9th
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 governor’s race, I accepted the challenge of becoming Farouk Shami’s campaign director in his gubernatorial run. For those who were not aware of that (and seriously—if we weren’t aware of that and were a regular reader of this blog, you must have been living under a rock), Robert Garrett’s excellent story from the Dallas Morning News sums up how that concluded. Pay special attention to my quotes, of course.
Much has happened in Texas Politics during the hiatus. While there is scarcely a major story that broke in the last six months I wouldn’t have had something to say about had I had the time to do so, I’ll take a pass on that now and simply move forward, picking up with the newest stories of the day. Please note it will take a few days for the front page to fully populate with new stories, so don’t be surprised if you continue to see a few old featured stories for the next few days.
There is one thing that happened in the last few months I would like to say a few words about: the passing of Austin political consultant Kelly Fero. Kelly was a unique, brilliant, dedicated individual who will continue to be missed I was priviliged to be one of many who had the opportunity to work with him and get to know him through the years. I suspect I am one of many folks who, over the last few months, would have loved to have one more conversation with Kelly to talk about a crisis or even trade some gossip on the latest scandal de jour.
Although many Texas Democrats don’t realize it, Kelly Fero’s legacy and fingerprints are evident in many of our victories—large and small—over the past few years. He helped many candidates, consultants, and staffers navigate the electoral seas. He never wanted or sought credit. It is my sincere hope that the many men and women working behind the scenes in politics who Kelly helped over the years will remember the advice and knowledge he imparted to many of us and pay that forward as we help, mentor, and teach the new crop of operatives, consultants, and staffers who step up to the plate and play the game.
Kelly, you are missed.
