Monday, November 30, 2009
Early Voting Totals For Monday, November 30th
Click on the image to make it bigger. Check it out and tell me what you think about Day 1 of early voting! 4089 people voted on Day 1 of early voting for the November 3rd Election. Today, 5834 voted. 17,413 mail ballots had been mailed on Oct. 19th compared to 16,774 this go around.
www.StardigSecretPlan.com
The Chronicle reported last week on the District A race between Lane Lewis (D) and Brenda Stardig (R). The Chron does not usually report on rumors, so when I read Stardig had apparently visited a bar instead of appearing at a superneighborhood meeting, I suspected there must be some truth to the story. Stardig's response to the Chron reporter questioning her was, "I've been everywhere I need to be." OK! Buy me a round, Brenda! The comments in the article are worth a read. Some District A voters seem to have some stories to tell.
Additionally, I was intrigued by this:
A comment about Lane Lewis - I've seen him in person at campaign events a number of times. He's very clear that he is saying the same thing everywhere he goes - what he tells a conservative group is what he tells a progressive group, for example. He always emphasizes transparent government and ethics.
Lewis got the Chronicle endorsement:
Additionally, I was intrigued by this:
Stardig said she has specific flood control projects in mind, but did not want to speak publicly about them out of a fear of hurting property values.Wow! A secret plan for flood control! You know, she's running for office and she has a platform and plenty of venues (bars?) for sharing he plans. Share, Brenda, share! Looks like someone has shared for her and created www.StardigSecretPlan.com. The secret plans are very entertaining. I suggest you take a look!
A comment about Lane Lewis - I've seen him in person at campaign events a number of times. He's very clear that he is saying the same thing everywhere he goes - what he tells a conservative group is what he tells a progressive group, for example. He always emphasizes transparent government and ethics.
Lewis got the Chronicle endorsement:
Lewis has served as a mayoral appointee on police oversight committees and promises to concentrate on projects to revitalize blighted areas in the district. He is a proponent of the city acquiring an abandoned golf course in the Inwood Forest area and converting it to park space and retention ponds to help control area flooding. He believes it could become the nucleus of a redevelopment zone that would improve land values and decrease crime. “We would have a whole new area ripe for redevelopment,” says Lewis. “That is a solution that is affordable, accessible, and accountable to the needs of the people.”
With his innovative ideas and energy, the Chronicle believes Lewis would be a constructive and imaginative addition to City Council.There is a debate in District A tomorrow, December 1st, at Woodview Elementary, 9479 Cedardale, at 7:00 PM. Let's see if Stardig is everywhere she needs to be - at the debate, for example - and reveals her secret flood control plan to voters.
ABC13 Mayoral Debate Tuesday: Will Locke Be a No Show?
Since Locke was a no show on the Red, White and Blue mayoral runoff show, you have to wonder if he'll show up for the three scheduled televised debates. The first one is this Tuesday, December 1st on ABC13, at 8 PM. You can email Ch. 13 the questions you would like asked by filling in the form at this link.
I have questions:
1. Why were you a no show for Red, White and Blue? You must have had a good reason to let Parker have 30 minutes of free TV. Were you afraid Polland, the Republican host, would call you out on Hotze? Well, he did, anyway, saying this:
2. When are you going to repudiate Hotze's endorsement of you? It's been a day and a half since bloggers started posting the Hotze mailer on the internet. Costelllo repudiated it right away. Is it because you got yourself in a no-win situation since you met with him and asked for his endorsement? Why is it not hypocritical for you to tell GLBT groups in endorsement screenings that you will be "very visible in advocating for gay rights," while at the same time seeking and accepting the endorsement of someone who is virulently anti-gay?
3. Are you ever going to answer these questions about your conflict of interest being a lawyer lobbyist for Andrews Kurth, charging the City of Houston $640/hour to represent the interests of the Sports Authority, the Port Authority and Metro? You appear to be deliberately avoiding these questions:
If anyone has other questions for Locke, leave them in the comments. I think he's going to have a tough time facing the truth with Parker standing right beside him, and the media asking questions. That is, if he shows up.
I have questions:
1. Why were you a no show for Red, White and Blue? You must have had a good reason to let Parker have 30 minutes of free TV. Were you afraid Polland, the Republican host, would call you out on Hotze? Well, he did, anyway, saying this:
My question that I would like to ask Gene is . . . how bad to you want to win? Do you want to win so bad that you are going to get involved with people you would NEVER have gotten involved in?"Polland's questions are my questions, as well.
2. When are you going to repudiate Hotze's endorsement of you? It's been a day and a half since bloggers started posting the Hotze mailer on the internet. Costelllo repudiated it right away. Is it because you got yourself in a no-win situation since you met with him and asked for his endorsement? Why is it not hypocritical for you to tell GLBT groups in endorsement screenings that you will be "very visible in advocating for gay rights," while at the same time seeking and accepting the endorsement of someone who is virulently anti-gay?
3. Are you ever going to answer these questions about your conflict of interest being a lawyer lobbyist for Andrews Kurth, charging the City of Houston $640/hour to represent the interests of the Sports Authority, the Port Authority and Metro? You appear to be deliberately avoiding these questions:
What is your divestment and payout plan with Andrews Kurth? Will Andrews Kurth's future income affect the size of your payout? Will you retain any interest in a pension or retirement plan or any other interest tied to the income of Andrews Kurth?
Will you enter in to a legally binding agreement to never have any association, financial interest or relationship with Andrews Kurth after you leave office?
Will you recuse yourself from all matters involving clients of Andrews Kurth including with Metro, the Sports Authority and the Port Authority?
Steve Costello, in an ABC interview, said he will not have his firm bid on any city contracts if he is elected. Will you do the same - not have Andrews Kurth bid on any city contract if you are elected?4. Why are you misleading voters about Parker in your latest TV ad? See the fact checking here and then back up your claims.
If anyone has other questions for Locke, leave them in the comments. I think he's going to have a tough time facing the truth with Parker standing right beside him, and the media asking questions. That is, if he shows up.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Hotze Endorses Locke
See below- I've got a scan of the mailer Hotze sent out with all of his endorsements. We wait for Locke to reject it, except we know that Locke sought Hotze's endorsement. Hmm. Tapping my toes. Yawn. No repudiation of the endorsement from Locke yet. The Chair of the Harris County Democratic Party had this to say about anyone courting Hotze's endorsement:
Locke has laid down with a liar and a homophobe and he rises up from that bed looking like a liar and a hypocrite:
Since Locke asked for Hotze's endorsement, I guess the response we'll get is "Thank you!" That's usually the response you give when you get what you asked for.
Early voting begins Monday, November 30. Go to harrisvotes.com for information about locations and times.
UPDATE: Kuff and John have more.
UPDATE: On the first day of early voting, Mike Snyder of the Chronicle tweeted this: @genelocke voted early, asked his supporters not to campaign on race or sexuality but didn't reject Steven Hotze endorsement.
But all candidates – judicial, city council, and mayor – take heed: whether in the December 12 runoff election, the March, 2010 primary election, or the November, 2010 general election, accepting support from anyone who, like Steven Hotze and the right wing extremist groups with whom he is associated, spews homophobic rhetoric, racial hatred, and intolerance, who would subjugate women to the dictates of their husbands, and who is working tirelessly to destroy the Obama administration, block heath care reform, and defeat Democratic legislative candidates would be anathema to Democrats and contrary to the cherished ideals for which we stand.
Courting endorsement from such despicable individuals or groups – or failing unequivocally to repudiate and reject it should such support be unsolicitedly bestowed – would be reprehensible, condemnable, and utterly unacceptable to Democrats.
My Dad used to say, “You lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.” He was right.
Gerry Birnberg
Chair, Harris County Democratic PartyStephen Costello, who is also on the Hotze endorsement mailer, has already made a statement:
Today, some people received a mail piece from Steven Hotze with his endorsements in the upcoming city runoff elections. I did not seek this endorsement and I specifically asked not be endorsed by Mr. Hotze. I am running to represent all Houstonians and my door at City Hall will be open to everyone."Here's the mailer. Click on the images to make them larger. Note that Hotze endorsed all Republicans except for Locke. And, don't miss his homophobic statements about Parker. He slams her GLBT endorsements - the very same endorsements that Locke sought. Hotze slams Parker for her labor endorsements, when we know that Locke is endorsed by Labor. It's ridiculous that Hotze makes it sound like Locke is the sound fiscal conservative, when he is the one making promises that would require money the city budget does not have. But the joke is on Locke. As the Chronicle's Rick Casey says, having Hotze's endorsement more often than not is the kiss of death, and a Hotze endorsement of Locke should benefit Parker.
Locke has laid down with a liar and a homophobe and he rises up from that bed looking like a liar and a hypocrite:
Since Locke asked for Hotze's endorsement, I guess the response we'll get is "Thank you!" That's usually the response you give when you get what you asked for.
Early voting begins Monday, November 30. Go to harrisvotes.com for information about locations and times.
UPDATE: Kuff and John have more.
UPDATE: On the first day of early voting, Mike Snyder of the Chronicle tweeted this: @genelocke voted early, asked his supporters not to campaign on race or sexuality but didn't reject Steven Hotze endorsement.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Peter Brown Knocking On Doors For Parker
Peter Brown has a Thanksgiving message for his supporters and it boils down to this: Join me in voting for Annise Parker for Mayor. Note the paragraph where he talks about blockwalking for Annise this past weekend in Kingwood and in the East End. That's no joke - I was was blockwalking for Annise this past weekend, as well, and Peter Brown and a big team were definitely in both places. Brown is doing something that's rare for a defeated candidate - he's throwing his efforts and resources 100% behind an opponent who defeated him. I know it resonated with the Peter Brown voters I talked to when I shared what all Brown is doing to help Parker get elected.
Here is Brown's Thanksgiving email in full:
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to thank all of you for supporting my vision for an even better Houston. Although we did not prevail, we worked hard and made a real difference. Now, after lengthy discussions with the two remaining candidates, I am wholeheartedly supporting Annise Parker as our next mayor. I urge you to do the same.
Annise Parker, I am convinced, will pursue the quality of life agenda important to us all. Just as she has done for the past 12 years as a Council Member and City Controller, Annise will continue to make government more efficient, to reduce crime, create jobs, and deal effectively with traffic, air quality, infrastructure and flooding. She knows how to get results at City Hall, and has the experience and the track-record we can count on.
This past weekend I block-walked for Annise in the East End and in Kingwood, talking to voters about the important issues facing our city. This experience, like many others, confirmed that Annise and I share a clear vision for our great city. Therefore, I hope that you will support Annise Parker, by going to her website where you can make a donation, or sign up to volunteer. As well, I urge you to email your friends to support Annise.
This is an important election – about a real commitment to a more prosperous, greener and livableHouston, with a commitment to open, transparent government. I am excited about working with her as our next mayor to make Houston an even better place to live, work and raise a family. Please consider working with us to make Houston even better.
Again, I am deeply grateful for your support. My wife Anne and I wish you and your family a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
P.S. As I continue to serve the City, your ideas and guidance is always greatly appreciated. You can always reach me at Peter@PeterBrownforHouston.com.
Here is Brown's Thanksgiving email in full:
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to thank all of you for supporting my vision for an even better Houston. Although we did not prevail, we worked hard and made a real difference. Now, after lengthy discussions with the two remaining candidates, I am wholeheartedly supporting Annise Parker as our next mayor. I urge you to do the same.
Annise Parker, I am convinced, will pursue the quality of life agenda important to us all. Just as she has done for the past 12 years as a Council Member and City Controller, Annise will continue to make government more efficient, to reduce crime, create jobs, and deal effectively with traffic, air quality, infrastructure and flooding. She knows how to get results at City Hall, and has the experience and the track-record we can count on.
This past weekend I block-walked for Annise in the East End and in Kingwood, talking to voters about the important issues facing our city. This experience, like many others, confirmed that Annise and I share a clear vision for our great city. Therefore, I hope that you will support Annise Parker, by going to her website where you can make a donation, or sign up to volunteer. As well, I urge you to email your friends to support Annise.
This is an important election – about a real commitment to a more prosperous, greener and livableHouston, with a commitment to open, transparent government. I am excited about working with her as our next mayor to make Houston an even better place to live, work and raise a family. Please consider working with us to make Houston even better.
Again, I am deeply grateful for your support. My wife Anne and I wish you and your family a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
P.S. As I continue to serve the City, your ideas and guidance is always greatly appreciated. You can always reach me at Peter@PeterBrownforHouston.com.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Schieffer's Prepared Remarks from Presser
Printed remarks passed out at press conference at the Capitol:
November 23, 2009
For Immediate Release
STATEMENT FROM TOM SCHIEFFER
Yesterday, my treasurer, Lyndon Olson, and I met in Houston with Mayor Bill White. I urged Mayor White to consider running for Governor instead of the United States Senate. I told him that I thought our state was facing a crisis of leadership and if we did not have a new governor, Texas would wind up being a third world state.
I also told him that I thought the Democratic Party offered the only chance for real change in Texas and we had to have a candidate that was thoughtful and serious and could draw from a broad range of support. I told him that I thought he could be that candidate and that I was prepared to withdraw form the race in order to make that happen.
So, I am announcing today that I will no longer be a candidate for Governor. I hope my actions will be a catalyst for others to reassess their intentions and to join me in supporting Mayor White for governor. We simply must get behind one candidate that can unite our party and offer a credible alternative to the Republicans next fall. I think Bill White is that candidate, and I hope others will join me in urging him to run.
Before I answer your question I want to thank the folks who went out on a limb to support my candidacy. So many of them have been my friend for thirty and forty years. To them it was always mroe about friendship than politics. But there are countless others that supported my candidacy and said they wanted to help because they thought I could take our state in a different direction. Old friends or new friends, I was deeply touched by your willingness to help, and I thank you.
Finally, I want to thank my family for pitching in. They have always been there for me. I wish that I could have saved them from the pain of this moment, but I love them and appreciate very much their sacrifice on my behalf.Click here for my post on my live report from the press conference.
Report from Schieffer Press Conference at Capitol
UPDATE: Here are Schieffer's prepared remarks that were passed out at the press conference.
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