This last week Senator Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, Finance Committee Chairman included language in SB-1 to prohibit the use of state money for embryonic stem cell research. One of the most controversial topics of the week at the state legislature. This made front-page, top-fold of the Austin American-Statesman Thursday, www.statesman.com.
Sen. Kirk Watson was quoted in the Statesman saying "It remains far from clear that this provision won't have a direct impact on scientists and researchers at some of the premier laboratories in the state".
David-Has-Issues Forum is bringing you Stem Cell Research, the most controversial topic last week at the legislature. This forum will be held on Sun., April 5th, 4pm-6pm at First United Methodist Church Family Life Center, located at 1300 Lavaca (13th/Lavaca). (Diagonally across the street from the church)
Our keynote speaker is David Bales, President of Texans for Stem Cell Research.
This is a free, non-partisan forum and all are invited. And lots of free parking available.
We attract up to 80 people per forum and some drive as many as 100 miles to attend this. Join us. Learn the top issues, ask questions, offer your feedback, and get involved in the TX Legislative process.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mikal Watts of San Antonio once tried to pressure a legal opponent into a $60 million personal injury lawsuit settlement by claiming he would have an advantage on appeal because of his firm's "heavy" campaign financial support to an appellate court's justices, "all of whom are good Democrats."
"This letter seems to confirm what everybody thinks about Texas justice. Very seldom is it this well-articulated," said Craig McDonald of Texans for Public Justice, an organization that advocates for campaign finance reform. "It confirms the fact Texas courts are filled with politics."
And not just politics -- pay to play politics.
What made the letter unusual was the linking of campaign contributions to sitting justices and the potential of an appeal.
The letter then noted that if the case went to appeal, it would go to the 13th Court of Appeals.
"This court is comprised of six justices, all of whom are good Democrats," Watts wrote. "The Chief Justice, Hon. Rogelio Valdez, was recently elected with our firm's heavy support, and is a man who believes in the sanctity of jury verdicts."
The letter goes on to name Justices Errlinda Castillo, Nelda Rodriguez, J. Bonner Dorsey, Federico Hinojosa and Linda Yanez, and says his firm also has financially supported them.
Watts and his law firm in 1999 donated $5,000 to Valdez and $2,500 to Rodriguez; in 2000, $15,000 to Hinojosa; and in January 2001, $10,000 to Castillo. The firm donated $50,000 to Yanez in 2002.
I highlighted Linda Yanez' name because she's running for Texas Supreme Court (again). If Watts' outrageous claims are true, then not only is she a perennial candidate, she's one who can be bought. Not what we need on the court or representing our party as a nominee for statewide office.
It's a joyous holiday season this December. But once again, I'm stuck on what to buy people. You can always buy socks or candy, but that is just so cliche. And Marshmallow Peeps have not come out with their wish list yet.
I've decided we need to help each other out with some political holiday gift ideas. So far, I have found one. I'm not sure if everyone would like it, but Amazon.com seems to think I would:
Barbara Ann Radnofksy might like it. Then again, maybe not. What are your gift ideas?
