Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Me too...
Hutchison said, "Whatever short-term gain we might receive from this spending is more than outweighed by the long-term debt and financial burden we are passing on to future generations .... We don't even have a report on how much has been spent on this program, nor reliable estimates of future requirements. It would be irresponsible to pass on another $2 billion with so little information."
Not to be left out, Perry spokesman Mark Miner quickly announced Perry's opposition to the federal program. (link)
Whether political posturing or not, both win points with this blogger for opposing such a waste of money...
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Rasmussen 2012 Hypo Match-ups
Obama 48%, Palin 42%
If the election were held today, Obama would be in trouble...
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2012/2012_match_ups_obama_romney_tied_at_45_obama_48_palin_42
Texas Pols Waiting for Hutch to Make a Move
According to the column, KBH is facing pressure from fellow GOP senators to stay put for a while, but she also needs to return to Texas if she hopes to win next year's primary battle against Perry.
All the while, a cadre Texas GOPers are lining up to run for KBH's Senate seat:
"Republicans who would like to take her seat are: Republicans Lt. Gov. David David Dewhurst, Railroad Commissioners Elizabeth Ames Jones and Michael Williams, state Sen. Florence Shapiro and former Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams. The Democrats are former State Comptroller John Sharp and Houston Mayor Bill White. All these folks have or can raise the money needed to run credible campaigns.
But that is not the end of the story. Just as Dewhurst is counting on Hutchison to resign so that he can announce his candidacy, other folks want to know if he will not seek re-election so they can run for lieutenant governor, especially Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, a fellow Republican.
And if Abbott runs for lieutenant governor, former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz and state Rep. Dan Branch of Dallas, both Republicans, hope to succeed him. In the Democratic camp, state Sen. Royce West of Dallas also is expected to run for attorney general."
Rumor has it that KBH would prefer fellow Dallasite Florence Shapiro replace her in the Senate.
According to the Texas Election Code, §§ 204.003 and 204.005, if Hutchison resigns on or before Dec. 30, 2009, a special election will be held for the remainder of her unexpired term (ending Jan 2013). Under Texas law, the special election would be held on May 8, 2010 (Tex. Elec. Code § 41.001). If she resigns after Dec. 30, 2009, her replacement will be determined on November 3, 2010. In either event, Perry will make an interim replacement if Congress is in session.
It is this blogger’s opinion that a special election would be advantageous to Republicans generally and KBH specifically. A truncated primary would ameliorate the inevitable in-fighting among all of the Republican candidates. Plus, the time limitations prevent Houston Mayor Bill White from gaining the state-wide name recognition he would need to even be competitive.
For KBH, a special election for HER seat keeps her the focus of the news cycle while crowding Perry out.
Perry Visits Iraq ... Again
This visit, Perry's second to Iraq this year, leads one to wonder ... Is Perry running for governor or president? One thing at a time Governor....
Interestingly, Perry was accompanied by another possible 2012 contender, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. The two-term Pawlenty recently ruled out running for a third term saying, "Being governor should not be a permanent position." http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/06/minnesota-gov-tim-pawlenty-wont-run-for-reelection-is-presidential-bid-in-the-wind.html. Do you think he discussed his views with Perry?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A Texas Civil War
"Ned Holmes of Houston, a Perry appointee to the Texas Transportation Commission, gave $77,000 to Hutchison, campaign finance reports released Wednesday show. Robert Rowling of Dallas, who gave $100,000 to Hutchison, was on the University of Texas Board of Regents, and Charles Tate of Houston, also a $100,000 giver to Hutchison, used to be on Perry's Council for Science and Biotechnology."
The DMN article goes on to explain this Texas showdown is dividing families and individuals. In some cases, husbands and wives are supporting different candidates. In other cases, individuals have donated to both Perry and Hutchison.
It's a good thing there's plenty of $$ in this state....
Monday, July 13, 2009
Kay Is In It To Win It
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Palin to Campaign for Perry
Monday, June 29, 2009
Quote of the Day
By Pleasing Everyone, Rick Pleases No One
Perry has upset conservatives by not taking up the Voter ID bill from the past session. Likewise, democrats are upset he has refused to take up expansion of the state's subsidized children's health insurance program. And, he has upset everyone by refusing to address property tax relief.
Apparently, Perry has determined that no news is preferable to bad news coming out of a special session. With political calculations like this, KBH will have an easy time making him out to be an ineffective leader.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Pawlenty: Three Terms Is One Too Many
One wonders if Gov. Perry has considered the agony and ecstasy of his last slice of pizza. He’s running for a third term, and if he wins, individuals who were not born when he became governor will be in high school when he leaves office. It should be a sobering thought for someone who believes so strongly in limited government.
For the transcript of the Pawlenty interview, link to: http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/06/pawlenty-three-terms-for-a-gov.html
Quote of the Day
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
DMN Declares KBH the Winner of Legislative Session
DMN’s Wayne Slater and Christy Hope posit that KBH may be the true winner of this Texas legislative session, http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/060209dntexgovsession.48cb1d5.html. During the 140 days, the leg failed to address important issues such as property taxes, homeowner’s insurance rates and uninsured Texas children. They argue the lethargic session illustrates her line of attached: A lack of leadership by Perry.
She pounced: In a statement, Hutchison said, "Our state leads the country in some undesirable categories: high school dropout rates, homeowner insurance rates, utility rates, access to healthcare and property taxes. Yet these issues weren't addressed…. Effective leadership requires engagement and involvement.” http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/06/kay-bailey-hutchison-weighs-in.html
Rush Limbaugh Becomes Honorary Texan
This blogger found it interesting while listening to Rush last Friday that he mentioned he had to fly to Houston that evening. Why you ask? To become an Honorary Texan—an honor bestowed by Rick Perry. During a presentation Perry said, “God bless Rush Limbaugh.” No matter whom you support in this race, the only thing to say is, “Amen.” http://www.alternet.org/rss/4/58661
KBH Troubled By Sotomayer's "Racist" Comments
KBH, likely in an effort to “court” conservative voters, hasn’t warmed to B. Hussein Obama’s first SCOTUS nominee Sonia Sotomayer. KBH called Sotomayer’s now-infamous “wise Latina” comment as “troubling,” but she wouldn’t go so far as to call her a “racist.” Politico reports: “Hutchison took issue Sotomayor’s statement about a ‘wise Latina’ judge making better decisions than a white male judge. ‘It does trouble me to say that one type of old person versus another one is going to make a better decision…Those are troubling [statements,]’ Hutchison said.
However, the Texas senator made clear she was not interested in leveling the charges of racism bandied about by conservative talk show host Rush Limbuagh and former House speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.). ‘I definitely think we need to have the respectful tone…Arguing the facts, not trying to label someone I think is important and I think going forward that’s what you will see from the senators that are involved in the process,’ Hutchison said.” http://www.politico.com/blogs/politicolive/0509/Subdued_Hutchison_Wise_Latina_comment_troubling_.html?showall
Thursday, April 30, 2009
What a Turnout?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
What Stimulus? That Stimulus?
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!
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.
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Golden Rule
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.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Politicians Who Save Their Pennies...
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?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
It's My Party...
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.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Quote of the Day
Nobody Puts Kay in a Corner
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.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Quote of the Day
Borderline ...
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
If U Seek Ashley
VP Joe Biden, the man who coined the phrase "Drug Czar" and likes to brag about how he added 100,000 police officers to the beat, apparently forgot to police at home. His daughter, Ashley Biden, has allegedly been caught on video pulling a Scarface at a Delaware house party. While some allege it was a setup, no one forced her face into the blow.
Where are the drive-by media on this story? If it were one of the Bush twins, Larry King would have already devoted a week to coverage.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Living in a Material World...
The hullabaloo (pun-intended) surrounding Perry's $50 million grant [read: earmark] to Texas A&M from the state's Emerging Technology Fund illustrates the danger of shady money in politics. Only after Perry was caught with his hands in the cookie jar is the state legislature going to do something about it.
Both Perry and Hutch should eschew any earmarks, grants, etc. All appropriations should be thoroughly vetted and meet taxpayer approval.
Obama Motors
Rush Limbaugh said its just an attempt to shift total control of GM to the UAW.
Will Perry or Hutch stand up against the federal government taking over private industries and rewarding failure?
That's Hot
The Houston Chronicle quotes UVA political scientist Larry Sabato as saying, should KBH win next year's primary, she'll become a "very hot property." So hot, in fact, Sabato said she would catapult to the top of the GOP VP list. My question: Why stop at VP Kay?
Friday, March 27, 2009
Palin v. Hutchison?
Who would have thought a three-week old post on KBH’s website would ignite such a furor? I think the point is its no surprise Palin would endorse Perry. Plus, endorsements generally don’t influence elections—even an endorsement from someone as popular as Palin. I think the media just want to see a good, old-fashioned cat fight.