| Ed. note: For more on the race, read the Texas Political Report - HD 52: Rep. Diana Maldonado (D) vs. Larry Gonzales (R)
I want to start with something simple: an iPhone app. The Gonzales campaign made KEYE-TV in Austin for the launch of their campaign's iPhone app. While I applaude the technology and think the tool is interesting, I wish the story had pointed out the fact that Maldonado actually has more friends on Facebook and more followers on Twitter than Gonzales does. Sometimes, in the wave of new technology and expanding practices of social media, we lose track of what's important. A new iPhone app is cool; a stronger online social network, like the one Rep. Maldonado has, is much, much more important.
Three other pieces of news on the race: - The race has been and will continue to be among the hottest races to watch this cycle. But this week, Texas Weekly's Hot List -- the only news organization that ranks the competitiveness of State House races on a weekly basis -- downgraded the race from "red" to "orange." The rating change is apparently due to nothing more than what consultants say, which suggests there are some real poll numbers (not just wishful ones) that show Maldonado leading Gonzales in the race.
- I wrote two weeks ago about the debate dust-up, and the lies Larry Gonzales is telling about debating Rep. Diana Maldonado. Gonzales did not take kindly to my attacks, and proceded to rush a story to News 8 Austin about the fact that there was no debate set at Southwestern University, as Rep. Maldonado's campaign had stated and as I had reported. Conservative bloggers were quick to crow victory.
And then they ate their crow. Well, if they had integrity, that is. News 8 soon posted an update to their story, reporting that a room "has been reserved" for a debate at Southwestern University. As it turns out, Gonzales' campaign manufactured a lie, and when they were called out for it, when to the press with incomplete information to generate a hit story that had to be updated/corrected almost immediately after it aired.
The integrity of the Gonzales campaign remains in serious question, especailly with this...
- From the post on Eye on Williamson: "Out of ideas, Gonzales resorts to lying about Maldonado"
Republican house district 52 nominee Larry Gonzales has resorted to lying about his opponent in order to get his campaign out of the ditch. In one single press release, Gonzales makes no less than six false or deceptive statements. - Gonzales implies that Maldonado employs a consultant in Virginia. To disprove this statement, simply look at the campaign finance reports. There are no payees or donors from the state of Virginia.
- Gonzales claims that Maldonado “has ducked and run from any attempt at a public debate”. Maldonado will appear at the GAHCC forum on Oct. 5, and a second bi-partisan forum is being planned at Southwestern University.
- Gonzales claims that Maldonado declined a debate at the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC). This lie falls flat when you check the calendar and find that Maldonado has been booked for the GAHCC’s Oct. 5 forum for several weeks.
- Gonzales claims that Maldonado requested questions 7 days in advance of the GAHCC forum. Maldonado campaign spokesperson Mitra Salassel said, “The only request we made was a standard inquiry as to the format of the forum.”
- Gonzales claims that Maldonado represents Austin instead of Williamson County. Maldonado’s record of securing funding for critical projects in district 52 speaks for itself. Maldonado secured funding for the Renewable Energy Training Institute of Williamson County, $16 million for the Texas A&M Health Science Center in Round Rock and $350,000 for the Texas State University’s Round Rock Higher Education Center. Maldonado also secured $10 million in funding for the expansion of FM 1460. These projects directly improve the economy and quality of life in Williamson county, and represents a total change in direction from the former Republican representative from that district, Mike Krusee, whose singular focus was on converting agricultural land into toll roads.
- Gonzales uses “Texas P2″ to refer to the “Texas Prosperity Project”, a Koch Industries-funded fake-grassroots organization that is part of a nationwide effort, active in 35 states, to undermine President Obama, prevent access to health care, avoid regulation of clean air and stop financial regulation. Gonzales states that Texas Prosperity Project “is comprised of business and industry”, which is true if what you mean by “business and industry” is a sampling of oil and gas companies, banks and insurance companies.
A race we'll keep our eye very closely in the coming weeks... |
