As people beging to realize the impact of state budget cuts, they will begin to understand that members of the legislature are responsible for firing workers and letting others die. In GOP-speak they would be considered 'acceptable losses' to fulfill their "no new taxes" pledge.
We don't talk about "The Big Lie" enough. Not only are we killing our state and our future with our budget, but we're systematically creating deficits that can no longer be fixed without lies. Eye on Williamson rounds up the numbers, but more importantly offers this point.
Until we can have a rational discussion about revenue and taxes, it's unlikely that any legislative change will change our current predicament. In 2010 the Democratic candidate for governor of Texas was telling us that we didn't have a revenue problem and all we had to do was scrub the budget. No! We have a revenue problem. It would be great if one party would start saying that.
This budget is already beyond bare bones. We need more revenue to adequately fund our state government if we still believe in free public education, affordable higher education, affordable health care, elder care, etc.., and build new infrastructure.
The only question left is how bad does it have to get before we have that discussion?
Imagine Austin is seeking input to develop the next phase of the Comprehensive Plan for the city. Take the survey here.
Dear City of Austin leaders developing the 2012 Urban Rail proposal: Showing off the snazzy looking rail cars is great, but the thing that really matters is the routes you want them to take. For the sake of all that is good in this world, please do not compromise on the route map by doing something stupid like running the line east of campus or opting for tons of shared guidelines instead of dedicated lanes. We are a decade behind on this and we've got one more shot at going this right. I do not want or plan on giving you cover for a crap proposal because you think that is necessary for it to pass. Shoot for the Moon like Kennedy instead of giving us some middle of the road, DOA roadkill like Obama.
Did you read about how the city of Lago Vista bought up the failing golf courses that make up a large chunk of their city? If not, read this to understand why I give a hearty hell yeah to the following quote.
"Lago Vista is one of the most conservative areas in all of Texas," said an exasperated Patrick Dixon, a former City Council member and local leader of the Libertarian Party who opposed the golf course acquisitions. "But if you think that Barack Obama is employing the wrong policies by bailing out GM and banks, you have to apply the same thinking locally.
"Don't complain about socialized medicine if you support socialized golf."
Hypocrites. It's just like the right-wingers who now rail against the government because of the invasive TSA screenings... when they were the ones front and center defending the Patriot Act. Give me a break.
Students at UT-Austin will get to vote in February on another round of changes to the structure of Student Government on campus.
The new executive structure creates multiple appointments under each officer of the executive branch and streamlines the agency structure to reduce redundant positions and increase efficiency. ... The new structure would also include a clerk to manage meetings and take minutes and a parliamentarian to monitor meeting procedure. In addition, the recommendations include the creation of a judicial branch with the authority to settle disputes between the executive and legislative branches, enforce the constitution and bylaws and oversee the Election Supervisory Board.
In addition, the Assembly would have the power to elect its own Chair to run meetings in place of the Vice President of the student body.
The most frequently mentioned individual - named by 7 percent of respondents- was Sonia Sotomayor, who was appointed last year to the U.S. Supreme Court. About 5 percent chose U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., of Chicago, followed by 3 percent who cited Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and 2 percent who selected Jorge Ramos, an anchor on Noticiero Univision, the national evening news program on the Spanish-language television network Univision.
Do we have one in Texas and if so, who? Mayor Castro of San Antonio? Any State Senators or State Reps? Rick Noriega or Linda Chavez-Thompson?
According to the library, there will be at least 29 truly new Republican House members in 2011, the most of any of the 68 sessions included in the library's list. Depending on the outcome of a special election and a pending recount, that number could go up. The year with the second-highest number of new Republican members was 2003, when 27 freshman Republicans came to Austin.
But the upcoming influx is not a record increase in new House members in toto - not even close. According to the library, 2011 will see at least 34 freshman House members. However, from 1876 to 1967, when Democrats dominated Texas politics, turnover in the House was usually much higher, with a high of 97 new members in the 1913 session and only one session proceeding with fewer than 34 new members (32 in 1943). Since 1967, seven sessions have had a freshman class of more than 34, with a high of 71 in 1973.
San Antonio resident Aaron Schulze joins his two older brothers in becoming just one of about 130 Eagle Scouts to earn every merit badge offered by the Boy Scouts of America. As a fellow Eagle Scout, my congrats to Aaron. That is no easy feat.
Video
Sen. Kirk Watson spoke 2 weeks ago about the upcoming legislative session. Below is the 30 minute preview.
Volunteer for GOTV: Sign up for a GOTV shift this weekend through Bill White's campaign, check in with your area coordinated campaign, or a local race near you.
A must-read piece in the New York Times on voter psychology and electoral experiments- including case examples in the Texas Governor's race.
Mark Jones lays out some electoral benchmarks for Bill White in the event he doesn't win next Tuesday. Jones is the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy's Fellow in Political Science as well as the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Rice University.
46.0 percent. This is the highest percentage won by any Democrat in a statewide race during the past decade. John Sharp (a potential rival in the 2012 Democratic Senate primary) won 46.0 percent of the vote in his 2002 campaign for lieutenant governor. Surpassing this mark would position White in the driver's seat for the Democratic Senate nomination, as well as provide strong support for the case that he would be a formidable rival for whichever Republican wins the party's nomination in 2012.
43.7 percent. This is the percentage won by President Barack Obama in 2008 in Texas. While the overall political context, as well as the composition of the voters participating in the election is distinct in 2008 and 2010, White's 2012 quest for the Senate will be advantaged by the extent to which he exceeds President Obama's vote share.
40.0 percent. This is the percentage (39.96 percent to be more precise) won by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tony Sanchez in 2002. Failing to cross this threshold would be a traumatic blow to White's political future.
3rd Party candidates in Texas almost always overpoll their eventual vote percentages. Still, I do expect 3rd Party candidates to perform better this year than they have for the past decade.
Video Bonus
Bill White offers the following ad in his closing TV arguments.
Eerily similar to another closing ad from someone who ran against Perry? The answer is yes if you were thinking Kay Bailey Hutchison.
Continued analysis of Harris County turnout suggest that it is more Republican than we would like. Via Burka and Kuffner.
Democrat Jeff Barton running for Hays County Judge is calling out his anonymous attackers to 'put on their big boy pants' and meet him at high noon in Kyle.
Young people are apparently not very enthused about voting this fall. That lines up with the lower than expected turnout at places like UT-Austin so far. Travis County revised UT's Tuesday turnout downward by nearly 300 votes due to a clerical error, meaning there was essentially no 'Bill White Bump' from the otherwise awesome Rally for Competence at UT Tuesday.
Back to Basics PAC has a new ad out. Watch below or on their website.
The Travis County District Attorney's office says they've looked at the Teacher Retirement Service scandal already that Bill White made a splash with on Tuesday. Result? Nothing illegal, even if unethical. That was a 'big thing' that ended with a disappointing fizzle.
A top Travis County prosecutor said Wednesday his agency already has investigated Democrat Bill White's allegations of wrongdoing at the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and closed the case because no criminal violations were discovered.
White accused Gov. Rick Perry of "raiding" the teacher pension fund for the benefit of some of his campaign donors because investments were made with the donors' companies. White produced a memo from last August that he claimed was the "smoking gun."
...
"We weren't able to identify any criminal violations," Neal said. "We wouldn't reopen this case unless new facts come to life."
It's a little rough, but the fact that there is a TV ad of some sort available for Jeff Weems is a good sign. I'll have more extended thoughts on the Railroad Commission race in a separate post.
GOP nominee for the Travis County Commissioner's Court David Buttross is being sued for "engaging in severe and pervasive verbal and psychological abuse" with female employees.
The Hi, How Are You? frog was vandalized last week, though it has since been touched up.
Across Texas
Houston voters may face the longest US ballot in history this fall. And you don't think that will have an effect on downballot elections? Might increase straight ticket voting on both sides.
Former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Farouk Shami has endorsedRick Perry and donated to his campaign. Former Democratic gubernatorial and Agricultural Commissioner candidate Kinky Friedman has endorsed Democratic Supreme Court nominee Jim Sharp. Sharp is most notably known for a Statesman interview in which he trashed Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill White and Lt. Gubernatorial nominee Linda Chavez-Thompson. I'm glad to see Shami and Kinky make their assholism official.
A little hope for Chet Edwards? I don't expect him to win, but boy, if he did, it would just irritate the hell out of the Republicans. DCCC in with a new negative ad on Republican Bill Flores, too.
Signaling that there is some actual concern in TX-27 for Congressman Solomon Ortiz, the DCCC is pushing out some odd and slightly embarrassing photos of GOP nominee Blake Farenthold. They also make an appearance at the end of Ortiz's tv ad.
Bonus
Gay sex vs Straight sex. It's actually safe for work, and fascinating in busting some myths. My favorite is the US map by county colored by 'most curious' to least.
Double Bonus
Recently elected Democratic Chairman, Gregory Windham, announced his resignation from the Chairmanship today citing differences of opinion over the State and National Democratic Agenda. He's endorsing Republican Larry Gonzales, challenger to Rep. Diana Maldonado.
Please note- Windham is an idiot who previously ran for office in 2008 and lost but edged out a win as Williamson's Democratic Party Chair this spring because of that name ID. Almost all of the Williamson County Democratic coordinated campaign was set up outside of the party to work around him. His 'defection' should be taken as a dick move by someone who didn't deserve the office he served in.
Maldonado responds-
"Mr. Windham's colorful criminal and civil history coupled with his erratic behavior caused us to ask for his resignation over six months ago. Since then, his behavior has become increasingly destructive and he was even publicly rebuked by the State Chairman. I hope he is able to find the help he needs.
My campaign is not skipping a beat and will continue to talk to voters about my experience as a school board member, freshman legislator of the year and on my efforts to bring millions of dollars in funding for transportation infrastructure and our new higher education corridor."
Go read this. The DLCC has a stellar post on why next year's redistricting is important not just for Democrats, but for progressives. Like I said, read it. And then after that, nominate some Texas House races to make it into the next round of the DLCC Essential Races!
In another must-read piece that's so funny it has hit Keith Olbermann's show, the Williamson County GOP would have you think they spent $5 million on... doughnuts. And another $9 million... at Applebee's! At least according to their last campaign finance report. OK, yes, it's a typo, but an embarrassing one for the GOP county party which has been high and mighty in attacking Rep. Diana Maldonado's previous campaign finance reports.
Charles Kuffner has interviews with Land Commission candidate Hector Uribe up as well as one with Railroad Commission candidate Jeff Weems. His impressive archive of interviews with tons of candidates is here.
The Dallas Morning News has released their endorsements in a number of State Rep races. Lots of Democrats including Haldenwang, Miklos, Vaught, England, & Kent and two GOP endorsements for incumbents Dan Branch & Will Hartnett.
The College Democrats at Texas State University registered over 7,000 voters this cycle down in Hays County and distributed over 5,000 voter registration packets in the San Marcos area. Good news for Rep. Patrick Rose & Democrat Jeff Barton who's running for County Judge.
The University Democrats at UT-Austin, as part of the Hook the Vote coalition, registered over 5,000 students yesterday on the last day to register voters, which was 75% of all registrations collected by the Travis County Democratic Party. Overall, Hook the Vote 2010 has registered over 6,000 students, distributed 22,000 registration cards in student residential neighborhoods, and worked with UT's Division of Housing and Food Service (DHFS) to distribute 8,000 registration cards in the university's residence halls.
In University Democrats news, there will be a Rally to Restore Competence with Bill White at UT on October 19th at 4:30pm on the West Mall. Check out their poster.
Video
Donna Howard's TV ad. Yes, it's very Donna Howard. And I like it.
And this ad from Hank Gilbert running for Ag Commissioner.
Multiple BOR staff members quoted in this Statesman story on Social Media in the 2010 Texas elections.
Will John Cornyn and Pete Sessions stay on as the campaign chairs for another cycle for the NRSC & NRCC?
I'm hoping Democrats are smart enough to do this legally given that Texas Republican have proven they don't know how.
Yes, another link to Rick Perry vs. The World. But it's still decent writing and worth a read if you want to peer into the polls.
I suspect 538 is about to update their Gubernatorial rankings since the last run was a week ago. Still, Rick Perry has been stable at about an 85% favorite to win according to their models. They also show Chet Edwardslosing, but Ciro Rodriguezholding on.
The City of Austin finally takes apart the Tri-Party agreement that has underperformed expectations of redevelopment and revitalization of the 11th and 12th Street corridors in East Austin.
For the first time in 10 years, the Austin City Council is holding a City Council meeting outside of city hall. Even better, it's a block away from my house in East Austin at the Carver Library. Kudos to Mayor Leffingwell who proposed holding meetings in various locations around Austin as part of his 2009 campaign. Draft agenda is here.
Sometimes activists make great things happen. Case in point right here on common sense safety solution.
Elsewhere in Texas
Does a recent poll show Diana Maldonado leading her Republican challenger 50%-42%? It's possible. Maybe those on Sen. Kirk Watson's Online Townhall yesterday with Rep. Maldanado know more- I missed the call.
CORRECTION: Alas, those weren't poll numbers, but instead Rep. Maldonado's time of 50min:42sec for her 5 mile run. Too bad the title wasn't "Maldonado Running Strong in District 52"!
Congressman Ciro Rodriguez's Republican opponent Francisco "Quico" Canseco is just flat out wrong about Ciro's voting record- and gets called out on it by the San Antonio-Express New.
Sen. John Cornyn sends $42,000 of NRSC money to anti-masturbation, witchcraft dabbling GOP Senate nominee Christine O'Donnell in Deleware. Does she also have a strong anti-Man-on-Box-Turtle stance.
Polls of the job performance of Houston Mayor Annise Parker indicate folks think she's doing a pretty good job.
Former BOR writer Nate Nance just posted his first piece for the Huffington Post reviewing the back and forth TV ad war going on in TX-23 where Congressman Chet Edwards is trying to fend off a challenge from Bill Flores.
Democracy for America has sent Dean Corps field organizer Jay Matthew to Fort Worth in their support of Bill White's campaign. You can help DFA & Jay help Bill White here.
Google has launched an interactive 2010 election map where you an select a number of different prognosticator rankings displayed by state or district. Try it out.
Dr. Richard Murray reviews the effectiveness of newspaper endorsements. Worth a read.
The Bizarre
Apparently last month the Victoria County Democratic Party chair stepped down after pleading not guilty to charges of possession of child pornography. The silver lining is that the new chair is 27 year old Kelli Gill who, besides being ready to step into the job, appears to be one of the youngest and, I'm told, first Asian American Democratic Party chair in the state.
While Matt, Katherine, MIchael, and Phillip are in the air on their way into Las Vegas for the 5th Annual Netroots Nation conference, I thought I'd do a big round-up of stories from across Texas. If you'd like to follow us while we're here at the conference, you can subscribe to our individual Twitter feeds or the BOR Staff Twitter List.
While he was at last year's Netroots Nation conference, Bill White is staying in Texas this time and will be campaigning in 18 East Texas towns this week. It may be the more politic thing for him to be doing (just like skipping out on meeting with President Obama when he's in Texas). Granted, the White campaign isn't particularly Netroots oriented, but he will be missed.
edit: Bill White does have staff at Netroots, including their primary communications guy who's worked with media and bloggers. Plus he's got an event Thursday that involves a very large pizza.
Could there be a Texas Governor's race without a single debate? If so, it will be entirely because of Rick Perry and possibly because some Republicans think that debating Bill White is kind of their nightmare.
Houston attorney Kathie Glass won the Libertarian nomination for governor Saturday and vowed to siphon conservative support from Republican incumbent Rick Perry by appealing to Tea Party activists and supporters of former GOP candidate Debra Medina.
In San Antonio, delegates to the liberal Green Party chose retired teacher Deb Shafto of Houston as their gubernatorial nominee, but the party's candidate slate can't be immediately certified because of a lawsuit over the party's petition drive to get on the November ballot.
Defeated GOP gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina was at last weekend's Texas GOP State Convention. Her group, We Texans, was denied a booth and her supporters were less than enthused. She has yet to endorse Perry.
Paul Burka believes the overthrowing of the Texas Republican Party chair is important.
