TX HD-106: Now That Halloween is Over

by: Elsbeth

Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 01:51 PM CDT

AUSTIN - As Democrats eye a rare takeover of the Texas House, Republican donors have injected a late infusion of cash - nearly $1 million - into party coffers since Monday, records show.

The Texas Republican Party got $928,177.06 in contributions over the last three days, including a whopping $275,000 from New York hedge fund billionaire Paul Singer, $100,000 from Houston homebuilder Bob Perry and $100,000 from Dallas businessman Harold Simmons.

House Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland, who is fighting to keep his leadership job with the support of Republican legislators, pumped $130,000 into the Texas GOP, according to last-minute "telegram" reports disclosed to the Texas Ethics Commission this week.

When combined with the donations he gave earlier this year, Craddick has given about $1.1 million since July 1 to help Republicans stay on top in Texas.

...

It wasn't immediately clear where all the late money is going. But in an indication that House seats are in play all over Texas, Grand Prairie Republican Karen Wiegman got $82,000 to buy TV ads and other campaign expenses from the party on Tuesday. She's running against Rep. Kirk England, D-Grand Prairie, who switched from the GOP to the Democratic Party and had been considered a relative shoo-in. [emphasis added.]

Wiegman's bizarre mailings have been intense for several weeks now. All of these mailings are coming from Texas Victory '08 in Austin, by the way. Not from any local address.

Even got a robocall today from a local Hispanic business owner claiming that Kirk England supports illegal "aliens." The mailings have been horror shows.

Grand Prairie and Irving Democrats to Welcome Kirk England and John Creuzot to the Party

by: Mo

Mon Oct 08, 2007 at 04:23 PM CDT

The Democrats will also welcome Judge John Creuzot and State Representative Kirk England, who both recently switched from the GOP to the Democratic Party.  "We are wanting to emphasize the momentum we established in 2006, by welcoming these office holders as new Democrats," said Harvey Jackson, president of the Grand Prairie Democrats. "The clear trend in Dallas County is toward the Democratic Party and that trend will continue in the 2008 elections."

In addition to the candidates on the agenda, other Democratic candidates are expected to attend as they often court grassroots support and gather signatures for places on the primary ballot at such events. The forum will take place on Tuesday, October 16th at the Irving Public Library Auditorium, at 801 W. Irving Blvd in Irving TX 75060. The forum starts at 7:00 PM and RSVP's can be made at http://democrat.meet... or by contacting George Chamberlain at 1-888-855-9112.

Sheriff Lupe Valdez Speaks To Grand Prairie Supporters

by: Mo

Wed Aug 15, 2007 at 05:44 PM CDT

“In 2004, I won because I had supporters from across the County. As I prepare to win re-election in 2008, I am happy to visit my friends and supporters to discuss the successes of my first term,” said Sheriff Valdez.

The Sheriff’s presentation to the organization detailed the situation she inherited in the Dallas County Jail System and progress she and her staff have made in addressing it. She also discussed other areas of the Department that don’t receive as much press attention as the Jail.

“I was impressed with the improvement in medical and other basic services for the inmates, as well as the effectiveness of the DWI unit in securing convictions,” said Harvey Jackson, president of the Grand Prairie Democrats.

Among Sheriff Valdez's accomplishments during her two years as Dallas County Sheriff:

• Sheriff Valdez has hired over 400 new detention officers for the Dallas County jail, and continues to work daily to address the systemic problems in the jail system left to her by her predecessors. During Sheriff Valdez's term, major progress has been made towards bringing the jail into compliance with all state and federal laws, after years of underfunding and neglect.

• Sheriff Valdez overhauled the jail commissary contracting system, canceling "sweatheart" contracts set up by her predecessor. The commissary contract now brings in $2 million a year and these funds are used to improve programs for inmates in the Dallas County Jail System, offSheriff Valdez led the development of a new Phase II of Dallas County's innovative traffic management plan. This plan allows Sheriff's deputies to patrol Dallas County highways, saving money and making aid available more quickly when drivers are injured or in danger. This new Phase II plan will extend service to almost all highway miles South of I-20 and will be fully implemented in 2008.

• Sheriff Valdez established a DNA and forensic training program to prepare Sheriff's Department deputies to help solve cold cases that had previously gone without investigation.

• Sheriff Valdez has worked with Parkland Hospital and other county agencies to dramatically improve the health care provided to inmates in the Dallas County Jail System.

• Sheriff Valdez has spearheaded dramatic improvements in jail maintenance and sanitation, addressing longstanding problems quickly and effectively.

• Sheriff Valdez has overseen the construction of the South Tower jail, a new jail system that will be organized and operated in a more modern way than the existing jail facilities.

• Sheriff Valdez has overseen the expansion and improvement of programs conducted by the Department, such as the Courtesey Patrol to aid stranded motorists and the County's DWI taskforce.

The Sheriff will continue to make appearances at Democratic clubs throughout the Fall, and will soon announce a slate of endorsements from prominent Democratic leaders.

“I’m proud of my accomplishments as Sheriff, and look forward to discussing my record with Dallas voters. We’ve come a long way in just two years, and together with my staff, the other Departments of County government and my friends in the Democratic Party, I’m going to complete the task the voters have given me,” said Sheriff Valdez.