What a Turnout?

Perry's strategy seems to be pandering to this group of Republican primary voters (http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/04/27/0427perry.html). Unfortunately, this event looked more like a scene out of Amy Poehler's new show "Parks and Recreation" than a legitimate political rally. Seems to me that this type of strategy has failed in the past, and if this week's turnout is any indication, KBH may have an easier time than expected.

What Stimulus? That Stimulus?

A reader just wrote and asked me why “no one is calling Governor Perry out on the fact that accepted 97% of the stimulus. How can he stand at these TEA Parties and rail against Washington spending with a straight face?” The reader brings up an excellent question: Why isn't anyone calling Perry out for this?

Harvey Kronberg wrote about how he accepted 97% back in March when Perry turned down the unemployment money ($555 million), but no reporters seem to have written about the irony of Perry flying around the state today to attend all of these parties http://www.news8austin.com/content/commentary/on_the_agenda/?ArID=235037&SecID=76.

In all, Perry accepted $17 billion in federal funds from the stimulus package (97% of what Texas was eligible to receive)! I wonder how much tea that could buy?

Happy Tea Party Day!

Perry’s made a smart move by grabbing the new third rail in American politics—the anti-Washington sentiment consuming fly-over country (that part of the U.S. that is so unsophisticated because it dares to exercise independent judgment). Perry’s support for HCR 50 and his press conference Tuesday have made him the darling of conservative media: Limbaugh, Ingraham, Hannity and even Drudge devoted extensive coverage to his support for the “dead” 10th amendment.

But, is there any doubt when Perry speaks of “Washington” he really means “Kay?” While I fully agree with the Governor and applaud his actions, where has he been until now? Is it genuine indignation or is it simply Perry’s cynical attempt to court the far right? It’s a legitimate question because of his timing and the fact that one can hardly characterize KBH as part of the problem…

While KBH did vote for the first round of TARP bailouts, so did Sen. Cornyn and 72 others. Since this time, she has been on the front lines opposing Obama’s reckless spending proposal, having voted against additional TARP spending, against the stimulus, against the omnibus spending bill and against Obama’s budget (after having sponsored the GOP alternative with deficit hawks McCain and Coburn).

No wonder he speaks of “Washington” rather than “Kay.” He’s trying to run against her, but he can’t. If he spoke of Kay, he would reveal how they are essentially lock-step in the fight against excessive government spending and growth.

The Golden Rule

We may have our first election scandal of the 2010 governor's race, but it involves fundraising from 2006, http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/04/bob-perry-to-rick-perry-follow.html.

The DMN reported today that lawyers for Perry and the Republican Governors' Association are denying the RGA was used as a straw-man for a $1 million contribution from Houston homebuilder Bob Perry to Rick.

Perry's 2006 dem challenger, the disgruntled Chris Bell, is suing in district court in Austin. He claims Perry accepted this clandestine $1 million while he was slapping Bell around the state for accepting $1 million from a Texas trial lawyer.

While Bell is known as a sore loser, it's surprising he hasn't yet accepted the golden rule of politics: Do unto others before they can do unto you.

Politicians Who Save Their Pennies...

The Orange [Texas] Leader reported yesterday that KBH has secured $2 million in funding for post-Ike public beach debris removal http://www.orangeleader.com/government/local_story_098164146.html.

Meanwhile, the Leader also reported that Perry has requested "lawmakers enhance Texas' recovery efforts related to the 2008 hurricane season..." http://www.orangeleader.com/government/local_story_098164310.html. Specifically, Perry has requested that FEMA extend the deadline for 100 percent federal reimbursement for debris removal for an additional six months, ending October 26.

This race to the beach demonstrates the one possible advantage KBH has by being "in Washington" in a political climate when it's not popular to be associated with our nation's capital: All she has to do is make a call to secure millions of federal dollars for Texans. And, KBH will always be better situated to receive federal money than Perry. For this reason, one wonders if her time in DC will actually serve as a political help rather than hindrance next year. Will Texans, celebrated for their fierce independence and frontier mentalities, be seduced by Kay's access to Uncle Sam's PIN number?

It's My Party...

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/legislature/stories/DN-perry_08tex.ART.State.Edition2.4aa340a.html

Christy Hoppe of the DMN reports this morning that Gov. Perry is wearing thin among GOP state legislators. Exhibit A: House Republicans are supporting a constitutional amendment that would allow the legislature to return to Austin post-session to override a governor’s veto (something not possible to date in Texas). This amendment has passed the state House, but now it faces the Senate and a ballot referendum in November.

While Republican lawmakers may be unhappy with Perry and his tendency to veto popular legislation, they need to take a deep breath before they proceed. The governor, as a statewide-elected official, has the ability to make an objective, deliberative evaluation of legislation and decide whether such legislation is good for Texans. Removing this roadblock could be disastrous for Texas public policy and especially state spending. No matter who is governor in 2011, he or she should have the ability to veto frivolous and wasteful legislation without the legislature sneaking back to Austin to override him or her. Everyone knows someone has to save legislators from themselves.

Quote of the Day

"Concentrated power is not rendered harmless by the good intentions of those who create it." - Milton Friedman

Nobody Puts Kay in a Corner

A few weeks ago, TxSkirt wrote about the KBH/Perry showdown and its potential to fracture the party http://txskirt.com/?p=83. I don't disagree with her. I too haven't decided whether to support Hutchison or Perry in next year's primary... I like/dislike things about both candidates. Nonetheless, I find it curious that everyone seems to think KBH is the one setting up this colossal battle. Is she supposed to stay in the Senate forever? Neither she nor Texans want this, and Perry could just as easily have stepped aside. George Washington wasn't term limited either, but he thought two, four-year terms were plenty of power for one man.

Plus, Cornyn has obtained a leadership position in Republican Senate caucus, meaning that even if she leaves, TX won't suffer from lack of seniority. And the chance of Texans electing a dem to replace KHB is low. So Texans' interests will continue to be well-represented in the US Senate. I guess what I'm saying is, let's bring some commerce to the office of Governor and elect the best man, or woman, for the job. No one should be afraid to have his or her photo taken with either candidate.

Quote of the Day

"It only stands to reason that where there's sacrifice, there's someone collecting the sacrificial offerings.  Where there's service, there is someone being served.  The man who speaks to you of sacrifice is speaking of slaves and masters, and intends to be the master." - Ayn Rand

Obama voters beware...

Borderline ...

http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2009/mar/21/audit-border-funds-diverted/

The San Angelo Standard Times recently reported that more than $79 million in the past four years designated for border security has been diverted to non-border related law enforcement. Rather than border security, the funds were used to purchase more than 200 new police cars and even a $7.4 million helicopter for use across the state.  The funds were spent by various state agencies including the Governor's Division of Emergency Management.

The story also explains that Perry has requested an additional $110 million from the Legislature to fight border violence.  In the meantime, Hutchison is cosponsoring an amendment to provide $550 million in federal funding to beef up border security in FY 2010.  The amendment includes "$260 million for Customs and Border Protection to hire, train, equip and deploy 1,600 officers and 400 canine teams to the border to significantly increase the number of exit inspections.

In other words, I see your $110 million and raise you $440 million.