(Wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to catch this series, a great opportunity afforded us at BOR by Sen. Wendy Davis. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
As most of the community knows by now, I had the pleasure of spending this past Monday with freshman Senator Wendy Davis. You can read the following series of blogs in order to catch a glimpse of the BOR exclusive, A Day in the Life of a Senator.
This past Monday ended with a wide-ranging, 20 minute sit down with Senator Davis covering many topics. It is my pleasure to present to the Burnt Orange community my interview with Senator Wendy Davis.
So my afternoon, and interview, yesterday with Senator Davis revealed some impressive qualities about her as an individual and a politician, but also revealed a clear set of goals and overall motivation to have an impact in the 81st Legislative session.
Our lunch hour began yesterday by attending the Texas Broadcasters Association Luncheon. Senator Davis was not able to attend due to an impromptu meeting, but Bernie Scheffler and I did. Mostly uneventful, but good to see Representatives Chris Turner and Lon Burnam from Tarrant County.
The senate convened about 1:30PM to which some basic motions were passed. Probably two of the most important things that occurred was the motion to allow the Senate Finance Committee to convene passed unanimously, as was a resolution honoring the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. My observations of Senator Davis while the senate was in session? Studious, focused, and engaged. The senator studies a number of folders that her staff puts together that contain business of the day, research, potential legislation, etc. It is clear that she is doing well in keeping up and learning while remaining focused on the task at hand.
Wow, what an incredible day. This opportunity was an enjoyable experience and was certainly well above even my own expectations.
I have a tremendous amount of respect for the work ethic of the various staffs and aides of all the representatives and senators because it is hard work treking around the capitol to get from point A to point B, let alone accomplish the tasks you are required as staff. My hats off to you all.
The afternoon today with Senator Wendy Davis was tremendously revealing--of both her character and her work ethic. I had the unique opportunity of watching the former Fort Worth Councilwoman campaign for Senate District 10, but seeing her now as an elected senator revealed some tremendous qualities--qualities that are likely to lead to success. And, qualities that her constituents and colleagues will come to be more impressed with, and respect, as they continue and work and interact with her.
Tomorrow I'll wrap up my afternoon with Senator Davis, which culminated into about a 20 minute conversation on topics such as the notorious candidate to elected offical learning curve, money in politcs, transportation, school finance and more.
I exited my shuttle at Congress Avenue about 9:15AM. A brisk wind greeted me this morning, as did the beautiful Texas State Capitol.
The Capitol is truly a commanding building. The dome is gorgeous and commanding. Upon entering the Capital through the Congress Avenue entrance immediately to your left is the beautiful portrait of General Santa Anna surrendering to a wounded General Sam Houston. You can't help but view that painting and get a tremendous sense of pride regarding your Texan heritage.
Meeting the staff:
Senator Davis has a tremendous and talented staff. My friend for the day is Davis' Communications Director, Bernie Scheffler. I say friend because I came to know Bernie throughout the campaign last year. And what an interesting story as to how he came to know Senator Davis. During her last campaign for the Fort Worth City Council, Scheffler filed to run for her District 9 council seat. He did so thinking she would not run, but she did. In a very Team of Rivals-like move, Davis and Scheffler became good friends on the campaign trail. She brought him on board to assist with communications for her Senate District 10 run, and, upon her election, came on board her staff as Communications Director. As Scheffler noted, "quite the career arc."
I met with Hector Nieto, Senator Davis' Chief of Staff, about 10:15. I've known Hector several years, dating back to my volunteer work with Congressman Martin Frost and his campaign in 2004. In fact, I met Hector when introducing Congressman Frost to a potential '04 Presidential candidate in General Wesley Clark. You all probably best remember Hector as the Texas Democratic Party's former Communications Director. I was excited when I learned of Hector's new role with Senator Davis. I watched his career from afar with envy. In asking Hector about how he is feeling in his new role he commented, "Real good. It feels good to be working in North Texas again." Regarding his new boss, Hector noted, "Senator Davis is a go-getter. She is energetic and motivated to work hard and get things done. Just based on her work ethic she is going to be a successful freshman senator."
I'll be attending the Texas Broadcasters Association luncheon around lunch time and the Senate convenes around 1:30-2PM. More later.
I'll be leaving my hotel here shortly for a shuttle to the State Capital. My day with Senator Davis will begin within a few hours.
Here is rough schedule of what the day will be like:
Morning-
Meet the staff
Capital Basics
Luncheon
Afternoon-
Senate Convenes
Bill filings
Lots of meetings
Interview with Senator Davis throughout the day.
So that gives you an idea of what I have to expect thisw chilly Monday. Stay tuned. Not sure what the Wi-Fi situation is at the Capital but I'll check in from time to time throughout the day.
Happy Punxsutawney Phil day. He saw his shadow, so six more weeks of this crazy Texas Winter to deal with.
Senator Wendy Davis and her staff have offered Burnt Orange Report an exclusive up close and personal look at a day in the life of a state senator.
On Sunday, February 1st, while most of you are taking in the Super Bowl, I'll be heading down from Dallas/Fort Worth to Austin in preparation for Monday, February 2nd. Throughout Monday I'll be providing the BOR community a glimpse of a day in the life of our newly elected freshman Democratic Senator.
What's her schedule like? How many meetings does she have? What's the senate up to? What Bills are being filed? How efficient is her staff? And much, much, more.
A Day in the Life of Senator Wendy Davis begins on Monday, February 2nd, with final thought pieces and interview excerpts with the senator on Tuesday, February 3rd.
Have a question you'd like me to consider asking Senator Davis? Post them in the comments below
The Star-Telegram this week rolled out the names of all the ambitious Republicans clamoring to make a run at the likely-to-vacate senate seat of Kay Bailey Hutchison. It would appear that the next election has already begun.
Nonetheless, because of what the Star-Telegram wrote about the likes of Republicans Joe Barton, Jeb Hensarling, and Kay Granger making a run for the senate, and the one Democratic name of John Sharp mentioned, coupled with the lively and hopeful discussion around the recent L.A. Times article about Texas being a battleground state in 2012, I think it is important to take a deep breath and really analyze some things here.
Like a play in the closing minutes of a football game, Republican Kim Brimer, in a hail-mary attempt to change the trajectory of his losing campaign, accused challenger Wendy Davis of improperly using her Fort Worth City Council position to earn bonuses from a Fort Worth Title company. Wendy Davis, in a press conference called Friday afternoon, batted down Brimer's hail-mary, declaring him a liar who was desperate to cover up attempts to be held accountable for his dismal record.
Brimer, in a hectic sprint to catch up with the momentum that Wendy Davis is building in Senate District 10, is officially flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Look, the facts are the facts, and Davis was more than forthcoming Friday in her press conference. She had the foresight and vision to update her contract to where she was the only executive with Republic Title not receiving bonuses or additional compensation for work. She released her contract to the media. Davis went so far as to seek the advice of the Fort Worth City Attorney as to whether her contract was legal and ethical, and the seal of approval was given.
In the mean time, Democrat Wendy Davis is running to win an election -- not just a court case. She announced well over a year ago, and has worked impressively with her community to raise her profile. Davis is a former Fort Worth City Council member, and has worked tirelessly to bring sound policies for economic development to the area. Her positions on the issues are a shining example of forward-thinking public policies: full restoration of CHIP, expanding access to higher education for more students, and responsible improvements in our state's transportation infrastructure.
[Brimer's wife] Janna and her realty company, which Kim was named to the Board of Directors of in July of 2006, profited to the tune of over $237,000 dollars. While Texas homeowners struggle to pay their mortgages, afford their out of control utility rates, and find money to pay for outrageous gas prices, the Brimer's have apparently found a way to profit off of donations to a state senate campaign. Shameful.
Davis is right on the issues, Brimer has only spent time on lawsuits, and Tarrant County has witnessed a massive surge in voter registration. She's going to do a wonderful job in this race, and until Brimer shows some sign of life, we're going to list the race as "lean Davis."
Here are some links to previous coverage of the race on Burnt Orange Report:
Democrat Wendy Davis is challenging Republican incumbent Senator Kim Brimer in the SD-10 state senate race in North Texas. Here are the fundraising totals for Davis & Brimer from their recent campaign finance report.
Contributions
Expenditures
Cash on Hand
Democrat Wendy Davis
$287,957.45
$245,175.41
$435,965.99
Republican Kim Brimer
$217,165.90
$266,754.20
$1,412,142.65
Davis or Brimer Advantage
$70,791.55 (Davis)
$21,578.79 (Brimer)
$976,176.66 (Brimer)
Clearly, Davis could be gravely outspent over the final month. However, there only needs to be so much money at some point -- Brimer's extravagant war chest can only do so much. I'd be much more worried if he had such a huge lead in early expenditures, because that means he would have a real GOTV plan in place. With that kind of cash so late in the game, though, it would appear he's only going to use that money for a TV ad war and a bunch of quick, lazy mail pieces.
Or on more court cases. Or to repay his wife's rent.
