Stonewall Democrats of Denton County Issue Endorsements

Stonewall Democrats of Denton County issued their Democratic Primary endorsements for 2010 on Saturday. If you happen to not know who these folks are, most of them have websites up now and the links are on the Stonewall website.

Paul Gomez – Denton County Justice of the Peace Pct 1

Bill Barnett – Denton County Justice of the Peace Pct 6

Stephen Stephens – Denton County Probate Court Judge

Neil Durrance – US Congressional District 26

John Sharp – US Senate

Bill White – TX Governor

Linda Chavez-Thompson – TX Lieutenant Governor

Barbara Ann Radnofsky – TX Attorney General

Hank Gilbert – TX Agriculture Commissioner

Hector Uribe – TX General Land Office Commissioner

Jeff Weems – TX Railroad Commissioner

Keith Hampton – TX Court of Criminal Appeals

Jim Sharp – TX Supreme Court Place 3

Bill Moody – TX Supreme Court Place 5

Blake Bailey – TX Supreme Court Place 9

Morris Overstreet – TX Court of Appeals Chief Justice

The Taxing TAKS Becomes A Pretty STAAR

Texas school children never have to worry about TAKS again. They don't have to worry about being taught to a test, or not moving on to the next grade if they don't pass that end of course exam, or..... oh wait, yeah they will.

 

The Texas Education Agency announced that the much maligned TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) testing system is dead and is being replaced by STAAR (State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness). The TX Legislature mandated that TAKS be replaced beginning in the 2010-2011 school year, and the state has followed through.

 

But what exactly is it being replaced with? The new STAAR includes 12 end of course exams in 4 core subject areas in high school. New tests for 3rd through 8th grades are under development. The current 7th graders will be the first to take the new end of course exam under STAAR, which coincidentally they have to pass in order to move on to 8th grade. This sounds like the same thing TAKS required. Pass the test or you don't move on. So in order to pass the test, teachers taught to the test. TAKS also had a school rating system. STAAR will also have a school rating system, but not until 2013 at the earliest.

 

Unless there are substantial changes in the testing system, or allowing teachers to actually be teachers and not "test instructors", then STAAR is just a prettier name in a repackaged brand for TAKS.

Rick Perry Employing Convicted Felons

You don't want felons to be able to vote, but it's ok to pay them to sign up potential GOP voters? Good job, Rick. Good job.

Why Republicans Need Edjamucashun

I present you with the latest in a long line of Republican fiascos on the Texas State Board of Education -- banning a child's book called Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? because the author's name was similar to that of a Marxist. A sad day in simple research and a sad day in education standards for Texas.

Texas Blog Roundup

The Texas Progressive Alliance brings you it's blog highlights for the week. As opposed to the kudos for the Aints on our other TPA friendly blogs I bring you this......GO COLTS!

Something stinks about the recent TCEQ Barnett Shale air quality testing in Fort Worth and in Flower Mound. Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

Off the Kuff looked at a report on the economic impact of dropouts.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme sympathizes with Lamar Smith's constituents who were told they must contact Smith's office if they want him to stop illegally calling their cellphones. Smith's breaking the law and his solution is to make his constituents ask him to stop.

At Texas Vox we're pleased as punch to see that Austin isn't alone in preparing for a clean energy future; Portland General Electric plans to shut down its coal plant by 2020!

WhosPlayin reposted a article from 2007 about the corporation: Don't hate the player, change the game, which is especially apropos this week.

A Republican in Democrats clothing tries to ride into office in Dallas County. SDEC members and precinct chairs say no way to this Eagle Forum darling at The Texas Cloverleaf.

Citizens of Texas say &^%$ Governor Perry! for screwing up the state after 10 years. Add your own!

WCNews at Eye On Williamson takes a glass half-full approach in analyzing the muffed election last week Let's HOPE it's seen as a wake up call.

Right-wing bloggers gathered in Austin to worship Rick Perry's pistol. Seriously. Read the entire revolting display of sycophancy at Brains and Eggs.

BossKitty at TruthHugger is continually amazed at general ignorance concerning the actual words in the US Constitution. Interpretations abound from the mouths of people who have never read the document, or do not comprehend the words in context. Embellishments and fantasy surrounding this document are spoken every day. What is especially disturbing is how these fantasies infiltrate America's politics. To be elected in some regions, a politician must fertilize the fantasy. Perspective must return to how Americans regard the Law of the Land. American Theocracy divorces US Constitution, promotes terrorism.

Over at TexasKaos, Boadicea offers a little not so subtle advise to Democrats who find themselves unmanned by the events of last week. She calls it .Dear Democrats: Balls.. Trust me, you will like the video she found to illustrate her point!

Neil at Texas Liberal made note of the fact that just two months remain before his tenth wedding anniversary. Neil is damned glad about his marriage. Neil is not certain he could advocate for liberal causes if he did not have such a solid personal relationship in his life to help him manage his frequent anger at the world. The personal and the private are often connected in many ways that we may not often consider.

GASLAND Premieres In Texas On Feb 17

The Texas premiere of the documentary GASLAND will be in Denton at the Thin Line Film Festival. It is set to open the event at 7pm on Wednesday February 17th at the historic Campus Theater. GASLAND uncovers the results of natural gas drilling across the country.

 

Information on ticket prices and film schedule are on the website. Various affordable prices range from $10 per film, $25 per evening, or $100 for an all access pass over the course of the 5 day festival.

No Reprimand For Judge Sharon Keller

Ethics in Texas is never really ethical, and this case is no different. Judge Sharon Keller closed her office promptly at 5pm and allowed a man to be executed, rather than accepting the appeal.

 

Her ethics trial for 5 counts of judicial misconduct resulted in nothing. TX State District Judge David Berchelmann of the 37th District in Bexar County said that Keller's actions "were not exemplary" before Michael Richard was executed in 2007. He also recommended that she receive no reprimand except for the public humiliation she already received. Even though Berchelmann wrote a few small jabs at Keller, he said she broke no written laws or rules.

 

Republican judges saving Republican judges. Ahhhh the ethics of Texas. Way to go, impartial judiciary.

Republican In Democrats Clothing In Dallas County

I received this from SDEC member David Bradley of the 16th Senatorial District in Dallas today. It would seem David Kelton is not the Democrat he wants Dallas County voters to believe. The accepting of and donating money to the Texas Eagle Forum is reason enough to bash him. Since parties really shouldn't matter when it comes to electing fair judges, then take into consideration the fact a social right wing nut organization like the Eagle Forum supports him. That is not what we need on the bench in Texas.

PRESS RELEASE
January 18, 2010

Contact:
David Bradley
State Democratic Executive Committee Member


Statement on Judicial Candidate David Kelton

January 18, 2010

MEMO

To:  Dallas County Democrats and Precinct Chairs

From:  SDEC Members Hon. David Bradley, Hon. Dr. Theresa Daniel, Hon. Dr. Martha Williams, Hon. Susan Culp;  Precinct Chairs Hon. Dorothy Dean, Hon. Mark Baker, Hon. Thelma Davis, Hon. Vivian Hill, Hon. Alice Cox, Hon. Lionel Churchill, Hon. Shirley Brown, Hon. Ramona Ames, Hon. Judy Richards, Hon. Shirley Daniels, Hon. Mary Freeman, Hon. Lettie Searles, Hon. Phil Fisher, former SDEC, and additional DCDP precinct chairs and activists

Re:  Judicial candidate DAVID D. KELTON

_____________________________________

Dear fellow Democrats,

The purpose of this memo is to make you aware of the background of judicial candidate David D. Kelton who is campaigning for Judge of the 134th Civil District Court in the March 2010 Democratic Primary.

From the outset of this memo, we want to indicate that we are not blindly opposed to former Republican Judges joining the Democratic Party.  There are exceptionally well-qualified individuals who have been outstanding members of our judiciary over the years, and who have never been card-carrying members of the Republican Party, who may - if our Democratic Party voters decide - make welcome additions to our Party and strengthen its ranks.  We invite you and all voters to make informed, nuanced decisions in these cases in order to maintain the quality of our local judiciary.

However, we consider the case of David Kelton to be an egregious example of a longtime Republican Party stalwart trying to infiltrate the local Democratic Party.

Kelton is a former Republican Judge of the 44th Civil District Court, appointed by Republican Gov. Rick Perry in 2002.  In the historic 2006 elections in Dallas County, Kelton was an opposed Republican candidate who actively campaigned against Democrats, running his own individual campaign and also contributing to the Dallas County Republican Party's coordinated effort, which included insulting mailings that questioned the professional abilities and moral character of our entire slate of judicial candidates.   He was defeated in that year but maintains more than $50,000.00 in campaign funds.

According to the Texas Ethics Commission, from the time of his appointment through his last finance report of July 15, 2009, Kelton has accepted over $2,800.00 from Republican clubs and PACs.  Over the same time frame, he has made contributions and expenditures of over $9,400.00 to Republican clubs, PACs and consultants (see accompanying documentation attached).  These include payments to attorney Edward Shack of $1312.50 in 2006 and 2007.

Who is Edward Shack?  Ed Shack was Tom Craddick's attorney during his race for Speaker in 2003; Ed Shack was an attorney for Texans for a Republican Majority, Republican House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's political action committee that put millions of dollars in Texas House District races in 2002 that led to a Republican majority and redistricting favorable to the Republican Party;  Ed Shack was the attorney for Dr. James Leininger's PAC that aimed in 2006 to unseat Texas State Representatives who were opposed to school vouchers; Texans for Rick Perry paid Ed Shack $18,000.00 in 2001 (Sources: Texans for Public Justice, March 4, 2004; Wise County Messenger, September 18,2005; Capitol Annex, January 31, 2006; Texas Ethics Commission).

In sum, we find the evidence (please see below) overwhelming that David D. Kelton has deep ties to the Republican Party, locally and statewide, including ties to persons who have been involved in efforts that have deeply harmed the goals and aspirations of the Dallas County Democratic Party and the Texas Democratic Party. 

It is for this reason that we have decided to share this information with you.  In our opinion, in this particular case, it is imperative that this candidate NOT be successful in the Democratic Primary

Sincerely,

SDEC Members Hon. David Bradley, Hon. Dr. Theresa Daniel, Hon. Dr. Martha Williams, Hon. Susan Culp;  Precinct Chairs Hon. Dorothy Dean, Hon. Mark Baker, Hon. Thelma Davis, Hon. Vivian Hill, Hon. Alice Cox, Hon. Lionel Churchill, Hon. Shirley Brown, Hon. Ramona Ames, Hon. Judy Richards, Hon. Shirley Daniels, Hon. Mary Freeman, Hon. Lettie Searles, Hon. Phil Fisher, former SDEC, and additional DCDP precinct chairs and activists



REPUBLICAN DAVID KELTON - ACCEPTED MONEY FROM:

Dallas County Republican Party
$1153.36 on 10/26/2002
Brentwood Republican Women PAC
$300.00 on 8/30/02
First Republican Women's Club of Dallas PAC
$300.00 on 8/5/02
Metrocrest Republican Club
$277.66 on 11/21/02
Republican Liberty PAC
$250.00 11/27/06
Park Cities Republican Women PAC
$200.00 on 5/6/02
Preston West Republican Women's Club
$200.00 on 9/20/02
Dallas Eagle Forum PAC
$100.00 on 3/1/06
White Rock Republican Women's Club
$100.00 on 8/20/02

REPUBLICAN DAVID KELTON - MADE CONTRIBUTIONS/PAYMENTS TO:

Dallas County Republican Party
$2500.00 on 12/19/05
$1500.00 on 9/19/02
$3000.00 on 8/5/06
$500.00 on 8/24/02
$100.00 on 9/18/02
Park Cities Republican Women PAC
$100.00 on 11/26/03
$25.00 on 12/29/06
$75.00 on 11/23/07
$20.00 on 1/16/05
$25.00 on 12/21/07
$20.00 on 1/20/03
$75.00 on 12/05/06
$75.00 on 12/02/05
$25.00 on 12/19/05
Dallas County Council of Republican Women
$10.00 on 12/07/04
$10.00 on 12/06/05
Dallas Eagle Forum PAC
$30.00 on 12/05/05
Edward Shack Consulting
$262.50 on 12/08/06
$225.00 on 5/18/07
$150.00 on 7/30/07
$675.00 on 5/18/07

Source for above:  Texas Ethics Commission search of finance reports for filer ID #00051643, former Republican State District Judge David D. Kelton, appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the 44th Civil District Court in 2002 and defeated by a Democrat in 2006.



# # #
Memo issued by SDEC Member David Bradley, not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

Texas Blog Roundup

The Texas Progressive Alliance wishes you a happy MLK Day as it brings you this week's blog highlights.

Off the Kuff takes a look at some demographic trends in the Houston area.

Something STINKS about TCEQ's recent Fort Worth air study. Considering that the Barnett Shale has a staggering asthma rate of 25% compared to 7.1% statewide, TXsharon thinks it's time for an intervention in Texas. Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme, along with every other progressive, knows why Democrats are having a hard time. Even the Tea Party activists know that our country should not be run by corporate lobbyists.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson discusses the importance of the election this year, 2010 races loom large for 2011 legislative redistricting.

Mary Peters loves her some private toll roads which is understandable since her income depends on stupid people at TXDOT selling off our roads. McBlogger, understandably, has a problem with the fact that taxpayers have to get screwed for Mary and her masters to make money.

A few of PDiddie's friends around the state are taking a crack at public office this year. See who they are at Brains and Eggs.

Bay Area Houston notices What they didnt talk about at the Republican debates.

Neil at Texas Liberal updated his Martin Luther King Reading & Reference List for 2010. This list is the best such resource on the web.

MUD? FWSD? WTF? Developer welfare comes back into the light in Denton County, at the Texas Cloverleaf.

Developer Welfare In Denton County

Ever wonder what a fresh water supply district does, and why in the world we have so many in Denton County? Me too. Heck, you probably don't even know you live in one.


I have been spending quite some time doing some digging around. I live in Paloma Creek off US 380, which is surrounded by Little Elm. Although I am surrounded by the LE, I am not an LE resident. I live in Denton County Fresh Water Supply District 11-A. Sounds like a mouthful, but it is more of a headache. Thanks to its creation, I pay $1 per $100 in value in tax for the water district in lieu of a city tax. That is generally about 3 to 4 times greater than a city tax. I also pay the county tax, and the Denton ISD tax on top of it. 


These districts seem to have been originally authorized by the state legislature as a way to promote tourism and/or to promote a way to get water to rural residents, depending on what type of district you live in. And there are many. There is a CDD (county development district), MUD (municipal utility district), FWSD (fresh water supply district), WCID (water control and improvement district), SUD (special utility district), etc. The list goes on. You can find a full list throughout the state on the TCEQ website if it has to do with water in particular. Some of the local FWSD's in name only-- because they are legally WCID's-- are Providence Village, Savannah, Paloma Creek, Artesia, Lantana, Castle Hills, and the list goes on.


Developers found a way to form these districts as a way to create large developments, and to create water and sewer services without creating septic systems. And in doing so, the district is able to sell bonds and the cost falls back on the homeowners in the district in the form of the tax. Typically these bonds do not get paid down until 25 to 30 years or more from the time of sale. And cities like Little Elm, are chomping at the bit to annex. However, we get stuck without certain services in the meantime unless we pay extra. Case in point, our policing. Just read the Denton Record Chronicle in recent weeks.


I intend to spend more time on the how and why of these districts, but I found a series of articles by the Dallas Morning News almost a decade ago, that explains their creation. Some of it is rather shady in how they were created, in my opinion. Such as, a developer throwing a trailer on some land, and giving it to a 20something year old redneck who then votes to create the district and serve on its board. My TX State Senator Jane Nelson even seemed to think so at the time. I do not know her opinion now, but intend to find out. But if you want to listen to an almost 5 hour long committee hearing in 2002, it is out there. But it is better to read the articles to get an idea. And to add to the fun, if you look at the satellite photos on Google Maps, or Bing Maps using the bird's eye view , the Paloma Creek  properties are shown prior to and during early development. So using our internet way back machine, we can now see what it was like years ago. When you ask the developer and your local board of directors what happened in the past, their memory is foggy. But pictures don't lie. 


There is a lot of he said she said and "the guy before me did it" in the whole questioning of why things are the way they are. It is hard to find the truth, but some of the background is out there. And it is way past time to dig it back up. Get ready Denton County. The truth is out there.

Big GOP Debate In Denton

<chirp chirp chirp>...........................................

 

............................................

 

Yeah sorry. I didn't go to it or watch it. I was busy being sworn in as a Precinct Chair for the Denton County Democratic Party in my newly formed precinct. Republicans arguing with one another doesn't concern me.

Does Little Elm Really Need More Retail?

Last time I checked, the economy was still pretty crappy. So why are more mega retail projects cropping up in Denton County? A developed announced a new 22 acre project in Little Elm that would include a 123,000 square foot Kroger.

I live in the US 380 corridor. Granted we don't have a lot of options like most suburban areas. But there is a Super WalMart, Kroger, Albertsons, and Market Street all within a 10 mile driving distance from my home, and a lot shorter drive for those in Little Elm proper and West Frisco. A Tom Thumb has also been proposed in Frisco just north of The Colony at 423 and Lebanon. Another WalMart has been planned for Cross Roads once the economy picks back up this year or next. This new Kroger would be at 423 and 720, very close to the WalMart I would expect. There is already a Kroger on Main Street in Frisco, which I am assuming this new one will replace. There is also vacant retail space yet to be filled sitting empty in both Little Elm and Frisco.

Granted our area is growing by leaps and bounds and has done so in the last decade exponentially. Little Elm's 2000 census put them at 3646 people. It is now well over 23,000. Add to that 5000+ people along US 380 in Providence Village, Paloma Creek, and Savannah, and even more in the growing West Frisco area. Roads have been slow coming. We've been waiting for years to have 423 expanded. Instead, priority had been given to El Dorado Pkwy being widened in Frisco to accomodate more traffic moving between the Tollway and the Toll Bridge, neglecting a much needed north-south throughfare. And now they want to add even more retail to 423? It sounds like a traffic nightmare in waiting.

I know Little Elm wants more and more sales tax and commercial taxes. Why else would they have greedily strip annexed along US 380 all the way to Lincoln Park and zone it commercial? But this just looks like a town government and planning commission out of hand. If there was ever a time for conservatism it would be now. But consumerism seems to be getting the best of a growing suburb.

Wherein Thoughts Muse

Sorry just always wanted to use wherein in a blog

Texas Blog Roundup

With blue lips and chattering teeth, the Texas Progressive Alliance brings you a hot steaming mug of blog highlights for the week.

This week on Left of College Station: the filling deadline has ended and the primaries in the Brazos Valley are crowded with candidates. Also, a look at who tweets among the primary candidates for Texas Congressional District 17 and which does not want Left of College Station to follow their tweets. Teddy also takes a look at the modern day slavery of human trafficking, and how Houston has become one of the biggest hubs for the modern day slave trade. Left of College Station also covers the week in headlines.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the Texas GOP's inability to govern and the opportunities that provides for Democrats, GOP divisions can bring Democratic gains in Texas.

The Denton County candidates are ready to go at the Texas Cloverleaf.

How does Texas compare with other states? A statistical analysis with graphs reveals the truth at Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

Off the Kuff has a modest suggestion for how to handle Harris County's current budget shortfall.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme agrees it's time to put our money in community banks.

Thinking and acting both locally and globally, Neil at Texas Liberal sent membership donations to both Greenpeace and the Democratic Women of Denton County.

After a noted anti-gay and Republican activist filed to run as a Democrat against an unchallenged incumbent GOP county commissioner, investigation determined that the man used the wrong address and was disqualified from the ballot. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs has more on the story.

Bay Area Houston nominates Dave Wilson for the "Dripping with Hypocrisy" award with One Man. No Woman.

WhosPlayin has the story of a public servant who manages a $13 million facility, where he works for the taxpayer by day, and for the private club that rents the facility at night.

McBlogger sees some problems with Sen. Hutchison's ad taking on 39% and some of the people making excuses for 39%.

Clothing Optional Mass Transit In DFW

Taking the term "flash mob" to a whole new level, some DART rail riders in Dallas took off their pants on Sunday in a coordinated effort with others nationwide. DART CEO Gary Thomas even joked he had planned the event himself. Of course some DART police and passengers didn't appreciate seeing blue balls on the Blue Line, and required some to put their pants back on.

 

I guess if it gets DART more passengers, then pants free days might be the wave of the future. It also validates all of times your mother warned you to have on clean underwear. Of course riding the train was probably not one of the times she had in mind.

One GOP Challenger Down In Fort Worth

TX Rep Marc Veasey of Fort Worth was slated to have a Republican challenger, but it is not to be. The Starlegram notes that Dr. Monte Mitchell was disqualified for running due to having previously filed for precinct chair. Looks like HD 95 gets two more years of Veasey.

 

Interesting to note, Veasey is the only Democratic Rep in Tarrant County who will not have an opponent. Also Republicans Diane Patrick and Mark Shelton also drew no opponents in the House from the two major parties. State Senator Jane Nelson is also unopposed in that regard. All of them will have Libertarian opponents, but we know how that goes.

Eva Guzman Swearing In As Texas Surpeme Court Justice

I am not sure how this works exactly, but Eva Guzman will be sworn into her seat on the Texas Supreme Court today. She was appointed on October 8th to replace Scott Brister who resigned his seat. She is the first Latina to serve on the state high court. Why it takes 3 months to swear someone in is beyond me. Welcome to Texas.

 

Interestingly, her previous job was an appointment as well. She was appointed by Governor 39% Perry to serve in 2001 on the Texas 14th District Court of Appeals in Houston. She was then reelected to keep that position, but it must be nice to have an incumbency handed to you-- now two times in the past decade. In the previous decade, she was appointed by then Governor George W. Bush to the 309th District Court of Harris County.

 

But this brings up another issue in Texas politics. We elect our judges. And our judges are partisan- meaning they run under a party banner. Loyalty to the party brand does not seem right when we expect our judiciary to be fair and impartial. I am not saying Justice Guzman is not impartial, or she is a crazy right winger, but it does give that impression sometimes when you have someone as crazy as Perry and Bush handing you a job, not once but three times. The system needs to be addressed.

Craig James The Next To Run In The Non US Senate Race

ESPN analyst and former Southern Methodist University star Craig James is throwing his name out there for the US Senate seat currently held by Kay Bailey Hutchison. He would run as a Republican.

The Celina TX resident was the last white player to rush for over 1000 yards in the NFL with the New England Patriots. These days he might be known to many as the father of Texas Tech University receiver Adam James, who allegedly he was locked in an electrical closet by now former head coach Mike Leach. He is also known for quite a number of gaffes in the sports broadcasting industry.

So how does that translate to politics? One would think, even as a Republican, that if he were interested in being a politician he would start out small. State House maybe? Collin County is a GOP breeding ground, and he would fit in well there. I don't think he would do well statewide, especially considering his recent foray into the firing of Leach. He would lose Lubbock for sure. Couple that with the free for all that would occur if a special election for US Senate did occur, assuming KBH wins the governor's primary in March. There are other long time and not so long time politicians on both sides of the aisle who want that spot.

While Craig James, Republican for Senate, might sound neat, it would be a train wreck. He might want to also make sure he can still run as quick as he did in 1985, in case he needs to make a hasty retreat from campaign appearances in West Texas.

Denton County Water In Jeopardy In Argyle & Bartonville

Bluedaze tips us off on two articles relating to more ridiculous drilling conditions in western Denton County. It seems there is a proposal to put in wastewater wells near fresh water wells. Yeah, that makes sense. NOT! Argyle and Bartonville need to watch out.

GASLAND Texas Premiere In The Heart Of The Barnett Shale

DENTON, TX - Thin Line Film Fest is pleased to announce the opening film for the upcoming 2010 Thin Line Film Festival held February 17-21, 2010. Two weeks after its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, GASLAND will make its Texas Premiere February 17th at 7PM at the historic Campus Theatre in downtown Denton, TX. The screening event will be attended by the filmmakers as well as those from North Texas featured in the film. The opening night reception will follow the screening.

When filmmaker Josh Fox discovers that Natural Gas drilling is coming to his area—the Catskills/Poconos region of Upstate New York and Pennsylvania, he sets off on a 24 state journey to uncover the deep consequences of the United States’ natural gas drilling boom. What he uncovers is truly shocking. Part verite travelogue, part expose, part mystery, part bluegrass banjo meltdown, part showdown, Josh and his banjo encounter EPA whistleblowers, congressmen, world recognized scientists, and some of the most incredibly inspiring and heart-wrenching stories of ordinary Americans fighting against fossil fuel giants for environmental justice.

Thin Line Film Fest: Texas' International Documentary Film Festival is held February 17-21, 2010 in Downtown Denton, TX. Tickets and passes for all events will go on sale January 18th corresponding with the launch of the updated festival website featuring the complete 2010 lineup along with summaries, trailers, and more.

Denton County Primary Candidates Ready To Go

The Denton County Texas primaries have been set. On the Republican side, it looks like a free for all for the local seats, per usual. On the Democratic side, even though only fielding 4 local candidates, they are all very well qualified for their contests, which is something that hasn't always happened in past years.

The Republican side has several races with contested primaries. I've been hearing part of this is due in part to Tea Party rabble rousing, and partly because that party enjoys eating their own. Oh, and partly because many judicial candidates know they have a stark chance of winning as a Democrat, so they run under the Evil Empire instead.

State Reps Myra Crownover and Burt Solomons both drew primary challengers, which is somewhat surprising, given their strong base in the GOP. But it would appear they are targets of the Tea Party. Googling Mike Murphy of Frisco, Solomons's opponent, shows him to be the more "conservative" choice for some. (since original press time, we have been provided a Facebook page for Mr. Murphy by his supporters). Ditto with Kurt Hyde, who is challenging Myra Crownover. He is more along the lines of a Ron Paul fan. They should make for an interesting debate, but I can't see any Republican primarying out their sitting state representative no matter how liberal they might perceive them. They had no problem reelecting them in 2008, so nothing has changed since then.

The other GOP incumbents may be in trouble. In 2008, the incumbent County Commissioner Cynthia White was booted in her primary in favor of since elected Hugh Coleman. 2010 could bring the same fate for incumbents in the judicial races and even District Attorney. Most interesting is 34 year old attorney Brent Bowen, who has filed to run against District Attorney Paul Johnson. Bowen is a past Assistant D.A. for the office. So I am sure he is aware of the allegations that Johnson's office is racist and promotes a hostile work environment. I am not sure that is something Denton County GOP'ers want to keep around. Bowen could pull the upset.

Now on to the people that actually matter and can make a change. Our Democratic field. Former Denton City Councilman and Denton County Democratic Party Chairman Neil Durrance is running for Congressional District 26 and may face some stiff challenges in the general election. Not only will he have to face incumbent Congressman Michael Burgess, he may also be facing multiple 3^rd party candidates and an independent candidate with cash, Donald Tracey. While it is hard to run against 3^rd parties, who typically siphon votes, they may very well siphon them from Burgess. So Durrance does have a shot at pulling it close. I know Neil will put up a fight regardless of what happens.

First year attorney Paul Gomez will be running for Justice of the Peace District 6 which is in the southeastern corner of the county with Carrollton and Dallas. If voters in the southern portion of the county will actually VOTE then he has a shot at taking down the incumbent. All 4 Dallas precincts went blue in 2008, but their turnout numbers have always been questionable. Those precincts are heavy on apartment dwellers. Keeping transient people motivated is always a problem.

Bill Barnett of Denton will challenge for the Justice of the Peace District 1 spot, which rests in the city of Denton. This seat may very well be the best shot of a Democrat pulling the upset in 2010 and finally gaining a seat in Denton County. Mac Poe, who ran in 2006, had the best vote percentage among Democrats in the entire county against the incumbent Joe Holland. In a losing effort, he pulled 42% of the vote in a time in which Democrats were not even nearly as popular in Denton. Only Mike Ballard, in a losing effort for Constable in 2008, has done any better percentage wise. In an election with around 22,000 votes, winning this seat is entirely possible if it is targeted in the right way.

Last but not least is Stephen Stephens. While he has a great name for weatherman or news anchor, he is a probate lawyer and looks to be our next Probate Court Judge. He has been a probate lawyer for over 30 years, so he is extremely qualified for the job. He also has already held judicial seats, having been a Lewisville and Flower Mound Municipal Court Judge, as well as the City Attorney for Hickory Creek. Probate Court could also be another Democratic upset, as the incumbent is not running for reelection.

I thought it would be rather bland only months ago, but 2010 looks to be an exciting mid term election. I am looking forward to hosting many of these Democratic candidates at the Stonewall Democrats candidate forum on January 15^th. We can all learn more about everyone.

TX Statewide Democratic Candidates List Grows At Deadline

The deadline to file to run for office in the Democratic primary in Texas was at 6pm earlier this evening. Some counties have not reported to the state many of their late local filings, but the Texas Democratic Party has a fairly updated list that let's us peak in on more statewide candidates.

Among the late filers are some knowns, unknowns, and known unknowns as Rummy would say. Among some of the knowns are Linda Chavez-Thompson for Lt. Governor, Hector Uribe for Land Commissioner, Jim Sharp for Supreme Court, and Bill Moody for Supreme Court. Chavez-Thompson was the vice chair of the DNC and an AFL-CIO labor leader so she brings in a polished resume to the race for Lite Guv. Hector Uribe is a former state senator in the '80s. Bill Moody and Jim Sharp have been in court races before, so I know the names, but maybe not that well.

Some of the oddballs, who are either odd because I don't know them, or because I know for a fact they are odd, have entered races as well. Morris Overstreet wants to be Chief Justice of the 1st Court of Appeals. Texans would know who he is but I do not. His wikipedia however says he was the 1st black man elected to that same court and served for 8 years. So I guess he would be a good candidate for the job, huh? Clement Glenn wants to be your Governor. I assuming in my Googling that he is the same Dr. Glenn of Prairie View A&M who is an education professor. So at least he doesn't seem to be a dummy. But again, where in the blue hell did he come from? That brings us to Star Locke. I would direct you to his website, but my antivirus software says it has a trojan. So, bad move. But you may remember Star as one of the also rans against Rick Perry in the 2006 GOP primary. Among Star's fun ideas is taxing abortion clinics and soda. If he can't stick you for killing a fetus, well he will get ya for drinking that Coke! I can honestly say it would have been more fun to see him run again as a Republican. But he rounds out a 7 person field on the Democratic side of things for Governor of Texas.

Once thought to be a bleak 2010 ticket, the Democrats have come out in force. Whether they are actually Democrats or not, and whether or not you should vote for them...well that is for you to find out. I will try to help, but I make no guarantees. Just don't vote for Star Locke.

Democratic Strategist Kelly Fero Dead At 57

Texas Democratic strategist Kelly Fero was found dead this afternoon in his Austin home. He was 57 years old. No cause of death has been released, but his wife said he had not been feeling well. Fero was known as having worked for Jim Mattox and John Sharp.

Big Money In HD 100 Race

Democratic challenger Eric Johnson in the HD 100 primary against Rep. Terri Hodge announced today that his campaign has raised over $204,000 since June. 70% of his donors are people who gave $100 or less, which shows a great support from the grassroots. Johnson currently has $104,000 on hand as well. Doesn't look good for the incumbent, but only the election numbers will tell.

Texas Blog Roundup

The Texas Progressive Alliance is still somewhat amazed to be living in the year we make contact, and we hope we're all still going strong when Odyssey Three rolls around.

Texas has most drilling, worst regulation. Texas made national news this week in the ProPublica investigative report and they used pictures provided by TXsharon @ Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.

WhosPlayin reports that the local city council is once again considering the question of whether to participate in 287(g) and force its vendors to use E-Verify to check for work eligibility.

BossKitty at TruthHugger found a poignant editorial on Al Jazeera: Weary Soldiers At Risk, They Know This - Why do foreign correspondents have more in depth observations than America’s own Corporate media who follows the money and toes the line for sponsors political perks that promise ’scoops’.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme thinks all kids should be given free, nutritious school meals. Just do it.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson discusses another worthless GOP plan for transportation in Texas, Kay's transportation plan is a clunker.

The Texas Cloverleaf questions whether or not a Houston City Councilman-elect knows the difference between a campaign website and city resources.

Off the Kuff called out some political gamesmanship over the murder rate in Harris County.

Last week Teddy reviewed the best of the Left of College Station, and looks at the year ahead at Left of College Station. This week Left of College Station will begin coverage of the 2010 campaign season in the Brazos Valley, and report on human trafficking in Houston.

Candidate filings, including Gordon Quan for Harris County Judge and a list of the statewides, appears in PDiddie's post at Brains and Eggs.

Bay Area Houston hopes the next decade will be better than the last.

Justin at Asian American Action Fund Blog covered Gordon Quan's campaign kickoff including full video of Quan's speech.

LibbyShaw puts together the latest throw downs exposing GOP hypocrisy and lies. Check it out : Rachel Maddow Busts Republicans for Cowardice, Hypocrisy and Lies.

At McBlogger, Mayor McSleaze noted with some interest that Marc Katz filed for Lt. Governor. Some, but not much. More important to him was a really nasty prairie dog attack.

Neil at Texas Liberal selected his wife as person of the decade and named his blog---Texas Liberal--- as blog of the decade.

Houston City Councilman Using City Resources For Hate?

Newly elected Houston City Councilman-elect Al Hoang has already put taxpayer dollars to use to promote his own agenda. Granted, I never heard of the guy until today. Mainly because I don't live in Houston. But it was pointed out to me his tactful use of the city website. This is quoted from his bio:

While some of his opponents might advocate for gays and liberals' rights, Al is defending Christian and family values.

Al is pro-life (anti-abortion), anti-crimes, and pro-infrastructure developments.

On immigration issues, Al believes every citizen of this City has to follow properly the Law of this country, LEGAL IMMIGRATION is a YES but ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION is a NO.

Al is a longtime member of International Pen based in London advocating for human rights and freedom.

I am not sure what human rights and freedom he is referring to if he is using the city's website to speak against gay people, immigrants, and a woman's right to choose. After all, it says he was born in "the land of freedom" South Vietnam. So he too is an immigrant. He also doesn't seem too honest to start with. You can check out some of the recent shenanigans brought to light on our allied blog Off the Kuff.

Regardless of his personal views, last I checked, you don't post them on the city's websites.

Update: The site is now "under construction", however Off The Kuff did capture a screen shot of the above mentioned.

One More For TX Governor

Among some holiday filers for statewide office is Dr. Alma Aguado. Even though her website still says she is running for US Senate, she did indeed file to run for Texas Governor on December 30th. I can't say I know a lot about her, but she obviously isn't stupid if she is a medical doctor of internal medicine. It is good to have multiple sexes and ethnic groups running for office in the Democratic primary. It shows the depth of our party.

The final deadline for filing in the primary is this Monday January 4th, so there may be more yet to come!