of the bill in the food industry and Congress claim that their goal is being misunderstood. If so, they should pull the bill back and prove their case at open hearings that treat the public interest as something more than a nonentity.

Well, the vote turned out to be very partisan with only 2 Republicans voting against it and no Democrats voting for it. More here from Rep. Louise Slaughter. I always thought that states rights were are big deal to conservatives? Guess not.

Get With PLAN

2006-03-02T13:00:00.000-06:00

Progressive Legislative Action Network (PLAN) that is, here's the link. Here's their mission:

Progressives need a plan to fight back. The mission of the Progressive Legislative Action Network (PLAN) is to pass progressive legislation in all fifty states by providing coordinated research and strategic advocacy tools to forward-thinking state legislators.

They are a counter to the right-wing's ALEC. Here's who PLAN is. I recommend reading their launch report, Governing the Nation From the Statehouses: The Rightwing Agenda in the States And How Progressives Can Fight Back, checking out their blog, Daily Plan and signing up for their email newsletter, Statewide Dispatch.

Just Because It's Legal Does That Make It Right?

2006-03-02T09:36:00.000-06:00

Gardner Selby asks a question today, The Leininger factor not illegal, so why the fuss? Are we to assume from this that Mr. Selby believes that just because something is legal that it's right? Or that if it's legal you have to like someone doing it? He is right and I don't believe anyone, excepting Mr. Merritt and his wife, has been accusing Mr. Leininger of doing anything illegal, with his money. Many people just don't think it's right and don't like what Mr. Leininger is doing in those five races, "Leiny Five" as he calls them:

- Against Rep. Tommy Merritt of Longview, Leininger has spent $505,000 (95.7 percent of the funds spent on the challenger's campaign).
- Against Rep. Roy Blake Jr. of Nacogdoches, Leininger has spent $342,000 (92.8 percent of the challenger's campaign funding).
- Against Rep. Carter Casteel of New Braunfels, Leininger has spent $449,000 (94.3 percent of her challenger's campaign money).
- Against Rep. Delwin Jones of Lubbock, Leininger has spent $396,000 (89.7 percent of the challenger's funding).
- Against Rep. Charlie Geren of Fort Worth, Leininger has spent $175,000 (78.2 percent of the war chest of Geren's opponent).

For further justification Mr. Selby tells us this about what Mr. Leininger is doing:

Leininger sees nothing unseemly. "That's the way the laws are set up and the way the system is set up," he said. "It's important for people to take part."

Besides, he said, he doesn't dabble in details. "I have nothing to do with the campaigns. I haven't even talked to a lot of these candidates. I don't even know them. . . These House races are very local races."

Of course he doesn't think he's doing anything wrong. Why would he? He's a rich man trying to buy legislators for his pet project. If he thought something was wrong with this he wouldn't be doing it, right? The other reason it's OK, he's hands off. He's hands off during the campaign, I guess. If you don't think he'll be doing this again next time vouchers comes up you're insane. But once again Mr. Selby is right, he's not doing anything illegal. But just because it's legal that doesn't make it right and we don't have to like it. I hope the voters feel the same way.

Miller v. Leininger

2006-03-01T23:01:00.000-06:00

Kathy Miller of the Texas Freedom Network responded today, Comment - vouchers: Buying the Legislature and siphoning funds won't help schools, to James Leininger's commentary on vouchers from last week, School choice is good medicine. Looks like the classic case of a feel good marketing scheme/vouchers, v. reality.

Highlights From TTRC Hearing In Midland Yesterday

2006-03-01T10:47:00.000-06:00

From My West Texas, Broader business taxes appear likely at hearing. From the article the commissioners that showed up got to hear little of everything.

First up, Speaker Craddick:

State House Speaker Tom Craddick of Midland opened by suggesting the group hold a final hearing to announce its recommendations to the state Legislature after sessions during the next two weeks in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Austin.

Craddick said cutting school property taxes while avoiding further burdening the oil and gas industry is an important part of the equation. "It's a big factor not only in my district but also across the state," he said.

Sharp said after the three-hour hearing had that the extra hearing will be conducted. "That was pretty much decided when the speaker suggested it to us," he said.

Then Sen. Seliger:

Commissioners William Blaylock, Hunter Hunt and Ronald Steinhart of Dallas, Howard Wolf of Austin, A.J. Brune of Midland, Robert Rowling of Irving and Victor Leal of Canyon heard state Sen. Kel Seliger of Amarillo say oil and gas "pay five to six times" as much as other businesses.

He said public school education must be revamped because Texas' population will grow from its current 23 million to 40 million by mid-century. Seliger said the severance tax should also be considered for coal, sulfur, uranium and water.

The came casino gambling, doing away with ad valorem taxes and the severance tax. Then came this:

Former Odessa football coach John Wilkins said a state income tax is the obvious solution because 43 of the 50 states already have one and it does not drive their industries away. "The gap between the have-nots and haves is fairly substantial right now," he said.

"I want our state to be better than it has been. An income tax would be the fairest, most progressive way to address this problem."

Of course the fairest form of taxation was shot down as "politically unfeasible". Mostly it was all the things we've heard before and as the title says were headed for a broader business tax and more than likely higher sales taxes.

Late Night Updates

2006-02-28T23:20:00.000-06:00

Williamson County settles suit with three female inmates, Commissioners agree to settlement in jail sex claims:

The Williamson County commissioners accepted a settlement offer Tuesday from three women who had threatened to sue in connection with sexual misconduct in the Williamson County Jail.

But the terms of the settlement - and how much it will cost taxpayers - will not be released until the women sign the agreement, said Williamson County Attorney Jana Duty. That could be as long as two weeks, she said.

Katy Hubener loses special election in HD 106:

(D) Katy Hubener 2,438 46.23%
(L) Gene Freeman 48 0.91%
(R) Kirk England 2,788 52.86%
(-) TOTAL 5,274 100.00%

Less than 8% voter turnour. More from Kuffner.

Tragic News

2006-02-28T17:18:00.000-06:00

Williamson commissioner dies from sudden heart attack:

Williamson County Commissioner Tom McDaniel died Tuesday of a heart attack.

McDaniel, 61, was the county commissioner for Precinct 3 for more than a year. He was about to speak at the Sun City Rotary Club meeting when he collapsed.

McDaniel had just left commissioners court before arriving at the luncheon.

Funeral services will be at the Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family and friends of Tom McDaniel.

A Few Items

2006-02-28T16:54:00.000-06:00

Harvey Kronberg's latest at News 8, Which side is the Leininger 5 on? What I called the Clear Channel Model.

You can check the early voting numbers for Williamson County, and the 14 other biggest counties in Texas, here. So far R' outnumber D's 567 to 116 in Williamson County.

Get all your Williamson County voting info here, where to vote, when, sample ballots, everything you need.

Class Warfare, Time For Democrats To Be Democrats Again

2006-02-28T16:03:00.000-06:00

Democrats have allowed themselves to be forced to away from their strength. That strength being the theme of the Democratic Party being the party of the people. That theme and the Democrats shrinking and not taking on a Republican whenever they mention class warfare has gone on far too long. Why the Democrats cower when class warfare is mentioned I'll never know. Allowing this to happen means the game has been played on the Republicans turf by taking away this Democratic strength. Yep, class warfare, I said it.

It's time for the Democrats to start pointing it out, and NOW! Most economic indicators over the last five years show that the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer – the middle class too. Try this, can you name one piece of legislation passed in the last 5 years to help or aid the working person, working families, or just plain ol' workers? I bet you could rattle off a whole list of those passed that help the wealthy! I know I can. The point, in a round about way, is that whether the Democrats want to play or not the Republicans have been playing the class warfare game for decades now.

Harken, no pun intended, back to the days of yore when our country's economy was run by Robber Barons. Back in the days before the eight hour work day, the five hour work week, child labor laws, and collective bargaining, and again the list goes on. Most of us have either forgotten or have never known that the middle class in this country didn't exist until after World War II. Yes, that's right, another New Deal creation that benefited the country.

There is an simple narrative, I'm sorry they're called frames now, to all this that the Democrats are missing and even the Republicans agree with. We have an unfair tax system in Texas. That is the reason property taxes weren't lowered last year. It's what John Sharp has been saying since he was appointed to head the governors “crony commission”. Hell, even Rep. Krusee said it. It's what the recently released Tax Foundation study shows. This unfairness manifests itself in the fact that most businesses, corporations, and wealthy individuals pay way too little in taxes and the tax burden falls way too heavily on the poor and the middle class. Fair Taxes, that's what we are for.

For all this study shows about which states have business friendly tax codes – why isn't there ever a well publicized study about which state have resident friendly tax codes? - one of the most interesting is the analysis on those huge tax-payer give-aways to corporations to entice them to bring their new boon-doggle to your city, Texas one of 10 best for taxes:

Low tax rates are attractive to business investments and help states like Texas lure new businesses and jobs, (Scott Hodge, president of the Tax Foundation) said. But corporate giveaways like tax abatements are not a good way to lure new business, he said.

Like steroids for athletes, tax abatements provide short-term gains but have no lasting value, Hodge said.

States must not rely on tax abatements and incentives to land new jobs and companies, but must instead create a sound tax structure, he said.

Oh yes, those give-aways to the corporate saviors are not all they're cracked up to be. To read more on this see this article, Tax Increment Financing: A Bad Bargain for Taxpayers.

The other interesting part of the story on the business taxes was this exchange between think-tanks on opposite ends of the spectrum:

The commission is looking at a broad-based business tax to replace the state's franchise tax, which many businesses don't pay, said Byron Schlomach, chief economist with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, an Austin-based organization that favors limited government.

"The tax structure is good the way it is," Schlomach said. "Right now what we run a risk of doing is looking at this relatively strong economy and thinking now is the time we can go out grab some of that money for public purposes. The main thing we need to do is keep control of government growth."

Most businesses, especially large ones, benefit more from having a skilled and educated work force than from what they might pay in state and local taxes, said Don Baylor, policy analyst with the Center for Public Policy Priorities, an Austin-based think tank that serves as an advocate for moderate-to low-income Texans.

"We think it's extremely important to stress that the study really only focuses on taxes," Baylor said.

A skilled work force and a top-flight post-secondary system — including community, technical and four-year colleges — is more important than the tax burden to most businesses, he said.

I've always said the best economic development is a well educated work force. You'll also notice the right-winger thinks our tax structure is fine, jus the way it is.

What all this means is that for too many years the Democrats have be too afraid of being accused of playing class warfare and scared away from pointing out the economic inequities arising in our country by Republicans that are doing just that. I'm sure there are more than a few Democrats that have been complicit and that is why they've been silent. I remember in 2000 election and Al Gore was behind going into the convention and went populist and even had some class warfare in his speech. He got a bounce out of that convention until the media started jumping on him for it and his consultants made him back down. Democrats are the party of the people, or were. That is the message that wins for Democrats and not were like a Republican only nicer. Fighting for the people over the powerful is what got Democrats to power and going back to fighting that battle, whether it's called class warfare or something else, is what will bring Democrats back to power.

AAS Does Krusee v. Samuelson

2006-02-28T10:35:00.000-06:00

Here's the article, Political newcomer challenges Krusee in District 52. Much of this article is what we already know Samuelson is anti toll roads and Krusee is pro toll roads, Samuelson tells her ideas and Krusee ties her to South Austin. But this is the part that I'd never heard before and caught my eye:

Krusee said he would support allowing counties to ask voters for zoning authority as a way to control growth, particularly around the future Texas 130 within the county. Counties are not able to control how land is zoned within their borders.

I remember the inability of the county to zone property being mentioned at one of the candidate forums. On the face of it this appears to be an attempt to move zoning from a town, city, local community, or whoever controls it now and put it in the hands of the County Commissioners. Once again taking the power of control away from a local community and putting it in the hands of an ever-growing, and currently unaccountable, central governing body. My initial reaction is against this but no matter before it could become a reality it will have to be looked into, passed through the legislature and then, I hope, be put on a ballot.

Go see what Karen Felthauser has to say on the issues.

All DeLay Has To Run On Is Pork

2006-02-28T09:18:00.000-06:00

That's what I get from this AAS article today, Unrepentant DeLay stresses pork:

Forget his national reputation as a fiscal conservative; DeLay in re-election mode is emphasizing that he can bring home pork. His handouts claim more than $1 billion in federal dollars to Houston-area transportation projects, the port, NASA, universities and law enforcement.

Forced from the majority leader's job because of a money-laundering indictment, DeLay tells constituents that his post on the House Appropriations Committee is the "perfect perch" from which to continue delivering federal money to the Houston area.

DeLay even emphasizes the use of earmarks: money designated by individual members for their districts with little oversight.

"Quite frankly," DeLay says of transportation dollars, we're "using earmarks to force dollars into this region."

His supporters at the Houston Realty Breakfast Club, where DeLay campaigned last week, picked up the refrain.

"You can't be replaced without hurting Houston or Texas," said Joe Slovacek of the HooverSlovacek law firm, introducing DeLay to an audience of about 200 real estate developers, lenders and lawyers. Jim Kollaer, a partner with the Staubach Co., joined in, "He's brought the bacon home."

That's his new campaign slogan, "No one brings home the bacon like Tom DeLay"! So after all his many years in Congress this is all that's left. If you don't reelect me the money train from D.C. will move on down the tracks and stop here no more. I'll give Houston, and Sugarland, a better choice. When the U.S. House changes to Democratic control wouldn't you be better off, under Mr. DeLay's scenario, if you had a Democratic Congressman?

It's also an ironic twist for DeLay. As a "Reagan Conservative" he ran for less government and government spending. Now is now fighting for his life saying he's the one that can deliver the government cash. Do you remember the from last year, DeLay declares 'victory' in war on budget fat?

"My answer to those that want to offset the spending is sure, bring me the offsets, I'll be glad to do it. But nobody has been able to come up with any yet," the Texas Republican told reporters at his weekly briefing.

Asked if that meant the government was running at peak efficiency, Mr. DeLay said, "Yes, after 11 years of Republican majority we've pared it down pretty good."

It certainly showe up after Hurricane Katrina. It's sad really. All he has left is an attempt to buy votes with government pork. How conservative is that?

Candidate Forum In Coupland Tonight

2006-02-27T12:47:00.000-06:00

TDP has the story, Coupland candidate forum Monday:

The forum is sponsored by the Coupland Civic Association (CCA) and will be at St. Peter's Church. A visitation period from 6:30 to 7 p.m. will allow citizens to talk with candidates, and the forum will follow immediately.

According to an announcement by the CCA, some or all of the candidates running for state representative from District 52 may attend. The incumbent is Rep. Mike Krusee, and he is opposed in the Republican primary by Barbara Samuelson. The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Karen Felthauser in the November election.

While the discussions with the candidates are expected to cover a variety of issues, the high-profile, front-burner issue for Coupland residents is the plan for the Trans Texas Corridor (TTC

News Roundup

2006-02-27T11:34:00.000-06:00

Congressman Carter said this last week at the Tom DeLay rally:

"Houston should be proud that they have the best member of Congress in America representing them.

If you want to hear it for yourself just go here, it's a decent analysis of his primary. If you don't want to listen to the whole thing just scroll to the 7:10 mark.

Common Sense has a great analysis of Leininger's AAS editorial last week, Leininger speaks. Nate's got it right. It's pretty much what I was thinking when I read it. What the doctor's saying is that if you put children in a school that is well funded, committed to education, and less crowded they will get a good education. Fully funding public education would take care of that and then there is no need for vouchers.

The Houston Chronicle has a good article today on the Republican primary races, Gloves have come off in GOP primary races:

"If Republicans are vulnerable, it is on education. Collectively, they have not been able to give us anything more than gridlock on this issue," said Greg Thielemann, a political science professor at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Grits For Breakfast has the poop on you governor's plan for more eavesdropping on the border, No border-based need to expand wiretapping:

Here's a non-solution searching for a problem: Currently wiretapping in Texas is limited to prosecuting drug trafficking and murder, so Texas Governor Rick Perry announced he wants to expand eavesdropping authority to combat border violence. But that makes no sense - aren't drug running and murder exactly the crimes we're trying to stop on the border? How much more authority could they possibly need to use wiretaps to combat smuggling rings? The whole thing seems like an odd non-sequitur - another idea promoted for show that doesn't make anyone safer.

And Greg has the analysis of why the Texas GOP, that controls every branch of the government in Texas, will not be trying to outlaw abortion anytime soon, "Phonies" Alert:

Seriously. For all the faux concern over the number of unborn children lost to abortion. Let's go back and question what it really means to be considered "pro life" shall we? I'll go out on a limb and suggest that "doing nothing" does not qualify a political party as being worth calling "pro life."

What's entirely curious is that there's a majority in the State House and State Senate who favor banning abortion in most/all situations. There's a Governor who's flaunted his desires to do the same. There's a court who, apparently, we can tell if they're pro-life based on what church they go to (hat tip: Nathan Hecht). There's every other statewide official who shares this worldview. So there's absolutely zero hurdles in the way of Rick Perry (a so-called Pro-Life Governor) getting such a bill passed.

Then, there's this quote from the Chron:

"I'm not saying we don't support a total ban. It's just not realistic at this point," said Elizabeth Graham, director of the Texas Right to Life Committee. "We would much more prefer to pass a law that saves 5,000 lives than go for something that will never be passed."

I'm sure what Mrs. Graham meant to say was "We would much more prefer to pass something that appeased a few meddlesome voters than pass something that would actually be viscerally opposed by the majority of Texans and likely cost the Texas GOP their majority."

Have they been playing politics with abortion far all these years?

What's Good For DeLay May Not Be Good For The GOP

2006-02-25T09:55:00.000-06:00

Check out this from today's Under The Dome in the AAS:

Democrats should keep this in mind when the U.S. Supreme Court hears the Texas congressional redistricting case next week:

If the court eventually throws out the map inspired by U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, the Sugar Land Republican might see his contested November election against former U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson evaporate.

If the Supremes force Texas to use its old congressional map, Lampson, formerly a Beaumont Democrat, might prefer to run in his old district that the DeLay plan eliminated in 2004.

That would leave Democrats hustling to find a replacement to take out DeLay, assuming, of course, he wins the March 7 GOP primary.

This is all speculation, of course. Would the GOP allow the whole plan to be scrapped just to save one man? Isn't it ironic that the only thing that could save DeLay is the map that he worked so hard to get rid of? Paging Mr. Morrison, Mr. Richard Morrison.

Email Exchange Between Constituent And Rep. Krusee

2006-02-25T08:26:00.000-06:00

Someone who regularly emails me tidbits about what's going on with the TTC in Eastern Williamson County sent me this email exchange they had with Rep. Krusee on SH 130 and the TTC (All Emails are posted as I received them):

1st email from constituent:
Mr. Krusee

I am appalled by the fact that you are responsible for the TTC 35 corridor.
I am also appalled that you feel that you can continue getting away with
what you, Gattis and Perry are doing. Shame on you and all your chronies,
money launderers, real estate developers, and schemers. I hope you can sleep
well at night and remember what you are doing to all the farmers and
ranchers and the poor people of Texas. I surely hope we can get rid of you
and all of your kind this year since none of you seem to have a soul.

Rep. Krusee's response:
I would like to see if we have any common ground.
The first part of ttc35 is called sh130. It's job is to relieve congestion
on I35. Although some land was condemed by the state, the project has
brought jobs and opportunity and a higher quality of life to the citizens of
Central Texas, and will continue to do so for our children. Do you support
the building of sh130? If not, what is a reasonable alternative
transportation policy?

This is just the beginning so click on Continue Reading to read the rest.

Constituent respone:
I supported the building of 130 however I do not support the way TxDot went
about how they managed it. I also would have voted for prop 1 and 9 but did
not due the fact I have done much research about the TTC 35 and 69 and was
very upset and stay upset about what I have found out about Texas and Rick
Perry, Tom Delay etc. several months ago even before the current scandal so
I voted against prop 1 and 9 which if you understand the statistics of what
happened was widely defeated in Hayes, Williamson and Travis counties. I do
not understand what the necessity is of this massive project called TTC 35
and do not like the impact it will have on the farmers and ranchers in
Williamson and Bell counties as well as everywhere else it will be. I have
caught Tx Dot in meetings mis representing information and also
representatives of the rail industry not being on the up and up right to my
face. I do not like the fact the our representatives can pass legislation
without our vote. I have never been a political activist but believe me I am
now and I have the money to back up my mouth. What jobs has it brought and
what oppurtunity?? I know someone who worked on 130 that job was short lived
and the crew now moved to the Seguin area. What about the people who worked
and lived here all of their lives and some for several generations? What
about the ranchers and farmers and the small folks? I am at the very least
pleasantly surprised that you responded. So tell me what is the reasonable
transportation policy north of 130 and what will they do about that? I am
in this with some other people that are not just impacted by 130. I commuted
on I35 for 8 years believe me I understand about quality of life why are you
taking so many people's quality of life away?

Rep. Krusee's final response:
sh130 is the first leg of ttc35, so the people of williamson county have
already felt the effect. for the most part, that effect has been one of
opportunity and, once the road is opened, of an improved quality of life.
you asked about jobs: the contruction itself has created tens of thousands
of jobs, and the road, when finished, will drive the creation of much more
than that. more importantly, it will allow employers to remain (and grow)
in texas rather than moving elsewhere, as dell did when it had to open a
plant in nashville due to the lack of roads in austin.
we in the austin area felt the impact of nafta perhaps more than anyone in
the u.s. the resulting traffic congestion cost the region tens of thousands of jobs,
lengthened our commute time every year, and made I35 the most lethal stretch
of interstate in the u.s.
the federal govt, when it passed nafta, promised to help texas deal with the
effects; however, they did not follow through with funds for
improving/expanding I35.
that is why we built sh130 the only way financially possible - with toll
bonds. i think, for the most part, people understand that - sh130 was
necessary..
long term, the same problems that beset us here in central texas will affect
everyone up and down the I35 corridor. that is why we are proposing to
expand sh130 north and south, up to dallas and south around san antonio.
so, you are right, bell county will be effected when sh130 goes north around
temple/belton, but i think that by the time that happens, it will be welcome
relief, as sh130 is seen as welcome relief by most people in the austin
region.
although, like any road, it will take some land to do the project (as it did
on sh130), the overall impact, i believe, will be good (and necessary) for
the communities located on I35. the alternative is the same death rate,
congestion and loss of jobs that central texas experienced in the decade
after nafta became law.
regarding prop 1, most people agree that our interstate system needs
upgrading, and it is only 50 years old. our rail system is over 100 years
old, and even more in need of improvement. though it is not as obvious as
our road system's shortcomings, the age of our rail system is costing lives
and harming our economy. prop 1 sought to create a fund which could address
that problem - thereby reducing the number of dangerous at-grade crossings
and increasing the speed of freight, which is slower now than 50 or even 100
years ago. now that it has passed, the fund still has no money - the
legislature must decide whether to fund it, and how much.

This is all being done for you. To help you and you grandchildren to have a better life. I wonder if anyone else's life's are being enriched by this?

Mary Beth Harrell Responds To Carter Photo-Op

2006-02-24T16:21:00.000-06:00

Link to photo-op, Congressman Carter Stands By His Man.

"Carter took time out of his busy schedule to show up one more time to defend and support Travis County Defendant, Tom Delay, but Carter could not find the time to come back to his own district to visit the veterans at the VA hospital in Temple for their Valentine's Day tribute to the vets.

I was privileged to be there and participate in that Valentine Day tribute to our veterans. Along with many other volunteers, I handed balloons, candies, and cards made by local school children, to the veterans at the hospital. The vets were surprised, pleased and touched by our individual expressions of affection and gratitude. A simple act that took very little time out of my day and very little effort, but offered a huge morale boost to these deserving vets.

As a veteran's wife, and the mother of two boys serving on active duty - the oldest is in Iraq, I was also very grateful to the wonderful volunteers who organized this Valentine's Day tribute to remember our veterans' sacrifice and service.

As an Army wife and mom, I'm fed up with the empty rhetoric of republicans like John Carter who claim to "support our troops" but can't even take the time to visit them. And more importantly, do not sponsor bills that increase health benefits and VA access for our veterans. In fact, Carter has yet to speak out against the pending proposal to increase the cost of health care premiums and co-pays for veterans.

Carter's office did send a representative to the VA event to speak for Carter. Carter's rep told us that the Congressman was busy in D.C. and couldn't be there. Carter's rep told us that he must be real busy because he wouldn't normally miss the opportunity to meet and escort Miss Texas on a tour of the VA hospital....

Sadly, John Carter's actions speak volumes about his priorities and values. He needs to quit fighting for Tom Delay, and to start fighting for our soldiers and veterans."

Mary Beth Harrell
Veterans For Harrell

Congressman Carter Stands By His Man

2006-02-24T09:46:00.000-06:00

Here's the story, Republicans rally to support DeLay in re-election bid:

U.S. Rep. John Carter, who represents the Central Texas Hill Country, likened DeLay to a World War I lieutenant who led his men out of a trench into battle and is "willing to have a target on front and back saying, 'shoot me first.'"

And

Tom Campbell, DeLay's primary opponent who set up an RV outside the GOP rally, said the event proved he was making inroads.

"I understand loyalty," Campbell said. "But it's important for us as a party to move through this fog of scandal."

DeLay hugged his wife, Christine, as he thanked the group.

"The Democrats are picking a fight with the wrong delegation," he told a small crowd.

He's got a primary opponent and his delegation in Congress voted against the "DeLay Rule". It's not just Democrats he's got plenty of problems with his own delegation. Where were the rest of the Texas Congressional Republicans?

If you'd like a change help Mary Beth Harrell.

A Few Items

2006-02-23T16:19:00.000-06:00

The Austin Chronicle has this article on who paid for Ben Bentzin's campaign, and will be paying for the next too I'm sure, Bentzin's Tangled Web of Backers:

As it happens, many of the high rollers and power brokers who played a role in the GOP's legislative sweep of 2002 (along with tort reform, redistricting, and persistent efforts to pass school voucher legislation and expand gaming interests in Texas) had hoped to further their run of good luck with Bentzin, a wealthy former Dell executive. Bentzin outdistanced Howard by a long shot in fundraising, collecting more than $555,000 since last fall to Howard's $240,000. But he couldn't muster the votes to beat Howard in either the Jan. 17 special election or the Feb. 14 run-off.

[..]

Bentzin had previously told the Statesman that he wouldn't accept money from gambling advocates, but a fair number of his lobby contributors represent clients with gaming interests.

Click on the link above to see the list of names, I'm sure you'll recognize some of them.

TXU's in trouble, What goes up ...:

TXU and other electric power providers have justified large rate increases by explaining that soaring natural gas prices greatly increased their costs.

Indeed, natural gas is burned to generate much of the electricity produced in Texas. And gas prices skyrocketed to a record high of $15.78 per million British thermal units in futures trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange in December.

But gas prices have plunged since then as a result of increased supplies and milder-than-expected winter weather. Prices recently have been between $7 and $8 per million BTUs, or about half the peak price in December.

So why shouldn't electric rates be going down?

It's like at the pump when oil prices go up, that day the price starts going up. When oil prices go down, it takes a few days for the price at the pump to start going down.

Schools anxious about definition of the "65% Ruse":

School finance officials are wringing their hands over next week's expected unveiling of the Texas Education Agency's definition of instruction.

That definition will be used to tell public schools how much money has to be spent in the classroom. The goal is to redistribute money that otherwise would go to administrators' salaries and other noninstructional expenses.

But school districts say they will be forced to cut counselors, nurses and crossing guards to meet the state's standard, which was ordered by Gov. Rick Perry. Districts that don't comply, some fear, will suffer financial penalties or receive low marks on their accountability rating.

"It's a political move that takes away local control," said Arlington Associate Superintendent Steve Brown. "It's potentially devastating to some districts."

From what I understand the governor can't order this, the legislature has to:

But education law experts point out several problems with the governor's order.

One is that it is unlawful for the governor to order the education commissioner to adopt a particular rule. The commissioner's powers were delegated to her by the Legislature, not the governor.

Perry can't even fire Neeley without the approval of the Texas Senate. As a practical matter, of course, Neeley, who was appointed by Perry, is not likely to defy him.

[...]

And even if the commissioner eventually adopts a 65 percent rule, she apparently has little or no authority from the Legislature to punish those who come up short. In fact, the state already has a similar rule setting 54 percent of funds spent on classroom instruction as a benchmark for districts to meet in proving their financial accountability under the state law cited by Perry's executive order.

That makes it the "65% Suggestion".

"Compassionate Conservatism" Brings Us A New Phrase..

2006-02-23T13:16:00.000-06:00

.."The Working Poor". DKos has the story, The Hot New Place to Hang Out After Work: Soup Kitchens. Two reports out that show that family income has dropped 2.3% from 2001 to 2004. As a result, over the same time food banks usage is up 9%, with 36% using the food banks being employed. Therefore the term "Working Poor. This is the worst part though:

More than 25 million Americans turned to the nation's largest network of food banks, soup kitchens and shelters for meals last year, up 9 percent from 2001.

Those seeking food included 9 million children and nearly 3 million senior citizens, says a report from America's Second Harvest.

"The face of hunger doesn't have a particular color, and it doesn't come from a particular neighborhood," said Ertharin Cousin, executive vice president of the group. "They are your neighbors, they are working Americans, they are senior citizens who have worked their entire lives, and they are children."

This is happening in The United States of America?

Coupland Residents May Get Information On TTC Route They Requested

2006-02-23T09:31:00.000-06:00

On February 14th I posted on the plight of the Garry's, who live in Coupland, and their inability to get information from their state government pertaining to the route of the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC). The article from the SAEN, linked in that earlier post ended this way:

"The corridor's Draft Environmental Impact Statement was due in December and it's not out," Garry said, explaining that it will more precisely plot the final route of the corridor. "My husband and I filed an open records request to see it," she says, "and TxDOT sent a letter saying they referred our request to the attorney general for an opinion on whether they must let us see it."

I know how frustrating that can be. And I hope the Garrys aren't too surprised if they don't see it until after the November election.

Today there was this story in the TDP, TTC route may be revealed:

The document sought by two Coupland residents and others that would show in greater detail the route of the Trans Texas Corridor (TTC) through Central Texas may be released in March, according to a letter received by Buzz and Susan Garry of Coupland.

The Garrys had sought the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Cintra Zachry, the company which is under contract to build part of the massive toll road proposed by Gov. Rick Perry.
Susan Garry said she recently received a letter from TxDOT indicating that even though Attorney General Greg Abbott had ruled the DEIS couldn't be released, TxDOT is working with the Federal Highway Administration to get approval for release of the document sometime next month.

The title said MAY, this is not a done deal. The Garry's have TxDOT and the Federal Highway Administration on their side, who's on the other side?

Cintra Zachry filed suit in Austin last month to block release of its development and financing plans, which Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has said are not public record. Abbott made his ruling in response to an open records request from the Houston Chronicle.

In addition, TxDOT refused to make public its plans for the project, which includes a $7.2 billion toll road from Dallas to San Antonio and could include massive rail infrastructure through the Taylor and Coupland areas.

The state's Attorney General and a foreign corporation. Sound familiar? Who else is with and against the Garry's?

The TTC has become a front-burner topic in local political races. At a candidate forum held in Taylor on Monday, Republican Barbara Samuelson and Democrat Karen Felthauser, both of whom are running for state representative from District 52, stated their opposition to the TTC. The District 52 incumbent, Rep. Mike Krusee, was at the forum but didn't address the TTC or its local impact.

I hope the Garry's get the information they deserve about the property that's been in their family for generations.

If you're a fan of open government don't forget that David Van Os is running for Attorney General for the Democratic Party. Make plans to join him next weekend at the state Capitol Building for his Filibuster For Independence:

In 1836 the founders of Texas declared and won their independence from dictatorship and entered the community of nations. In our day the people of Texas must again win their independence from the modern dictatorship of corruption, cronyism, and corporate government. We have a Constitution to save!

Craddick's Dilemma

2006-02-22T12:31:00.000-06:00

Did you see this, House speaker endorses Geren? That seemed a little odd to me. Why has Speaker Craddick come out in favor of one of his benefactor's enemies? Especially after Rep. Geren was instrumental in derailing the his ideological twin's pet project last session:

"Carter teed it up so good all I needed to do was swing," said Geren.

The first Geren amendment simply gave the Republican leadership some of its own medicine. If a voucher pilot program was so good for public schools in minority districts then it should also be acceptable to Republican suburban districts, such as the bill's sponsor Kent Grusendorf's Arlington district.

Geren's second amendment went right for the throat of the bill's voucher provision. The amendment shifted "school choice" funding from private schools to public schools, which isn't exactly what voucher proponents had in mind. Grusendorf's motion to table failed, and Geren's public school choice amendment was adopted by a vote of 74-70. That gutted the bill's private school voucher proposal.

If you'll remember Leininger had a pretty good vantage point to lobby legislators on this issue:

The doctor has spent some of the previous week and much of this Monday meeting with wavering Republicans in the suite of offices kept by the speaker behind the House chamber. Gov. Rick Perry and Craddick also met with members. Leininger gave Texans for Rick Perry $62,968 in 2004. The governor is going to need a lot more of that money if U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison challenges him.

The first paragraph in that Observer story reminds us of the risk legislators like Rep. Geren and, Texan Of The Year, Rep. Casteel were taking:

Rep. Carter Casteel (R-New Braunfels) stands before her colleagues to offer an amendment that could endanger her political career. "So, I'’ve made a decision," she tells them. "It may send me home"

The Texas Legislature is usually not a place for acts of political bravery, especially of late. Three years ago, a corporate-backed GOP campaign stacked the House with legislators selected, whenever possible, to be radical ideologues pliant to special interests. Republican representatives were defined by their fear of crossing a vengeful leadership ready to marshal lobby money against them if they didn'’t cooperate.

Oh how prophetic that was:

One thing you can say about conservative San Antonio businessman James Leininger: He's as rough on Republicans who disagree with him as with traditional Democratic foes.

Maybe even rougher. He has made almost $1 million in contributions to political action committees to fuel primary challenges to five Republican lawmakers who failed to back Leininger's pet proposal to issue state-funded private school vouchers to parents seeking an alternative to public education for their kids.

That's why I question the recent actions of the Speaker. I think he's just hedging his bets. This way no matter what happens in the primary he's doesn't lose control over the House, theoretically, no literally. Think about it if all of Leininger's five lose, he the has to try and get them to cooperate in the upcoming special session. And if you lead the charge to oust them, that's five lame duck Republican legislators that have nothing to lose. If they all win he still has to work with them for 2-plus years, at least.

As Toll Roads Prepare To Open, Residents & Businesses Find Out The Hidden Costs

2006-02-22T10:10:00.000-06:00

Here's the article from the AAS on closing ramps in Round Rock, Round Rock residents protest ramp closures:

A standing-room-only crowd of 250 frustrated residents and business owners packed City Council chambers Tuesday night to protest the impending permanent closures of four on-and-off Interstate 35 ramps near the shadows of Texas 45 North.

The closures could come by year's end to make room for the toll road's Round Rock flyovers, also tentatively scheduled to open at that point, Texas Department of Transportation officials said.

To a certain extent this is all our faults for allowing these people to represent us. I'm not saying we shouldn't try to fix problems with the current project. It's just that I wouldn't expect any help from TxDOT or our current elected representation on this. Here's what Bob Daigh, Austin district engineer for the Department of Transportation had to say:

"Unfortunately, for safety reasons, those four ramps must be closed," he said. "I will not find myself in a hospital with one of your kids because of a weave problem that we didn't prohibit because of a proper decision to close those ramps."

"I wish I were Santa Claus and could drop an infinite amount of money on this area, and I wish I could talk happy talk to you and make all the problems go away," he said. "But I refuse to do that. We have a safety issue."

Merry Toll Roads! Here's what a local business person has to say about what these "pro-business Republicans" - that's an oxymoron like "compassionate conservative" - are doing:

But Round Rock residents argue that closing four ramps at once will create nightmarish traffic jams on the frontage roads. And business owners say they fear losing money if shoppers find it more difficult to reach their doors.

Sean Greenberg, one of three owners of Pluckers Wing Bar, set to open in March near the McNeil Road exit on the east side of I-35, said he's dismayed by talk of ramp closures.

"Had we realized what the situation was, . . . we certainly would've chosen a different location within the Round Rock area," he said.

Don't worry Congressman Carter adds these words of wisdom:

U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, told the crowd that he'd help how ever possible. Away from the lectern, Carter said: "I'm here to say, 'Let's calm down.' Federal funds are always helpful, but they (state transportation officials) haven't asked for them."

Also attending the tense meeting were state Rep. Mike Krusee, R-Williamson County, and Williamson County Commissioner Lisa Birkman.

Calm down! You're daily life is about to be screwed up but just calm down. Oh they have a fix and in typical "non-Republican" fashion they're going to throw money at it:

To ease the pain of southbound ramp closures, Round Rock officials unveiled a $10 million plan to build an escape route, a new road, under Hesters Crossing Road. Drivers would stay on the southbound I-35 frontage road, go under Hesters Crossing and then re-enter the frontage road, thus avoiding the Hesters Crossing signal. Planned improvements include adding two lanes to the Hesters Crossing bridge.

Thanks for allowing and escape route out of my neighborhood for $10 million. Remember everybody, If you don't like the way these people are treating you there are excellent Democratic alternatives, Mary Beth Harrell and Karen Felthauser.

Do You Know A Good Place For A Felthauser Sign?

2006-02-21T20:59:00.000-06:00

If you do drop her a line:

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

The Felthauser Campaign is proud to announce that our Big Highway Signs have arrived.

We need to get them up and let Williamson County’s District 52 know there are Democrats on the ballot. Please give Karen a call or an e-mail ( 512.218-4943 or karenfelthauser06@austin.rr.com ) and let her know if you either have a high traffic area which would warrant a 4 foot by 8 foot sign and/or if you would be willing to help put up some of these signs. Anybody with a big enough pick-up truck you could lend to the cause?

(We will NOT be getting small yard signs in until closer to the general election, so if you are willing to put up a lawn sign, we will let you know when they come in.)

THANKS IN ADVANCE !!!

Here it is in action. Looks good with the Jim Stauber sign.

Taylor Daily Press Story On Last Night's Forum

2006-02-21T15:09:00.000-06:00

The TDP has the write-up, Candidates address issues at forum:

All candidates made statements, and a question-and-answer session was held featuring candidates running for Williamson County judge and Pct. 4 commissioner, all of whom were present for the forum

[...]

"The precinct's population is growing, and that means more diversity," Mireles said. "We have to work at reaching out and bringing people into the process."

Mireles cited his experience as a board member on the Round Rock Independent School District in addressing the county's issuance of debt through certificates of obligation.

"You have to make proposals and build consensus first, then proceed," Mireles said.

An R even had to take a swipe at the TTC, is the pressure building?

Ron Morrison of Round Rock said he supports voter approval for issuance of county debt unless it's an extreme emergency, and he also addressed the plans for the Trans Texas Corridor (TTC), the large-scale, toll-based highway and rail system now on the drawing board.

"I want to work with the powers that be not to let the TTC cover our best farmland," Morrison said

Look out if you don't have what Ron Morrison considers the "best farmland". From the story it seems like it was a good event. The Democrats showed up very well it looks like:

Also making brief statements at the forum were Republican John Carter, the U.S. Representative from District 31, and his Democratic party opponent Mary Beth Harrell.

Tony Dale, a candidate for the State Board of Education, was represented by Bill Fairbrother, the Williamson County Republican Party chairman. Martin Tomin, the Libertarian candidate for the position, gave a brief statement.

Jim Stauber, a Democrat who is running for state representative in District 20, spoke to the audience. He is opposed by Republican Dan Gattis.

Candidates in the Republican Primary for the District 52 seat in the Texas House of Representatives, Mike Krusee and Barbara Samuelson, provided remarks, along with Karen Felthauser, who is running for the seat in the Democratic party primary.

Also making statements were Jim Coronado, Democratic candidate for the Third Court of Appeals Place 2, and Democrats Bree Buchanan (Place 6), Mina Brees (Place 5), and Diane Henson (Place 3).

All the Democratic Court of Appeals candidates, that's impressive. If anyone was there and has more info on the forum please leave a comment, we'd love to read it.

Strayhorn And Vouchers

2006-02-21T13:47:00.000-06:00

OTG latest campaign strategy is to remind folks, even before she was the Mayor of Austin and sucked Austin deeper into the STNP, she was a school teacher:

Teachers unions typically back the Democratic nominee. But Strayhorn, a Republican with a son working in the White House, is a former Austin schoolteacher, high school tennis coach, school trustee and mayor running as a "Texas independent."

Not that she's one to switch sides or anything but it now appears she's stealing Kinky's message:

"I think this state is hungry for independent leadership. People are sick of all the politics. Texans want somebody who can get the job done."

That's almost exactly what novelist and musician Kinky Friedman said when he launched his independent campaign for governor last year. Back then, Strayhorn was still talking like a Republican who planned to challenge Perry early in the primary, railing loudly against his lack of leadership in the Legislature and calling him a "do-nothin' drugstore cowboy."

Then watch her flip-flop on vouchers:

Perry "is just systematically dismantling the public-school system" by not increasing the budget enough and favoring a pilot voucher program that would divert public money to private and church schools, she said.

Strayhorn has supported the same pilot voucher program in the past. She said that she still supports the idea but that now is not the time for it.

"I'm not saying that I would never support them," she said. "I'm saying that I would take vouchers off the table for discussion. No more talk until we address the needs of the public schools."

Correct me if I'm wrong here but weren't vouchers proposed in the first place because we weren't addressing the needs of public schools? Therefore, if we start meeting the needs of public schools why would there be a need to look a vouchers? Vouchers are how public schools will be defunded. How can she be allowed to talk about Perry doing this on the one hand and still support vouchers on the other? I don't know it just looks to me like a candidate trying to have it both ways. Leaving herself open in case she needs vouchers for political reasons some time in the future. To me you're either with the teachers and against vouchers or you're not. It still makes me wonder why the TSTA is backing OTG.

DMN Poll On Taxes, Intelligent Design And A Border Wall

2006-02-21T12:14:00.000-06:00

There's something funny about this poll, Most OK with tax hike for schools. Here's how the article on it starts out:

The majority of Texans, despite being tax leery and skeptical of government spending, are willing to open their wallets to provide more money for public education, according to a new statewide survey.

When you look at the About this poll toward the bottom of the article, which I will refer to more in this post, It says this:

Blum & Weprin Associates Inc. of New York conducted the random telephone poll of 1,482 registered voters Feb. 9-15. It has an error margin of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Taking that into consideration shouldn't the article open saying The Majority of registered voters in Texas in instead of a majority of Texans? This poll hits three areas: Raising taxes for education, teaching intelligent design as science in public schools, and building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. You can make of this poll what you will but to me it's not a good sample, again from the about the poll, I see this:

Blum & Weprin Associates Inc. of New York conducted the random telephone poll of 1,482 registered voters Feb. 9-15. It has an error margin of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

[...]

Of those polled, 301 say they are likely to vote in the Democratic primary. The error margin for those voters' responses is 5.5 percentage points.

The first question this raises for me that wasn't stated in the About this poll is, was the question asked and if so how many are likely to vote in the Republican Primary. There's also a bigger margin of error for the Democratic Answers. That leads me to believe this poll is heavily skewed to registered Republicans. And if we're getting these kinds of answers it probably means that Texans overall are probably more pro-tax for education than this poll states. It probably also means that the rest of these numbers are off. Here are the numbers:

52% would be willing to pay more in state taxes to put more money into schools (39% would not)

46% of Republicans would not want to pay more (44% would, making Republicans the only voter group unwilling to pay more)

44% think intelligent design theory should be taught in public schools as science (42% disagree)

49% of Republicans think it should be taught (37% said no)

38% of Democrats think it should be taught (50% don't think so)

47% oppose building a fence along the U.S.-Mexico border to stop illegal immigration (44% favor a fence)

Undecided voters and those who declined to answer are not included.

The writer should have correctly called it a poll of registered voters and not use "Texans" which infers all Texans, registered or not. And it's a very small sampling of Democrats, a little over 20% of those taking the poll. I think less than 38% of Democrats think intelligent design should be taught as a science.

They're Shuddering, Let's Get Them Quaking

2006-02-21T11:08:00.000-06:00

In Harvey Kronberg's latest commentary, Does lightning strike twice?, he tells us that:

Despite claims to the contrary, Donna Howard's decisive win over Republican Ben Bentzin in last week's special election sent shudders through GOP circles

[...]

Travis County Democratic Party Chair Chris Elliot may have nailed it when he said the voters are suffering Republican exhaustion.

In exactly one week, we get to see if the Howard win was a fluke or the beginning of a trend. Up in Irving, Democrat Katy Hubener takes on Republican Kirk England in another special election. This race is also in a 58 percent Republican district, but one far more blue collar than West Austin.

In contrast to Austin, early voting has been fairly light. But some Republicans in the district say Hubener has a real shot at a win.

If lightning does strike twice, all bets are off for Republicans incumbents being challenged by moderates in their primary a week later.

I'd call it Republican fatigue, but that's me. And the shuddering will turn into quaking. Help out Katy Hubener if you can.

Today's Installment Of, "The Republicans Control Congress"

2006-02-20T12:47:00.000-06:00

MyDD has today's installment, Our Message In 2006: Republicans Control Congress. Here's the possible ad script:

Do you disapprove of the way the congress is doing its job?

Republicans control congress.

In Washington, DC, Republicans have a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Tom DeLay was the Republican majority leader in the House of Representatives for three years. Last year, he was forced to resign because he is under indictment for money laundering charges.

Do you disapprove of the way congress is doing its job?

Republicans control congress.

How about this question. Do you approve of the way Congress has handled Medicare.

Republicans Control Congress!

Charles Kuffner Interviews Rep. Garnet Coleman

2006-02-20T10:40:00.000-06:00

Like Kuffner says he is "one of the true good guys" in the legislature. The interview hits all the highpoints: The Trans-Texas Corridor, TTRC, school finance and much, much more. I highly recommend it, you can read it here, Interview with Garnet Coleman.

The Face Of The Right Wing In Texas

2006-02-19T23:36:00.000-06:00

I always said that the Republicans loved Tom DeLay but they didn't want him to be the face of their party. I always thought that if and when Tom DeLay became the face of the Republican Party it wouldn't be a good thing for them. Some people operate best out of the limelight. The problem is when someone is responsible for success, sooner or later they are going to get public recognition for what they've done. The media will start to notice them and they will no longer shun the limelight. They won't necessarily search it out but they feel they've earned it and it's about time they get their attention they deserve. By this time they've become so powerful nobody's going to tell them to shun attention anymore.

I'm starting to feel the same way about James Leininger. He's starting to get noticed, a lot. I don't think the Republicans want this billionaire puppet master to be the poster child of the upcoming election. But they're gonna have trouble keeping him quiet and out of the limelight. He's been bankrollin' them for a long time and now is his time to shine.

He had given $550,000 and pledged an additional $250,000 to the Texas Republican Legislative Campaign Committee through Jan. 26, the last day of the most recent campaign-finance reporting period. That nascent committee has helped the challengers who are trying to take out incumbent Republicans Carter Casteel of New Braunfels, Delwin Jones of Lubbock, Charlie Geren of Fort Worth, Roy Blake of Nacogdoches and Tommy Merritt of Longview.

Some of the challengers, at least in their early fundraising, relied almost exclusively on Leininger's money. Nathan Macias, who is running against Casteel, received about $183,000 of his $198,000 from the committee or Leininger directly. Wayne Christian received almost $161,000 of his $185,000 from the committee or directly from Leininger in his race against Blake.

In a written statement, Leininger said every citizen has a right and a duty to "pitch in and make their government and their community work better."

"I support candidates for the Texas Legislature who share the concerns of me and many Texans that property taxes are too high, our borders need to be more secure and that Texas has the opportunity to do a better job educating our children," he said.

Some of the incumbents he is targeting have made Leininger's support of their opponents key issues.

Hopefully the candidates he backs will lose and he'll start to become a liability. This quote shows what's at stake for Mr. Leininger, these incumbents and the Democratic process in the state of Texas:

"If those people survive, others will be emboldened," said Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University. "If they don't, others will be intimidated."

You gotta stand up to a bully no matter how much money he has. So check him out in those two articles. He is the face of the right wing in Texas. He's proud of it and if he wins these races you can bet he'll be bankrollin' a right wing shill in your legislative district soon.

Candidate Forum In Taylor On Monday

2006-02-19T21:51:00.000-06:00

The Taylor Daily Press has the story, Candidate forum set for Monday.

A candidate forum for those seeking the county judge and Pct. 4 county commissioner posts will be at 7 p.m. Monday in the Taylor High School Auditorium.

The forum is organized by the Governmental Affairs Committee of the Taylor Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Taylor Daily Press.

Come out and support Brig Mireles.

Teacher Rally Turns Into Campaign Event For OTG

2006-02-19T14:10:00.000-06:00

That's sure the way it looks from all the media links I've found do far today. Granted she appears to have been the headliner. The media seems to be doing a great job of making forming her campaign message for her. Former teacher is peppered throughout all of these stories. The News 8 story is the only one that doesn't put OTG's name in the title, Teachers rally for better pay, benefits, it also mentions that someone other that OTG spoke:

Texas teachers rallied on the steps of the State Capitol this weekend to call for
better salaries and benefits.
Several different teacher agencies organized educators from around the state.
Speakers included gubernatorial candidate Carole Keeton-Strayhorn and newly elected District 48 Representative Donna Howard.
Teachers say they want pay raises, better health and retirement and a little more respect.
Those at the rally believe teachers can flex some political muscle in several elections planned for this year. "I think we're going to have a lot of weight.
There's a lot of teachers out there upset at what has happened, the way they've addressed us in the past, it's going make us come out," Tina Briones, a teacher said.
Most observers expect Governor Rick Perry to call a special session on school finance reform sometime this spring.

Like I said, at least as far as the media is concerned A teacher's rally broke out at a OTG campaign event.

DMN Poll On Texas Governor's Race

2006-02-19T00:03:00.000-06:00

The Burnt Orange Report has the analysis. The main thing I take from this is that there is definitely a reason for Democrats to vote in the Democratic Primary and not sit it out so they can sign a position. The governor's race is wide open. Get out and vote.

Who's The Good 'Ol Boy? Culpepper Or Gattis?

2006-02-17T16:26:00.000-06:00

It looks like a game of pin-the-check-on-the-good-'ol-boy broke out, Candidate forum turns joust

But the sass started when Gattis was asked what he would do to change the commissioners court's reputation of good ol' boy antics.

"I don't think there's any doubt that we've had a lot of the good old boy network," said Gattis, the father of State Representative Dan Gattis. "I'll bring a breath of fresh air. The way you solve that is make everything as open and transparent as possible."

Culpepper found Gattis' response humorous, and was quick with a retort.

"Look at who he's taken money from," Culpepper said. "He's got contributions from every special interest group in the county. He may not be one [a good old boy], but he sure is beholding of them. That's all I need to say."

The jab caught Gattis off guard.

"One-hundred and forty people have given me money; he's got about 20," he said. "Let's see who's got the big checks. My average is about $250. I'd be glad to talk about his average."

According to the list of contributions required by the Texas Ethics Commission, Gattis received $40,975 from 107 donations, an average of $382 each. Culpepper got $31,050, a $365 average.

Gattis admitted after the forum that he didn't fully study Culpepper's filing.

"He just made me mad when he said that," Gattis said. "And, yeah, there were probably some on my list who were a little shady, one or two you wished wouldn't have given. But I got money from a lot of people."

First there ain't nothing more funny than watching two Republicans trying to make the other one out as more corrupt. I also like how Mr. Gattis recovered from his erroneous statement. He didn't know what was in his opponents filing but he was mad and needed to make a point. Do you think he'd do that when someone makes him mad when he's judge? Oh yeah, he also admitted that he had some "shady" donors to his campaign. Who are the shady and non-shady donors on your list Mr. Gattis? If there "shady" and you knew it why did you accept the money? One of the things I hate about the media these days is there never seems to be any follow-up questions.

Other candidates were there too:

Unlike the candidates for county judge, the Precinct 2 commissioner candidates provided few fireworks during Wednesday's forum.

Republican candidates Melissa Beaudoin, Terry Davis and Cynthia Long, and Democrat Michael Hofmann introduced themselves, briefly gave synopses of their resumÃ©s, and then answered questions about budgets, law enforcement and the communications center.

CPA Valerie Covey and Lisa David, the assistant chief deputy for the Williamson County District Clerk, are vying for District Clerk, a position primarily in charge of spending and organization of the county's court system. Both are Republicans.

That's it, the other two races got three paragraphs combined. What is their stance on toll roads, constables, mental health, the shiriffs office, etc..? I'm sure the readers of the HCN would like to know the answers to those questions instead of who's more corrupt of the two judge candidates.

Gov. Perry's Ship Of Cronies

2006-02-17T11:17:00.000-06:00

Gardner Selby has an article in today's AAS on your governor's fateful trip to the Bahamas two years ago, 2 years after Bahamas powwow, school finance still on a slow boat. It's pretty much a rehash of what Bob Gammage said when he announced for his candidacy, Democratic Candidate Vows to Attack Corrupt GOP Political Machine:

Today there is a corrupt political machine which stretches from Washington, D.C. all the way to Austin. Tom DeLay and his cronies are at one end, and Rick Perry and his pals are at the other. The money flows both ways. It has corrupted our politics, corrupted our government and, more importantly, corrupted public policy and betrayed the public trust.

But back to today's AAS article. The only person to come to your governor's aid is Grover Norquist, yes he's the same one that's all wrapped up with Jack Abramoff:

"The governor is a very serious scuba diver," Grover Norquist, a Washington tax cut advocate who joined Perry at Elbow Cay, said this week. "I managed not to drown."

Norquist, like others there, insisted there was ample substance to the gathering.

[...]

Norquist, who heads Americans for Tax Reform, which champions state and federal tax cuts, said Perry came out of the trip comfortable with ideas that remain worthy of becoming law Â including the view that school spending increases shouldn't happen without gains in educational accountability. Perry, he said, "took a lot of barbs and arrows from people who wanted to talk about half of it Â money (for schools) without reforms. He became stronger politically because he hung tough with a good idea."

I can't wait for that commercial, "I'm proud of my scuba divin' for Texas schools, how 'bout you?" But lo-and-behold, Gorver is an advocate of the "65% Ruse":

"The First Class Education Initiative allows taxpayer dollars to directly reach the children instead of school bureaucrats. Voters can AND will send a powerful message to union leadership. Opposition to this measure to increase funding for classroom instruction and more qualified educators will be detrimental to their general membership."

I wonder where your governor got the idea for the "65% Ruse"? Remember, the "65% Ruse" is just a catchy marketing name to get the general public to buy into the usual Republican "easy fix" line , that actually does no such thing. The "65% Ruse" is being used to defund public education and build a wall between teachers and administrators, divide and conquer. Now that we know that the "65% Ruse" doesn't work and more evidence keeps coming out, let's see who was on the ship:

Gov. Rick Perry

Anita Perry, first lady of Texas

Grover Norquist, Washington tax cut champion

James Leininger, San Antonio proponent of enabling disadvantaged public school students to attend private schools with government money

Brooke Rollins, president and CEO of the pro-small government Texas Public Policy Foundation

John Nau III, Houston beer distributor

Mike Toomey, then Perry's chief of staff

Deirdre Delisi, then governor's deputy chief of staff

Mike Morrissey, governor's budget and planning director

Dave Carney, Perry's chief campaign consultant

It's easy to tell by looking at who was on the ship that this was a strategy session to come up with a plan to defund public education in Texas and bring on vouchers. As Mr. Selby says in the title, school finance has been put on a slow boat, and who benefits from that? Well it hasn't been public schools, that's for sure. We need to make sure it's not this governor and his cronies who benefit.

While Republican State Leaders Bicker Amongst Each Other And Settle Scores, The Least Among Us Suffer.

2006-02-16T12:42:00.000-06:00

In this article from today's DMN, Nursing homes face shortfalls as Dewhurst, Craddick disagree, we find out a lot of nasty stuff about the Republican leadership in Texas - Perry, Craddick, and Dewhurst. Not that they don't like each other, we've known that for quite some time. What is amazing is the lengths they will go to because of it.

A last-minute budgeting error in last year's regular legislative session caused payments to the homes, already among the lowest in the country, to dip even further. The payments are made under Medicaid, the state-federal program that provides health care for the poor.

Lawmakers had agreed on a plan for the homes to pay a per-patient tax that would qualify them for increased state and federal reimbursements – more than enough to make up for the "Granny tax." All but about 30 of the state's 1,100 nursing homes would benefit.

But Gov. Rick Perry intervened on behalf of homes with affluent residents who are not on Medicaid, who would have lost money. His opposition caused the provision to be killed during the last weekend of the session Ã– leaving nursing homes with a collective $200 million budget hole.

In August, the governor proposed to use $200 million of surplus funds to patch the hole, but that had to be ratified by the Legislative Budget Board, the group authorized to allocate money when the Legislature isn't meeting.

Gov. Perry intervenes on behalf of the wealthy few and in turn hurts the least among us, funny how that works. Now Lerch and Shorty can't agree on how to give the funding back because they're not done punishing people from the previous special sessions. See what else has not been funded and also watch as Rep. Eissler first can't figure why this is happening and then explain why in the next paragraph:

Because the budget board hasn't met, other large items that haven't been funded -– even though they have the backing of Mr. Perry -– include hospital emergency rooms and rural ambulance services; a four-year medical school in El Paso; and South Texas' first professional school, the Irma Rangel pharmacy school in Kingsville.

Glistening new buildings for the school sit empty because the state hasn't given it $5 million a year in operating funds.

Rep. Rob Eissler, R-The Woodlands, said the funding delays are puzzling. He noted that Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn estimated last week that the state has a surplus of $4.3 billion.

"Slow movement on money, especially when we've got a surplus?" Mr. Eissler said. "Why haven't the lieutenant governor and the speaker solved what would seem to be easy decisions? Maybe we don't know all of the parameters."

He said the two leaders may have stalled on some spending partly to gain leverage with certain lawmakers whose votes could help pass legislation to overhaul school finance and cut property taxes in a special session.

I'm sure they'll agree eventually, as long as the solution doesn't hurt the wealthy.

[UPDATE] The Money has been appropriated, via QR Buzz:

Press Release

Today, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and Speaker Tom Craddick authorized the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to draw upon funds to pay for a number of critical needs in the state.

The expenditures include: $4.3 million in general revenue and $4.3 million in federal funds to increase the personal needs allowance for long-term care facility residents from $45 to $60; $75 million in general revenue and $115.7 million in federal funds for nursing facility rate increases; $27.6 million in general revenue for EMS/trauma care; and, $13.4 million to expand the capacity of Mental Health state hospitals.

"There is nothing more important to me than protecting the most vulnerable in our society. By funding these services, we are one step closer to delivering the highest quality care to those who really need it—the elderly and the frail," Lt. Gov. Dewhurst said.

"The services set to receive these funds could potentially affect every citizen of this state," Speaker Tom Craddick said. "As a result, it is imperative that these agencies expedite action and facilitate expanded capacity and improved quality care. I am pleased we are currently in a situation to approve these much needed resources, and I trust that by doing so we are helping our most vulnerable Texans."

Notification was made via letter to HHSC Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins. The authorization allows transfers to be made within HHSC services agencies to pay for the items listed by using Fiscal Year 2006 (FY06) appropriations, unexpended FY05 balances and, if necessary, funds slated for FY07.

See what a little media pressure can do.

Krusee v. Samuelson. Is He Getting Worried?

2006-02-16T11:48:00.000-06:00

Homemade Signs Go Up to Replace Krusee with Barbara Samuelson and Krusee runs a push poll,

It's come to my attention that Rep. Krusee is running a push poll. In the poll they ask if people, repub primary voters if they are familiar with (Mike) Krusee, Barbara (Samuelson) and Karen (Felthauser). They ask what the people think of these three people. Then he makes up lies about himself and Barbara.

What would you think about Krusee if you knew Krusee voted to raise teacher salaries? Lie?

What would you think if you knew that Barbara moved here from Canada just two years ago? Lie?

If you run a push poll I assume that means someone's pushing on you. These questions may not be lies. The questions are asked to make people believe things that aren't true by asking leading questions. Like, when was the last time you beat your wife.

Here's Krusee's record:

MIKE KRUSEE ON THE ISSUES (Votes are from 2003, 78th Regular Session)

Voted for Toll Roads, a Commuter Tax on our Commuter Community
(HB 3588)

Voted to cut teacher pay and rights
(HB 112 and HB 3257)

Voted to lower professional standards for our children’s teachers
(HB 318 &HB 2723)

Voted to Continue to underfund education and pass the burden to the local level
(HB 1)

Voted to Cut $15,786,000 from the HEALTHCARE budget of Williamson County for children,pregnant mothers, nursing home residents and the aged and disabled.
(HB 2292)

A Different (Fundamentalist) Kind Of Politics

2006-02-16T09:44:00.000-06:00

Former Speaker Pete Laney put off by today's Texas politics:

Former Texas House Speaker Pete Laney, D-Hale Center, spent more than 30 years engaged in the daily wrangling and haggling over legislation, but his last years to serve have never been more contentious, he said Wednesday.

Political campaigns waging war on the South Plains show the growing political partisanship in Austin throughout the last few years, said Laney.

"It didn't used to be that way," he said. "We take pride in the fact that we handled our business in Texas differently than they did in other states."

No need to name names, it's the usual suspects that are providing the money. He goes on:

"Right here in Lubbock, Texas, you're experiencing how people in other parts of the state want to involve themselves in things up here," said Laney, who currently holds the District 85 seat but plans to give it up, announcing his retirement in December.

This is more of the Clear Channel model I described yesterday, central/party control of local candidates. Do you think the candidate being backed by the usual suspects will do what's best for the constituents or their paymasters.

While Laney's speech before a Rotary Club meeting Wednesday carried a varied candor - perhaps more than he's allowed in his 30-plus years in the House - his demeanor indicates a hesitance to pull off the gloves. Describing political candidates as boxes of cereal, Laney said the packaging seems to play a major role in a candidate's success.

"You've got to open up the package and see what's inside."

That was Ben Bentzin's downfall. In the Austin area, where Democrats can still raise enough money to fight back, that can happen. In West Texas I don't think it can.

I remember hearing all kinds of things that were tried against Speaker Laney back in the late nineties when the R's were trying to get the majority. Mailings with pictures of dead fetuses and the like. Similar to things like this smear on Sen. Ratliff detailed here, scroll down to Feb. 14. I guess that's what's gotten Dave McNeely write this, Craddick's crony holds little promise.

Rep. Krusee Updates His Campaign Web Site

2006-02-15T22:19:00.000-06:00

I check his site every so often and it's finally been updated. I don't think it had been updated since the 2002 election. Nothing special, I guess that's what a primary opponent did. One thing I did notice though was that there are three "flattering" quotes on the left hand side - same ones on every page. Whoever gave him the content couldn't find anything more recent then 2003? I wonder why?

The Gov., Lt. Gov. & Speaker Aren't On The Same Page. I Think I Heard That Before.

2006-02-15T16:25:00.000-06:00

The Houston Chronicle has an editorial today called Mixed signals. It's about the fact that the Gov. just wants to focus on taxes in the spring, the Lt. Gov wants taxes and school reform, and Craddick wants all that and vouchers too. Perry seems to be the only one that doesn't want to talk, at the least, about a teacher pay raise. Rep. Homer and Sen. Eltife are for getting teachers more money:

"There is no reason we can't address a teacher pay raise in the same special session," Eltife said. "We have $2.5 billion in the bank from the last session that can be spent on an across-the-board teacher pay increase."

[...]

"I think teacher pay raises are critical," Homer said, noting teachers are about $6,000 under the national average. "This first hit needs to be across the board to get our teachers at least to the half-way point and then we can start looking at some form of merit pay next year."

My opinion is that your governor thinks he's already taken care of the teachers and education reform is on the way.

Also, can you guess why John Sharp won't forget his trip to Abilene yesterday for the TTRC hearing? Can't find much else on the hearing yesterday but it doesn't really matter after that.

Leininger's Adopts Clear Channel Model

2006-02-15T10:17:00.000-06:00

As I was reading Harvey Kronberg's latest commentary at News 8, A man with a plan, there was something very familiar about this part of the story, the part in bold in particular:

Apparently, Leininger doesn't trust these candidates to run their own campaigns. Very little of his money is actually going to the candidates. Instead, it's Leininger's PAC that is directly paying the consultants and pollsters. His PAC is bypassing the campaigns and directly buying the television and radio time, as well as paying the people doing the mail and producing the commercials. In fact, it's fair to say these five campaigns are run by the PAC and its consultants, with the actual candidates reduced to little more than figurehead or employee status.

So it's not surprising that the voters in Nacogdoches are seeing the exact same cookie-cutter advertising as are the folks in say, Fort Worth, Lubbock or New Braunfels.

When one man all but single handedly organizes, plans and funds five campaigns, local voters might reasonably question whether Leininger's candidates will represent them rather than the wealthy physician from San Antonio.

This is exactly like one of the tricks Clear Channel did when building it's radio empire. (To find out about how Clear Channel did this click here and scroll down to Stations On "Auto Pilot") Taking over local stations, eliminating the local control over the station, and programming them from a central location, all with the same content, which in turn cuts the costs and makes the corporation more porfitable. It's just that Mr. Leininger has taken that business plan and is trying to implement it in your statehouse. A bunch of local politicians, programmed by one central billionaire to do what profits him and not doing what's best for the constituents of these ditricts.

P. S. Clear Channel and Mr. Leininger both being from San Antonino, I did a cursory Google search of Mr. Leininger and Clear Channel from that there does not appear to be a connection. If anyone knows anything different feel free to comment.

Donna Howard Wins HD 48 Race 58% to 42%! Congratulations!

2006-02-14T23:07:00.000-06:00

And the right-wing of the Texas Republican Party - Leininger, Craddick, Perry - lose! Another vote for their voucher scheme down the drain. BOR has the story- look at that smile on her face. Democrats winning sure is fun!

More On Gary Griffin's Lawsuit

2006-02-14T14:00:00.000-06:00

I'd mentioned in the previous post about the County meeting violation alleged by Constable Gary Griffin. This latest article is from the TDP. Here is the gist of what is alleged:

The filing quotes Doerfler as testifying in open court that during an executive session on Oct. 20 commissioners had a "general consensus in the meeting" that Griffin had eight deputies for mental health purposes, and commissioners "figured that's what it was going to take for the sheriff to do a like job with that many people, and that all eight of them should go."

According to the filing, also attending the executive session were county budget analyst Ashley Koenig and Julie Kiley, the assistant county auditor, who provided budget and other information.

The amended lawsuit says commissioners held similar discussions about Griffin's budget in executive sessions on Oct. 25 and Nov. 8.

The filing says, "Matched with the county judge's sworn testimony exposing that such budget discussions occurred in the executive sessions, this absence of any public discussion of the staffing level for Constable Griffin's office is further evidence that the deliberation occurred only in secret."

The filing says that prior to their votes ordering the budget-funding shift, no public discussion occurred about staffing levels in Griffin's office, which violated the open meetings act.

What does the judge have to say for himself?

Asked about the allegations in the amended filing, Doerfler said he hadn't received a copy.

"Even if I had seen it, I couldn't comment, based on instructions I've received from our county attorney's office, because the case is in litigation." Doerfler said.

No Comment. What about the county attorney?

Asked about the amended filing, County Attorney Jana Duty said Griffin is "a sore loser" for authorizing the filing of the amendment.

"He lost his temporary injunction and is just trying for another bite at the apple," Duty said. "He's also seeking to try his case in the press and not in the courtroom."

Asked whether Doerfler's testimony, which revealed the contents of the executive sessions, waived the county's executive-session privilege, Duty said, "I'd have to research that - I'm not an expert on the open meetings act."

If she's not an expert then how can she commnent in one instance - about Mr. Griffin being a "sore loser" and "try(ing) his case in the media" - and not in the other - "I'd have to research that"? The constable's whole case is about the open meetings act. This vendetta that county officials have against Mr. Griffin has always puzzled me. Why do they have it out for Gary Griffin?

Precinct 2 Commissioner's Race & More On The Commission

2006-02-14T12:34:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow's Precinct 2 Forum in Cedar Park provides voters an opportunity to meet and listen to the candidates before the primary. The HCN has an article about who's contributed to the commissioner candidates in precinct 2, Political backers keep race moving. Don't forget that there is a potential case pending against Williamson County for the un-accountable government the one-party rule of this county has brought about, Case shines light on county deliberations. The last couple few paragraphs of the article say it all:

Two hearings for temporary relief ended with no decision in Griffin's favor, leaving the Court's decision in tact, but were identified at the time by the judge and plaintiff's counsel as part of the entire lawsuit process.

Now that the petition for the lawsuit has been filed, interrogatives (written responses), depositions (oral interviews), and trial could be next. If the Court found that commissioners were in violation of the act, it would be up to the district attorney to press charges, (former Texas attorney general Jim) Mattox said.

The county judge, attorney and counsel could not be reached for comment.

Do you honestly believe a Republican DA will press charges against an all Republican commissioners court without pressure. If there was a Democrat or two on the court I'm sure they make sure this didn't just go away. If you want an end to secret meetings, pre-determined outcomes and unaccountable government you need to give serious consideration to Michael Hofmann and Brig Mireles for the court. Visit his web site to help out and contribute, www.votehofmann.com.

David Van Os Has A Few Questions For Greg Abbott

2006-02-14T10:42:00.000-06:00

This press release from the Van Os campaign:

Van Os to Abbott: Explain these connections!

Texans have a Constitutional right to uncorrupted government that serves and benefits the people instead of power-hungry political dictatorships. Texans most especially have a right to expect the state’s chief lawyer to be independent of any such taint.

Texans have a right to know that wheeler-dealer Republican political operative John Colyandro, a central figure in the Tom DeLay-TRMPAC money-laundering scandal that funneled large sums of corporate dollars into the hands of Texas Republican candidates in the 2002 general election, served on Greg Abbott’s campaign payroll during the same time frame in 2002.

Texans also have a right to know that Greg Abbott is one of the favorite candidates of Bob Perry of Perry Homebuilders. Perry is one of the biggest financiers of Karl Rove’s favorite political tactic of maligning their opponent with insults and lies. For example, he financed the so-called "Swift Boat Veterans" in their 2004 smear of John Kerry. Since 2001 Bob Perry and his wife have contributed over $570,000 to Abbott's campaign accounts. In the month of December 2005 alone, Perry gave Abbott $50,000 in one payment.

This might explain Abbott’s unswerving allegiance to the Rove-Bush-DeLay political machine, such as when he gave prompt legal clearance in 2003 to DeLay’s power-grabbing redistricting scheme -- from which the U.S. Supreme Court has accepted an appeal on constitutional and voting rights grounds and will conduct expedited argument beginning March 1.

No doubt Abbott’s cronies in the Rove-Bush political machine will give him the best hatchet men Republican money can buy to smear me with their usual lies in their desperation to stop me from restoring the Attorney Generalship to the people.

Greg Abbott would do better addressing questions he needs to answer, such as the still-unanswered inquiry I sent him over 3 weeks ago about his constitutional duty to investigate Rick Perry’s toll-road schemes. Abbott also needs to tell Texans about the connections that brought and kept John Colyandro in his employ at the same time Colyandro was taking care of Tom DeLay and TRMPAC, as well as why one wealthy right-wing Houston homebuilder continuously showers him with so much green. The people will await his answers, but they won’t be holding their breaths

I don't think he'll answer these unless we make him. Contact him or give him a call, (512) 463-2100
(800) 252-8011 or (512) 475-4413

Citizens Being Denied Information On TTC

2006-02-14T10:11:00.000-06:00

We are always being told by so many of our elected representatives in this state what a great thing the TTC is going to be. When you see articles like this, Some Trans Texas Corridor details are being kept very quiet, it gets the "boondoggleometer" spinning. It tells a story of citizens of this state, Coupland to be exact, trying to find out more about what will happen to the property the property that's been in their "family for generations" if the TTC comes:

And even though decisions are being made and deals are being cut, many important details about the project are very hard to get.

"The corridor's Draft Environmental Impact Statement was due in December and it's not out," (Susan Ridgeway Garry of Coupland) said, explaining that it will more precisely plot the final route of the corridor. "My husband and I filed an open records request to see it," she says, "and TxDOT sent a letter saying they referred our request to the attorney general for an opinion on whether they must let us see it."

I know how frustrating that can be. And I hope the Garrys aren't too surprised if they don't see it until after the November election.

And Republicans say they're for open government?

Eye On Williamson County

NEW WEBSITE FOR EYE ON WILLIAMSON COUNTY!

TTRC Report Is Out

Perry Offers Propaganda As TTRC Is Set To Release Its Report Today

Chairman Soechting To Speak At Sun City Democrats Meeting On Saturday

More On The Upcoming Sessoin and The TTRC

Tuition Deregulation Paying Off, But For Who?

More Catch Up

Playing Catch Up

Report From Blackland Coalition Forum Tonight

Don't Forget The Gubernatorial Candidate Forum Tonight

OTG Caves, Stops Payment To Federalist Group Too

A Few Items

CHIP Architect Would Like To Make It Right Again

"One 'Selectively' Silent Grandma's" Campaign Strategy

The Session Ahead

Bell Calls For Teacher Pay Raise, Strayhorn Piggy-Backs

The Blackland Coalition Is Holding A Forum For The Candidates For Governor...

Despite Deregulation Texans Paying More For Electricity

Military Support & Homeland Security In Congressional District 31

A Few Items

What's Needed For Public Schools

The 65% Rule Exposed, Again

Tarrant County DEC adds a data point

Perry Calls Special Session For April 17th

Popular Myth Destroyed

Formatting Problems...Please Bear With Us.

John Sharp Floats A/His Plan (So Far)

TxDOT Has Setup A Hotline For TTC-35 Info

Teachers Don't Turnout To Vote? They Did This Time!

Why Are National Republicans Treating Texas Like This?

Overcoming DEC Strife

Where Does Gov. Perry Stand On An Across The Board Teacher Pay Raise?

Barbara Ann Radnofsky For Senate

More Cracks

Precinct 4 & HD 52 Primary Analysis

TTRC Holds Final Hearings

As Their Leader Sinks..

Is there such a thing as NASCAR Mom?

Republicans Control Congress! Tell Everyone You Know.

Check Out Perry's Latest Crony Appointment

Who Can Vote In The Runoff?

Primary Wrap Up

Final Results From Williamson County Primary

Run Off For WCDP County Chair

Williamson County Primary Election March 7th. Voting Information

Last Thoughts

TTRC In San Antonio Today

A Few Items

The Blackland Coalition Ads *& Endorsements (* See Comments)

Austin TV Station Does Story On "Money In Politics"

Leininger Spends "$590,000 in last-minute 'in kind' contributions"

Republican Corruption, Infighting & Turnout

Grusendorf's Aces-In-The-Hole

Friday News

I Thought Conservatives Were Supposed To Be For States Rights?

Get With PLAN

Just Because It's Legal Does That Make It Right?

Miller v. Leininger

Highlights From TTRC Hearing In Midland Yesterday

Late Night Updates

Tragic News

A Few Items

Class Warfare, Time For Democrats To Be Democrats Again

AAS Does Krusee v. Samuelson

All DeLay Has To Run On Is Pork

Candidate Forum In Coupland Tonight

News Roundup

What's Good For DeLay May Not Be Good For The GOP

Email Exchange Between Constituent And Rep. Krusee

Mary Beth Harrell Responds To Carter Photo-Op

Congressman Carter Stands By His Man

A Few Items

"Compassionate Conservatism" Brings Us A New Phrase..

Coupland Residents May Get Information On TTC Route They Requested

Craddick's Dilemma

As Toll Roads Prepare To Open, Residents & Businesses Find Out The Hidden Costs

Do You Know A Good Place For A Felthauser Sign?

Taylor Daily Press Story On Last Night's Forum

Strayhorn And Vouchers

The Blackland Coalition Ads & Endorsements ( See Comments)