John Davis Lists $1500 Pair of Boots as a Campaign Expense

Rick Casey had this to say in yesterday's Houston Chronicle: They're clever, our Texas legislators.

The law says they can spend campaign money on just about anything vaguely related to being a legislator but not on "personal expenses."

I'm terribly curious about how the law defines "personal expenses." Because I've been studying the Texas Ethics Commission filings of John Davis, who is the HD-129 incumbent. I think this may take several posts to cover everything, but I'll start with this: Bed Bath & Beyond 5400 Brodie Lane Suite 300 Austin TX 78745 3/2/2005 $155.51 Bedding Jersey Boots 607 A College Avenue South Houston TX 77587 5/29/2006 $1,537.15 Merchandise purchases Jesse's Shoe Repair 607 College South Houston TX 77587 10/8/2003 $92.56 Repairs I'm really curious about those boots. Do they have "VOTE for John Davis, HD-129" on them and so they count as a campaign expense? Maybe sort of a walking sign? Oh wait, that would be "Vote for John Dufus" like his real signs. I have more research to do. On his tens of thousands of dollars on an AmEx for "miscellaneous expenses". And, a bunch of other items listed as "reimbursement of out-of-pocket" expenses. Also, he sure does give a lot of gifts. Gift, gift, gift, gift listed over and over again. And, there is the hilarity of his campaign kick-off fish fry event that apparently cost more to put on than he raised in donations. More to come on this. Pop some popcorn in the meantime. Oh, and check out who team muse is supporting in the HD-129 race: Sherrie Matula. I block walked and phone banked for her this weekend, with some sign deliveries thrown in at the last minute. Volunteering for Sherrie is the easiest thing in the world, because it's so easy talking to voters about such a great candidate. And, the phone script rocks. Those BAND people make it all seem so simple. You gotta go volunteer for Sherrie! Headquarters are at 907 El Dorado in Clear Lake.