texas primary
Texas Progressive Alliance Weekly Line Up
The Texas Progressive Alliance hopes everyone had a happy Election Day last week, and is already looking forward to the next one. Here are this week’s highlights.
TXsharon continues to report from a backyard in the Barnett Shale. Despite all the local and national press on drilling related toxins, carcinogens and neurotoxins in our air, Aruba Petroleum Refuses a Simple Step to Improve Barnett Shale Air and thereby recklessly and willfully endangers public health and safety. Read it on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.
refinish69 announces his endorsement for the Democratic nominee for Texas governor at Doing My Part For The Left. The progressive choice has to be Hank Gilbert with his policy issues and especially his strong stance on GLBT issues. Hank Gilbert for Texas Governor was the only choice refinish69 could make.
Justin at Asian American Action Fund Blog has a thorough take on the results of election day in Houston.
The Texas Cloverleaf provides an election night roundup of some of DFW’s races you never heard of, and some national ones you have.
If you dislike Rep. Dennis Kucinich as much as Mayor McSleaze, there’s probably something right with you.
quizas of South Texas Chisme notes that Galveston medical facilities are among those not notifying about rules for the poor, while CouldBeTrue notes South Texas Democrats join Republicans in shafting poor women. Shame on them.
BossKitty at TruthHugger Let me ‘dis’ the local Austin TV news media who gets around to breaking the Health Care Reform Bill news TWO and a half hours later. Hooray for the House Austin just lives in a bubble.
Over at BlueBloggin, nytexan takes a long look at another disgusting practice of our medical insurance industry. We Have One Twisted Health System, Living Organ Donors Beware. The organ donor’s family is never charged for donating. The family is charged for the cost of all final efforts to save your life, and those costs are sometimes misinterpreted as costs related to organ donation. Surprise for organ donors: unexpected medical bills. Austin man who gave kidney to co-worker is one of many who have faced health complications, billing problems.
Bay Area Houston says Hispanics, the largest voting block in Texas, are not voting.
WhosPlayin learned of an illegal meeting of Lewisville ISD trustees this past Thursday and Friday, and has video of trustees mentioning this blogger when discussing whether to implement video recording of trustee meetings.
Vince at Capitol Annex takes a look at an interesting story about Judge Sharon Keller of Court of Criminal Appeals that was eclipsed by the tragedy at Fort Hood.
Off the Kuff has six questions for the runoffs in Houston.
Harris County Clerk Beverly Kaufman toes the ethical line with her active promotion of an assistant for her job, and the local media thinks that’s just fine. Get the details in PDiddie’s Brains and Eggs.
At TexasKaos, Libby Shaw has news for Cornyn and Sessions about the Republican Resurgence. As she notes:
I wouldn’t gloat too much, boys. Your job in Washington just got a lot harder. Meanwhile, back here at home, in case you boys forgot that Houston is the largest city in Texas, three progressive Democrats and one Republican ran for mayor. The Republican dude and the old white guy with boatloads of bucks lost. The run-off race is between a gay woman and an African American male.
See the rest here: I have news for John Cornyn and Pete Sessions
WCNews at Eye On Williamson reports on the local toll authority’s latest shenanigans, CTRMA to jack up tolls on 183-A, add automatic annual increases.
Neil at Texas Liberal bought Thanksgiving cards drawn by a young person with cancer who is being treated at Houston’s M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The design Neil bought is both bleak and hopeful.
There was much rejoicing this week at Texas Vox and among the environmental community at large when it was announced that Dr. Al Armendariz was named new Region 6 Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. A Texas EPA administrator that “embodies the ‘Principles for Environmental Leadership and Real Change’”? You better believe it.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT 2008
The final push is on for the Texas Primary and for the first time in decades Texas is actually in play. Barack Obama brings a message of hope and change for America. He has a vision of what America should strive to be and millions of Americans, including myself, agree with him. You can help make this vision a reality by becoming involved in the final Get Out The Vote Push.
Sign up to be a Precinct Captain for Obama! Volunteers all over Texas are coordinating with the Obama field team and making thousands and thousands of calls to ID Voters and encourage them to get out and vote. We will also be canvassing as much of Texas as possible in these last few days. Sign Up and the work with other Obama supporters in your area to make History!!!! Block walk and talk to your neighbors, friends and family to make sure they get to the polls and vote and also show up for their precinct caucus and vote again for Barack Obama!!!!
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Texas Progressive Alliance Blog Round Up
It’s Monday, and exactly one week and one day before the all-important March primary. This week’s round-up is compiled by Vince from Capitol Annex.
TXsharon has a broken modem so Bluedaze is suffering but she managed to post about The RRC’s approval of Atmos Energy’s extravagant spending–bendover Texans. Also read about howPhil King meets Karma in Wise County and hear the horrendous sounds of the Barnett Shale.
Off the Kuff offers his incomplete list of endorsements for the Democratic primaries, and for his birthday rounds up his complete list of candidate interviews.
Gary at Easter Lemming Liberal News has blogged an eventful week or two climaxing with Paul Burka becoming a believer in the Obama Borg – Democrats can take back Texas. Wow.
Over at McBlogger Mayor McSleaze commemorates Kirk Watson’s Deer In The Headlights Moment while McBlogger, beverage in hand, watches the Debate and puts the smackdown on wingnuts still drinking the school voucher Kool-Aid
The Texas Cloverleaf makes it back safely from Oklahoma City and discusses the National Stonewall Democrats meeting there, as well as the upcoming LGBT Presidential Town Hall in Dallas on Monday night.
PDiddie at Brains and Eggs had a report on Obama’s visit to Houston last Tuesday, and also noted the end of the Fidel Castro era in Cuba. Open Source Dem had part three of his “Texas in Play” series, entitled “Jim Crow Lives”.
Hal, who writes Half Empty, went to early vote last Wednesday and has some poll observations and some Fort Bend County stats.
Bill Howell of StoutDemBlog reminds us of some Texas election history that is relevant for this year’s Democratic Primary, in Don’t Be Confused By Names.
Muse was at the Bill Clinton fundraiser in Houston this week where she fulfilled a lifelong dream to touch him – handshake! She notes that not all college students are for Obama – witness the Daily Texan endorsement for Hillary. And, she receives an email where Obama encourages Republicans to crash the Democratic primary, to vote against the bad, scary Hillary. More Hillary stuff coming this week on musings!
WhosPlayin tries to explain the “Obama Movement“, and has a run-down of which Texas blogs are endorsing Clinton or Obama.
Vince at Capitol Annex notes that the Texas Democratic Party has instructed county and precinct officials not to interpret election results for the media or political campaigns, and asks if national Democrats will still respect us (or call or visit) after March 4.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Texas Progressive Alliance Blog Round Up
It’s Monday, and that means it is time again for the Texas Progressive Alliance’s weekly blog round-up. This week’s round-up is compiled by Vince from Capitol Annex.
Burnt Orange Report is covering all kinds of races this week. In addition to their notable endorsement of Obama and analysis of how he can win and his Presidential primary poll numbers, Matt Glazer has reported that State Rep. Kino Flores has some ethics violation troubles, beyond the $50,000 he received from Craddick supporters.
Eye On Williamson has two posts on the upcoming Presidential Primary in Texas, Why I’m For Barack Obama and Barack can seal the deal in Williamson County. And locally, The Silly Season Is Upon Us – The WCGOP Machine Makes It’s Choice.
TXsharon at Bluedaze, while not a football fan, reports on illegal gifts of SuperBowl tickets to Phil King and Michael Williams. Considering that the most recent pipeline explosion sent flames 600 -700 feet into the air, we need Railroad Commissioners without conflicts making decisions that will keep Texans safe.
WhosPlayin of WhosPlayin.com endorsed Obama for President and Aimlessness thinks Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia needs to go back to law school and get a refresher course on the U.S. Constitution. Talk about your “tortured” logic.
Musings endorses Hillary Clinton for President,citing her toughness, service, compassion, ability to work across the aisle and her solutions-oriented approach to governing as reasons why she is the choice for a new direction in Washington.
The Texas Cloverleaf digs up a report by the GAO that toll road public-private partnerships might not be the best thing for taxpayers. While at the same time, a new state rail system venture is brought back into the public spotlight in Texas.
The Texas Cloverleaf gets its hide chapped when the Dallas Morning News endorses the primary opponent of Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez. The endorsement is destroyed in typical Cloverleaf fashion.
CouldBeTrue at South Texas Chisme wonders if James Leininger is giving up the fight for school vouchers, i.e. destroying public schools in favor a theocratic education. In any case, Leininger is distancing himself from Tom Craddick.
Off the Kuff looks at the yard sign primary in his neighborhood.
Team McBlogger has decided to swim against the tide and endorse Senator Hillary Clinton in the Presidential Primary. Then they compounded the good decision making with a trip to the opening of her Texas HQ in Austin to see Bill Clinton. You know, the guy who’s married to the candidate. Apparently, a couple of thousand people also had the same idea.
At Half Empty, with Edwards gone, Hal has thrown his support to Barack Obama. And, after much soul searching, thought and input from great bloggers across the nation, Refinish69 has decided to endorse Obama for President in 2008.eething anger, Hal at Half Empty asks this question of the Republican Party of Texas, who are acting as surrogates for the John Cornyn senatorial campaign: Are you sure you want a dog in this hunt?
After much soul searching, thought and input from great bloggers across the nation, Refinish69 has decided to endorse Obama for President in 2008.
Open Source Dem at Brains and Eggs has`part two of “Texas in Play.”
BossKittyat BlueBloggin shows us that voting is still a major problem in this country considering Washington DC Has 10,000 Mystery Voters.
Jaye at Winding Road in Urban Area endorses Hillary Clinton for President.
John Coby’s mom is for Hillary Clinton. “I can’t remember when our country was in such a horrible situation considering the war in Iraq, our debt, our status in the world. My country is in trouble and I believe Hillary Clinton can begin to solve the problems beginning on day one.”
Vince at Capitol Annex notes that Marissa Marquez in House District 77 has been trashing bloggers, and endorses Hillary Clinton for president.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Obama For President!!!
Everyone knows I was and am a John Edwards supporter. I have been in a deep funk since John Edwards pulled out of the race. I still believe he was the candidate who was speaking for the majority of Americans and could have really made a difference for Americans and people all over the world. That being said, I cannot sit back and not endorse a new candidate. I have too much time invested in the democratic process to not work towards what I believe is the best for our country after the devastating destruction the Bush Regime has wrought in the past 7 years.
Doing My Part For The Left is endorsing Barack Obama for President in 2008. Having read many blog post from many of the great blogging minds of the nation, I believe Obama is the candidate who can do the most to bring about a change in this nation. Change is needed to help the disenfranchised and the angry feel they are a part of the solution and not just more of the status quo. Let’s take this chance to change the course of history and the course America is on and make a real change in DC. I hope you will join me in supporting Barck Obama as the next President of the United States!!!
I will support whomever gets the eventual nomination because any Democrat is 1000% better than any flat-earther the Repugnants field including the two faced snake McCain. We, as Democrats and Americans, must defeat the party of hatred and discrimination!!! This is the first time in many decades that Texas is actually involved in the process of selecting the nominee for President and I will be voting for Barack Obama during early voting and watching the returns on March 4th with the rest of the nation!!!
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Brain Thompson For A True Blue District 46
Travis County is the bluest county in Texas and on March 4th, voters have a chance to make it a TRUE BLUE Delegation in the Texas Legislature. Brian Thompson is running against Dawwna Dukes for District 46. Brian has received every major endorsement in the Travis County area and for good reason. He cares about the district and is willing to vote for the people of Texas instead of supporting Tom Craddick and his minions who have thrown children of SCHIP, stolen women’s rights away each legislative session, sold out Texas land owners for the Trans Texas Corridor, and were instrumental in writing legalized discrimination into the Texas Constitution.
Brian Thompson has been indorsed by the Texas Progressive Alliance. He has also been endorsed by :
Austin Progressive Coalition
University Democrats
Victory Fund
Central Austin Democrats
Texas Environmental Democrats
Southwest Austin Democrats
Capital Area Progressive Democrats
Teamsters Local 657
Capital Area Asian American Democrats
Austin Stonewall Democrats
South Austin Democrats
Austin Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus
Brain has also been endorsed by Lon Burnam
House District 80
Lon Burnam is the only Democrat in the House who has voted against Craddick from the beginning. It is time we had more strong Democrats in the Texas Legislature who are not afraid to speak out against the autocratic rule of Tom Craddick and the devastation which is being wrought on Texas and our quality of life. The time has come to hold our elected officials accountable for their action and non-action when it comes to taking care of their districts and the rest of Texas.
Brian is willing to work to make the quality of life better for all Texans and not just a select few. Teachers and students alike will have a strong advocate in the Ledge once Brian is elected. Women and children will not have to worry about their rights being stolen from them by the privileged who can buy their way out of any problem and are willing to let the rest of Texas suffer. Our retired teachers will not see Brian vote against a raise in their pension. Brian will be at the forefront leading the charge for changes and fighting injustice as an elected officials should be instead of skipping votes or voting the right way but not speaking out. It is time for strong leadership in the Travis County Legislative Delegation. Brian will be a welcome addition to some of the already strong voices for Texas and Travis County!!!
Mikal Watts Not Feeling The Love
Friday night at the Dallas Democratic Part Fish Fry, a man stood up during Watt’s speech and announced “he’s Anti-Choice” etc and started booing him. I would love to shake that man’s hand!!! Mikal was so hurt by this that he canceled a $10,000 speakers table at the Johnson, Rayburn Richards Harris County Democratic Party dinner. I guess Mikal cannot stand the heat. Texas and Texas Women would be better off if Daddy Warbucks dropped out of the race completely.
The Women of Texas are a tough breed and deserve respect from political candidates and officials. Here is a sign I saw yesterday in Austin.
When you run for office and say a Texas Woman is smart enough to raise a child but too stupid to make a medical decision you take your chances. While I was not raised in Texas, I respect strong, independent, and smart women. My Mom raised two boys on her own and would not let a man decide her fate. I have met many strong women in Texas through the years and I doubt the women of Texas like the fact that Mikal Watts thinks he knows what is better for them either. A woman’s right to chose is not something any politician should be involved in unless it is guaranteeing that right is never taken away. I have a feeling Mikal will be booed a few more times before he either loses the primary of has enough sense to step out of the race.
Rick Noriega felt nothing but love this weekend at both events where he was welcomed enthusiastically by people attending both events. Rick got a standing ovation when he went up to the microphone to introduce Mayor White of Houston at Saturday night’s event. This did not happen for any of the other people who introduced speakers. Mayor White called Rick the next Senator from Texas.
Rick in his 5 terms in the Texas Legislature has been a champion of Women’s Rights. He respects the independent nature of our strong women and is the man we need in Washington. Rick has proven over and over he is the candidate of the people and actually cares about Texans and not just a title. Join Team Noriega and make a donation.
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Rick Noriega- The Right Leader at The Right Time
Texas Needs a true leader as our next Senator in Washington. Rep. Lt. Col. Rick Noriega’s work in the Texas Legislature has been a proving ground which has prepared him for the difficult job ahead. Texas needs a Leader not a follower.
I am proud to be a member of Team Noriega and I hope you will join me in supporting Rick Noriega for U. S. Senate. Rick’s speech on the 4th of July says quite a bit about his thinking and the great qualities that make him the perfect choice as Texas’ next Senator.
On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed by delegates to the Second Continental Congress. The Declaration states that all people are creatures equal under God, with rights and liberties that cannot be violated. This signing was an act of treason under British law, carrying the threat of execution and utter ruin for entire families. We recognize this day as a celebration of patriotism and of the courage it takes to stand up to the sitting government when it is wrong.
This day I share with you my intent. My intent that, in the days to come, our family forms an exploratory committee and joins with me in my choice to run for the United States Senate. Why?
Why, on the first Independence Day I have spent at home in four years, would I risk a safe legislative seat, take a leave of absence from my job, sell property to lend money to a campaign. Why would I ask my family to allow me to be gone again?
Why? Because as Americans, it is our duty to stand up and speak when things have gone off the rails. It is in our very fabric, our soul; it is God’s requirement of us as heirs to the legacy of this country, to exercise the right to speak out as our forefathers taught us.
Our nation is headed in the wrong direction. It is lead by those whose choice is to divide Americans to maintain power. It is the vision of the powerful that are either unwilling or unable to unite people, to foster common ground for the common good.
We as a nation have been the envy of the world when we have maintained our moral compass. I believe we have begun to let that slip away.
Our mismanagement of the war on terror, the acrimony of the national debate on immigration issues, the squandering of the environment, the inability to provide reasonable health care, the decay of our respect for human rights, the refusal to improve education, the willingness to sacrifice the many for the few….we are losing our global moral leadership.
This day reminds us of our legacy as Americans to stand up when things have gone wrong. This call to duty runs in our veins lives in our very bones, as both Texans and Americans. The thing that has always pushed my button is bullies. I have always been compelled to step in when wrongs are being perpetrated, when a group is headed in the wrong direction.
The draft effort asking me to run for the United States Senate has been an astounding honor. I and my entire family are humbled by it. We have prayed about this call. We have asked God every day that if we undertake this immense and necessary task, that it is for the right reasons. That I meet this challenge for God, for Texas and for the country we share and love, not for myself.
This is a daunting endeavor in a multitude of ways. When someone exhibits leadership, they invite attention. No one is perfect, certainly not any of us. We are a regular family that has grown into leadership and responsibility through a commitment to public service. I see it like being a soldier. My wife sees it as a calling, like the ministry.
We are a regular family. We aren’t perfect and we don’t want to hold ourselves up as perfect. It remains to be seen if a regular family can offer themselves up for service to their country without being overwhelmed by money or criticism.
In Texas, we tell our children that if they work hard and play by the rules, they can do anything. We are about to find out if that is true. We are regular Texans like you, answering a call to service, and hopefully, we have prepared as a family for the inevitable onslaught. As Americans the greater good is more important.
Today is the right time for all of us to stand up and say that there has got to be a better way. When our forefathers created this country, they risked their lives, their families, their property and their futures. This is going to take all of us, all of you–our time, our treasure, our patience, our faith. I am answering your call, and that of my Maker, and I am asking you to come with me.
As we jump in, it is because we know that we have the support and prayers of all of you. God bless each of you this July 4th, bless the United States of America, and God bless Texas.
The Netroots Noriega Team has a goal of 800 donors to herald the formation of the Noriega Exploratory Committee. Any donation amount is appreciated. This will be a costly campaign but every dime counts. Please click on the following image to be one of the first 800 Netroots supporters.
Join Team Noriega and help send the Right Leader at the Right Time to Washington.
Check out Rick Noriega.com for more information about the campaign.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Rep. Rick Noriega Announces Intent to Form TX-Sen Exploratory Committee
The 4th of July was a great day for Texans as Rep. Lt. Col. Rick Noriega announced he would form an exploratory committee for Texas Senate. The Draft Rick Noriega group should be very proud as well as the 49 Democratic Representatives in Texas who sent a letter asking Rep. Noriega to run also.
See his speech below.
Rep. Rick Noriega’s 4th of July speech.
On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed by delegates to the Second Continental Congress. The Declaration states that all people are creatures equal under God, with rights and liberties that cannot be violated. This signing was an act of treason under British law, carrying the threat of execution and utter ruin for entire families. We recognize this day as a celebration of patriotism and of the courage it takes to stand up to the sitting government when it is wrong.
This day I share with you my intent. My intent that, in the days to come, our family forms an exploratory committee and joins with me in my choice to run for the United States Senate. Why?
Why, on the first Independence Day I have spent at home in four years, would I risk a safe legislative seat, take a leave of absence from my job, sell property to lend money to a campaign. Why would I ask my family to allow me to be gone again?
Why? Because as Americans, it is our duty to stand up and speak when things have gone off the rails. It is in our very fabric, our soul; it is God’s requirement of us as heirs to the legacy of this country, to exercise the right to speak out as our forefathers taught us.
Our nation is headed in the wrong direction. It is lead by those whose choice is to divide Americans to maintain power. It is the vision of the powerful that are either unwilling or unable to unite people, to foster common ground for the common good.
We as a nation have been the envy of the world when we have maintained our moral compass. I believe we have begun to let that slip away.
Our mismanagement of the war on terror, the acrimony of the national debate on immigration issues, the squandering of the environment, the inability to provide reasonable health care, the decay of our respect for human rights, the refusal to improve education, the willingness to sacrifice the many for the few….we are losing our global moral leadership.
This day reminds us of our legacy as Americans to stand up when things have gone wrong. This call to duty runs in our veins lives in our very bones, as both Texans and Americans. The thing that has always pushed my button is bullies. I have always been compelled to step in when wrongs are being perpetrated, when a group is headed in the wrong direction.
The draft effort asking me to run for the United States Senate has been an astounding honor. I and my entire family are humbled by it. We have prayed about this call. We have asked God every day that if we undertake this immense and necessary task, that it is for the right reasons. That I meet this challenge for God, for Texas and for the country we share and love, not for myself.
This is a daunting endeavor in a multitude of ways. When someone exhibits leadership, they invite attention. No one is perfect, certainly not any of us. We are a regular family that has grown into leadership and responsibility through a commitment to public service. I see it like being a soldier. My wife sees it as a calling, like the ministry.
We are a regular family. We aren’t perfect and we don’t want to hold ourselves up as perfect. It remains to be seen if a regular family can offer themselves up for service to their country without being overwhelmed by money or criticism.
In Texas, we tell our children that if they work hard and play by the rules, they can do anything. We are about to find out if that is true. We are regular Texans like you, answering a call to service, and hopefully, we have prepared as a family for the inevitable onslaught. As Americans the greater good is more important.
Today is the right time for all of us to stand up and say that there has got to be a better way. When our forefathers created this country, they risked their lives, their families, their property and their futures. This is going to take all of us, all of you–our time, our treasure, our patience, our faith. I am answering your call, and that of my Maker, and I am asking you to come with me.
As we jump in, it is because we know that we have the support and prayers of all of you. God bless each of you this July 4th, bless the United States of America, and God bless Texas.
This is a great man and we here in Texas are proud to have him run and will be even prouder when he is our next Senator.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Dear Hillary Clinton
Get your facts straight before you send emails out To Texas Voters!!!!
Everywhere I go, people tell me they are ready to put an end to the disastrous Bush years — ready to make a fresh start and finally meet the challenges we face. Wouldn’t it be great to restart the 21st century?
Once the voting begins, our opportunity to persuade people that we are ready to lead America into that future will come at a fast and furious pace. As more big states move up the dates of their primaries, we’re headed for an election in which more than half of the country will vote in just 22 days.
That includes Texas, where the primary is taking place on February 5, 2008 — just nine months away.
I received this email from Hillary’s campaign and the bill to move the primary in Texas is still pending. Maybe Hillary’s campaign needs to check facts before sending out emails begging for money.
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