01.31.10
Posted in 2010 Primary, Democratic Events, Good Stuff, HD-52, Williamson County at 3:43 pm by wcnews
Via Williamson County for Bill White, they are hosting a “Kick Off” event:
Williamson County For Bill White Kick off WITH MAYOR BILL WHITE!!
Please join State Representative Diana Maldonado as she hosts Mayor Bill White for the Williamson County for Bill White Campaign Kickoff!
Date: Saturday, February 6, 2010
Time: 10:30am – 1:00pm
Location: Williamson County Democrats Office, 110 North Interstate 35, Suite 170, Round Rock [MAP]
Be sure and RSVP at the Williamson County for Bill White Facebook page.
Permalink
Posted in 2010 Primary, District 31, HD-52, Williamson County at 6:00 am by wcnews
WCGOP residency fight in HD-52 primary will continue, exactly when no one knows, Residency dispute headed for jury trial.
Gordon and attorney Roy Minton, who is defending [Alyssa] Eacono in the lawsuit Gordon filed earlier this month, each confirmed Thursday that the third and possibly final round in this GOP slugfest will be played out in front of a jury.
“We decided we had to go to a jury trial,” Gordon said, recalling the unfavorable ruling he received Jan. 19 from visiting District Court Judge James Clawson. “We’d rather stand our chances in front of a jury of citizens.”
[...]
Gordon and Minton each said that due to scheduling and time needed for preparation, the case might not go to trial until after the primary has already been held.
How all this will affect primary election results remains to be seen.
Grits has a wrap-up of Friday’s Forensic Sciences Commission in Harlingen where Williamson County DA continued his delaying tactics in the Willingham case.
That was really quite a display. I’ll give him this. John Bradley came into Harlingen with an agenda; he was on his A-game when other commissioners were back on their heels and didn’t know what to expect; and as a result he got what he wanted out of the meeting: Delay discussing anything substantive about flawed forensic science and a new “process” in which he can bury the Willingham case in committee until after the November election.
It was a pretty brazen performance, but judging by minimalist MSM media coverage, the Williamson County DA clearly made a good bet that – by moving the meeting to the Rio Grande Valley on a Friday and waiting to produce the rules until the last minute – he would get away with such bold hectoring of the commission. It’s not a great start to Bradley’s relationship with his fellow commissioners, but he’s obviously not there to make friends. He’s there to delay the commission’s work and to impede the Willingham investigation by hook or by crook. And he’s succeeding.
And last Rep. John Carter is still running around taking credit for projects he voted against. From an LTE from The Cameron Herald.
Congressman John Carter ought to be ashamed of himself. He showed up in Rockdale last week brandishing one of those larger-than-life “checks” from the federal government, as if he personally made sure struggling and laid off Alcoa workers would be able to get the jobs training they need.
The funny thing is, Rep. Carter voted against the legislation that authorized the $2.5 million that funds the jobs package for our area. He actively campaigned against it and now the hypocrite wants to take credit for legislation he voted against.
Permalink
01.21.10
Posted in 2010 Primary, HD-52, Williamson County at 2:58 pm by wcnews
Via the RRL, Judge lifts temporary order during candidate’s hearing.
On Tuesday visiting District Court Judge James Clawson from Bell County lifted the temporary order he’d set in place last Thursday. The judge’s order had barred Williamson County Republican Party Chair-man Bill Fairbrother from ordering primary election ballots until the question of Eacono’s residency had been addressed in court.
The judge’s ruling allows Fairbrother – and his Democratic Party counterpart, Richard Torres – to work with Williamson County Elections Administrator Rick Barron in preparing ballots.
On Tuesday, Barron testified that contrary to popular opinion, the lawsuit Gordon filed earlier this month affects the Democratic primary as well as the Republican primary.
“We are waiting on this ruling right now. We can’t lock down the ballots for either party until this is resolved,” Barron testified, noting the early voting period is Feb. 16-26 and Jan. 15 would have been the first day he could have begun sending absentee ballots to military personnel overseas in advance of the March 2 primaries.
“Both [Republican and Democratic] data bases are together,” he later explained, outside the courtroom. “We put everything into one data base. It’s the only way to do it, really.” [Emphasis added].
Next step is a hearing, or possibly a “full trial” on February 4th.
Permalink
Posted in 2010 Primary, Commentary, HD-52, Williamson County at 11:41 am by wcnews
Heard at a recent GOP Candidate Forum:
When asked what the biggest challenge is for the criminal justice system in Texas, the answers varied somewhat. Mr. Casey cited illegal immigration. Ms. Eacono believes that inmates in Texas prisons get too many privileges such as “cable television and three warm meals.” She advocates cutting back on these things to save money. Mr. Gonzales said that he believes cost is the biggest challenge and that many in the prisons are mentally ill. Mr. Gordon thinks that more communities should be involved as volunteers to better the system. Both Mr. Gonzales and Mr. Casey said that they had personally been involved in prison ministries and advocated for more people to get involved with volunteering as well.
While no taxpayer wants prison life to be “easy”, I’m not sure having prisons in Texas filled with hungry and bored prisoners is a good solution. Blaming immigrants makes little sense. And while prison ministry may be rewarding it’s unlikely “community volunteers” are a solution. Wow!! These candidates are completely irrational and out of touch on this issue. As has been the case for quite some time, even the right wing think tank Texas Public Policy Foundation(TPPF) has been on board with rational solutions for Texas’ corrections budget.
Here’s the latest Grits post on the issue, Might 2011 budget crunch bring TX prison closures?
This morning I stopped in for a panel discussion sponsored by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative Austin-based think tank, on the topic of “Corrections Solutions for a Tight Budget” at their big annual conference, and was pleased to hear state leaders tentatively embrace a suggestion I’ve been promoting here on Grits: Closing some of Texas’ most expensive or difficult-to-staff prison units to make prisons safer and cheaper.
Among the speakers, Dr. Tony Fabelo was most blunt on this question, suggesting openly that Texas “try to save money by closing down prisons,” citing examples in Michigan, Connecticut and elsewhere to say it could be done safely. The biggest challenge in 2011, he said: “If we’re not careful the Legislature could screw this up again” by slashing probation, parole and treatment programming to prop up prison spending, which is what happened in 2003. Instead, Fabelo ticked off several units that are well over 100 years old and much more expensive to run than modern facilities, suggesting that budget cutters start there when it’s time to make cuts at TDCJ.
There’s much more in the Grits post and of course it’s better for the budget to get the “non violent” offenders out of prison, working and paying taxes.
Permalink
01.19.10
Posted in 2010 Primary, HD-52 at 6:16 pm by wcnews
Via QR:
“Its where I vote, its the address on my drivers license and the address on my concealed weapon permit,” said Republican primary contender Alyssa Eacono.
If three’s a crowd, what is four?
Permalink
Posted in 2010 Primary, Election 2010, HD-52 at 2:41 pm by wcnews
Incumbent HD-52 state Rep. Diana Maldonado (D-Round Rock) as of the January 15th filing deadline maintains just over $94,000 cash on hand (COH). Her biggest donations have been from Annie’s List (almost $30,000), as well as $5,000 donations from Texans for Economic Development PAC and Border Health PAC, and $2,500 from Charles Butt. What really stands out in Maldonado’s fundraising is the amount of small donor donations she’s received. Since Maldonado doesn’t have a primary opponent, she’ll be able to save her money for the general election.
On the GOP side, other than the court battle that’s going on, it’s clear that there are only two well-funded candidates. One candidate, Larry Gonzales, appears to have the backing of the usual GOP suspects/institutional money that funded Bryan Daniel in 2008. He’s raised over $44,000 and maintains $33,000 COH. Notorious GOP money man Bob Perry, and his wife Doylene have each given $10,000. He received $5,000 from Lawrence Bowman. He also appears to have the backing locally of John Avery and Jon Sloan. Also in for $1,000 are KOCH PAC, and Craddick-tied lobbyist Michael Toomey.
The other candidate who has significant money for the primary is perennial local candidate John Gordon. He raised just over $50,000 and maintains $18,000 COH. The only thing that stands out is that over $12,000 of his donations have come from people with the same last name as his, not that there’s anything wrong with it. He’s donated, or loaned, over $34,000 of his own money to the campaign. The rest of his donations are coming from small/local donors.
The other two candidates in the race, Stephen Casey and Alyssa Eacono, have raised little or nothing. It’s unlikely that either of them will do little more than force a run off between Gonzales and Gordon.
Permalink
01.15.10
Posted in 2010 Primary, Election 2008, HD-52 at 12:32 pm by wcnews
Via wilcosun.com:
Republican District House 52 candidate John Gordon filed a lawsuit Thursday morning against Williamson County Republican Party Chairman Bill Fairbrother and fellow District 52 candidate Alyssa Eacono.
The lawsuit claims that Ms. Eacono does not live in the district she wants to represent. According to court documents, Mr. Gordon is asking for an injunction restraining Mr. Fairbrother and the Williamson County Republican Party from placing Ms. Eacono’s name on the primary ballot until the matter is resolved.
Ms. Eacono could not be reached for comment Thursday afternoon. Mr. Fairbrother would not comment on Mr. Gordon’s claims, only saying both sides are working to resolve the dispute.
“The Secretary of State office leaves the party chair with very little discretion to determine residential issues,” Mr. Fairbrother said. “There has been a visiting judge appointed and all parties are working to resolve the mechanics concerning the primary.”
In 2008 Gordon barely missed the runoff, coming in third in a four-way race. If Eacono is removed from the ballot it’ll be a three-way, instead of a four-way race.
[UPDATE]: The Round Rock Leader has more, Candidates set to clash in court.
Gordon said he believes the visiting judge will be able to decide who is correct – himself or Eacono – but acknowledged there is at least one gray area.
For example, the Texas Election Code mandates a six-month residency requirement for candidates, while the Texas Constitution has a 12-month residency requirement. The general election is scheduled for Nov. 2.
“The two rules I see most often see applied are 12 months from the general election and six months from the filing deadline,” Fairbrother said.
Is that confusing?
“Yes,” Fairbrother said.
Furthermore, one source who spoke on the condition of anonimity told the Leader that historically judges consider “intangibles” in these cases, such as “intent” and are reluctant to remove candidates from ballots.
On Thursday, there was even disagreement among Republicans on who bears the burden of proof in these cases: the person making the accusation or the person being accused.
“John needs to convince the judge that she does not deserve to be on the ballot – that’s my understanding of the law,” Fairbrother said.
Gordon disagreed, stating the burden of proof will be on Eacono.
“She needs to come in and bring proof she is a resident of District 52,” he said.
Permalink
01.14.10
Posted in Around The State, Education, HD-52 at 2:48 pm by wcnews
Here’s what Rep. Diana Maldonado (D-Round Rock) had to say about Gov. Perry not allowing Texas to even compete for extra education funding.
State Representative Diana Maldonado (HD-52) released the following statement in regards to Governor Rick Perry’s refusal to allow Texas to compete for federal education dollars:
“I am deeply concerned with Governor Perry’s recent decision to not compete for critical education funding through the U.S. Department of Education’s Race to the Top program. At a time in which our school districts are stretching every dollar and squeezing every penny, these funds could have a large impact on the day-to-day operations and education being provided in our classrooms.
“As leaders, we can oftentimes lose focus of the goal because of the process. However, this is an opportunity in which our children’s education cannot be compromised as we prepare a new generation of leaders. The chance to increase our state’s funding for enhanced science and technology education, new academies and quality teachers is one that could greatly benefit our students and educators. There has been a lot of rhetoric used recently in regards to the value of economic development, but true economic development can only take place when we provide our students with a quality K-12 education in the classroom.”
The AAS has more, Texas will not compete for federal education grant.
Permalink
01.12.10
Posted in 2010 Primary, Around The State, Commentary, Election 2010, HD-52, Redistricting at 12:23 pm by wcnews
Here’s an introductory article on the topic from the HChron, Legislative stakes high ahead of redistricting.
Democrats and Republicans this year are planning a high-stakes fight for control of the Texas House on the eve of redistricting that will affect politics and policy for the next decade.
The March primaries will shape the fall battleground when Democrats will try to pick up the three seats they need to regain control of the 150-member Texas House of Representatives.
Republicans, however, are confident they will build on their current 77-73 advantage because of disgust with debt and record spending by President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats.
New political boundaries will determine state legislative and congressional representation for voters for the next decade. Most redistricting battles end up in federal court, where judges consider maps drawn by the state Legislature.
In Texas, Senate Republicans will maximize GOP potential for one of those maps, and Democrats hope to counter with a Democratic House-drawn map to maximize their party’s interests.
Of course one of the key races is the reelection of Diana Maldonado in HD-52.
The retirement of Rep. David Farabee, D-Wichita Falls, almost certainly will turn that seat Republican in a GOP-leaning district. Republicans also are targeting Democratic House members who recently won seats held by Republicans, including Diana Maldonado, of Round Rock; Robert Miklos, of Mesquite; Joe Moody, of El Paso; Carol Kent, of Dallas; Chris Turner, of Burleson; and Valinda Bolton, of Austin.
A group affiliated with Obama plans to invest heavily in Texas and could help Democrats in vulnerable districts. Organizing for America has 12 paid staff members in Texas and plans to expand .
“The main purpose and goal of Organizing for America is to educate Texans about the president’s agenda,” spokesman Hector Nieto said. “We want to make sure that Texas continues to stay involved … and educated about the issues, such as redistricting.”
It’s good to see the President and the national Democratic party seeing these races as important to their future success – hopefully they mean it this time. Especially with Texas getting as many as four new Congressional districts as a result of redistricting.
Also KUT had a good article on redistricting this morning, listen here – Mapping it out. GOP consultant Ted Delisi, husband of TxDOT chief Diana Delisi, had a couple of interesting things to say in the piece.
- That the GOP will be playing defense (incumbent protection), not offense (trying to take the majority), which it’s never done; and
- He thinks main D v. R battle that will play out is dividing up the Hispanic population(D) v. the suburban population (R).
What Delisi, and others in the article didn’t point out, is that this will be a hard redistricting session for rural Texas. With urban and suburban areas of Texas holding much of the power, the rural areas will likely be more on the outside of the process than they’ve ever been. And that will likely cause friction. It’ll also be the first redistricting since 1960 with a Democrat in the White House/Justice Department.
Also in the article it’s mentioned that now anyone can draw maps. Here’s a post that mentions a couple of free applications where even you can participate in redistricting, Two online apps that put you in charge of redistricting.
The other thing that’s been bandied about, (can’t find a link), since the GOP started losing house seats soon after the last redistricting was that the districts were drawn in 2001 to create a 100 vote majority in the house. Which made the marginal GOP districts vulnerable as the decade wore on. That wouldn’t have happened, the myth goes, if they had just drawn 85-90 solid GOP districts instead.
With a budget shortfall and redistricting in the same session, the upcoming legislative session is sure to be a doozie..
Permalink
01.05.10
Posted in 2010 Primary, Around The State, Commentary, Commissioners Court, Election 2010, HD-52, Precinct 2, Precinct 4, Williamson County at 12:52 pm by wcnews
Texas Democrats were able to get strong candidates to file in almost all statewide races, (excluding Comptroller). For a complete list of statewide, as well as Congressional, and state legislative races check out the handy Election 2010 database the Texas Tribune put together.
SCTXBlog has The list of candidates for Texas Supreme Court seats in 2010.
Kuff has commentary and many links on filings, Filing deadline overview, Harris County.
[UPDATE]: BOR has this too, The Dallas Morning News’ Filing Day Coverage Is Incredible Journalism.
Democrats in Williamson County were able to find quality candidates for the most important races in the county for 2010. While it would have been great to have a candidate for every race in the county, it’s best with limited resources, for Democrats in Williamson County to focus on the races that are most winnable and will help build the party in the future.
Reelecting Diana Maldonado to the legislature in HD-52 is the top goal for Democrats in Williamson County. Running a close second is to get either, if not both, Jeff Maurice and Jim Stauber elected to get a Democrat and some balance on the Commissioners Court in Georgetown.
Read the rest of this entry
Permalink
Previous entries Next Page » Next Page »