Gerald Daugherty Draws Complains of Ethics Violations; Backed By Koch Brothers

by: Michael Hurta

Mon Nov 05, 2012 at 05:59 PM CST

That's not the only violation alleged on the complaint. Dougherty's other error relates to his connection with some certain crazy conservatives. Left off was Daugherty's finance report was the PAC ID number for KOCH PAC, the political action committee of the infamous Koch brothers.

Responding to the complaints Daugherty told In Fact Daily, "I think that all this is an allegation...If the Ethics Commission has something to say to me, they can call me." That's a dismissive response that doesn't deny the allegations. We'll see (after the election, unfortunately) if the Texas Elections Commission agrees with the complaint. Oddly his campaign posted a Facebook status Monday, "Running for office is expensive...here's just one reason why..." it then links to an Austin Statesman story on local TV ad buys. But is he feeling the pinch because of TV advertisements or a misappropriation of campaign funds?

Commissioner Karen Huber had her own response:

Daugherty and his campaign may argue that these are harmless oversights, and that Texas election law is complicated and confusing in ways that lead to such mistakes," the release said. "Unfortunately, managing a major urban county is also complicated, and the voters of Precinct 3 need to be confident that their commissioner knows how to manage programs and funds appropriately and within the requirements of the law.

This very close election in West Travis County is a rematch from 2008 when Huber unseated Daugherty, then the incumbent. Daugherty is staking his comeback fighting for State HWY 45, a road that would cross the Barton Springs recharge zone and possibly increase traffic on Mo Pac.  Commissioner Huber is hoping to be reelected on her moderate fiscal tendencies and her experience and accolades working to preserve water quality and availability.