The final early voting numbers in Denton County are in. Democrats 1,945. Republicans 17,251. The last day of early voting on Friday February 26th saw a huge surge in voting on both sides with 506 Democrats (more than double the previous highest day total) and 4,186 Republicans (almost double the previous day).
These numbers are down from 2008 for the D side, with 28,670 Democrat having voted early. But it is an increase on the Republican side, as an even 17,000 voted early in 2008. From these numbers, Republican turnout for this coming Tuesday's primary election day could be as large or larger than 2008.
What does this mean for both parties? For the Democrats, it means a slightly better performance than 2006 which only saw a total of 1,791 voting in the entire primary. But it pales in comparison to the total 54,757 who voted in the 2008 primary. The excitement just isn't the same as two years ago. But for a midterm election, the 2010 Democratic numbers in the early vote are encouraging.
For Republicans, this means several things. This means the voters who were spurred to vote in 2008 for the likes of McCain or Ron Paul are still voting. But this also means they are turning out in force to make sure that their choice of Governor is made, as well as the numerous contested judicial spots in the county. It also means that many are simply pissed off with the GOP establishment. The teabaggers are going to make themselves known in this election and the GOP local leaders should watch out. The 28,823 votes in 2008 may be eclipsed on Tuesday. The 2010 early vote total already eclipses the total turnout in 2006 of 15,996.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Denton County Early Vote Bleak For Dems
The early voting period for the March 2nd primary ends tomorrow. For the first time, Denton County Elections have been posting the names of people who have early voted in person in both the Democratic and Republican primaries on each day, something other counties have had access to for quite some time. The numbers are a not a good sign for Democrats.
Through the end of voting on February 24th, the total number of Democrats that voted early in the primary is 1189. That might seem like a large number, considering a similar mid term vote in 2006 only garnered just 1791 votes for the entire election. Republicans saw the same small numbers during that year. But it is quite low considering 54,000 people took the polls in the 2008 primary only two years ago, more than 28,000 of which voted early. Looking at the numbers, there will be more votes than in 2006, but nowhere near what 2008 provided the party.
On the other hand, the Republicans are seeing a stunning turnout similar to their 2008 numbers. Through the end of February 24th, 10,765 people have voted in the GOP primary. This is on par with 2008 where 17,000 voted early and a total of almost 39,000 voted in their primary by election day. For comparison, they did have a total turnout of over 15,000 in 2006. Looking at the numbers, they will exceed 2006, but maybe not get to their turnout from 2008.
I don't see this as good news in our little "red" county for Democrats. We clearly have not built off of our stunning gains in 2008. Will this be the same for the rest of Texas? Who knows. But it looks like Denton County is lagging. Bill White simply doesn't hold the same star power as a Barack Obama or Hilary Clinton and will not bring people out of the wood works to vote in the primary. But we do hope the general election bodes better for the D side. And it does show the work that needs to be done to put a Democrat in office in these parts.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
380 Water District To Put Incorporation To A Vote
Denton County Fresh Water Supply District 9, may soon be a real town, if voters approve an incorporation measure that was recently approved for the May ballot.
District 9, or known to most people as Providence Village TX, has successfully persuaded the Town of Little Elm to release the ETJ held over the area, and the petition for incorporation approved by the county elections office. "This was a big day," said currently district board Vice President Clint Shipp. "The Texas Constitution grants the right to self governance. We chose to exercise that right and after about 5 years of work on this project...the election is being called." The district is located next to the town of Lincoln Park, along the growing US 380 corridor (which includes Paloma Creek and Savannah).
The petition was certified earlier this afternoon by the Denton County Elections Administration and will be placed on next week's County Commissioner's agenda for the election to be called.
Providence is a unique case to the area, but not the state. These "special districts" are created in hopes of developing rural areas at little cost to developers themselves. And some of them do incorporate, or become annexed by other entities. A good example of self incorporation is The Woodlands north of Houston, which has also been looking into the option. Houston is notorious for creating municipal utility districts, or MUDs, outside of its city limits in hopes the city will grow. And it has by leaps and bounds. Other districts get annexed by other towns as their bonds are paid down, usually in 15 to 20 years. Providence will be the first attempt at incorporation of a Denton County district.
Providence could become the model for other districts in Denton County, such as Castle Hills, Lantana, Paloma Creek, Frisco Ranch, Artesia, and Savannah to become their own towns before being gobbled up by entities who may or may not have their best interests at heart.
District 9, or known to most people as Providence Village TX, has successfully persuaded the Town of Little Elm to release the ETJ held over the area, and the petition for incorporation approved by the county elections office. "This was a big day," said currently district board Vice President Clint Shipp. "The Texas Constitution grants the right to self governance. We chose to exercise that right and after about 5 years of work on this project...the election is being called." The district is located next to the town of Lincoln Park, along the growing US 380 corridor (which includes Paloma Creek and Savannah).
The petition was certified earlier this afternoon by the Denton County Elections Administration and will be placed on next week's County Commissioner's agenda for the election to be called.
Providence is a unique case to the area, but not the state. These "special districts" are created in hopes of developing rural areas at little cost to developers themselves. And some of them do incorporate, or become annexed by other entities. A good example of self incorporation is The Woodlands north of Houston, which has also been looking into the option. Houston is notorious for creating municipal utility districts, or MUDs, outside of its city limits in hopes the city will grow. And it has by leaps and bounds. Other districts get annexed by other towns as their bonds are paid down, usually in 15 to 20 years. Providence will be the first attempt at incorporation of a Denton County district.
Providence could become the model for other districts in Denton County, such as Castle Hills, Lantana, Paloma Creek, Frisco Ranch, Artesia, and Savannah to become their own towns before being gobbled up by entities who may or may not have their best interests at heart.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Texas Blog Roundup
The Texas Progressive Alliance reminds you that early voting runs through this Friday at 7 PM for the primaries as it brings you this week's blog highlights.
BossKitty at TruthHugger is amazed that anger is directed toward the Internal Revenue Service when Americans elect the very people who make the laws IRS enforces. Joe Stack targeted the wrong end of this chain. Taxpayers get end up owing money because they do not understand the laws their representatives make. Tax and Defiance – Short Sighted Protester, Joe Stack.
In times of depleting incomes, Republican Harris County Commissioner Steve Radack brags about his $2.3 Million tax funded soap box derby track.
Two Steps Forward One Step Back for Tainted Texas Air at Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.
This week on Left of College Station, Teddy reflects on the next 40 days of protest that are taking place at Planned Parenthood, and reviews a performance of the Vagina Monologues at Texas A&M. Also, a look at the poll numbers in the campaign to be the next governor of Texas, and a review of the week in headlines.
The Conservative Politicians Against Compromise convention picked an old-school nutjob as the presidential nominee in 2012, notes PDiddie at Brains and Eggs.
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wants to know why Republicans hate education so much? Why make community colleges unaffordable?
In Lewisville, the school district has revoked consent for a community organization use their parking lots to gather signatures for a petition drive on the weekend.
In what will come as a massive surprise, McBlogger endorses Hank Gilbert. Find out why here.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson shows that even without the severe decrease in sales tax receipts Texas would still be facing a budget crisis, Understanding the budget and Texas' structural deficit.
Off the Kuff notes the humor of our Attorney General suing to protect the sanctity of divorce.
Libby shaw at TexasKaos does the accountability analysis on the GOP stimulus hypocrites. See her scorecard here; TX U.S. House Members Join Senators in GOP Hall of Hypocritical Shame.
If Citizen Sarah had a nickel for every time she's put out a statement saying something along the lines of “Governor Perry is blowing hot air about climate change”… she could probably buy something really fancy, like a Mexican coke in a glass bottle. See Texas Vox for more details.
The Texas Cloverleaf reports from frigid New Jersey and wants everyone to know the state, and others, have not fallen into GOP hands.
BossKitty at TruthHugger is amazed that anger is directed toward the Internal Revenue Service when Americans elect the very people who make the laws IRS enforces. Joe Stack targeted the wrong end of this chain. Taxpayers get end up owing money because they do not understand the laws their representatives make. Tax and Defiance – Short Sighted Protester, Joe Stack.
In times of depleting incomes, Republican Harris County Commissioner Steve Radack brags about his $2.3 Million tax funded soap box derby track.
Two Steps Forward One Step Back for Tainted Texas Air at Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.
This week on Left of College Station, Teddy reflects on the next 40 days of protest that are taking place at Planned Parenthood, and reviews a performance of the Vagina Monologues at Texas A&M. Also, a look at the poll numbers in the campaign to be the next governor of Texas, and a review of the week in headlines.
The Conservative Politicians Against Compromise convention picked an old-school nutjob as the presidential nominee in 2012, notes PDiddie at Brains and Eggs.
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wants to know why Republicans hate education so much? Why make community colleges unaffordable?
In Lewisville, the school district has revoked consent for a community organization use their parking lots to gather signatures for a petition drive on the weekend.
In what will come as a massive surprise, McBlogger endorses Hank Gilbert. Find out why here.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson shows that even without the severe decrease in sales tax receipts Texas would still be facing a budget crisis, Understanding the budget and Texas' structural deficit.
Off the Kuff notes the humor of our Attorney General suing to protect the sanctity of divorce.
Libby shaw at TexasKaos does the accountability analysis on the GOP stimulus hypocrites. See her scorecard here; TX U.S. House Members Join Senators in GOP Hall of Hypocritical Shame.
If Citizen Sarah had a nickel for every time she's put out a statement saying something along the lines of “Governor Perry is blowing hot air about climate change”… she could probably buy something really fancy, like a Mexican coke in a glass bottle. See Texas Vox for more details.
The Texas Cloverleaf reports from frigid New Jersey and wants everyone to know the state, and others, have not fallen into GOP hands.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
No America, NJ Has Not Fallen Into GOP Hands
As we are all aware now, there have been several GOP victories as of late. The Governors of both Virginia and New Jersey, and even a Senate seat in Massachusetts have all fallen victim to the Republicans. This may come as quite a shock, since all 3 states went to Obama in 2008. But is it really a shock when you get right down to it?
Virginia has been up in the air for many years. It is as much south of the Mason Dixon line as it is a Mid Atlantic state. So the split among voters is pretty tight, party wise. So it should come as no shock that it was time for a Republican to slip back into the Governor's mansion there.
Massachusetts is always viewed as the liberal bastion of America. But it isn't. I guess growing up as a kid in the Northeast I recall all of the racial garbage that went down between white and black people in Boston a lot more than the rest of the country would remember it. And to top it off, Massachusetts independent voters overwhelm both the Democratic and Republican parties registered voters put together. How do you think they had a Republican Governor in office from 1991 to 2007? I guess everyone conveniently forgot that as well.
As for New Jersey, the story is the same. The Governor's mansion routinely switches parties due to the statewide vote. When I was born in NJ, there was this guy running the show named Thomas Kean. Heard of him? I think so. 9-11 Commission. Those sorts of things drudge him up these days. Ever hear of Christie Todd Whitman? Another GOP Governor in the Garden State. So the recent ascension of Chris Christie should come as no shock. It was time, after the years of McGreevy and Corzine for a change.
But does this mean the 3 states in question are lost to Democrats? As they'd say in my birth land, fuhgeddaboudit! It just means they have to work harder to win statewide offices they are prone to losing right now.
I am here in New Jersey as I write this, and just spent the better part of my Sunday drinking heavily and eating with a room full of Greeks and Irish at my sister's big fat Greek engagement party. And I couldn't find one that said they were a Republican. I even had one threaten to disown me, because he thought I misspoke and said I ran with the GOP. I had to quickly correct his mishearing.
The votes are there for Democrats in the 3 states I mentioned, and in many other states. The same states who came out in force for Barack Obama in 2008 can be won in 2010. There are just some people out there who need that same motivation to get off their ass and go back to the polls. "Yes we can" needs to become "yes we will" and not "maybe tomorrow". Because "maybe tomorrow" then becomes "oh fuck, why didn't I do something when I had the chance" and "oh fuck, how did this asshole from Cosmo take Kennedy's seat". Nobody else should let that happen again. So get off your ass and go vote. You have no room to complain if you don't.
Virginia has been up in the air for many years. It is as much south of the Mason Dixon line as it is a Mid Atlantic state. So the split among voters is pretty tight, party wise. So it should come as no shock that it was time for a Republican to slip back into the Governor's mansion there.
Massachusetts is always viewed as the liberal bastion of America. But it isn't. I guess growing up as a kid in the Northeast I recall all of the racial garbage that went down between white and black people in Boston a lot more than the rest of the country would remember it. And to top it off, Massachusetts independent voters overwhelm both the Democratic and Republican parties registered voters put together. How do you think they had a Republican Governor in office from 1991 to 2007? I guess everyone conveniently forgot that as well.
As for New Jersey, the story is the same. The Governor's mansion routinely switches parties due to the statewide vote. When I was born in NJ, there was this guy running the show named Thomas Kean. Heard of him? I think so. 9-11 Commission. Those sorts of things drudge him up these days. Ever hear of Christie Todd Whitman? Another GOP Governor in the Garden State. So the recent ascension of Chris Christie should come as no shock. It was time, after the years of McGreevy and Corzine for a change.
But does this mean the 3 states in question are lost to Democrats? As they'd say in my birth land, fuhgeddaboudit! It just means they have to work harder to win statewide offices they are prone to losing right now.
I am here in New Jersey as I write this, and just spent the better part of my Sunday drinking heavily and eating with a room full of Greeks and Irish at my sister's big fat Greek engagement party. And I couldn't find one that said they were a Republican. I even had one threaten to disown me, because he thought I misspoke and said I ran with the GOP. I had to quickly correct his mishearing.
The votes are there for Democrats in the 3 states I mentioned, and in many other states. The same states who came out in force for Barack Obama in 2008 can be won in 2010. There are just some people out there who need that same motivation to get off their ass and go back to the polls. "Yes we can" needs to become "yes we will" and not "maybe tomorrow". Because "maybe tomorrow" then becomes "oh fuck, why didn't I do something when I had the chance" and "oh fuck, how did this asshole from Cosmo take Kennedy's seat". Nobody else should let that happen again. So get off your ass and go vote. You have no room to complain if you don't.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Emperor Perry
Governor 39% Rick Perry will not say no to a 4th term, assuming he wins his 3rd this November. Apparently questioning whether he will keep his throne is an "inappropriate" question for him now. Of course he also said he would serve out his 3rd term if he wins it. Which is probably BS anyway, since he could very well run for President in 2012, or get the VP nod. Remember KBH stating when she was reelected in 2006 that she would finish out her Senate term? Look how that is working out.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Shami Staff Steps Down Part 2
Another internal blow up on the Farouk Shami campaign came to a head today, with most of his top staffers resigning. Charlie Ray, Vince Leibowitz, and Kelly Love Johnson all walked away from what yesterday seemed to be an internal email that was leaked to the press and bloggers. We were copied in on it as well, but didn't publish it given its unknown nature and it seemed like a hoax at first. The email was a reply to a press release sent out by a staffer named David Diaz, and someone else on the campaign team questioning who the hell he was essentially. The email by Diaz charged that Bill White was a racist.
The internal shake ups on Farouk's squad isn't new. His original campaign team, consisting of Jason Stanford among others (note- Stanford now works for Kinky Friedman, and previously for Chris Bell), was fired previously in lieu of new help. None of this looks good for a campaign that is already in shambles after a poorly prepared debate against Bill White on statewide television. Shami has also been polling in the teens, or worse, percentage wise among all 7 Democratic candidates for TX Governor.
All of the above pretty much solidified my early vote today for Bill White. I was willing to give Farouk Shami a chance and it was clearly blown on so many levels. We need a serious challenger for Governor in November, thus my decision.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Perry Wrong On Greenhouse Gases AGAIN
In the waste of time department, TX Governor 39% Rick Perry is at it again, this time filing a frivolous lawsuit against the EPA. Perry, and his equally inept cohorts Attorney General Greg Abbott and Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, filed suit in federal court against the EPA for trying to impose restrictions on green house gases. Apparently the Governor was asleep in science class in the '90s when we all learned that polluting the air is bad. Rather than moving Texas forward and finding clean solutions to our problems, our state executives are willing to waste our taxpayer dollars on lawsuits touting dirty air.
We've got a good story to share from Phillip over at BOR on why Perry is, yet again, wrong. Even Bush's EPA in 2008 said he was laughable. Also today, the Sierra Club and Public Citizen TX chapter issued Perry a citation for continuing to pollute the air we breathe. Texas is the top polluter in the country. I guess that is something that Rick Perry stands for in his reelection campaign.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Ken Starr To Head Baylor
If you're worried about your kids getting blow jobs in the Oval Office, then Baylor University will be the place to send them for some strict scrutiny. Baylor announced that it has hired former special investigator, or was we like to call it --- lawyer, Kenneth Starr to be its next President. He was most recently the Dean of Pepperdine Law School. Enjoy it, Baylor. You deserve him.
Texas Blog Roundup
The Texas Progressive Alliance wishes you all a happy President's Day, Mardi Gras, and Lunar New Year, bringing you the first Year of the Tiger blog roundup. It's the eye of the tiger!
Justin at Asian American Action Fund Blog notes that Houston is the first locale President Obama named in his Lunar New Year Greeting. Could there be a political meaning behind it?
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme marvels at the jackassery presented to voters on the Republican ballot. No, we're not talking about the candidates. It's the propositions that disenfranchise voters, turn Texas into Colorado Springs or California, and humiliate pregnant women.
Fake Consultant, over at TexasKaos, gives us a tale from the health care frontier. He points out that even in the little things the present system is fundamentally broken. Check it out here.
From TXsharon: How Oil and Gas industry bullies turned an ordinary, honest man into a modern day hero. Read it on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.
WhosPlayin is watching candidates file for the 2010 Lewisville ISD School board election.
Contrary to what the Star Telegram keeps repeating, the Texas Cloverleaf reminds everyone that there is a Democrat running in CD-26.
"Why I'm supporting Dr. Alma Aguado for Texas governor" is PDiddie's endorsement in the Democratic gubernatorial primary. Read more at Brains and Eggs.
MeanRachel endorses Bill White and Linda Chavez-Thompson in the two top spots on the Democratic primary ticket.
Adam at Three Wise Men lays out our blog's endorsements for the 2010 Texas Democratic Primary.
Off the Kuff says there's a smart way to do budget cuts and a dumb way to do budget cuts, and we need to do it the smart way.
Neil at Texas Liberal endorsed Hank Gilbert in the Democratic Primary for Texas Commissioner of Agriculture. The post includes a picture of a Longhorn steer, a watermelon, and of a Channel Catfish.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the coming budget woes and that we can't balance the budget on the back of the poor again, the 2011 budget cannot be balanced like in 2003, not this time.
This week at McBlogger, Mojito takes a look at a Travis County JP race and find the challenger lacking.
Justin at Asian American Action Fund Blog notes that Houston is the first locale President Obama named in his Lunar New Year Greeting. Could there be a political meaning behind it?
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme marvels at the jackassery presented to voters on the Republican ballot. No, we're not talking about the candidates. It's the propositions that disenfranchise voters, turn Texas into Colorado Springs or California, and humiliate pregnant women.
Fake Consultant, over at TexasKaos, gives us a tale from the health care frontier. He points out that even in the little things the present system is fundamentally broken. Check it out here.
From TXsharon: How Oil and Gas industry bullies turned an ordinary, honest man into a modern day hero. Read it on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.
WhosPlayin is watching candidates file for the 2010 Lewisville ISD School board election.
Contrary to what the Star Telegram keeps repeating, the Texas Cloverleaf reminds everyone that there is a Democrat running in CD-26.
"Why I'm supporting Dr. Alma Aguado for Texas governor" is PDiddie's endorsement in the Democratic gubernatorial primary. Read more at Brains and Eggs.
MeanRachel endorses Bill White and Linda Chavez-Thompson in the two top spots on the Democratic primary ticket.
Adam at Three Wise Men lays out our blog's endorsements for the 2010 Texas Democratic Primary.
Off the Kuff says there's a smart way to do budget cuts and a dumb way to do budget cuts, and we need to do it the smart way.
Neil at Texas Liberal endorsed Hank Gilbert in the Democratic Primary for Texas Commissioner of Agriculture. The post includes a picture of a Longhorn steer, a watermelon, and of a Channel Catfish.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the coming budget woes and that we can't balance the budget on the back of the poor again, the 2011 budget cannot be balanced like in 2003, not this time.
This week at McBlogger, Mojito takes a look at a Travis County JP race and find the challenger lacking.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
NTTA Public Meeting Announced For Tollway Extension
The NTTA has announced some upcoming public meetings for updates on the extension of the Dallas North Tollway in Collin, Denton, and Grayson counties. If you want to get your word in, go to the meetings or submit your comments at the email or address below. Oklahoma, watch out. You'll have a Dallas toll road soon enough.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS
Dallas North Tollway Extension, Phase 4B/5A
The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) will conduct two Public Meetings to discuss
the design for the extension of the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) in Collin, Denton and
Grayson counties from Farm to Market (FM) 428 north to approximately FM 121, referred
to as the Dallas North Tollway Extension, Phase 4B/5A. The first public meeting will be
held from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at the PointBank Community
Room (200 S. Hwy. 377, Pilot Point, Texas, 76258) in Pilot Point. The second public
meeting will be held from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at the
Celina Middle School Cafeteria (710 E. Pecan Street, Celina, Texas, 75009).
The purpose of these public meetings is to provide information regarding the development
of the proposed DNT alignment alternatives and to receive input/comments from
the public. Maps, drawings and other information about the project will be on display,
which will show the alignment alternatives and preliminary design information. The study
team will be available at the displays to assist in orientation and interpretation of the
drawings and other materials.
Attendees will have the opportunity to provide the study team with comments and
suggestions by providing verbal comments to be documented by a court reporter or
submitting written comments. Such comments will assist project personnel with the
design decisions associated with this study. All interested citizens are invited to attend
these public meetings.
Any interested citizen may present verbal or written comments either at the public meeting
or provide written comments by March 21, 2010. Comments may be submitted via e-mail
to dnt45@ntta.org or mailed to Attn: Corridor Manager, Re: DNT 4B/5A Project, NTTA,
P.O. Box 260729, Plano, Texas, 75026.
Persons interested in attending the meeting who have special communication or accommodation
needs are encouraged to call 972-628-3111. Requests should be made
at least 72 hours prior to the public meetings. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate those needs.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS
Dallas North Tollway Extension, Phase 4B/5A
The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) will conduct two Public Meetings to discuss
the design for the extension of the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) in Collin, Denton and
Grayson counties from Farm to Market (FM) 428 north to approximately FM 121, referred
to as the Dallas North Tollway Extension, Phase 4B/5A. The first public meeting will be
held from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at the PointBank Community
Room (200 S. Hwy. 377, Pilot Point, Texas, 76258) in Pilot Point. The second public
meeting will be held from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at the
Celina Middle School Cafeteria (710 E. Pecan Street, Celina, Texas, 75009).
The purpose of these public meetings is to provide information regarding the development
of the proposed DNT alignment alternatives and to receive input/comments from
the public. Maps, drawings and other information about the project will be on display,
which will show the alignment alternatives and preliminary design information. The study
team will be available at the displays to assist in orientation and interpretation of the
drawings and other materials.
Attendees will have the opportunity to provide the study team with comments and
suggestions by providing verbal comments to be documented by a court reporter or
submitting written comments. Such comments will assist project personnel with the
design decisions associated with this study. All interested citizens are invited to attend
these public meetings.
Any interested citizen may present verbal or written comments either at the public meeting
or provide written comments by March 21, 2010. Comments may be submitted via e-mail
to dnt45@ntta.org or mailed to Attn: Corridor Manager, Re: DNT 4B/5A Project, NTTA,
P.O. Box 260729, Plano, Texas, 75026.
Persons interested in attending the meeting who have special communication or accommodation
needs are encouraged to call 972-628-3111. Requests should be made
at least 72 hours prior to the public meetings. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate those needs.
Friday, February 12, 2010
DFW Snowmageddon
I am of course at work again today, since consumerism and trade doesn't stop. We have had sporadic power outages that have actually fried our VOIP system here yesterday. So it's loads of fun.
My home received between 6 and 7 inches of snow in the 12 hours of continuous snowfall yesterday. DFW Airport recorded nearly a foot (which I question where they were measuring exactly). That is a new single day record for DFW and the snowiest (if that is a word) February in the Metroplex since 1978. If you are one of the lucky people to be my Facebook friend, you can see the snow pictures.
Of course now I have to hear the endless "so much for global warming" snide comments. It's called winter, folks. It happens every year around this time. Funny how that works. In fact, when people did believe in man made global warming, Dallas had snowfalls just like this before. Valentines Day 2004 had several inches of snow. We also had snow in March two years ago that was not forecasted at all. Of course nobody questions global warming when it is over 100 degrees in April, forcing rolling brownouts.
So enjoy the snow, kids. You will continue to see if every now and again in Texas. But we may have oceanfront property sooner than later.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Yes, North Texas, There Is A Democrat
Contrary to what the brilliant minds at the Star Telegram seem to think, there is a Democrat running against Michael Burgess in Congressional District 26, which covers 4 counties in North Texas. Neil Durrance, former Denton City Councilmember and Denton County Democratic Party chairman, is running in 2010. Although it is true, no Democrat filed for the Republican primary.
In their zeal to approve of Michael Burgess and Kenny Marchant's (Congressional District 24) reelection in their respective GOP primaries, the editorial board decided to inform their good readers that no Democrat filed. I guess they were asleep, or just do not know how to look up filing records. Burgess and Marchant obviously are not the loved respected members of Congress that the Startlegram seem to believe, otherwise they would not have drawn Tea Party opponents. Burgess is also poised to draw at least one independent candidate, Donald Tracey, against him in the general election, setting up a 3 way race, and possibly more if other also rans get their act together.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. And yes, North Texas, you can vote for a Democrat.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Planet CHI Gets Kinky
I am not even sure what to blog tonight.
I just watched an utter disaster of a Democratic TX Governor's candidate debate between Bill White and Farouk Shami. It pretty much determined my vote will be for White, though be it with some reservations still. Shami may be a good guy and a good businessman, but he isn't ready to lead Texas. Although the Shami campaign already claimed a win, I think it was on Planet CHI that he won anything. That debate went hands down to Bill White for being prepared, knowing what the Governor does, and being able to answer the questions (though he didn't have to answer whether he would repeal the gay marriage ban or not- what's up with that??).
And right after I turn off the debate and switch over to WWE Raw for some more scripted entertainment, I saw something more horrific and fake appear on my Facebook, courtesy of Jason Stanford. The Dallas Morning News endorsed Kinky Friedman for Agriculture Commissioner in the Democratic primary. I don't know who over at the Kingdom of Belo wrote that endorsement, but they have lost their f'ing minds. Essentially the DMN doesn't care about details. They just like cigars. If I expound upon this endorsement at this time, I might be a bit more blue than some of my readers can handle, so I won't. I will just leave you with the oddities of the evening to soak up on your own.
I just watched an utter disaster of a Democratic TX Governor's candidate debate between Bill White and Farouk Shami. It pretty much determined my vote will be for White, though be it with some reservations still. Shami may be a good guy and a good businessman, but he isn't ready to lead Texas. Although the Shami campaign already claimed a win, I think it was on Planet CHI that he won anything. That debate went hands down to Bill White for being prepared, knowing what the Governor does, and being able to answer the questions (though he didn't have to answer whether he would repeal the gay marriage ban or not- what's up with that??).
And right after I turn off the debate and switch over to WWE Raw for some more scripted entertainment, I saw something more horrific and fake appear on my Facebook, courtesy of Jason Stanford. The Dallas Morning News endorsed Kinky Friedman for Agriculture Commissioner in the Democratic primary. I don't know who over at the Kingdom of Belo wrote that endorsement, but they have lost their f'ing minds. Essentially the DMN doesn't care about details. They just like cigars. If I expound upon this endorsement at this time, I might be a bit more blue than some of my readers can handle, so I won't. I will just leave you with the oddities of the evening to soak up on your own.
Shami Endorsed by Caraway
Democratic candidate for Texas Governor Farouk Shami scored the endorsement of Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway today. He got so excited over the endorsement, he actually referred to Carraway as Mayor. I am sure the actual elected Mayor of Dallas Tom Leppert really appreciates the oversight. But hey, who needs titles?
You will remember Caraway as a proponent of the anti-pants on the ground sect and proponent of toll roads inside levees. I guess this a step forward in his quest for higher office.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Precinct Resolution Time In Texas!
I found this great post from 2008, that explains how to bring up resolutions at your precinct convention/caucus on the evening of primary election. The same holds true for March 2, 2010. So take a read and come up with some great resolutions of your own. We will promote them here as we find out about any circulating.......
Purposes of a resolution
1. To memorialize someone recently deceased.
2. To congratulate a person or group.
3. To amend the Rules of the Texas Democratic Party (TDP).
4. To amend the TDP Platform.
5. To urge Democratic elected officials, especially in the Texas Legislature and the U.S. Congress, to advocate certain positions on policy issues. As the delegates assembled at the state convention are the highest authority within the TDP, such resolutions should carry weight with elected officials as the consensus of the grassroots of the party.
Process by which resolutions move forward
1. Someone has an idea for a resolution and writes it up.
2. Priority is given when the same resolution comes from multiple counties or senatorial districts. It would be a good idea to share your resolution with others who live in different precincts and in other parts of the state. Sponsoring organizations might post a resolution on their website.
3. The resolution is introduced at the precinct convention on the evening of March 2, 2010.
4. If the resolution passes, it will be included in the convention packet that must be delivered to the county chair within three days after the convention.
5. The next level is the county convention (or in the case of counties having multiple senatorial districts such as Bexar County and Travis County, the next level is the senatorial district convention).
6. The Resolutions Committee will meet prior to that convention. They can amend a resolution, combine it with other similar resolutions, or vote it down.
7. The county convention or senatorial district convention will consider all the resolutions recommended by the Resolutions Committee. Those that pass will proceed to the state convention.
8. A Temporary Resolutions Committee will consist of members of the State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC). They will organize the resolutions submitted for the state convention. They can pull out any resolution they don't like unless it has come from multiple counties or senatorial districts.
9. Resolutions that are not statewide in significance (except for memorial or congratulatory resolutions) will not be considered at the state convention.
10. Resolutions concerning TDP Rules or the TDP Platform will be referred to the Rules Committee or the Platform Committee.
11. At the state convention, each senatorial district elects one member for each of various committees, such as the Permanent Resolutions Committee, the Rules Committee, and the Platform Committee, and others.
12. If the Permanent Resolutions Committee works expediently, they will consider all of the submitted resolutions, combine them with others as possible, and then refer them for a vote on the convention floor. If they waste time, worthy resolutions will fall by the wayside.
13. At the state convention, other resolutions may be introduced that haven't come through a county or senatorial district convention by petition of 20% of the delegates (using the proper form).
14. Resolutions passed by the state convention will be sent by the SDEC to the Democrats elected to the Texas Legislature and U.S. Congress, as appropriate. Hopefully our representatives, whom we work so hard to get elected, will pay attention to us!
1. To memorialize someone recently deceased.
2. To congratulate a person or group.
3. To amend the Rules of the Texas Democratic Party (TDP).
4. To amend the TDP Platform.
5. To urge Democratic elected officials, especially in the Texas Legislature and the U.S. Congress, to advocate certain positions on policy issues. As the delegates assembled at the state convention are the highest authority within the TDP, such resolutions should carry weight with elected officials as the consensus of the grassroots of the party.
Structure of a resolution
1. Give the resolution a title that indicates not merely the topic, but also the position to be advocated (i.e., instead of "Resolution on Vouchers for Texas Schools," it would be better to put "Resolution Opposing Vouchers for Texas Schools").
2. List the reasons for the resolution at the beginning, each reason being in a separate paragraph beginning with the word "whereas" (capitalized, italicized or in boldface).
3. List each action to be taken in separate paragraphs introduced by the words "be it resolved" (capitalized, italicized or in boldface).
4. Use semicolons to separate each paragraph, and avoid periods. A well-written resolution should consist grammatically of a single sentence.
5. Keep the resolution brief. It should fit easily on a single page.
6. At the end of the resolution, write: "Submitted to and Adopted by Precinct ___ in ____ County, Texas, Senatorial District ___, on March 2, 2010" and leave a signature line for the precinct convention secretary, who will sign it if the precinct convention adopts the resolution.
Example of a well-written resolution:
WHEREAS we believe every Texan has the right to participate fully and equally in society and enjoy its benefits and freedoms; andWHEREAS lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Texans suffer pervasive discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education because of homophobia and a lack of legal protection; and
WHEREAS non-discrimination laws help to ensure that LGBT people have equal access to the same opportunities and protections granted to others, such as the ability to work in an environment where people are judged by their job performance, not their sexual orientation or gender identity; and
WHEREAS the State of Texas does not have a statewide non-discrimination policy covering sexual orientation and gender identity,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas Democratic Party supports the passage of comprehensive non-discrimination legislation that would make discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity illegal in employment, housing, education and public accommodations.
Submitted to and Adopted by Precinct 2084 in Bexar County, Texas, Senatorial District 26, on March 7, 2006.
_________________________________
Convention Secretary
Process by which resolutions move forward
1. Someone has an idea for a resolution and writes it up.
2. Priority is given when the same resolution comes from multiple counties or senatorial districts. It would be a good idea to share your resolution with others who live in different precincts and in other parts of the state. Sponsoring organizations might post a resolution on their website.
3. The resolution is introduced at the precinct convention on the evening of March 2, 2010.
4. If the resolution passes, it will be included in the convention packet that must be delivered to the county chair within three days after the convention.
5. The next level is the county convention (or in the case of counties having multiple senatorial districts such as Bexar County and Travis County, the next level is the senatorial district convention).
6. The Resolutions Committee will meet prior to that convention. They can amend a resolution, combine it with other similar resolutions, or vote it down.
7. The county convention or senatorial district convention will consider all the resolutions recommended by the Resolutions Committee. Those that pass will proceed to the state convention.
8. A Temporary Resolutions Committee will consist of members of the State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC). They will organize the resolutions submitted for the state convention. They can pull out any resolution they don't like unless it has come from multiple counties or senatorial districts.
9. Resolutions that are not statewide in significance (except for memorial or congratulatory resolutions) will not be considered at the state convention.
10. Resolutions concerning TDP Rules or the TDP Platform will be referred to the Rules Committee or the Platform Committee.
11. At the state convention, each senatorial district elects one member for each of various committees, such as the Permanent Resolutions Committee, the Rules Committee, and the Platform Committee, and others.
12. If the Permanent Resolutions Committee works expediently, they will consider all of the submitted resolutions, combine them with others as possible, and then refer them for a vote on the convention floor. If they waste time, worthy resolutions will fall by the wayside.
13. At the state convention, other resolutions may be introduced that haven't come through a county or senatorial district convention by petition of 20% of the delegates (using the proper form).
14. Resolutions passed by the state convention will be sent by the SDEC to the Democrats elected to the Texas Legislature and U.S. Congress, as appropriate. Hopefully our representatives, whom we work so hard to get elected, will pay attention to us!
Denton County GOP Demanding Exclusive Polling Sites
The Denton County GOP doesn't believe public places should treat the public equally. It should only benefit them. Over on Whosplayin?, it is being said the local Republicans think they should be the only ones to hold a primary election at Denton's fire station number 4. Exclusive contracts for elections just so happen to violate the law. But hey, they're the ruling party in Denton County, right? Who cares about the law?
I guess voter suppression begins by suppressing polling sites, and once they can't stop that, they then move on to other tactics such as informing people they can't hand out literature at polling sites (which is legal outside the 100 foot markers), can't say you're with a party during voter registration efforts (which is legal, anytime), or just fixing the ballots if that doesn't work out. Anything to hold onto the little bit of power they have left. Instead of talking about issues, they prevent any of the process from happening at all.
I guess voter suppression begins by suppressing polling sites, and once they can't stop that, they then move on to other tactics such as informing people they can't hand out literature at polling sites (which is legal outside the 100 foot markers), can't say you're with a party during voter registration efforts (which is legal, anytime), or just fixing the ballots if that doesn't work out. Anything to hold onto the little bit of power they have left. Instead of talking about issues, they prevent any of the process from happening at all.
Denton County Constable Sentenced
Denton County Constable Ken Jannereth was sentenced to 6 months in prison, on a suspended sentence for 2 years. Judge Richard Podgorski issued the maximum sentence at the behest of the District Attorney's office, and also included a provision that Jannereth not drink alcohol during the probation. He must also take anger management classes. The DA had also asked that his peace officer license be suspended, but the judge denied that request. The DA will appeal that decision with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE)
Jannereth destroyed barricades on a road adjacent to his property that he felt were illegally placed. However his HOA had put them there to keep vehicles from going down the road. Subsequently he was found guilty last month of a class B misdemeanor.
It's great that the Republicans we have running this county can be convicts and still carry a weapon and enforce the law. Just another day in Denton County.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Terri Hodge Enters Guilty Plea
Texas State Rep Terri Hodge of Dallas entered a guilty plea this morning in federal court, admitting the felony charge of tax fraud. This will end her career as a state representative in TX.
I am really disappointed for several reasons. Terri has been a strong ally with minority communities over many years in the state house. She was even recently endorsed again by Dallas Stonewall Democrats for another term, even when it looked like she may end up going to trial. She also allowed numerous Democrats in other positions to endorse her campaign. She went so far as to run for reelection again, even though there is a qualified attorney Eric Johnson ready to take her place. While she will be ineligible to serve upon her resignation, this also leaves her name on the primary ballot.
I am disappointed that someone who knew they committed a crime would maintain their innoncence throughout this entire process and sully the seat she represents. But at least she won't have to endure a lengthy trial like Don Hill or any of the other Dallas politicians who thought they were above the law. This is yet another blemish on the name of progress in Dallas.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Making Agriculture Commission Kinky Or Making It Crazy?
In exactly one month, Democrats will decide who is going on to the November ballot in 2010, and the decisions are tough. 7 people are running for Governor, 3 are running for the number 2 spot, and a rather entertaining Agriculture Commissioner race is shaping up.
Had anyone told me a couple months ago that Texas Agriculture Commissioner would be making headlines or even a smidgen of press, I would have told you that you were crazy. But two people who originally wanted to be your Governor are doing just that. Hank Gilbert and Kinky Friedman have both moved to this race upon the arrival of Bill White into the spotlight (even though Kinky claims he was leading Bill White in the polls). But of these two gentlemen, who do you choose?
I am sure not many people know what the TX Dept of Agriculture really does. It does have a rather extensive scope. Things such as fuel quality, weights & measures, promoting agriculture products abroad, etc.
Both Hank and Kinky do have good ideas. They both hate toll roads. They both like ranches. Both really like animals. But what bothers me the most is the character of the man that we are about to elect. Sure, the recent news on Hank not wearing his seatbelt or driving on a revoked license is not the best thing out there, but it sure doesn't beat nigger eggs. Oh, you are wondering why I used that term? Well, it is because the Kinkster did, so it must be cool, right? No, it isn't cool. And that is one among a myriad of reasons I did not vote for him in 2006 for Governor of Texas. In a recent KRLD interview, he decided we should ship longhorns to Haiti. Are we going to exchange them for their eggs? I also don't want a guy more worried about Willie Nelson's biodiesel venture than what our state can do to move forward in alternative resources.
We can not have an "entertainer" who has spent more time on a tour selling books, cigars, and salsa running a serious commission in the state. Remember the last slew of actors we elected to office? Ronald Reagan. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Jesse Ventura. Jerry Springer. How did those work out? I would rather have the guy who was a school teacher and a rancher deciding how our agriculture is promoted in Texas. That would be Hank Gilbert.
Had anyone told me a couple months ago that Texas Agriculture Commissioner would be making headlines or even a smidgen of press, I would have told you that you were crazy. But two people who originally wanted to be your Governor are doing just that. Hank Gilbert and Kinky Friedman have both moved to this race upon the arrival of Bill White into the spotlight (even though Kinky claims he was leading Bill White in the polls). But of these two gentlemen, who do you choose?
I am sure not many people know what the TX Dept of Agriculture really does. It does have a rather extensive scope. Things such as fuel quality, weights & measures, promoting agriculture products abroad, etc.
Both Hank and Kinky do have good ideas. They both hate toll roads. They both like ranches. Both really like animals. But what bothers me the most is the character of the man that we are about to elect. Sure, the recent news on Hank not wearing his seatbelt or driving on a revoked license is not the best thing out there, but it sure doesn't beat nigger eggs. Oh, you are wondering why I used that term? Well, it is because the Kinkster did, so it must be cool, right? No, it isn't cool. And that is one among a myriad of reasons I did not vote for him in 2006 for Governor of Texas. In a recent KRLD interview, he decided we should ship longhorns to Haiti. Are we going to exchange them for their eggs? I also don't want a guy more worried about Willie Nelson's biodiesel venture than what our state can do to move forward in alternative resources.
We can not have an "entertainer" who has spent more time on a tour selling books, cigars, and salsa running a serious commission in the state. Remember the last slew of actors we elected to office? Ronald Reagan. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Jesse Ventura. Jerry Springer. How did those work out? I would rather have the guy who was a school teacher and a rancher deciding how our agriculture is promoted in Texas. That would be Hank Gilbert.
Change And HPV
Leave it to the DMN to go after the quotes that don't matter. In an effort to show how in touch with people she is, KBH told some fellow Republican Pachyderms that she hearted the House Republicans who stood up to Governor Rick 39% Perry's HPV vaccine mandate in 2007. Of course, the moratorium on the vaccine ends with the next Legislative session in 2011. And at the time, we all questioned whether the mandate was made because the Governor had ties to Merck, who produced the vaccine. The CDC recommends the vaccine for young women, but doesn't say it is a must have for survival.
But is the Governor's debate really about HPV and cancer? No. We want to hear about issues like jobs, transportation, health insurance , tuition etc. All we ever see in the media are hot button nonsensical issues such as this. Case in point half of the article from the DMN is about the HPV comments.
But I do agree with one thing KBH said. If we don't get a new Governor in Texas in 2010, we can forget about moving this state forward.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Republicans Who Bilk The System
My coworker doesn't read this blog, so I can talk about him here. Of course, he would probably be proud of what I am about to say anyway, so who cares.
He is in his late 20's. Has 2 toddlers with a 3rd on the way. He is a moderate Republican and newly Catholic. He makes decent money, like I do. His wife worked a little but part time over the holidays. He showed me his W-2 today. Since he claims so many deductions, his federal tax withholding was under $100 for the entire year (for comparison, with my one deduction, they withheld over $7000). Of course he gets to file a married tax return as well. He informed me today his refund will be over $900. That means, he paid no federal income tax for 2009. NONE! ZERO! In fact, the feds are paying him. He was pretty pleased with this. This is the same person who last week argued with me that health care insurance was a choice, and that you had the choice of where to work in order to get better coverage or lower premiums.
In informed him he has to vote Democrat from now on! He can not bitch to me about taxes, health care, or anything else. As for my taxes, I am getting a refund of less than half of what I paid in. So it just goes to show ya, folks. The richer are not necessarily paying for everything in this country. It is those of us who are not procreating every other year apparently.
He is in his late 20's. Has 2 toddlers with a 3rd on the way. He is a moderate Republican and newly Catholic. He makes decent money, like I do. His wife worked a little but part time over the holidays. He showed me his W-2 today. Since he claims so many deductions, his federal tax withholding was under $100 for the entire year (for comparison, with my one deduction, they withheld over $7000). Of course he gets to file a married tax return as well. He informed me today his refund will be over $900. That means, he paid no federal income tax for 2009. NONE! ZERO! In fact, the feds are paying him. He was pretty pleased with this. This is the same person who last week argued with me that health care insurance was a choice, and that you had the choice of where to work in order to get better coverage or lower premiums.
In informed him he has to vote Democrat from now on! He can not bitch to me about taxes, health care, or anything else. As for my taxes, I am getting a refund of less than half of what I paid in. So it just goes to show ya, folks. The richer are not necessarily paying for everything in this country. It is those of us who are not procreating every other year apparently.
Texas Blog Roundup
The Texas Progressive Alliance is ready for the Super Bowl this Sunday as it brings you this week's blog highlights. Go Colts!
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme thinks that the Houston Chronicle caught the essence of the GOP with this headline 'Many attacks, but few suggestions'.
WhosPlayin is tired of hearing obstructionist Republicans whining about not having a seat at the table for Health Care Insurance Reform, after they make it clear they'll vote against any attempt to harm their Pharma and Insurance benefactors.
Off the Kuff notes that the Texas ParentPAC has endorsed Thomas Ratliff in his GOP primary fight against uber-SBOE wingnut Don McLeroy.
Bay Area Houston watched as the Texas Association of Builders got kicked in the nuts at a hearing in Austin over the abuse of mandatory binding arbitration.
It's been such an amazing news week in the Barnett Shale that it's hard to pick one topic for the round-up. One item that should be of interest to anyone in the DFW area who drinks water: Argyle Disposal Well in Denton Creek Flood Plain. No kidding! It's for real on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.
The Texas Cloverleaf looks at the taxing TAKS becoming the pretty STAAR that school children will have to shoot past in order to graduate.
Has the so-called nuclear renaissance been dealt a blow by the South Texas Project's troubles? Learn more at Texas Vox.
If you missed the GOP gov debate, check out McBlogger's rather insightful analysis of the three players performances, along with a mercifully brief comment on the sexual desirability of Rep. Louie Gohmert.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the latest Texans for Public Justice "Watching Your Assets" report, this one about the Texas Enterprise Fund, Perry's corporate welfare not paying off for Texas.
Over at TexasKaos, Libby Shaw puts a local spin on young James O'Keefe's foiled attempt to tamper with Mary Landrieu's phones. The roll call Texas Republican admirers is quite long. Of equal interest was the discussion that followed the outing of these Republicans. See it all at Texas Republican Lawmakers Honor James O'Keefe.
It's a travesty that only Bill White and Farouk Shami are participating in the Texas Democratic gubernatorial debate on February 8 because the other five candidates don't meet the "standards". PDiddie at Brains and Eggs believes it's impossible to reconcile that KERA, a public broadcasting station, together with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Univision and other corporate and media industry sponsors, would conspire to preclude candidates for the state's highest public office.
Neil at Texas Liberal is glad that Houston City Councilmember Jarvis Johnson is talking about poverty in his 18th U.S. House District primary fight with incumbent Sheila Jackson Lee. However, it will take some solid ideas and not just talk to feel that Mr. Johnson is really serious about the issue.
CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme thinks that the Houston Chronicle caught the essence of the GOP with this headline 'Many attacks, but few suggestions'.
WhosPlayin is tired of hearing obstructionist Republicans whining about not having a seat at the table for Health Care Insurance Reform, after they make it clear they'll vote against any attempt to harm their Pharma and Insurance benefactors.
Off the Kuff notes that the Texas ParentPAC has endorsed Thomas Ratliff in his GOP primary fight against uber-SBOE wingnut Don McLeroy.
Bay Area Houston watched as the Texas Association of Builders got kicked in the nuts at a hearing in Austin over the abuse of mandatory binding arbitration.
It's been such an amazing news week in the Barnett Shale that it's hard to pick one topic for the round-up. One item that should be of interest to anyone in the DFW area who drinks water: Argyle Disposal Well in Denton Creek Flood Plain. No kidding! It's for real on Bluedaze: DRILLING REFORM FOR TEXAS.
The Texas Cloverleaf looks at the taxing TAKS becoming the pretty STAAR that school children will have to shoot past in order to graduate.
Has the so-called nuclear renaissance been dealt a blow by the South Texas Project's troubles? Learn more at Texas Vox.
If you missed the GOP gov debate, check out McBlogger's rather insightful analysis of the three players performances, along with a mercifully brief comment on the sexual desirability of Rep. Louie Gohmert.
WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the latest Texans for Public Justice "Watching Your Assets" report, this one about the Texas Enterprise Fund, Perry's corporate welfare not paying off for Texas.
Over at TexasKaos, Libby Shaw puts a local spin on young James O'Keefe's foiled attempt to tamper with Mary Landrieu's phones. The roll call Texas Republican admirers is quite long. Of equal interest was the discussion that followed the outing of these Republicans. See it all at Texas Republican Lawmakers Honor James O'Keefe.
It's a travesty that only Bill White and Farouk Shami are participating in the Texas Democratic gubernatorial debate on February 8 because the other five candidates don't meet the "standards". PDiddie at Brains and Eggs believes it's impossible to reconcile that KERA, a public broadcasting station, together with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Univision and other corporate and media industry sponsors, would conspire to preclude candidates for the state's highest public office.
Neil at Texas Liberal is glad that Houston City Councilmember Jarvis Johnson is talking about poverty in his 18th U.S. House District primary fight with incumbent Sheila Jackson Lee. However, it will take some solid ideas and not just talk to feel that Mr. Johnson is really serious about the issue.
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