June 2010
1 post
Testing a new iPhone app.
April 2010
12 posts
Pardon Our Dust While We Change Servers
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/04/23/pardon-our-dust-while-we-change-servers/)
If you visit Capitol Annex over the weekend, if you see anything odd or out of place (of if the site doesn’t load at all), please note that we are in the process of moving from one host to another.
Please bear with us and pardon our dust while the move is in progress.
Commission Approves Addition To Governor's Mansion
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/04/23/commission-approves-addition-to-governors-mansion/)
The Texas Historical Commission this week gave its approval to an addition to the Texas Governor’s Mansion.
Interestingly, the Associated Press noted that, aside from the fact that this won’t be the gigantic two-story addition sought earlier, the Historical Commission’s...
Paul Moreno's Sweet Revenge
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/04/21/paul-morenos-sweet-revenge/)
Most readers will recall in 2008 when State Rep. Paul Moreno (D-El Paso), a longtime progressive Democrat, was defeated in the Democratic Primary by Marisa Marquez, who wasn’t quite as progressive as Moreno and was supported by State Rep. Norma Chavez (D-El Paso).
Now Moreno is relishing in the defeat...
TX-GOV: Bill White On NASA
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/04/21/tx-gov-bill-white-on-nasa/)
The Houston Chronicle’s Joe Holley managed to grab a few moments of Democratic Gubernatorial nominee Bill White’s time this week to ask a few questions about NASA late last week.
Via the Chronicle’s Texas Politics blog are White’s comments:
“I think it was a mistake to discontinue the...
University Educators Ask SBOE To Delay Final...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/04/21/university-educators-ask-sboe-to-delay-final-social-studies-curriculum-vote/)
A group of university educators has asked the State Board of Education to delay a final voe on social studies curriculum standards until higher education experts have a chance to weigh in.
According to the Associated Press, the educators are seeking...
Perry Named Among Worst Governors In The Nation
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/04/21/perry-named-among-worst-governors-in-the-nation/)
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington this week named Texas Governor Rick Perry as one of the worst governors in the nation.
The group cited the following as reasons for naming Perry to its worst list:
* Allegedly disregarded campaign finance laws and aided a business that...
Looming Election Doesn't Stop Lawmakers From...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/04/15/looming-election-doesnt-stop-lawmakers-from-proposing-bills-for-next-session/)
Never mind that the November election—some months off—still standing in between now and the first session of the 82nd Texas Legislature, because it isn’t stopping lawmakers from grabbing headlines with new bills they want to introduce.
Case in...
A Look At The 2010 Runoffs
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/04/13/a-look-at-the-2010-runoffs/)
Today, voters across the state head to the polls to vote in a few remaining local—and, on the Republican side, statewide—runoffs for the primary.
Here is Capitol Annex’s look at the hottest 2010 runoff races, with our predictions on who wins.
STATEWIDE, REPUBLICAN
Texas Supreme Court,...
Biden Visits Wounded Soldiers In Texas
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/04/08/biden-visits-wounded-soldiers-in-texas/)
Vice President Joe Biden visited with soldiers at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio yesterday. Via
TX SD 22: Secretary Of State Certifies Ballot With...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/04/08/tx-sd-22-secretary-of-state-certifies-ballot-with-birdwell/)
The Texas Secretary of State’s office this morning certified the ballot for the coming special election in Senate District 22—in spite of complaints that Brian Birdwell, the candidate expected to give presumed front-runner former former State Sen. David Sibley, failed to...
TX HD 76: Runoff Gets More Nasty As Chavez Accuses...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/04/05/tx-hd-76-runoff-gets-more-nasty-as-chavez-accuses-opponent-of-being-a-lesbian/)
The runoff between State Rep. Norma Chavez (D-El Paso) and challenger Naomi Gonzales, an assistant county attorney, has become even more nasty, this time with the incumbent on the defensive for alleging the challenger is as lesbian.
Via the El Paso Times:
At a...
Arianna Huffington To Help Texas Freedom Network...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/04/05/arianna-huffington-to-help-texas-freedom-network-celebrate-15-years/)
Via our friends at Texas Freedom Network, we learn that Arianna Huffington will be in Austin for a special evening celebrating TFN’s 15-year anniversary.
Details below:
To celebrate our 15th year, the Texas Freedom Network is bringing Arianna Huffington to Austin...
March 2010
18 posts
TX-SEN: Hutchison Announcement Means Changes For...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/31/tx-sen-hutchison-announcement-means-changes-for-2010-landscape/)
U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison’s announcement today that she will remain in the Senate until the conclusion of her current term will mean major changes for the race to replace her which, since 2009, had seen significant activity as many assumed she would resign early...
Hutchison Won't Resign, Will Serve Out Full Term
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/31/hutchison-wont-resign-will-serve-out-full-term/)
Coming as no surprise to anyone, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison announced this morning that she would serve out the remainder of her current term in the United States Senate and not resign—as she promised throughout her failed campaign for Texas governor.
As she has claimed...
HD 146: Al Edwards Takes Election Challenge To...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/26/hd-146-al-edwards-takes-election-challenge-to-court/)
State Rep. Al Edwards has decided to take his contest of the March 2 Democratic Primary results showing former State Rep. Borris Miles (D-Houston) as the winner of the HD 146 contest to court.
Statement from Edwards below:
As some of you may be aware of the fact that I have filed an...
Congressional Republicans Give Hutchison Cover On...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/25/congressional-republicans-give-hutchison-cover-on-halting-resignation-plans/)
Will Kay Bailey Hutchison resign her seat in the U.S. Senate? Not on your life.
Why? Because her own party is working to give her as much cover as possible so she doesn’t have to.
First, it was Texas Governor Rick Perry, who came out and said Hutchison...
Gohmert Wants To End Popular Election Of Senators
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/23/gohmert-wants-to-end-popular-election-of-senators/)
We all knew that right-wing Republicans want to send America back to the dark ages where women can’t show their ankles in public and executions on the public square are the norm, but Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-Tyler) is taking things a bit too far. He’s calling for an end...
Local GOP Leader Says Neugebauer Will Face Zero...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/23/local-gop-leader-says-neugebauer-will-face-zero-backlash-for-outlandish-behavior/)
The Republican County Chairman in Congressman Randy Neugebauer’s home county says that the Congressman, who shouted out the phrase “baby killer” during debate on the healthcare reform bill Sunday night, will face zero backlash from...
Texas Among Big Winners In Healthcare Reform Vote
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/23/texas-among-big-winners-in-healthcare-reform-vote/)
The Center for Public Policy Priorities has a great statement up on why Texas and Texans are big winners thanks to the passage of the healthcare bill Sunday night—contrary to what Perry, Strauss, Dewhurst, Abbott and company are saying.
The statement is below:
Texans are among the...
Debate Continues Over Driver Responsibility...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/23/debate-continues-over-driver-responsibility-surcharges/)
The debate over whether or not the Driver Responsibility Surcharge is worth keeping on the books is continuing, this time with State Rep. Debbie Riddle (R-Keller) bending the truth about how much money the program has actually raised for trauma centers.
For those unfamiliar with the...
Neugebauer Admits Yelling "Baby Killer" During...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/22/neugebauer-admits-yelling-baby-killer-during-healthcare-debate/)
Texas Congressman Randy Neugebauer (R-Lubbock) has admitted to yelling out the phrase “baby killer” during debate on the healthcare reform bill Sunday in the U.S. House of Representatives.
It should surprise no one that such a stupid incident can be traced back to...
AG Abbott Says Texas Will Sue To Stop Healthcare...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/21/ag-abbott-says-texas-will-sue-to-stop-healthcare-bill/)
Attorney General Abbott: Texas and Other States Will Challenge Federal Health Care Legislation
Following the passage of the health care legislation, the Texas Attorney General provided the following statement:
Texas will sue to stop healthcare legislation passed by congress late Sunday...
TX HD 146: Al Edwards Files For Recount
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/15/tx-hd-146-al-edwards-files-for-recount/)
Surprising no one, State Rep. Al Edwards (D-Houston) today petitioned for a recount in his race against former State Rep. Borris Miles (D-Houston).
From Edwards’ press release:
“In a highly contested race with the vote separated by only 10 votes, I strongly feel that its important that...
Hensarling Wants Deficit Reduction Commission To...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/15/hensarling-wants-deficit-reduction-commission-to-fail/)
When Congressional Republicans appointed deficit-hawk and Phil Gramm protégé Rep. Jeb Hensarling to the Deficit Reduction Commission on Friday, they actually appointed someone believes—and even wants—the Commission to fail at its task.
Note Hensarling’s comments from...
Barnett Shale Quakes Likely Caused By Drilling...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/11/barnett-shale-quakes-likely-caused-by-drilling-activity/)
For those following the ongoing saga in the Barnett Shale region of North Texas, you will likely recall some minor earthquakes in the past year or so that a lot of folks thought might be connected to drilling activity in the area.
Wonder no more. Via Texas Sharon at Blue Daze, we...
Doggett Diverges With Obama On Afghanistan Policy
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/11/doggett-diverges-with-obama-on-afghanistan-policy/)
Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin), in a speech on the House floor yesterday, expressed marked differences with President Barack Obama over policy on Afghanistan.
Via the Austin American-Statesman:
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett spoke critically today about the American presence in...
TX HD 93: Loosing Republican Candidate Wants...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/11/tx-hd-93-loosing-republican-candidate-wants-revote/)
A failed Republican candidate for State Rep. Paula Hightower Pierson’s seat is considering a lawsuit to challenge his 111-vote loss to former Arlington City Councilwoman Barbara Nash in House District 93.
Via the Star-Telegram:
Last week, Bill Burch was mulling whether to request...
TX-GOV: Bill White Plays Offense
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/10/tx-gov-bill-white-plays-offense/)
Former Houston Mayor Bill White (D-Houston) went on the offensive this week, taking aim at Texas Governor Rick Perry for, among other things, calling on state agencies to slash spending by five percent to prepare for a likely $11 billion budget shortfall next biennium.
Via AP:
White criticized Perry in...
Villarreal Offers Lukewarm Praise For Perry's...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/10/villarreal-offers-lukewarm-praise-for-perrys-belated-census-actions/)
State Rep. Mike Villarreal (D-San Antonio) issued a press release Wednesday offering “lukewarm praise” to Texas Governor Rick Perry for appointing Secretary of State Hope Andrade as the state’s census ambassador.
From the press release:
“I trust...
Capitol Annex Returns
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2010/03/09/capitol-annex-returns/)
After a long, campaign-induced hiatus, Capitol Annex returns.
As most of you are aware, writing here at Capitol Annex ground to a screeching and painful halt late last summer after I went to work for Hank Gilbert’s gubernatorial campaign as his Communications and Policy Director. Shortly after Hank left the...
November 2009
2 posts
Federal Court Asked To Reopen Lawsuit Against...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/11/08/federal-court-asked-to-reopen-lawsuit-against-keller/)
Although it was lost in the news cycle late last week because of the tragedy at Fort Hood, an interesting story has emerged in the continuing saga of Court of Criminal Appeals presiding judge Sharon Keller.
The daughter of Michael Richards—the death row inmate for whom Keller...
Hopson Reported To Be Switching Parties
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/11/06/hopson-reported-to-be-switching-parties/)
Capitol Annex has learned that State Rep. Chuck Hopson (D-Jacksonville) is reported to be switching parties later today. We have been unable to reach Rep. Hopson’s office to confirm this, but Texas Governor Rick Perry’s staff has reportedly been touting this fact to the capitol press...
August 2009
10 posts
Corporate Lawyer Will Seek GOP Nomination In...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/08/19/corporate-lawyer-will-seek-gop-nomination-in-miklos-101st-district/)
Greg Noschese, a business litigation attorney in the Dallas office of Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr resigned from the Mesquite City Council on Monday and will seek the GOP nomination in House District 101. The seat is presently held by freshman Robert Miklos...
Hutchison Makes Run For Texas Governor Official
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/08/17/hutchison-makes-run-for-texas-governor-official/)
U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison today made her run for Texas Governor “official,” with campaign announcements in LaMarque and Austin today.
Hutchison will face off against Texas Governor Rick Perry—the state’s longest serving chief executive—in a battle for...
CD 17: Chet Edwards Will Hold Town Halls
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/08/17/cd-17-chet-edwards-will-hold-town-halls/)
Texas Congressman Chet Edwards (D-Waco) on Monday announced a series of in-person and telephone town hall meetings with constituents in the 17th Congressional District. Republicans, of course, had been moaning and groaning about Edwards only holding tele-town halls because those events gave them no...
Tom DeLay Will Join Cast Of Dancing With The Stars
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/08/17/tom-delay-will-join-cast-of-dancing-with-the-stars/)
Just when you thought network television could stoop no lower in its quest for reality show ratings points comes this utterly nauseating announcement from ABC:
Former House Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay will be one of 16 celebrity-ish contestants on this season of ABC’s hit show...
TX HD 4: Brown Faces Several Opponents And Massive...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/08/12/tx-hd-4-brown-faces-several-opponents-and-massive-opposition-from-asian-american-community-in-re-election-bid/)
After a session of being marginalized after the defeat of House Speaker Tom Craddick and racial gaffes, State Rep. Betty Brown (R-Terrell) could be in the fight of her political life.
Not only does she have at least three announced...
Trautman Will Make Second Try For Harris County...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/08/12/trautman-will-make-second-try-for-harris-county-tax-office/)
Diane Trautman has formally announced that she will be a candidate for the post of Harris County Tax Assessor/Collector in the 2010 special election to fill the unexpired term of Paul Bettencourt, who resigned weeks after he defeated Trautman last fall amid mounting criticism over...
TX HD 43: Ybarra Will Have Opponnent In Democratic...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/08/12/tx-hd-43-ybarra-will-have-opponnent-in-democratic-primary/)
Kingsville businessman J. M. Lozano has announced that he’ll challenge freshman State Rep. Tara Rios Ybarra (D-South Padre Island) in the Democratic Primary next March.
Via the Rio Grande Guardian:
Lozano is the owner of a restaurant franchise. He has a Bachelors degree in...
Relationship Between Hutchison's Earmarks And Her...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/08/04/relationship-between-hutchisons-earmarks-and-her-husbands-bond-business-again-under-the-microscope/)
With some amusement, we note that this passes for news today, even though the story is years old:
As the state’s senior U.S. senator, Kay Bailey Hutchison has secured hundreds of millions of federal dollars for public projects across...
Keller Wants Her Conduct Judged By A Stricter...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/08/04/keller-wants-her-conduct-judged-by-a-stricter-standard-than-allowed-in-hearing/)
Sharon Keller believes that ethics charges brought against her should be required to be judged by a higher standard than that required by the rules of the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct—even though all other judges are held to the Commission...
Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert Entering U.S. Senate...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/08/02/dallas-mayor-tom-leppert-entering-u-s-senate-race/)
It appears that Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert may be entering the race to replace Kay Bailey Hutchison in the United States Senate.
Via the Dallas Observer:
The speculation is that Leppert might consider running for Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison’s seat early next year should she decide...
July 2009
24 posts
Rodriguez Will Make Another Run For Flores' HD 36...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/07/31/rodriguez-will-make-another-run-for-flores-hd-36-seat/) Quorum Report is reporting that Sandra Rodriguez will make another run against indicted State Rep. Kino Flores (D-Palmview) in the 2010 Democratic Primary.
Rodriguez came within a thousand votes of defeating Flores in last year’s primary.
Pete Sessions Decries Earmarks, But Snagged $1.6...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/07/30/pete-sessions-decries-earmarks-but-snagged-1-6-million-to-build-blimps/)
Texas Congressman Pete Sessions (R-Dallas), head of the National Republican Congressional Committee, an avid opponent of earmarks, is under the microscope of the national media for a $1.6 million earmark for “dirgible research” for an Illinois company.
The...
Progressive States Network Looks At 81st Session
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/07/30/progressive-states-network-looks-at-81st-session/)
The Progressive States Network has a short analyisis of the 81st Session of the Texas Legislature which is worth reading.
We’ve printed it below the fold.
The Texas legislature only meets once every two years, and this year there was enough drama, both real and fabricated, to last...
Hutchison Backtracks On Resignation Talk
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/07/30/hutchison-backtracks-on-resignation-talk/)
Kay Bailey Hutchison did some quick backtracking yesterday on the issue of when she might resign.
From NPR:
But NPR congressional correspondent David Welna reports that Hutchison appeared before reporters late this afternoon to qualify her remarks.
She would quit her seat ONLY if Perry dropped out...
Hutchison Breaks Promise, Opposes Sotomayor
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/07/30/hutchison-breaks-promise-opposes-sotomayor/)
A great video from the Texas Democratic Party, full-size below the fold.
Hutchison Breaks Promise, Opposes Sotomayor:
Who Will Perry Pick To Replace Hutchison? Smart...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/07/29/who-will-perry-pick-to-replace-hutchison-smart-money-is-on-dewhurst/)
Speculation has already begun about who Texas Governor Rick Perry will appoint to replace U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison if she resigns early, as she indicated this morning, to run against Perry as governor.
Likely possibilities are Lt. Governor David Dewhurst,...
Hutchison Gives Early Fall Timeline For...
Check out this post: http://capitolannex.com/2009/07/29/hutchison-gives-early-fall-timeline-for-resignation/)
United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison told a Dallas radio show host this morning that she will likely resign from the U.S. Senate this fall—specifically in September or October—to dedicate herself full time to her gubernatorial primary against Texas Governor Rick...