Friday, November 30, 2007
All kinds of crazy...Bet this guy was a dem
Leeland Eisenberg bomb strapped to body today wanted to talk to Hillary and CNN. Had a history of mental illness. Had to be a hard core democrat for many years. Poor guy.
As if we didn't already know... Democrats are C R A Z Y!
According to a new Gallup poll Republicans are significantly more likely than Democrats or independents to rate their mental health as excellent. The article explains:
...an analysis of the relationship between party identification and self-reported excellent mental health within various categories of age, gender, church attendance, income, education, and other variables shows that the basic pattern persists regardless of these characteristics. In other words, party identification appears to have an independent effect on mental health even when each of these is controlled for.
No doubt about it. The key finding of the analyses is that being a Republican appears to have an independent relationship on positive mental health.
We new it all along! Protect your mental health. Vote Republican.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Half of immigrants in Texas are there illegally, study says
Interesting story here.
Half of the nearly 3.5 million immigrants living in Texas are in the country illegally, the Center for Immigration Studies says in a report being released today. Based on the latest Census Bureau data, the report said Texas has one of the fastest-growing immigrant populations of any state.
And where, you might ask, does our illustrious temporary Congressman Lampson stand on the issue of illegal immigration? Here's a hint...
He's rated 0% by FAIR -- indicating a voting record loosening immigration.
The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is a national, non-profit, public interest membership organization of concerned citizens united by their belief in the need for immigration reform.
Founded in 1979, FAIR believes that the U.S. can and must have an immigration policy that is non-discriminatory and designed to serve the environmental, economic, and social needs of our country.
FAIR seeks to improve border security, to stop illegal immigration, and to promote immigration levels consistent with the national interest—more traditional rates of about 300,000 a year.
With more than 70,000 members nationwide, FAIR is a non-partisan group whose membership runs the gamut from liberal to conservative.
The ratings are based on the votes the organization considered most important; the numbers reflect the percentage of time the representative voted the organization's preferred position.
He's rated 0% by FAIR -- indicating a voting record loosening immigration.
The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is a national, non-profit, public interest membership organization of concerned citizens united by their belief in the need for immigration reform.
Founded in 1979, FAIR believes that the U.S. can and must have an immigration policy that is non-discriminatory and designed to serve the environmental, economic, and social needs of our country.
FAIR seeks to improve border security, to stop illegal immigration, and to promote immigration levels consistent with the national interest—more traditional rates of about 300,000 a year.
With more than 70,000 members nationwide, FAIR is a non-partisan group whose membership runs the gamut from liberal to conservative.
The ratings are based on the votes the organization considered most important; the numbers reflect the percentage of time the representative voted the organization's preferred position.
Sign created by Billy Iman who lost his son Dustin when an illegal failed to stop at a traffic signal and hit Billy's car at full speed in the rear.Nick. A big fat ZERO.
Next time you pay an exploding hospital bill, can't get into an emergency room, have your school district taxes go up or read about another crime committed by someone here illegally -- remember to thank Nick Lampson.
Talton website also live
And... while we're on the subject of websites.... Talton finally has his constructed as well.
Squier raising $$$
Judge Jim Squier is announcing on his website (yes, it's now up and it looks pretty good!) that his campaign has raised $150,000 in 40 Days. At the end of September (according to the FEC filings) he'd raised $13,000.After stepping down from the 312th District Court bench on September 21, 2007, James D. “Jim” Squier has leveled the playing field in the Congressional District 22 Republican Primary in just 40 days of fundraising.
A $150,000 war chest would catch him up with where Sekula-Gibbs and, Olson were on 9/30. It would put him slightly ahead of where Hrbacek was moneywise. However, we have to assume all three of those candidates have continued to fundraise since 9/30 as well. The next reports will be through 12/31/07 and are due to the FEC by 1/31/08.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Looking for Judge Jim Squier
UPDATE: Website now up here.
Judge Squier still doesn't have a campaign website. He does have a Wikipedia page. But it's pretty sparse -- not even a bio. Maybe he's just modest? Jim -- March is getting close and Republicans are trying to pick a fav now! Playing hard to get (or find) probably isn't a good idea at this point.
And really, Jim, you have a lot going for you as a Republican candidate. First, you're hated by the left. Except the lefty Houston Press who had this to say about you in their "best of" issue from 2004:
In addition, your strong Christian values made at least one Houston Chronicle columnist squeamish.
Other than that, it's hard to track down some solid info on you, Jim. If anyone out there knows how to contact Jim's campaign, please share.
Judge Squier still doesn't have a campaign website. He does have a Wikipedia page. But it's pretty sparse -- not even a bio. Maybe he's just modest? Jim -- March is getting close and Republicans are trying to pick a fav now! Playing hard to get (or find) probably isn't a good idea at this point.
And really, Jim, you have a lot going for you as a Republican candidate. First, you're hated by the left. Except the lefty Houston Press who had this to say about you in their "best of" issue from 2004:
Best Civil Court Judge
James D. Squier, 312th District Court Family courtroom legal brawls can be especially vicious. But Judge James Squier, who got his start coaching in Pasadena's school district, has seen it all. He's paid his dues during a solid decade on the bench, along
with 20 years of practice as an attorney (six of them as an associate judge). Squier came aboard in the most embattled of times for family courts; his patient, common-sense approach, good humor and -- above all --fairness deserve much of the credit for restoring credibility to Houston family courts. His added duties as administrative judge speak volumes about the respect Squier has earned, from both colleagues and those appearing before him in court. There's no doubt about it: This ex-coach has excelled in the toughest of leagues.
In addition, your strong Christian values made at least one Houston Chronicle columnist squeamish.
Other than that, it's hard to track down some solid info on you, Jim. If anyone out there knows how to contact Jim's campaign, please share.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Why won't Lampson answer questions on where he stands on the issues?
Want to know where Nick Lampson stands on the issues?
So does Project Vote Smart-- a completely independent, bi-partisan effort supported by key national leaders of both major parties including: John McCain, Republican Senatorl Geraldine Ferraro, Former Democratic Congresswoman; Michael Dukakis, Former Democratic Governor; Bill Frenzel, Former Republican Congressman; and more than 100 news organizations throughout the nation. Their aim is to make it easy for average joe schmo citizens to be able to figure out where a candidate for office stands on issue important to them.
But Tricky Nick has repeatedly refused to provide any responses to citizens on issues through the 2006 National Political Courage Test. Why? Could it be that he doesn't want to put anything in writing that could be campared to his liberal historical voting record from 1996? He did respond back then and his answers are on-line for your perusal here (scroll down a bit).
Pay particular attention to his stands on spending. In 1996 Nick wanted to increase spending, fees and taxes on just about everything but defense, which he would "greatly decrease."
Want to have some fun? Call Nick at 281-488-4922 and ask them why he won't take the Political Courage Test for 2006. Let us know by posting here what they have to say.
Keep following the money....
PVS does have an up-to-date and comprehensive snapshot on where Nick's money is coming from, check this out. You'll see that most of his bribes.. er campaign donations.. are coming from Houston (almost none from Fort Bend County). It's also coming overwhelmingly from lawyers, lobbyist and labor (Oh my!); and liberal PACS.
So does Project Vote Smart-- a completely independent, bi-partisan effort supported by key national leaders of both major parties including: John McCain, Republican Senatorl Geraldine Ferraro, Former Democratic Congresswoman; Michael Dukakis, Former Democratic Governor; Bill Frenzel, Former Republican Congressman; and more than 100 news organizations throughout the nation. Their aim is to make it easy for average joe schmo citizens to be able to figure out where a candidate for office stands on issue important to them.
But Tricky Nick has repeatedly refused to provide any responses to citizens on issues through the 2006 National Political Courage Test. Why? Could it be that he doesn't want to put anything in writing that could be campared to his liberal historical voting record from 1996? He did respond back then and his answers are on-line for your perusal here (scroll down a bit).
Pay particular attention to his stands on spending. In 1996 Nick wanted to increase spending, fees and taxes on just about everything but defense, which he would "greatly decrease."
Want to have some fun? Call Nick at 281-488-4922 and ask them why he won't take the Political Courage Test for 2006. Let us know by posting here what they have to say.
Keep following the money....
PVS does have an up-to-date and comprehensive snapshot on where Nick's money is coming from, check this out. You'll see that most of his bribes.. er campaign donations.. are coming from Houston (almost none from Fort Bend County). It's also coming overwhelmingly from lawyers, lobbyist and labor (Oh my!); and liberal PACS.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Follow the money addendum on Pete Olson
On September 14 of this year, President Bush signed a new bill into law that he said marked progress towards strengthening “ethical standards that govern lobbying activities.” Did it?
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:
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Hrbacek Touts Support From Precinct Chairmen
As reported here earlier, of all the GOP candidates seeking to unseat Lampson, three have so far emerged at the top of the heap: Hrbacek, Olson and Sekula-Gibbs. Of those three, Olson and Sekula-Gibbs raised more money initially, but Hrbacek is picking up the grassroots support. In terms of vote getting in the GOP primary, those are coveted endorsements -- mainly because the precinct chairs will go out and "work" their precinct for you.
The NRCC is reporting:
Shelley leads the crowded GOP slate at this point (most pundits put her in a runoff paired with a yet-to-be-determined #2) because of her relatively high name i.d. We're not so sure. Her campaign staff is secretely worried about her high negatives (over 50%) in her own polls. Don't count Shelley out, however. She's a smart woman and may be underestimated by her competition.
In the meantime, Robert Talton still has time to get organized. He has good conservative credentials but... can he raise the money to compete?
In addition, it's not too late for another horse to join the race. A late entry or two in December could change the dynamics yet again. It's still way to early to say how this will look come March.
The NRCC is reporting:
Former Sugar Land Mayor Dean Hrbacek (R), running for Congress in the solidly Republican 22nd district, last week claimed the endorsements of more than 40 GOP precinct chairmen in Fort Bend County.Rumors are that some recent polling shows Olson not getting much traction in the district despite some high-profile endorsements including one from former Senator (and boss) Phil Gramm. The fact that Olson only moved to the district a few months ago and almost all his money is coming from K Street may be turning the party faithful off. We'll have to see.
Shelley leads the crowded GOP slate at this point (most pundits put her in a runoff paired with a yet-to-be-determined #2) because of her relatively high name i.d. We're not so sure. Her campaign staff is secretely worried about her high negatives (over 50%) in her own polls. Don't count Shelley out, however. She's a smart woman and may be underestimated by her competition.
In the meantime, Robert Talton still has time to get organized. He has good conservative credentials but... can he raise the money to compete?
In addition, it's not too late for another horse to join the race. A late entry or two in December could change the dynamics yet again. It's still way to early to say how this will look come March.
Even Dimmer future for Dems in Fort Bend/CD22
There's some really funny talk (wishful thinking) going on in local lib/dem circles these days. Some of the poor misguided (including, apparently the Houston Chronicle) have been deluding themselves (based on Tricky Nick Lampson's flukish win in 2006) that they might be able to return to the "glory" days some 20 years ago or so when dems ruled the area.Man, these folks are going to need some serious medication when this tidbit of info from Real Clear Politics reaches them: Population Shifts Toward GOP.
Of the ten fastest-growing (congressional) districts in America, not one cast their ballots for John Kerry in 2004. All but one, Rep. Nick Lampson's Texas 22 seat, are held by Republicans, and Lampson, some will argue, is only back in Congress because his opponent didn't have her name on the ballot. Lampson is a top target of House Republicans next year and looks to be in serious danger.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Nancy Pelosi tries to force the Salvation Army to hire people who can't speak English.
Here's the story.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (and a contributor to Nick Lampson's campaign) has moved to kill an amendment that would protect employers from federal lawsuits for requiring their workers to speak English. Among the employers targeted by such lawsuits: the Salvation Army.
Sen. Lamar Alexander, a moderate Republican from Tennessee, proposed the amendment that caused some very heated debate on the floor of the House. It was puncutated by this exchange when Hispanic Caucus members threw a hissy fit:
As John Fund rightly points out:
We'll keep an eye on this to see where Tricky Nick Lampson falls. In the meantime, it's an issue the CD22 GOP candidates may want to latch on to.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (and a contributor to Nick Lampson's campaign) has moved to kill an amendment that would protect employers from federal lawsuits for requiring their workers to speak English. Among the employers targeted by such lawsuits: the Salvation Army.
Sen. Lamar Alexander, a moderate Republican from Tennessee, proposed the amendment that caused some very heated debate on the floor of the House. It was puncutated by this exchange when Hispanic Caucus members threw a hissy fit:
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, a moderate from Maryland, was beside himself. Congressional Quarterly reports that he jabbed his finger on the House floor at Joe Baca, the California Democrat who chairs the Hispanic Caucus, and yelled,
"How dare you destroy this party? This will be the worst loss in 10 years."
As John Fund rightly points out:
The battle over Mr. Alexander's amendment is about whether a consensus that used to unite liberals and conservatives in this country can continue to hold. If it can't, expect the issue to become a flashpoint in the 2008 elections. Republicans have their political problems with Hispanics over some of their approaches to illegal immigration, but they may be nothing compared to the problems Democrats have if they continue to cave in to their anti-assimilation extremists.
We'll keep an eye on this to see where Tricky Nick Lampson falls. In the meantime, it's an issue the CD22 GOP candidates may want to latch on to.
Chamber hosts 'meet and greet' for CD22 candidates
Haven't picked a candidate yet? Try this political version of speed dating...
The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce will present a platform to "meet and greet" candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives District 22 seat at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 7 at Marriott Sugar Land Town Square.
Candidates will each give a presentation and take a limited number of questions. Advanced reservations are required. Tickets are $35 for chamber members, $50 for others. R.S.V.P. to www.FortBendChamber.com, e-mail jaine@fortbendcc.org, or call 281-491-2407.
The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce will present a platform to "meet and greet" candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives District 22 seat at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 7 at Marriott Sugar Land Town Square.
Candidates will each give a presentation and take a limited number of questions. Advanced reservations are required. Tickets are $35 for chamber members, $50 for others. R.S.V.P. to www.FortBendChamber.com, e-mail jaine@fortbendcc.org, or call 281-491-2407.
Lampson's head fakes to the right not convincing
Addendum: The Wartime Consigliere has a similiar take on this piece. (Except his last graph is hopelessly wrong.)
The Houston Chronicle has a "look Nick's really a moderate" spin piece today by Michelle Mittelstadt out of their Washington Bureau who is not usually this gullible.
What's really happening here is Queen Nancy Pelosi is a pragmatist. She knows the 42 Dem "majority makers", like Lampson, got swept into office in 2006 from traditionally conservative (and GOP) districts. So, she's given those boys a "wink and a nod" to allow them to occassionally stray from the fold when one of two things is going to happen: 1) The Dems don't have enough votes to pass the measure anywayp or 2) It's a measure they don't really care that much about anyway. Pelosi is providing some political cover.
Then, these Dems can trot back home (or in his case over to the home paper's bureau writer) and spin a tale about how "I'm not going to be afraid to go against the party." It's their only hope of surviving in 2008. It might play somewhere else. But not in CD22.
On the votes that really count, and that CD22 voters care about, Tricky Nick was solidly with the libs -- where he's most comfortable.
Let’s not be fooled. The man has a fairly solid liberal voting record in the House. He had an 85% lifetime rating from Americans for Democratic Action, a left-wing group, and a 21% lifetime rating from the American Conservative Union. That’s not Ted Kennedy liberal, but it’s pretty far from conservative or even moderate. Lampson may be decent at pretending to be middle-of-the-road, but when push comes to shove he’s the kind of guy who falls in with the party line.
Need more? Let's not forget who some of Nick's biggest money supporters have been: screenwriter and producer Norman Lear - founder of the far-left People for the American Way - actor and director Rob Reiner, Barbara Streisand. Also, Move-on.org has coughed up $168,000 to help him get elected and stay there.
The Houston Chronicle has a "look Nick's really a moderate" spin piece today by Michelle Mittelstadt out of their Washington Bureau who is not usually this gullible.
What's really happening here is Queen Nancy Pelosi is a pragmatist. She knows the 42 Dem "majority makers", like Lampson, got swept into office in 2006 from traditionally conservative (and GOP) districts. So, she's given those boys a "wink and a nod" to allow them to occassionally stray from the fold when one of two things is going to happen: 1) The Dems don't have enough votes to pass the measure anywayp or 2) It's a measure they don't really care that much about anyway. Pelosi is providing some political cover.
Then, these Dems can trot back home (or in his case over to the home paper's bureau writer) and spin a tale about how "I'm not going to be afraid to go against the party." It's their only hope of surviving in 2008. It might play somewhere else. But not in CD22.
On the votes that really count, and that CD22 voters care about, Tricky Nick was solidly with the libs -- where he's most comfortable.
Let’s not be fooled. The man has a fairly solid liberal voting record in the House. He had an 85% lifetime rating from Americans for Democratic Action, a left-wing group, and a 21% lifetime rating from the American Conservative Union. That’s not Ted Kennedy liberal, but it’s pretty far from conservative or even moderate. Lampson may be decent at pretending to be middle-of-the-road, but when push comes to shove he’s the kind of guy who falls in with the party line.
Need more? Let's not forget who some of Nick's biggest money supporters have been: screenwriter and producer Norman Lear - founder of the far-left People for the American Way - actor and director Rob Reiner, Barbara Streisand. Also, Move-on.org has coughed up $168,000 to help him get elected and stay there.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Follow the money....
The third quarter filings for each of the CD22 candidates are available on-line from the FEC. Here's how they broke out (through the end of Sept):
Nick Lampson $325K -- a complete waste of money for the dems as he's as sure to go down as a cheap hooker in 2008. A LOT of out-of- district and Union PAC $$. Two of our favorites: (Charlie) Rangel for Congress (figures, he likes to give other people's money away, not his own); AFL-CIO Cope Political Contributions Committee (is that coping with waning influence?).
Shelley Sekula Gibbs - $174K from 163 donors, most from the Houston and Clear Lake areas.
Pete Olson - $113K from 124 donors plus $50K loan from himself. Less than 10% of his money came from in-district. Most of it came from D.C. or near D.C. addresses. Not surprising since he just moved here 3 months ago. Does make you wonder, though, who he'd be representing if he won..
Dean Hrbacek - $59K from 108 donors, plus $50K loan from himself. Looks like almost all from in-district.
Bob Talton - $35K from 20 donors-- rumors are he may drop out to run for a state Senate seat ...
Jim Squier - $13K from 17 donors -- all attorney's.
Steinberg and Rowley didn't bother to file reports -- probably not much to report.
Also couldn't find a report for Manlove.
Nick Lampson $325K -- a complete waste of money for the dems as he's as sure to go down as a cheap hooker in 2008. A LOT of out-of- district and Union PAC $$. Two of our favorites: (Charlie) Rangel for Congress (figures, he likes to give other people's money away, not his own); AFL-CIO Cope Political Contributions Committee (is that coping with waning influence?).Shelley Sekula Gibbs - $174K from 163 donors, most from the Houston and Clear Lake areas.
Pete Olson - $113K from 124 donors plus $50K loan from himself. Less than 10% of his money came from in-district. Most of it came from D.C. or near D.C. addresses. Not surprising since he just moved here 3 months ago. Does make you wonder, though, who he'd be representing if he won..
Dean Hrbacek - $59K from 108 donors, plus $50K loan from himself. Looks like almost all from in-district.
Bob Talton - $35K from 20 donors-- rumors are he may drop out to run for a state Senate seat ...
Jim Squier - $13K from 17 donors -- all attorney's.
Steinberg and Rowley didn't bother to file reports -- probably not much to report.
Also couldn't find a report for Manlove.
Why Lampson's days are numbered
Interesting (and in our view accurate) commentary from the Rothenberg Political Report on how the House races are shaping up:
Of course, it won't take a "big-name" to win here. Just any name on the GOP ticket should do.Rep. Nick Lampson’s Texas district is horrible for Democrats, and that’s why he probably is the single most endangered Democrat who won in 2006. Yes, the Republican field has evolved in such a way that it now lacks big-name local officeholders, but that doesn’t change Lampson’s dubious prospects.
Lampson's split personality
What to do, what to do. When you're a life-long liberal who lucked into winning a congressional seat in a decidely conservative district? You really want to hang on to that seat in 2008, so you have to try to fool some of the folks into thinking you're really a conservative democrat -- at least some of the time.
Of course, this really hacks off your local liberal base (all three of them) who launch their own attacks on you: Nick is a traitor to the cause. He's voting the wrong way. We thought he was one of us. He's even...gasp..voting like Tom DeLay!
But, no. Don't worry says another infamous bloggist, he's really a liberal. Really. (or is he a conservative? Even she's trying to play the game.) ....Pointing to this juicy vote opposing the funding of the war on terrorism Lampson just made:
Susan's right. That vote will come back to haunt him here in CD22.
Conservatives know a real conservative when they see one and Lampson AIN'T.
Poor, Nick. Doing the Texas two-step with two left feet.
Of course, this really hacks off your local liberal base (all three of them) who launch their own attacks on you: Nick is a traitor to the cause. He's voting the wrong way. We thought he was one of us. He's even...gasp..voting like Tom DeLay!
But, no. Don't worry says another infamous bloggist, he's really a liberal. Really. (or is he a conservative? Even she's trying to play the game.) ....Pointing to this juicy vote opposing the funding of the war on terrorism Lampson just made:
(Dennis) Kucinich voted against the bill (HR4156) because he was opposed to funding this war “even one more day” and Boy Howdy! Nick Lampson fooled us all and voted with Kucinich this time.
Susan's right. That vote will come back to haunt him here in CD22.
Conservatives know a real conservative when they see one and Lampson AIN'T.
Poor, Nick. Doing the Texas two-step with two left feet.
Mail, mimicry and mental patients
We at cd22watcher have been a little taken back by all the immediate attention this little has blog gotten (ticking up the site counter, thanks!) Initially, we had several e-mails from people trying to guess who we are. There have to be a million blogs authored anonymously on blogspot but this one is driving a few folks nutso.
Then we were amused (ok, laughing our asses off) that a local ultra-lib bloggist and hater of everything Republican tried to give some middle-aged Republican woman credit for our work. Nimrods. We're not her. Get over it.
That started a silly debate at a local on-line newspaper with confused people trying to portray this as a "pro Hrbacek" site! Dang folks around here are more paranoid than we thought. We should emphasize here we don't have a dog in this hunt yet. Hell, we may not even all agree who we're going to support in March. We're just providing some color commentary for anyone who chooses to click over here. Guess we haven't "attacked" Hrbacek enough for the haters. Hey! We've only been up THREE days.
Some loon even thought we were democrats in disguise. (Bwa ha ha!)
Next, the son, (they all have various political commentary blogs) of the above-mentioned bloggist created a parody of our site. It's sophomoric but what would you expect of a rabid dem whose entire family threatens to sue anyone at the drop of a
hat.
But then things got a little more psycho when we got this (anonymous of course!!) and creepy missive from someone who needs to start pumping more oxygen to their brain or watching reruns of "The Godfather" less...
Then we were amused (ok, laughing our asses off) that a local ultra-lib bloggist and hater of everything Republican tried to give some middle-aged Republican woman credit for our work. Nimrods. We're not her. Get over it.
That started a silly debate at a local on-line newspaper with confused people trying to portray this as a "pro Hrbacek" site! Dang folks around here are more paranoid than we thought. We should emphasize here we don't have a dog in this hunt yet. Hell, we may not even all agree who we're going to support in March. We're just providing some color commentary for anyone who chooses to click over here. Guess we haven't "attacked" Hrbacek enough for the haters. Hey! We've only been up THREE days.
Some loon even thought we were democrats in disguise. (Bwa ha ha!)
Next, the son, (they all have various political commentary blogs) of the above-mentioned bloggist created a parody of our site. It's sophomoric but what would you expect of a rabid dem whose entire family threatens to sue anyone at the drop of a
hat.The Blogger Family
But then things got a little more psycho when we got this (anonymous of course!!) and creepy missive from someone who needs to start pumping more oxygen to their brain or watching reruns of "The Godfather" less...
Play nice? This is going to be more fun than we thought.Ok guys, you had your fun. It's now time to step away from this site.The last thing you want to do is waste valuable campaign time before the local media by answering dumb questions about some silly complaint filed with the FEC regarding an anonymous blog run by campaign staff.... Keep up the schenanigans (sic) and you could find your campaign tied up in knots while your opponents are driving around meeting voters in fancy purple sports cars or making half million dollar ad buys.Don't consider this note a threat. It's just friendly campaign advice to some newcomers here in the district. Play nice and everybody wins."
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The "Gay" issue....
It's a touchy one in GOP politics. Especially in Fort Bend County where often paranoia runs deep.
From what we've observed, heard, overheard, etc. most of the anti-gay sentiment comes from ignorance. Too many people buy into the "it's a lifestyle choice" B.S. As one of our close gay friends explains, "With the way gays are discriminated against and all the abuse we take do you honestly believe anyone chooses this lifestyle?"
Despite the fact that the Log Cabin Republicans have been around since the '70s, we still have too many folks who think being gay is a "sin" that doesn't have a place in our great Party. That's a shame. Then you have the really ignorant, and completely asinine, that make the leap from someone being gay to being a pedophile. They obviously have never met a homosexual -- let alone gotten to know one (that they know of anyway!)
Former State Rep Robert Talton exemplifies this kind of backward thinking. Among other things, Talton has led the charge in the State Legislature to try to ban gay couples from becoming foster parents. He even goes so far as to say these kids would be better off in "orphanages." As reported in the Austin American Statesman in 2003:
The following excerpts, edited for clarity, are taken from an April 22 meeting of the House Committee on State Affairs, at which Rep. Robert Talton, R-Pasadena, introduced HB 1911, which would ban gay and lesbian foster parents. Rep. Toby Goodman, an Arlington Republican, begins the questioning:
Toby Goodman: Robert, how would they determine the sexual orientation of these individuals?
Robert Talton: Probably the only way is to ask it and put it on a check-off box and see. They make visits anyway now when they do the foster care. Before they allow anybody in there, they do background. ... They don't give them to just anyone.
TG: Does that run afoul of any law or does that present any constitutional issues?
RT: None that I'm aware of.
Rep. Mike Villareal, D-San Antonio: Mr. Talton, why single out homosexuals and bisexuals?
RT: Well, there's some of us that believe that that's not the right kind of conduct that a child should have until he reaches the age of 18. Then they can make a decision on whether they accept that lifestyle or not.
MV: You're talking about the sexual orientation of the parent, not the child. ...
RT: Right. Of the foster parent, or the alleged foster parent. ... Some of us believe that's a learned behavior; you're not born that way. And so if it's a learned behavior, then if you're taught that that conduct is OK, then that's what they're gonna do. We know that it's a learned behavior on sex offenders ... same thing with this, it's a learned behavior. Same thing with pedophiles -- it's all a learned behavior.
Groans of disbelief from the audience.
MV: Is that a religious opinion?
RT: No, I think that's probably the majority of Texans.
Audience laughs; committee Chair Ken Marchant, R-Coppell, scolds the crowd.
MV: I also sit on Human Services [Committee] and our number one priority is placing children with caring, nurturing, loving parents, period. ... Are you concerned that we are going to be holding this value of yours above this other priority?
RT: Quite frankly, I don't look at those that may be homosexuals as parents as such. ... We think of a parent -- y'all heard DOMA [Defense of Marriage Act] -- as a mother and a father and not persons of homosexual conduct. And I would put that value ahead of the value of foster care. Quite frankly, if it was me I would rather [leave] kids in orphanages. ... At least they have a chance of learning the proper values, and if that's not important, than I don't know what is.
MV: Wouldn't that deplete the supply of foster homes and cause us to bear the fiscal burden of keeping these children in more expensive children's shelters?
RT: Well, it may bar those that may teach the homosexual [or] bisexual conduct. ... There's obviously less of them then the unmarried, but ... if you teach these things like this, then what is next? ... The Lesbian and Gay Rights Lobby says that most of these kids are victims of child abuse, so all you're doing is continuing the same thing.
MV: If we marginalize homosexual parents in this area of policy, what is the next step?
RT: Well, I don't look at 'em as parents, number one. Number two, who knows what happens. You and I both see what happens in legislation; it's give and take according to what session it is, things change
Talton may be right on a lot of issues. But he's dead wrong on this one. We know many gay people and couples that are kind, loving, Christians. They would make great foster (or adoptive) parents. Let's hope he gets himself better educated on this issue during his run for Congress.
From what we've observed, heard, overheard, etc. most of the anti-gay sentiment comes from ignorance. Too many people buy into the "it's a lifestyle choice" B.S. As one of our close gay friends explains, "With the way gays are discriminated against and all the abuse we take do you honestly believe anyone chooses this lifestyle?"
Despite the fact that the Log Cabin Republicans have been around since the '70s, we still have too many folks who think being gay is a "sin" that doesn't have a place in our great Party. That's a shame. Then you have the really ignorant, and completely asinine, that make the leap from someone being gay to being a pedophile. They obviously have never met a homosexual -- let alone gotten to know one (that they know of anyway!)
Former State Rep Robert Talton exemplifies this kind of backward thinking. Among other things, Talton has led the charge in the State Legislature to try to ban gay couples from becoming foster parents. He even goes so far as to say these kids would be better off in "orphanages." As reported in the Austin American Statesman in 2003:The following excerpts, edited for clarity, are taken from an April 22 meeting of the House Committee on State Affairs, at which Rep. Robert Talton, R-Pasadena, introduced HB 1911, which would ban gay and lesbian foster parents. Rep. Toby Goodman, an Arlington Republican, begins the questioning:
Toby Goodman: Robert, how would they determine the sexual orientation of these individuals?
Robert Talton: Probably the only way is to ask it and put it on a check-off box and see. They make visits anyway now when they do the foster care. Before they allow anybody in there, they do background. ... They don't give them to just anyone.
TG: Does that run afoul of any law or does that present any constitutional issues?
RT: None that I'm aware of.
Rep. Mike Villareal, D-San Antonio: Mr. Talton, why single out homosexuals and bisexuals?
RT: Well, there's some of us that believe that that's not the right kind of conduct that a child should have until he reaches the age of 18. Then they can make a decision on whether they accept that lifestyle or not.
MV: You're talking about the sexual orientation of the parent, not the child. ...
RT: Right. Of the foster parent, or the alleged foster parent. ... Some of us believe that's a learned behavior; you're not born that way. And so if it's a learned behavior, then if you're taught that that conduct is OK, then that's what they're gonna do. We know that it's a learned behavior on sex offenders ... same thing with this, it's a learned behavior. Same thing with pedophiles -- it's all a learned behavior.
Groans of disbelief from the audience.
MV: Is that a religious opinion?
RT: No, I think that's probably the majority of Texans.
Audience laughs; committee Chair Ken Marchant, R-Coppell, scolds the crowd.
MV: I also sit on Human Services [Committee] and our number one priority is placing children with caring, nurturing, loving parents, period. ... Are you concerned that we are going to be holding this value of yours above this other priority?
RT: Quite frankly, I don't look at those that may be homosexuals as parents as such. ... We think of a parent -- y'all heard DOMA [Defense of Marriage Act] -- as a mother and a father and not persons of homosexual conduct. And I would put that value ahead of the value of foster care. Quite frankly, if it was me I would rather [leave] kids in orphanages. ... At least they have a chance of learning the proper values, and if that's not important, than I don't know what is.
MV: Wouldn't that deplete the supply of foster homes and cause us to bear the fiscal burden of keeping these children in more expensive children's shelters?
RT: Well, it may bar those that may teach the homosexual [or] bisexual conduct. ... There's obviously less of them then the unmarried, but ... if you teach these things like this, then what is next? ... The Lesbian and Gay Rights Lobby says that most of these kids are victims of child abuse, so all you're doing is continuing the same thing.
MV: If we marginalize homosexual parents in this area of policy, what is the next step?
RT: Well, I don't look at 'em as parents, number one. Number two, who knows what happens. You and I both see what happens in legislation; it's give and take according to what session it is, things change
Talton may be right on a lot of issues. But he's dead wrong on this one. We know many gay people and couples that are kind, loving, Christians. They would make great foster (or adoptive) parents. Let's hope he gets himself better educated on this issue during his run for Congress.
Where in the world wide web is...?
Having an official campaign website is pretty much a political prerequisite these days. If you're a serious candidate you get one made and ready to launch the DAY you announce your candidacy. (For your convenience, we've linked to each candidate's site at right.)
Except for webbie-challenged Former Harris-County District Judge Jim Squier and Texas Rep. Robert Talton -- both MIA on the web. Talton has a site "under construction." Squier -- zippo.
Of course, the quality of the sites also matters. Hrbacek, Manlove, Sekula Gibbs and Olson all have professional, serious sites. Doogie, er, Alan Steinberg has an amatuerish blog -- which fits with his "hey I'm young and ambitious so vote for me" pitch. Ryan Rowley (from Clear Lake) has a BORING blog but at least he's populated it with some meaty (albeit still boring) content.
Shelley's site has an extremely annoying video that launches automatically on the home page. She has a lot of great content -- probably too much. One of the raps on Gibbs is her knack for taking 30 minutes to deliver a 5 minute message. Her website is more of the same.
Hrbacek has a ho-hum site with all the essential elements (bio, place to donate, place to volunteer, etc.). It lacks life and is short on specifics. He needs to add some position statements, more pictures of him and/or his volunteers in action and tell folks more about what he stands for.
The home page of former Pasadena Mayor John Manlove's site is, well, a little scary. John, the dems are already having a field day with their seedy (and typically sicko) interpretation of your last name (jokes about ManBoylove abound.) Please tone down that picture of you on your home page that leaps out with an almost leering quality. Otherwise, your site passes the "I'm a real candidate" muster just fine.
Olson, the ultimate Washington insider, has one of the slickest sites -- maybe too slick for this district. He plays heavily on this military service and ties to his former boss Phil Gramm. Interestingly, there isn't one picture on his site of him with Sen. John Cornyn for whom he worked for nearly 5 years as his Chief of Staff.
In our humble opinion, NONE of the candidates are really using their websites to full advantage.
Except for webbie-challenged Former Harris-County District Judge Jim Squier and Texas Rep. Robert Talton -- both MIA on the web. Talton has a site "under construction." Squier -- zippo.
Of course, the quality of the sites also matters. Hrbacek, Manlove, Sekula Gibbs and Olson all have professional, serious sites. Doogie, er, Alan Steinberg has an amatuerish blog -- which fits with his "hey I'm young and ambitious so vote for me" pitch. Ryan Rowley (from Clear Lake) has a BORING blog but at least he's populated it with some meaty (albeit still boring) content.
Shelley's site has an extremely annoying video that launches automatically on the home page. She has a lot of great content -- probably too much. One of the raps on Gibbs is her knack for taking 30 minutes to deliver a 5 minute message. Her website is more of the same.
Hrbacek has a ho-hum site with all the essential elements (bio, place to donate, place to volunteer, etc.). It lacks life and is short on specifics. He needs to add some position statements, more pictures of him and/or his volunteers in action and tell folks more about what he stands for.
The home page of former Pasadena Mayor John Manlove's site is, well, a little scary. John, the dems are already having a field day with their seedy (and typically sicko) interpretation of your last name (jokes about ManBoylove abound.) Please tone down that picture of you on your home page that leaps out with an almost leering quality. Otherwise, your site passes the "I'm a real candidate" muster just fine.
Olson, the ultimate Washington insider, has one of the slickest sites -- maybe too slick for this district. He plays heavily on this military service and ties to his former boss Phil Gramm. Interestingly, there isn't one picture on his site of him with Sen. John Cornyn for whom he worked for nearly 5 years as his Chief of Staff.
In our humble opinion, NONE of the candidates are really using their websites to full advantage.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Olson tries typical D.C. dirty tricks in desparate attempt to get attention
Pete Olson may have moved back to CD22 a few months ago, but he sure didn't need to bring the Washington-insider dirty tricks with him. Olson tried to tie a criminal investigation involving a Corpus Christi businessman to Lampson.
As reported in San Antonio Express News commentary:
As reported in San Antonio Express News commentary:
In an attempt to break out of the pack, Olsen called on Lampson to return $4,600 in donations to Mauricio Celis.Pete -- maybe you haven't gotten the message yet, but the folks here are really tired of typical political "gotcha" games.
"That's a nonstory," said Trevor Kincaid, a Lampson spokesman. "We gave that money back a week ago."
Celis is under investigation by the state attorney general and a grand jury over allegations of fraud and other felonies involving a law practice and a sheriff deputy's badge.
None of the allegations involves Lampson or other Democrats who received campaign contributions from Celis.
Meanwhile, Olson, a former aide to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, could be one of the least-known candidates in a claustrophobic race for the GOP nomination that includes former Pasadena Mayor John Manlove."
Lampson opens mouth and inserts foot...
This is what Lampson said in July on the floor of the House arguing AGAINST the surge in Iraq. There is nothing like seeing him in person to see what a complete goober this guy is.
And if that one didn't make you gag, check him out here as he panders to Algore during his testimony on Global Warming last March.
And if that one didn't make you gag, check him out here as he panders to Algore during his testimony on Global Warming last March.
Why we don't count Alan Steinberg as a serious candidate
25 and lives at home with his parents in Sugar Land -- and this video report...
Candidates that sing?
Early Prognostications....
It's generally thought that of the e-i-g-h-t announced candidates in CD22, just three are real contenders: Former Sugar Land Mayor Dean Hrbacek, Former Gramm/Cornyn staffer Pete Olson and former (eight week) Congresswoman Shelley Sekula Gibbs.
The rest (maybe with the exception of State Rep. Robert Talton) either have no real base, no money to build name ID or no business really being in the race (more on them later).
Olson and Sekula Gibbs have stong war chests -- but are also carrying a lot of other baggage.
Olson, 45,only moved to the District about two months ago after a 20-year absence. He's raised a ton of money -- but only 5% came from within CD22. Most of it came from out of state! His opponents are likely to pick up on that and start pounding him on it -- no one likes a carpetbagger. He's garnered the endorsement of Former State Senator (and his former boss) Phil Gramm. Most folks, however, are not going to get real excited about a policy wonk. As Texas Monthly pol Paul Burka recently wrote about Olson: "Staffers, by definition, are followers, not leaders. These days, they tend to be ideologues (especially if they worked for a strong ideological figure like Phil Gramm)."
Sekula (no hyphen now) Gibbs, is a former Houston city councilwoman and a dermatologist. She won a special election in 2006 to serve the district (for about 8 weeks) to finish out DeLay's term, but lost the race to Dem. Lampson in the general election -- mainly because she was forced to run as a write-in candidate. She's been campaigning non-stop and raising money ever since. On paper, she looks good but....
Sekula Gibbs, 55, made some major missteps in the short time she was in Washington. Most notably seven staff members, who were former staff members for former U.S. Representative Tom DeLay resigned from Sekula-Gibbs's office in a mass walkout during the very short time she served. She also sent out some silly e-mail alerts (the most memorable being the one where she bragged about having "perfect attendance" during her 8-week term.) A lot of folks (including donors) who initially supported her in 2006 have jumped ship to other candidates.
The biggest problem Olson and Sekula Gibbs may have, however, is that they are NOT from Fort Bend County. (look at map). While the district is heavily Republican in both the eastern portion of the district (where Sekula-Gibbs comes from) and in the western portion (where Hrbacek resides) -- most of the voters come from Fort Bend County.That may give Hrbacek, the only real Fort Bend candidate, the edge in this crowded race.
Even Lampson was shrewd enough to move to Fort Bend County before trying to run for Congress here.
Hrbacek, former mayor of Sugar Land, is both an attorney and a CPA as well as a successful businessman. He's lived in Fort Bend County for more than 20 years. Moveover, he also has strong ties to the Clear Lake and Pearland areas (where he grew up and went to school). He's considered by many to be an ideal candidate because of his very successful track record in business and politics and the lack of negatives in his background.
He has the most active grassroots support of any of the candidates and a growing volunteer base that is working hard for him. Although Fort Bend support is not solid behind him (there are some local activists working for Olson and Gibbs). Hrbacek's largest challenge will be getting enough name ID and support outside of Fort Bend before March to ensure he makes the run-off. He'll also be opposed by a local, liberal newspaper publisher with who has taken issue with Hrbacek in the past and is actively supporting Lampson.
The rest (maybe with the exception of State Rep. Robert Talton) either have no real base, no money to build name ID or no business really being in the race (more on them later).
Olson and Sekula Gibbs have stong war chests -- but are also carrying a lot of other baggage.
Olson, 45,only moved to the District about two months ago after a 20-year absence. He's raised a ton of money -- but only 5% came from within CD22. Most of it came from out of state! His opponents are likely to pick up on that and start pounding him on it -- no one likes a carpetbagger. He's garnered the endorsement of Former State Senator (and his former boss) Phil Gramm. Most folks, however, are not going to get real excited about a policy wonk. As Texas Monthly pol Paul Burka recently wrote about Olson: "Staffers, by definition, are followers, not leaders. These days, they tend to be ideologues (especially if they worked for a strong ideological figure like Phil Gramm)."
Sekula (no hyphen now) Gibbs, is a former Houston city councilwoman and a dermatologist. She won a special election in 2006 to serve the district (for about 8 weeks) to finish out DeLay's term, but lost the race to Dem. Lampson in the general election -- mainly because she was forced to run as a write-in candidate. She's been campaigning non-stop and raising money ever since. On paper, she looks good but....Sekula Gibbs, 55, made some major missteps in the short time she was in Washington. Most notably seven staff members, who were former staff members for former U.S. Representative Tom DeLay resigned from Sekula-Gibbs's office in a mass walkout during the very short time she served. She also sent out some silly e-mail alerts (the most memorable being the one where she bragged about having "perfect attendance" during her 8-week term.) A lot of folks (including donors) who initially supported her in 2006 have jumped ship to other candidates.
The biggest problem Olson and Sekula Gibbs may have, however, is that they are NOT from Fort Bend County. (look at map). While the district is heavily Republican in both the eastern portion of the district (where Sekula-Gibbs comes from) and in the western portion (where Hrbacek resides) -- most of the voters come from Fort Bend County.That may give Hrbacek, the only real Fort Bend candidate, the edge in this crowded race.
Even Lampson was shrewd enough to move to Fort Bend County before trying to run for Congress here.
Hrbacek, former mayor of Sugar Land, is both an attorney and a CPA as well as a successful businessman. He's lived in Fort Bend County for more than 20 years. Moveover, he also has strong ties to the Clear Lake and Pearland areas (where he grew up and went to school). He's considered by many to be an ideal candidate because of his very successful track record in business and politics and the lack of negatives in his background.He has the most active grassroots support of any of the candidates and a growing volunteer base that is working hard for him. Although Fort Bend support is not solid behind him (there are some local activists working for Olson and Gibbs). Hrbacek's largest challenge will be getting enough name ID and support outside of Fort Bend before March to ensure he makes the run-off. He'll also be opposed by a local, liberal newspaper publisher with who has taken issue with Hrbacek in the past and is actively supporting Lampson.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Welcome to CD22 Watch
There are currently 8 (count 'em e-i-g-h-t)candidates running for the Congressional seat formerly held by the guy everybody now loves to hate, Tom Delay. Due to an unfortunate string of well-documented election calamities (which resulted in the GOP not having a named candidate on the ballot) liberal democrat and carpetbagger Nick Lampson wormed his way into the District and onto Washington. The conventional wisdom is that ol' slick Nick is a one-termer in this decidedly RED district.This site is devoted to helping keep track of the contendors, what they're saying, their records, and the local scuttlebutt circulating leading up to the March 2008 primary and the likely run off election to follow. Feel free to join in the discussion and pass along any intel. This should be a fun one to follow.
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