As reported in the A-Chronicle, Kay Bailey Hutchinson is likely running for governor in 2010, and considering her initial right hand peeps she's picked--doesn't look like she's going for a moderate platform, one to set herself apart from the last 8 years of the neo-con agenda. So if Perry runs again--will they attempt to out neo-con each other? Gonna need a hella strong Dem in this.
It's official: Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is thinking about maybe, possibly, running for governor in 2010.
Yesterday, Hutchison filed the paperwork with the Texas Ethics Commission to establish an exploratory committee for a run at the mansion. Former Bush pioneer Allan "Bud" Shivers, Jr. has signed on as her campaign treasurer: Shivers also helps run deep pocketed tort reformists and one time pals of Tom DeLay Texans for Lawsuit Reform.
Of course, this still only means she's thinking about it, but it would now be a shock to onlookers if her name wasn't on the ballot in two years time. All of which steps speculation about infighting in the Texas Republican establishment into high gear.
There's no reason to believe that Gov. Rick Perry will not run again, but Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst seems to have been squeezed out of this race, and out of the natural succession. Of course, if Hutchison does run, she'll have to stand down from her Senate seat (which Congressional Republicans may not be very happy about, and rumors swirl that they are actively lobbying the well-regarded and seasoned Hutchison to please, please not leave their ranks). All of which raises the question of who the Republicans (or rather, Perry, who would make the appointment) could put in her place to finish her unexpired term.
Why in the world should we support super-rich, out-of-state developers and retailers with our city tax dollars?
Why should they get a $60 million government subsidy to compete against our own homegrown businesses?
Why should a shopping center that caters to rich people get tax money that is needed for the public good?
You don't have to be in Who's Who to know What's What, do you? This giveaway stinks, which is why they're having to dump hundreds of thousands of dollars into a political ad blitz. They're trying to cover up their stink with a Karl Rovian campaign of deceit, hoping to kill our common sense, democratic, true-Austin-initiative, Proposition 2.
Prop 2 is a grassroots message to the Powers That Be. It says "NO" to doling out corporate welfare that does nothing but further corporatize Austin. That's why Prop 2 is supported not only by Austin's local businesses, but also by labor, environmental groups, neighborhood councils, and every political party - Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and Greens.
We can't match the PR blitz of the corporate interests, but we can use our grassroots networks to spread support for Austin's Proposition 2. They've got the Fat Cats - but we've got the Alley Cats, and there are many more of us!
Please blast your email lists, make calls, leaflet polling places, and otherwise stand up for Austin by standing up for Prop 2.For more info on how to help, Call Brian Rogers at 366-5000.
Thanks for all that you do to make this such a unique and great city. Keep Pushing!
AUSTIN - The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas today asked voters to watch for irregularities at polling places and urged voters to report problems to election officials and the ACLU Election Hotline.
The ACLU Voting Rights Project has launched a toll free hotline so voters can report voting rights violations and irregularities.
"This is one of the most important elections in our nation's history and a record turnout is expected," said Terri Burke, executive director of the ACLU of Texas. "Because of the sheer numbers expected at the polls for early voting and on Election Day, there will undoubtedly be some problems. Most situations can and will be resolved easily and on the spot. However, voters with unresolved issues and concerns should contact our Election Hotline."
Voters with complaints are encouraged to call the toll-free Election Hotline, 1-877-523-2792. The Election Hotline is available 8 am to 5 pm weekdays and will be available 5 am to 11 pm on Election Day, November 4.
VOTING IRREGULARITIES TO WATCH FOR:
• Poll watching activities that go beyond mere observation and become harassment. For example, poll watchers taking photos of voters, asking for I.D. or wearing attire that looks like law enforcement uniforms.
• Disinformation campaigns, such as posting fliers in minority neighborhoods or near the polls prior to elections which give false information. For example, signs advising that people with unpaid traffic tickets are liable to be arrested if they vote or that ex-felons can't vote. Texas law allows felons who have completed their sentences to vote.
• Moving polling places on short notice or without sufficient warning, and, if the jurisdiction is covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, making the change without pre-clearance.
• Inserting phony voters in lines at the polls to lengthen the lines and discourage would-be voters from getting in line.
• Any other voter intimidation or suppression practices.
• Polling place difficulties such as problems casting provisional ballots, polls opening too late or closing too early, and lack of access to centralized voter registration records.
• Problems with voting machines, including both human errors and technology-related problems.
• Efforts to tamper with voting machines or otherwise affect the outcome of the election. For more information on the ACLU Voting Rights Project, go to: www.aclu.org/votingrights.
(This is tonight. BOR should discuss more of this issue up for city voters as we move closer to the election. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
Political Action Art Auction Party -- Sat., 9/20!
Featuring the South Austin Jug Band, beautiful artwork, firedancing and more!
Come get ready, folks, for the BIG fight for the heart and soul of Austin as the BIG BOY developers are raising mega-cash to snuff out our movement on television! Can the grassroots win? Only YOU can answer that question!
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The Alamo Drafthouse is co-hosting the Political Action Art Auction (along with the Austin Art Garage) at 2200 S. Lamar on Saturday, Sept. 20, 5 to 9 pm.
Original commissioned political art will be live auctioned (with lots of great stuff from donated by local biz's in our silent auction), as the South Austin Jug Band does their musical thing. This is the kick off of our Get Out the Vote Effort for Stop Domain Subsidies.
Historically the most heavily utilized bus stop in town, +/-3,000 people a day step on and off buses with the Capitol as a backdrop, but "NO MORE!" says Governor Perry, who resides across the street.
The ACLU-TX Central Texas Chapter opposes the elimination of the Capitol Transfer Center (the 11th St. and Congress Ave. bus stops), scheduled for August 24, 2008, since the stated reason for doing so, "safety," has yet to be substantiated as a legitimate concern.
CapMetro offered several alternatives to closure in response to Perry's stated concerns (which just recently developed?), but he and the Board offered no viable explanation as to why the alternative solutions wouldn't suffice.* So now Transfer Center activities will be rerouted to 10th and Congress, causing serious interruption in traffic as buses will bottleneck in the traffic lanes vs. the utilizing the shouldered, designated bus lanes on 11th.
*The decision to close these stops was made by Gov. Perry and the State Preservation Board (since by law they oversee all infrastructure surrounding the Capitol).
http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/sp...
Debbie Russell,
president, ACLU-TX Central TX Chapter
secretary, Better Austin Today
member, CoA Public Safety Task Force
"Violence by government, as in all other relations, is a confession of failure. "
