On the very day that Bush signed the bill into law, a number of top lobbyists sent out an invitation for a fundraiser luncheon for Pete Olson.
According the the article in Harper's magazine:
The fundraiser was held at the Independence Avenue townhouse of Williams & Jensen, a top lobbying firm whose clients include a number of big energy and pharmaceutical firms, as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The lobbyists hosting the affair included Greg Laughlin, a former congressman, John Runyan,
who is a lobbyist for International Paper, and Jeff Munk, who previously helped raise money for DeLay.
Williams & Jensen is where Barbara Bonfiglio worked when she was the assistant treasurer or treasurer for many troubled PACs and charities run by politicians -- including Tom DeLay's infamous ARMPAC.We're not saying Olson did anything illegal by having that fundraiser. And, the fundraiser may also have been perfectly "ethical" as defined by the Washington establishment. But we have a feeling the voters in CD22 are likely to find this kind of information more than a little unsettling. The last thing we need is another DeLay wannabe or even someone who smells like a DeLay clone here. That's likely why, in spite of raising so much money, Olson is having a hard time getting any real support locally.
None of the other candidates running for the GOP nomination, even including Sekula Gibbs, have taken the kind of money Olson has from special interest groups and groups outside CD22. Look for voters to cast their ballots for a candidate that's actually been around the district in the last 20 years and whom they know. Despite some early buzz on the guy, we're not sure, at this point, that Olson will be able to make the run-off.
P.S. a hat tip to Greg in Pearland for the heads up on this.
6 comments:
Pete Olson absolutely did NOTHING ILLEGAL with respect to fundraising or otherwise and to imply that he did with no facts is unethical. Pete lived in Washington working for Sen. Cornyn (our local senator),right up until July, so he had a fundraiser where he currently resided. Since then, he has had several fundraisers HERE in district 22 and has raised the MOST money HERE IN district 22 of ANY other candidate if you dont count the HUGE CHECK that Shelley wrote to HERSELF. (this is public record).
And the statement about Olson having a hard time getting support is based on what? The fact is that MANY prominent citizens and activists with the republican party have PUBLICALLY endorsed Pete Olson. Even local elected officials are supporting him which is many times a dangerous gamble for their own careers. Again this is public information. You can view the list of contributors and Fort Benders will recognize many of the names.
His grass roots campaign has snowballed and he is picking up incredible momentum, NOT because he is a Washington insider, but because he has more qualifications for the job than any of the other candidates (and he doesn't pass out bumper stickers aka Shelley style, at fund raisers not invited to).
As for who will might not make it to the primary, you should keep an eye on Dean Hrbacek. Sugar Land didn't re-elect him (not that the Osama reference to him in 02 was VERY destructive to his campaign and unethical), so How does he expect to get elected in District 22? Despite that, I like Dean, but its a matter of qualifications and who I think can AND WILL do the job.
Shelley will make it to the primary for 2 reasons: Name recognition and personal money.
But if she wants to win, she should just stop campaigning now. Those of you that have seen her in public know what Im talking about.
Talton... maybe, he's not such a bad guy, but what does he know about Washington?
Steiberg... doubt it unless he hocks his Indy Pacecar Corvette (Alan, Ill give you $15k for it!)
Rowley... doubt it. He's a good enough guy, but nobody knows him.
Manlove... maybe but he is to Pasadena what Hrbacek is to Sugar Land from what Im told over there.
Wieder.... (who is this guy?)
Jake,
It appears to me that this post makes it clear that Olson did nothing illegal. The point is that too cozy of a relationship with lobbyists, particularly Williams & Jensen, will remind some people of Tom DeLay. To some primary voters, that may be a plus. However, at least 38% of the Republican electorate has a problem with a politician whose relationships with lobbyists appear too close.
Anti-Corruption Republican
Most people will not read it that way. Its an old editorial trick. Say that you are NOT saying something, and people believe you are implying it.
I understand your point though. Thanks for the input and yes I did have some concerns about Pete but not after meeting and talking with him. It is too bad that the majority of voters won't or can't take the time to talk to ALL of the candidates.
As far as "being to close,"
the same could also be said for politicians who are too close to the local Republican Party, like Dean is. He is (was) a precinct chair, a lot of his supporters are, and he authored recent changes to the bylaws of the Fort Bend Republican Party. Im quite suspicous of that and disheartened by the recent office vacations of nearly the entire Fort Bend GOP Board. It could not have happened at a worse time for Republicans. Nick has a good chance of winning again because of the dissention.
So in my opinion, Id rather side with someone who is NOT close to the local politics and recent happenings with respect to the Fort Bend Republican Party.
After all is said and done though, whichever republican wins the primary, whether it be Dean, Pete, Shelley, Talton, or any of the others, I will stand behind them and promote them, because I believe in the ideals of the Republican Party of less government and conservative fiscal policies.
Jake -- good post. Don't be concerned about the local party, though. The recent purge of party officers was sorely needed and long overdue. They were a "do-nothing" bunch standing in the way of real progress for Republicans.
Did you go to the Ft. Bend GOP Christmas Party last night? If you had, you'd have seen more than 500 local republicans strong and united. It was a good sign of things to come.
Yes I was there. Were you? It was a great turnout, although it felt a little weird mixing Christmas with politics. And all that whistling for the crowd to be quiet so the chorus could sing was a little too "democrastic" for me. It sort of ruined the mood. Hey... I invented a new word!!
democrastic: (1) the acts of a crass democrat, (2) to act in a drastic or damaging manner, example, Nancy Pelosi's reinterpretation of the Constition and Rules of the House during a vote that didn't go "her" way.
Olson must think he's got this race already won as he didn't see the need to attend a debate hosted by Ch13, that will air on Sunday at 11am. All the other candidates were there. Was he just too scared to have to answer to his "insider" status and where all his money is coming from? Olson needs to go back to Washington and work for his old boss. We need someone who understands our challenges representing US in Congress. Hrbacek did more for this part of Fort Bend County during his tenure as Mayor and Councilman, spuring the growth this county has seen over the last 15 years. He's got the qualifications to represent us and is much better qualified as a CPA and attorney than a dermatoligist.
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