TX-22: Let Us Entertain You!

It's not enough that we give you Tom DeLay on Dancing with the Stars. We also give you our current Congressperson Pete Olson who gets the Olberman treatment. Deer in the headlights - too funny! Click on the deer to see a short clip of Countdown where Olson's town hall takes an unexpected turn after he shamefully exploits a sick kid . . . and makes a point he did not intend to make - for government health care! Last line from Olberman: "There's a doe in your backyard who wants the deer in the headlights look back whenever you're done with it." Then, "Doe, a deer, a female deer" plays. You gotta click and watch! Here's John Coby's reporting on the town hall: here, here and here (this last one where Olson's staff responds - badly.)

Low Awareness of Upcoming City of Houston Elections

A couple of unknowns have filed in the City of Houston At-Large 4 and in District F races since my last update. I don't see Lane Lewis on the City's website, so I wonder if his paperwork made it in OK. I got a Facebook update from him on Friday saying he had filed. For now, I'll leave him as on the ballot until I hear otherwise. You have to wonder if these "no names" might have a chance, since there is such a low awareness that there is an election coming up. Lee McGuire's story about the large number of undecided voters in the Mayor's race is enlightening. Until the major mayoral candidates start some serious voter outreach via TV, I'll still be hearing, "Isn't Mayor White running again?" Very few at-large and district candidates had enough cash on hand on their June 30th financial reports to indicate they were prepared to mount an aggressive mail campaign. Has that changed? We won't know until the Oct. 4th 30-day out reports. Until and unless the mail campaigns begin, most of those races are anybody's guess - unless it's a hard to unseat incumbent. Speaking of Mayor White, Mary Benton reports that he will hold a news conference today at 3:30 PM to talk about the projected City budget shortfall, which is $20 million according the Mayor's office, and $100 million according to the Controller's office. The balanced City budget we heard about just last month included $50 million from the reserves. I wonder what's changed and how this will affect Controller Parker's bid for Mayor. The filing period to be on the ballot closes this Wednesday at 5 PM. Everyone is invited to attend Melissa Noriega's event right after the filing period closes - September 2nd, 5:30 PM, Cafe Adobe on Westheimer. No RSVP required. Remember, my "still to file" lists are people who have been seen on the campaign trail or who filed a June 30th financial report. New names since my last update are in red. I've got just about everyone linked to their campaign website, where I could find one. Mayor: Gene Locke, Charles Cupp, Amand Ulman, Annise Parker Still to file: Peter Brown, Roy Morales Controller: Pam Holm, Ron Green Still to file: MJ Kahn At-Large 1: Brad Batteau, Karen Derr, Rick Rodriguez, Steve Costello, Herman Litt Still to file: Lonnie Allsbrooks, Donald Cook At-Large 2: Sue Lovell (i), Andrew Burks Still to file: Rozzy Shorter, Griff Griffin At-Large 3: Melissa Noriega (i) At-Large 4: C.O. Bradford, Noel Freeman, Curtis W. Garmon At-Large 5: Jack Christie, Jolanda Jones (i), Carlos Obando, Davetta Daniels A: Jeff Downing, Alex Wathan, Amy Peck, Brenda Stardig, Bob Schoelkopf, Lane Lewis B: Jarvis Johnson C: Anne Clutterbuck (i) Still to file: Alfred Molison D: Larry McKinzie, Wanda Adams (i) E: Wayne Garrison, Mike Sullivan (i) F: Mike Laster, Al Hoang, Robert Kane, Peter Acquaro, Khalid Khan Still to file: Joe Chow, Lewis Cook G: Oliver Pennington, Dexter Handy, George Foulard, Mills Worsham Still to file: Richard Sedita H: Ed Gonzalez (i) I: James Rodriguez (i) You can view the latest candidate filings on the City of Houston website.

It's Gonna Be a Kinky Tuesday

I'm not real super convinced Kinky's not going to pull a Tuesday surprise and say he's running as an Independent for Governor again in 2010 (you know, because it worked out so well for him and all of us in 2006.) But, the Chron is reporting Tuesday is announcement day for the man who gave us 39%, and he says he's running as a Democrat this time. You know what 2006 Kinky voters, I've got a brand new shiny authentic Texan toy for you this time and it's name is Hank Gilbert. Hank is a real cowboy. He talks loud. He gets crowds riled up. He ain't no arm-swinging George Bush on the ranch, or John Cornyn in fringe get-up, or Rick Perry in chaps for a photo opp. So, buckaroos, kick the guy who gave you "Cowboy Way" to the curb and mosey on over to Hank Gilbert's website. We can all point and laugh at Kinky on Tuesday and know we have other options.

New Filings: Parker, Green, Freeman, Jones, Lewis

I got tweets, Facebook posts and emails from candidates who filed today to be on the November ballot for the City of Houston elections. Three business days left to file! Next Wednesday, at 5 PM, is the deadline. If you want to find out right away who filed and who did not, consider attending Melissa Noriega's event that night - September 2nd, 5:30 PM, Cafe Adobe on Westheimer. I'm beginning to wonder if some of the folks who have not filed are going to be no-shows. What do you think? Peter Brown will file, but what will Roy Morales do? If he files, I predict it will be at 4:59PM on Wednesday. I have always thought there is a possibility he won't file, and I still think that. He has basically no money and very little real support. If he gets in, he'll get the teabagger vote, and not much beyond that. Remember, my "still to file" lists are people who have been seen on the campaign trail or who filed a June 30th financial report. New names since my last update are in red. Mayor: Gene Locke, Charles Cupp, Amanda Ulman, Annise Parker Still to file: Peter Brown, Roy Morales Controller: Pam Holm, Ron Green Still to file: MJ Kahn At-Large 1: Brad Batteau, Karen Derr, Rick Rodriguez, Steve Costello, Herman Litt Still to file: Lonnie Allsbrooks, Donald Cook At-Large 2: Sue Lovell (i), Andrew Burks Still to file: Rozzy Shorter, Griff Griffin At-Large 3: Melissa Noriega (i) At-Large 4: C.O. Bradford, Noel Freeman At-Large 5: Jack Christie, Jolanda Jones (i) Still to file: Davetta Daniels, Carlos Obando A: Jeff Downing, Alex Wathan, Amy Peck, Brenda Stardig, Bob Schoelkopf, Lane Lewis B: Jarvis Johnson C: Anne Clutterbuck (i) Still to file: Alfred Molison D: Larry McKinzie, Wanda Adams (i) E: Wayne Garrison, Mike Sullivan (i) F: Mike Laster, Al Hoang, Robert Kane, Peter Acquaro Still to file: Joe Chow, Lewis Cook G: Oliver Pennington, Dexter Handy, George Foulard, Mills Worsham Still to file: Richard Sedita H: Ed Gonzalez (i) I: James Rodriguez (i) You can view the latest candidate filings on the City of Houston website. (I have some folks on my list who are not on the City list yet, because they are my Facebook friends or I follow them on Twitter.)

More Annise

Talking about how she serves because she wants to make a difference.
Tells supporters they make a difference, also. Takes all of us working
together. Let's come together at City Hall. I'm ready to lead. Let's
all actively engage in the Houston we want it to be when I'm mayor.

That's it! Music. An ask for campaign volunteers.

And Here's Annise

Crowd shouting Annise Parker! Houston Mayor!

Annise: Ready to lead. Most qualified. Most prepared. Come join me.

Good line: I know yall are sweating out here with me and my opponents
will be sweating until November!

Liveblogging Annise Parker Announcement

Probably 100 people here. Five media cameras. Other bloggers here:
Stace Medellin, John Cobarruvias. Folks from SEIU and HOPE. Met a
woman with Realtors for Annise. The supporters are diverse - looks
like Houston!

Unite Here, also.

3 Houston Mayoral Candidates: Cupp, Locke, Ulman

The third mayoral candidate has signed up and it's Amanda Ulman. Anyone know who she is? Are we going to have six mayoral candidates on the ballot - Parker, Brown, Locke, Morales, Cupp, Ulman? Looks like all the incumbents except Jolanda Jones have filed. I'm wondering when Noel Freeman, Lane Lewis and Ron Green are filing. One week left! Next Wednesday, at 5 PM, is the deadline. If you want to find out right away who filed and who did not, consider attending Melissa Noriega's event that night - September 2nd, 5:30 PM, Cafe Adobe on Westheimer. New names since my last update are in red. Mayor: Gene Locke, Charles Cupp, Amanda Ulman Still to file: Annise Parker (she has announced she will file on Thursday, Aug. 27th, 11:30AM, with a rally by the Reflection Pool at City Hall from 11:45AM to 1PM.), Peter Brown, Roy Morales Controller: Pam Holm Still to file: Ron Green, MJ Kahn At-Large 1: Brad Batteau, Karen Derr, Rick Rodriguez, Steve Costello, Herman Litt Still to file: Lonnie Allsbrooks, Donald Cook At-Large 2: Sue Lovell (i), Andrew Burks Still to file: Rozy Shorter, Griff Griffin At-Large 3: Melissa Noriega (i) At-Large 4: C.O. Bradford Still to file: Noel Freeman At-Large 5: Jack Christie Still to file: Jolanda Jones (i), Davetta Daniels, Carlos Obando A: Jeff Downing, Alex Wathan, Amy Peck, Brenda Stardig, Bob Schoelkopf Still to file: Lane Lewis B: Jarvis Johnson C: Anne Clutterbuck (i) Still to file: Alfred Molison D: Larry McKinzie, Wanda Adams (i) E: Wayne Garrison, Mike Sullivan (i) F: Mike Laster, Al Hoang, Robert Kane, Peter Acquaro Still to file: Joe Chow, Lewis Cook G: Oliver Pennington, Dexter Handy, George Foulard, Mills Worsham Still to file: Richard Sedita H: Ed Gonzalez (i) I: James Rodriguez (i) You can view the latest candidate filings on the City of Houston website.

Peter Brown's First TV Ad

I don't know if this has hit the airwaves yet, but it's up on Peter Brown's website and on his YouTube page, as well as Facebook. I think it's effective in that it's easy to remember the message points: 1. Peter Brown is an accomplished architect and City Council Member. 2. He has a detailed plan - a blueprint - for an even better Houston. Typically, when I see a political ad or read a print piece (or even hear a candidate's stump speech), I think, "What?", because I immediately cannot recall more than maybe one thing that was stated. And, I know from experience that it's not easy to craft a message that has 2-3 memorable points. So, if this is indeed on the airwaves, the first salvo in the ad wars has been fired. What do you think of this first effort? Have you seen the ad on TV? UPDATE: Marc Campos says he saw the ad this morning during the today show. Like me, he thinks it is a good introductory ad. David Ortez likes the ad, as well - and also catches the two main message points.

Charles Cupp for Mayor of Houston?

There are some new filings for the November City of Houston elections. Anyone know who Charles Cupp is? He has mayoral aspirations. New names since my last update are in red. Mayor: Gene Locke, Charles Cupp Still to file: Annise Parker (she has announced she will file on Thursday, Aug. 27th, 11:30AM, with a rally by the Reflection Pool at City Hall from 11:45AM to 1PM.), Peter Brown, Roy Morales Controller: Pam Holm Still to file: Ron Green, MJ Kahn At-Large 1: Brad Batteau, Karen Derr, Rick Rodriguez, Steve Costello Still to file: , Herman Litt, Lonnie Allsbrooks, Donald Cook At-Large 2: Sue Lovell (i), Andrew Burks Still to file: Rozy Shorter, Griff Griffin At-Large 3: Melissa Noriega (i) At-Large 4: C.O. Bradford Still to file: Noel Freeman At-Large 5: Jack Christie Still to file: Jolanda Jones (i), Davetta Daniels, Carlos Obando A: Jeff Downing, Alex Wathan, Amy Peck, Brenda Stardig, Bob Schoelkopf Still to file: Lane Lewis B: none Still to file: Jarvis Johnson (i) C: Anne Clutterbuck (i) Still to file: Alfred Molison D: Larry McKinzie, Wanda Adams (i) E: Wayne Garrison, Mike Sullivan (i) F: Mike Laster, Al Hoang, Robert Kane, Peter Acquaro Still to file: Joe Chow, Lewis Cook, G: Oliver Pennington, Dexter Handy, George Foulard, Mills Worsham Still to file: Richard Sedita H: Ed Gonzalez (i) I: none Still to file: James Rodriguez (i) You can view the latest candidate filings on the City of Houston website.

Would You Miss Saturday Mail? I Wouldn't

CNN's Bob Greene seems surprised that 68% of people in a non-scientific poll responded that they would not care if the U.S. Post Office stopped delivering mail on Saturdays. Cutting out that one delivery day would save USPS $3 billion. Greene seems to think we'd come to our senses the evening of the first Saturday we didn't get our mail and holler about: 1. Why are we paying more and more for stamps all the time and we just got our service cut? Isn't that paying more for less? 2. Where are my Netflix movies? First of all, we are paying less for postage than we ever have because we aren't using the postal system. In my modern digital world, it's a rare day when I have to dig up an envelope and a stamp. When I do, I mostly experience massive irritation because I have no idea if the stamps I haven't used in ages are even for the correct amount of postage. Netflix. Well, I gotta have my Netflix movies when I want them, that is for sure. I think most people would just adjust - either be sure they got their watched movies returned so that they'd get new ones by Saturday, or just increase my monthly subscription by one movie per month so they always have a couple on hand. I'm learning that a lot of people are like me. We go to our mailboxes about twice a week, drag all the mail in and flip most of it - junk mail - right into the recycling bin, while the rest of it (which is only a small step up from junk mail) gets put in a pile somewhere for dealing with later, usually much later. As long as the U.S. Mail continues to be a delivery system for junk mail to people who don't want it, I think they will become more and more irrelevant and we'll all just discover more digital ways to get our bill payments, correspondence and movie watching done.

New HISD Chief: @tgriersd

Terry Grier, the new HISD superintendent was interviewed by the Chron's Ericka Mellon. About a quarter of the article's real estate is devoted to HISD's dropout and graduation rates (the bold emphasis on one of the answers is mine):

Q: What are your priorities for HISD?

A: Houston is a good urban district. It has the potential to be the best large school district in the country. There's no question the dropout rate is unacceptable, as is the graduation rate.

Q: How will you improve the rates?

A: Most anywhere I've worked you will see significant decreases in the dropout rate and significant increases in the graduation rate. Long-term strategies include making sure students are in school on a regular basis.

Q: How do you get kids to show up at school?

A: You hold principals accountable for attendance. You use your telephone messaging system, and when kids are absent, you contact parents. You make home visits. You may have attendance incentive programs. We did that in San Diego this past year and improved our student attendance by almost a half a percentage point.

Q: What's another strategy to curb dropouts?

A: Last year in San Diego, we installed new state-of-the-art computer labs in all of our high schools, and the principals staffed those labs with what we call a graduation coach. We allowed students to use a computer program to retake courses they had failed.

I think that is a fabulous idea. If you know what happens in summer school - which is the only way in most school districts to makeup a credit if you failed a class - then you know that the student pays money to go to a classroom, receive very basic direct instruction over 3-4 weeks time, and take a couple of tests, including a final exam. Even science summer school classes are taught this way - no labs. To witness this routine really makes you wonder why a kid can't just take the class via the internet and take their tests online.

This would address a rigid, uncaring system that does not make accommodations for students who need some extra time to understand the content. If we want all kids to learn, and all kids to graduate, we need to get creative with moving them on through the graduation requirements.

And, indeed, Terry Grier is on twitter - @tgriersd - with "sd" for San Diego, where he is is currently the Superintendent. Let's see if he changes his handle to @tsgrierh when he signs the HISD contract.

Deadline: Eleven More Days to File to be on November Ballot

The only new name to add to the list below is in District F, Al Hoang. The deadline to file is September 2nd at 5 PM. Right after that, at 5:30 PM, City Council Member Melissa Noriega is hosting an event at Cafe Adobe at 2111 Westheimer. Everyone is invited (this means Republicans and Democrats - this is a non-partisan election and is about the future of the City of Houston!) to come and gossip about who filed - and who did not! Click on the invite to see a larger version of it. Mayor: Gene Locke Still to file: Annise Parker (she has announced she will file on Thursday, Aug. 27th, 11:30AM, with a rally by the Reflection Pool at City Hall from 11:45AM to 1PM.), Peter Brown, Roy Morales Controller: Pam Holm Still to file: Ron Green, MJ Kahn At-Large 1: Brad Batteau, Karen Derr, Rick Rodriguez Still to file: Steve Costello, Herman Litt, Lonnie Allsbrooks, Donald Cook At-Large 2: Sue Lovell (i), Andrew Burks Still to file: Rozy Shorter, Griff Griffin At-Large 3: Melissa Noriega (i) At-Large 4: C.O. Bradford Still to file: Noel Freeman At-Large 5: Jack Christie Still to file: Jolanda Jones (i), Davetta Daniels, Carlos Obando A: Jeff Downing, Alex Wathan, Amy Peck, Brenda Stardig, Bob Schoelkopf Still to file: Lane Lewis B: none Still to file: Jarvis Johnson (i) C: none Still to file: Anne Clutterbuck (i), Alfred Molison D: Larry McKinzie Still to file: Wanda Adams (i) E: Wayne Garrison, Mike Sullivan (i) F: Mike Laster, Al Hoang Still to file: Joe Chow, Lewis Cook, Robert Kane, Peter Acquaro G: Oliver Pennington, Dexter Handy, George Foulard, Mills Worsham Still to file: Richard Sedita H: none Still to file: Ed Gonzalez (i) I: none Still to file: James Rodriguez (i) You can view the latest candidate filings on the City of Houston website.

KBH: Pro-Choice?

One of the topics at a most interesting lunch meeting with Democratic candidate for Texas Governor Tom Schieffer this past week was KBH and her potential to get crossover votes from Democratic women. The case for that is simple: If D women voters get the sense that we don't have a viable candidate for governor, they will cross over into the R Primary and vote for KBH in order to ensure we don't have another four years of Rick Perry. If you even hint outloud that this might happen, you get the vociferous blowback of, "Kay is anti-choice!!!" But, you've heard Kay if pro-choice, right? I certainly have heard that and assumed that in her heart, that was true. But, what about her public statements (not to mention her voting record)? From the Houston Chronicle this week:

She has voted for enough abortion restrictions and similar measures to give her strong rating with the National Right to Life Committee -- by her campaign's calculations, a 94 percent "lifetime rating."

By all accounts, her announcement tour across Texas has been short on talk about the abortion issue.

But when I asked about the issue today, her campaign said she addressed it this way in Tyler yesterday: "I am a conservative, I have a conservative voting record that I will match against anyone. I have a 94% rating on the right to life and pro-life. I think it is very important that we have great reverence for life."

Her senior communications adviser, Jennifer Baker, added, "There is not a single piece of pro life legislation that has been passed by the Texas legislature that Kay Bailey Hutchison would not have signed. Kay Bailey Hutchison has a solid pro-life voting record in the United States Senate. She has consistently voted to ensure that federal funds are never used to fund abortions."

That's good enough for me. If her campaign says she's solidly pro-life, then she's not pro-choice. If she's pro-choice in her heart, and anti-choice in her public statements because she has to grovel for far right votes in the Republican Primary, well politics is a nasty business and good on her for showing Perry her trucks are bigger than his truck, but it's not going to help her get the crossover votes of Democratic women in March or November.

For the record, Tom Schieffer is solidly pro-choice. More on the Schieffer lunch in bits and pieces as I digest it (pun intended).

Update: Who's on the Ballot for November?

Here's the latest list of who has filed to be on the ballot for the City of Houston November elections. The filing deadline is two weeks from today, at 5 PM. I got a notice that Annise Parker will file on Thursday, August 27th and will have a rally downtown to celebrate - noon to 1 PM at the reflection pool in front of City Hall. I saw a lot of these folks at the Asian American Democrats of Texas candidate forum last night. I enjoyed visiting with Council Members Ed Gonzales and Ron Green, as well as Karen Derr and her staff. Also got to meet the talented Justin Concepcion who is on Team Parker. Updates in red. From the City of Houston website (with a note from me of folks who are currently campaigning for each race - and/or filed a June 30th campaign finance report, but have yet to file for the ballot. "i" indicates the incumbent.): Mayor: Gene Locke Still to file: Annise Parker, Peter Brown, Roy Morales Controller: Pam Holm Still to file: Ron Green, MJ Kahn (note: this one interests me. Why did none of these screen with the Tejano Dems, instead waiting to screen when they screen for a second round after the Sept. 2nd filing deadline? Is someone dropping out? Someone else getting in?) At-Large 1: Brad Batteau, Karen Derr, Rick Rodriguez Still to file: Steve Costello, Herman Litt, Lonnie Allsbrooks, Donald Cook At-Large 2: Sue Lovell (i), Andrew Burks Still to file: Rozy Shorter, Griff Griffin At-Large 3: Melissa Noriega (i) At-Large 4: C.O. Bradford Still to file: Noel Freeman At-Large 5: Jack Christie Still to file: Jolanda Jones (i), Davetta Daniels, Carlos Obando A: Jeff Downing, Alex Wathan, Amy Peck, Brenda Stardig, Bob Schoelkopf Still to file: Lane Lewis B: none Still to file: Jarvis Johnson (i) C: none Still to file: Anne Clutterbuck (i), Alfred Molison D: Larry McKinzie Still to file: Wanda Adams (i) E: Wayne Garrison, Mike Sullivan (i) F: Mike Laster Still to file: Joe Chow, Lewis Cook, Robert Kane, Peter Acquaro G: Oliver Pennington, Dexter Handy, George Foulard, Mills Worsham Still to file: Richard Sedita H: none Still to file: Ed Gonzalez (i) I: none Still to file: James Rodriguez (i) If I'm missing anybody, or if you know for sure some of the above are not campaigning and are not going to file, let me know!

Update: Council Member Wanda Adams Has an Opponent

Several more folks have filed to be on the ballot in November for the City of Houston elections. The big news to me is that Council Member Wanda Adams has an opponent in District D. Put we on the record as being a huge Wanda Adams fan. Anyone know anything about Larry McKinzie? Updates in red from yesterday. From the City of Houston website (with a note from me of folks who are currently campaigning for each race - and/or filed a June 30th campaign finance report, but have yet to file for the ballot. "i" indicates the incumbent.): Mayor: Gene Locke Still to file: Annise Parker, Peter Brown, Roy Morales Controller: Pam Holm Still to file: Ron Green, MJ Kahn (note: this one interests me. Why did none of these screen with the Tejano Dems, instead waiting to screen when they screen for a second round after the Sept. 2nd filing deadline? Is someone dropping out? Someone else getting in?) At-Large 1: Brad Batteau, Karen Derr Still to file: Steve Costello, Rick Rodriguez, Herman Litt, Lonnie Allsbrooks, Donald Cook At-Large 2: Sue Lovell (i), Andrew Burks Still to file: Rozy Shorter, Griff Griffin At-Large 3: Melissa Noriega (i) At-Large 4: C.O. Bradford Still to file: Noel Freeman At-Large 5: Jack Christie Still to file: Jolanda Jones (i), Davetta Daniels, Carlos Obando A: Jeff Downing, Alex Wathan, Amy Peck Still to file: Lane Lewis, Brenda Stardig, Bob Schoelkopf B: none Still to file: Jarvis Johnson (i) C: none Still to file: Ann Clutterbuck (i), Alfred Mollison D: Larry McKinzie Still to file: Wanda Adams (i) E: Wayne Garrison, Mike Sullivan (i) F: Mike Laster Still to file: Joe Chow, Lewis Cook, Robert Kane, Peter Acquaro G: Oliver Pennington, Dexter Handy, George Foulard, Mills Worsham Still to file: Richard Sedita H: none Still to file: Ed Gonzalez (i) I: none Still to file: James Rodriguez (i) If I'm missing anybody, or if you know for sure some of the above are not campaigning and are not going to file, let me know!

Who Has Filed to Be on the Ballot in Houston?

The filing deadline for the November City of Houston elections is just 13 business days away - September 2nd. Who has filed so far to be on the ballot in each race? From the City of Houston website (with a note from me of folks who are currently campaigning for each race - and/or filed a June 30th campaign finance report, but have yet to file for the ballot. "i" indicates the incumbent.): Mayor: Gene Locke Still to file: Annise Parker, Peter Brown, Roy Morales Controller: Pam Holm Still to file: Ron Green, MJ Kahn (note: this one interests me. Why did none of these screen with the Tejano Dems, instead waiting to screen when they screen for a second round after the Sept. 2nd filing deadline? Is someone dropping out? Someone else getting in?) At-Large 1: Brad Batteau, Karen Derr Still to file: Steve Costello, Rick Rodriguez, Herman Litt, Lonnie Allsbrooks, Donald Cook At-Large 2: Sue Lovell (i) Still to file: Rozy Shorter, Griff Griffin, Andrew Burks At-Large 3: Melissa Noriega (i) At-Large 4: none Still to file: Noel Freeman, C.O. Bradford At-Large 5: Jack Christie Still to file: Jolanda Jones (i), Davetta Daniels, Carlos Obando A: Jeff Downing, Alex Wathan Still to file: Lane Lewis, Brenda Stardig, Amy Peck, Bob Schoelkopf B: none Still to file: Jarvis Johnson (i) C: none Still to file: Ann Clutterbuck (i), Alfred Mollison D: none Still to file: Wanda Adams (i) E: Wayne Garrison, Mike Sullivan (i) F: none Still to file: Mike Laster, Joe Chow, Lewis Cook, Robert Kane, Peter Acquaro G: Oliver Pennington Still to file: George Foulard, Mills Worsham, Dexter Handy, Richard Sedita H: none Still to file: Ed Gonzalez (i) I: none Still to file: James Rodriguez (i) If I'm missing anybody, or if you know for sure some of the above are not campaigning and are not going to file, let me know!

A Must Read for Candidates

Thanks to Jeff Hewitt at Campaign Mechanic for pointing me to this article of 25 questions a potential candidate must answer before deciding to run. I would say that even if you have already started your campaign, do a check in here with these questions and find out what's missing in your plan. Really, this is a must read for campaign people, also. These are the questions that I find over and over again really trip up inexperienced candidates (with some commentary from me in parentheses):

3. How supportive is your family and what role will they play? When you say, “They are 100 percent behind me,” make sure it is a true statement. Campaigning is a grueling experience for your family, and they need to be prepared for the public scrutiny, press, inevitable attacks and, ultimately, the long-term consequences of victory or defeat. (When I hear a candidate say, "my wife is not really very enthusiastic about this and she wants me home every Wednesday and Saturday" . . . we have a problem. Actually, the same holds true for campaign staff. Campaigning is 24/7 and time has to be carved out for sanity, and relationships, but really, everyone has to be on board with the realities of campaigning.) 7. What is your “win” number? Determine the number of votes you need to win, based on a precinct-by-precinct analysis of the district. If you don’t know what it is, or what it means, you shouldn’t be running. (I understand this is difficult, but take the time to figure it out. If you get new information, adjust your number.) 9. What are the legal rules of the game? Understand all applicable election laws, including financial disclosures, petition and fi ling deadlines, and individual, corporate and PAC contribution limits. You need a campaign attorney and accountant. Your treasurer is a prominent name and public endorsement—not the one who does the counting. (Oh, my goodness gracious. This is waaaay more important than people realize. You can get yourself in very big trouble with fines and negative media attention, not to mention an extremely time consuming hassle, if you aren't paying attention to this. Hire professionals!!!) 11. How are you going to raise it? Do the math. Top 100 friends and family + your personal funds + lists + target constituencies = your fundraising. People contribute for five main reasons: The candidate, party, issues, access or social affiliation. To effectively implement any plan you will need a full-time finance director, and, for races at the federal and statewide level, a professional fundraising consultant. Regardless, the responsibility for raising funds lies with the candidate. You should be spending a minimum of four hours a day on the phone. (What I bolded speaks for itself. Hire a fundraising professional FIRST and then get on the phone and start calling for money. I am talking to YOU, the candidate. No excuses.) 23. What is your grassroots/field strategy? This is the heart of the campaign and if not executed well, can negate all other successful components. Although initially developed by the campaign manager, you will need to budget for a field director in the final months of the campaign, if not sooner, depending on the level of office. Your grassroots strategy is people-driven and should incorporate the resources and manpower of endorsing organizations as well as the party if you are the endorsed candidate. (This is going to require an experienced campaign manager and field director. If you cut corners with either of these two positions, you are shooting yourself in the foot. You'll be changing staff mid-stream because you will not be getting results. This grassroots strategy involves the internet, so get a good website, and use Facebook and Twitter for organizing. Commit to a transparent, open, grassroots government style when you are elected.)

Read the whole thing. You will be glad you did. No panicking if you are already running and have never thought through all of this. Get your campaign in order, and focus and move forward.

Fort Bend Makes Jurors Wait Out in Hot Sun

I arrived 25 minutes early to my 12:30 PM jury duty at Fort Bend
County's Jury Assembly Building only to find they are making us wait
in line in the hot sun until 12:30. If I had known this I would have
certainly have dressed differently and arrived 20 minutes later. And
brought a bottle of water.

We are doing our civic duty as required by law. This is unacceptable
and very bad treatment of law abiding citizens.