Take Action to Support Crucial CAB Reform

UPDATE:  Texas Public Policy Foundation's David Guenther has interviewed Representative Dan Flynn on HB 3416 and CAB abuse.  The discussion will be available online tomorrow, April 15, as a TPPF Policy Cast here.  

As I've written previously, a bipartisan group of state leaders have proposed CAB, or Capital Appreciation Bond, reform.  The Senate version, (SB 449 authored by Sen. Juan Hinojosa) passed by a resounding vote of 28-3.  Now the House version, (HB 3416) is languishing in the Ways and Means Committee. 

Last week Leander ISD Trustee Pam Waggoner skipped the district's board meeting to attend a hearing on the House bill and argued that her district could not live without CABs that would allow them to defer debt for 30-40 years (and lead to a monstrous total debt burden of $2.7 billion).

Below is a communication I received from a concerned resident asking for help with this issue: 

Last Thursday in a public hearing LISD told the Texas House Ways and Means Committee that they couldn't live without CABs, that LISD kids would be stuck in portable buildings!  The brokers and some of the school districts turned out in droves to fight House Bill 3416  which would severely limit CABs, both to 20 years length instead of 30 or 40years and to 20-25% of the debt ratio per student for a district.  Not perfect, BUT WE NEED THIS BILL to slow LISD's insane spending.   It's our ONLY hope as LISD looks at issuing another $173 million bonds using CABs to drive our debt toward $4 BILLION.  The Bill is "pending", according to Rep. Flynn's office (the author) it is being tweaked and if we want it voted on and not languishing to die, we need to call and let them know they've been mislead by LISD and the Wall Street interests that are making millions off these CABs. 

I told them that a group of citizens here has worked for 2 years begging LISD to stop using CABs, and that they refused to listen.  I told them that virtually no voters in LISD actually know about the CABS, much less understand them, since LISD did absolutely NOTHING to tell voters in advance about their decision to incur the CAB debt before they issued them.  Then they used them to build lavish, extravagant facilities that would rival a private college campus, not just to replace portables. 

Please call or fax Chairman Hilderbran's office TODAY and talk to his staff. Let them know what you think about CABS! The more calls they get, the sooner it will be voted on. If you can think of anyone, please ask them to call to. Let's get this bill out of committee before LISD and Wall Street kill it!

Rep. Hilderbran, Harvey
District 53
(512) 463-0536
(512) 463-1449 Fax

Rep. John Otto (R) Vice Chair
(512) 463-0570
(512) 463-0315 Fax

Rep. Dwayne Bohac (R)
(512) 463-0727
(512) 463-0681 Fax
Rep. Angie Chen Button (R) Angie Chen
(512) 463-0486

Rep. Craig Eiland Craig (R)
(512) 463-0502
(512) 936-4260 Fax

Rep. Allan Ritter (R)
(512) 463-0706
(512) 463-1861 Fax

Rep. Mark Strama (D)
(512) 463-0821
(512) 463-1199 Fax

Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (D)
(512) 463-0616
(512) 463-4873 Fax

Rep. Naomi Gonzalez (D)
(512) 463-0622
(512) 463-0931 (Fax)

Please note:  At this point, calls are more effective than emails.  

Who's Who in Texas House District 149? Updated, 9/15

Although redistricting maps are not quite finalized, Williamson County residents are slated to have a new Texas House district in 2012.  District 149 is situated in the Southwestern portion of the county and includes parts of Austin, Leander, and Georgetown, and most of Cedar Park.  This will be a relatively conservative district, and the winner of any Republican Primary is likely to hold the seat.

So who's running?  Here are the names I've heard tossed around, in no particular order, of course...

Cynthia Long, Williamson County Commissioner, Precinct 2, re-elected in 2008.  Locally popular. 
Matt Powell, Cedar Park City Councilman.
Tony Dale, Cedar Park City Councilman, former Army Captain.
Stephen Thomas, former Cedar Park City Council, former HD 20 candidate.
Ted Pataki, staffer for Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, and yes, son of that Pataki, NY Governor George.  Ted is also a Marine Officer combat vet who spent time in Iraq. 
James Bernsen, staffer for Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, combat vet, and U.S. Navy Reserve Officer. 
Bob Lemon, Cedar Park Mayor.
Don Tracy, Cedar Park City Council.
Paul Tish, former President of Brushy Creek MUD.
Bob Tesch, developer, former Perry appointee to Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority.
Mary Dale, Cedar Park Attorney.
Chris Fielder, Leander City Council.
Eric Stratton, conservative GOP activist.
Stacy Rudd, Chairman of the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce.
Maria Acosta, Central Texas 9-12 Leader.

Corbin Van Arsdale is a registered lobbyist and former State Rep who recently relocated from Spring to Cedar Park; his name has been mentioned by a few activists, but he doesn't seem inclined to run. 

Some good Republicans here, but I think by the filing period we'll be down to just a few of the best.

Stay tuned...

Update:  My apologies to all those whose names start with "T" and end with "H."   Hopefully I got it right this time...

Update, August 31, 2011.  Since County Commissioner Cynthia Long signaled she is not running, both Ted Pataki and Corbin Van Arsdale have announced their respective candidacies.  Also, there are still some Cedar Park officials considering a run.  Stay tuned...

Update, September 15, 2011.  With a new baby, new job, and working on his MBA, Ted Pataki has decided not to run.  Like pretty much everyone on the above list, Pataki is supporting Cedar Park City Councilman Tony Dale, who announced on Tuesday. 

Governor Perry on the 2011 Special Session

This afternoon Texas Governor Rick Perry took time to speak with media and bloggers in a conference call where he discussed the accomplishments of the 82nd Legislature, and outlined what still needs to be done, especially since Democrats attempted a 2009 redux in killing legislation with delay tactics and filibuster. 

Among accomplishments, the Governor listed passing a budget that cuts spending and keeps Texas' status as a "low-tax haven," and still keeps $6 billion in the 'rainy-day-fund' for inevitable future challenges. In addition, he noted the legislature had strengthened eminent domain policy, required abortionists to show women an ultrasound, and passed an important 'Loser Pays' bill.

Regarding the issue of Health Care Compacts, Perry said he did expect those proposals, which create alternatives to Obamacare, to be taken up in the special session.

In answering a question about the redistricting legislation for the State Board of Education, the Governor stated, "I was not particularly happy with that piece of legislation." Noting that there seemed to have been some gerrymandering against some of the more Conservative members of the SBOE, he preferred to allow the legislature handle the issue. Perry did not sign, but did not veto the SBOE map.

Although he did not mention Congressional re-districting in his special session proclamation, the Governor noted that he had the prerogative to add issues to a call. He said the legislature should and will take it up. "Stay tuned" he said.

When asked about failed Texas legislation to prevent TSA 'groping-without-cause,' Perry said that some alternate proposals were being studied, but were not yet ready for official consideration. The federal government has threatened to prohibit air travel to Texas destinations if such legislation is enforced, yet another example of what seems to be a Federal war against the Lone Star State.

Perry indicated that while he is glad the Texas Constitution limited the length of the legislative session, there are still some things that must be addressed.  Conservatives are optimistic about the special session, and hope to revive several items including a ban on so-called Sanctuary Cities.  There are also indications that the June session won't be the end either; some are predicting a second special session in July.

Sounds like a politically interesting summer after all.

Texas House to Hold Hearings on Redistricting

The Williamson County Republican Women sent out the following notice:

The Texas House Redistricting Committee will hold hearings regarding proposed districts on Friday, April 15, at noon, and Sunday April 17, at 2pm. Hearings will be in room E1.030 at the Capitol, and Chairman Solomons has said anyone may testify and this will be the only opportunity for the public to weigh in.


While the Williamson County Republican Women are NOT taking a stance on the proposed maps, we believe it important for the community to be aware of the possible changes and the limited opportunity to provide feedback to state lawmakers.


The redistricting proposal will have great impact on Williamson County; Texas House districts 20 and 52 will be entirely contained within the county, but a new district, HD 149 will include parts of Burnet, Travis, Williamson and Milam Counties. Forest Creek will be split between HD 20 and HD 149 along Forest Ridge Drive. Stony Point High School in Round Rock will be in HD 20, and Georgetown High School will be in HD 52. All of Wilco's cities and towns seem to be slated to be split up.


The Proposed maps may be viewed here. : http://gis1.tlc.state.tx.us/


POLITICAL ADVERTISING PAID FOR BY WILLIAMSON COUNTY REPUBLICAN WOMEN-PAC. WCRW, PO BOX 342, ROUND ROCK, TX, 78680 POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO WCRW ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE FOR INCOME TAX PURPOSES CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS ARE NOT PERMITTED NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR COMMITTEE

Planned Parenthood Does Not Provide Comprehensive Healthcare

Knowing that most Americans are not excited about contributing funds for abortions, Planned Parenthood and other abortion 'clinics' prefer to hide behind an alleged concern for 'women's health.'  These groups would have us believe they are on the forefront of providing health care for poor women,  however, this is a vile deception and conceals the true nature of the industry.

Abortionists have found one of the most successful avenues for channeling both charity and tax dollars to already profitable abortion businesses, is via funds for breast cancer.  Many of us have mothers, sisters, and friends who have faced breast cancer, and on an emotional basis we willingly fund anything that claims to fight the disease.  By claiming to help in this and other women's health issues, Planned Parenthood Texas receives approximately $5 million from the state Medicaid Women's Health Program.  (Planned Parenthood receives another $12 million from the state in 'family planning' funds.)  Komen for the Cure, which purportedly exists to help prevent and cure breast cancer, gave Planned Parenthood  more than $730k in donations in 2009, and provided approximately  $3.3 million between 2004 and 2009.

So how many mammograms does Planned Parenthood Texas provide for poor women each year?  Apparently none.  While mammograms are considered an essential tool for early detection, clinics must be licensed to own the necessary equipment and perform the tests.  Of all the Planned Parenthood abortion clinics in Texas, not a single one has either license or equipment for mammograms. 

Furthermore, while Planned Parenthood claims to provide women's health services other than abortion, the only time patients see an actual doctor is during the abortion procedure.  There is no doctor-patient interaction or consultation, and few if any of these 'doctors' even have privileges at nearby hospitals.  For the most part the abortion doctors are circuit riders who travel between the 43 licensed Texas abortion clinics performing these essential women's health 'operations,' or more accurately, destroying their unwanted unborn children. 

At the end of this week, the Texas House will begin debating the budget bill (HB 1).  The bill includes funds for both the Medicaid Women's Health Program and 'family planning' services.  Planned Parenthood is slated to receive anywhere from $12-17 million of these women's health dollars (abortion alternatives will receive zero funding,) but abortion makes up 98% of their services.  Rather than continue to allow funds to flow to profitable abortion businesses, lawmakers ought to send those funds to facilities that provide a more comprehensive women's health plan, and actually allow a woman to see a doctor.

Protect A Woman's Right to Know

Last week the Texas Senate passed a measure amending the Informed Consent law to require abortion providers to make sonogram results available to pregnant women. The bill provides exceptions for special cases and medical emergencies, and is Constitutionally sound. This week, the State Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing on both HB 201, a companion bill to the Senate version, as well as HB 16, which proposes a new law regarding sonograms, along with new prescribed penalties for violators.

Both House proposals would help make sure women have all the information necessary before making such a monumental, life-changing decision, and with a Republican majority in the House we shouldn't have any trouble passing one of these bills. I am somewhat concerned, however, with one of the compromises made in the Senate version regarding doctor-patient interaction.

According to the Senate version, the sonogram information, as well as any other consultation need only take place 2 hours prior to the abortion, and then not necessarily with the doctor. As recent defectors from the industry have testified, loopholes in the current informed consent law allow abortion doctors to bypass contact with patients almost entirely. As a result, the patients never meet with the doctor until they are under sedation in the 'operating' room, and any purported doctor-patient relationship is non-existent.

With any other medical procedure, doctors are required to make sure patients are fully informed, and said patients must sign multiple documents indicating they have read and understood the process. Due to the political radioactivity of abortion however, women are routinely deprived of scientific, medical information that could radically change their perspective. Claiming to care about 'women's health issues' while denying women their rights as patients is a tragic hypocrisy, and it is time to make sure women have all the facts.

Texas Legislative Session Begins: Updated

Today marks the first day of the 82nd Texas Legislative Session, and in all likelihood, Joe Straus will be re-elected Speaker. By a show of hands, he received 70 of 100 votes at yesterday's GOP House Caucus. No further vote was taken. Warren Chisum has bowed out and endorsed Ken Paxton, but for all intents and purposes, this race is over.

While a Straus re-election is disappointing, it certainly is not surprising, and I just cannot share the feelings of 'doom and gloom' expressed by some of my compatriots. This campaign has pushed Republicans to debate important issues, and has allowed the grassroots to send the message that we are informed and we have high expectations for this session. I think that while Straus may not personally agree with most Conservatives on certain issues, he realizes that he will have to permit a more conservative agenda in this session.

The pomp and circumstance of the swearings-in will take place today, and then the Texas House will have 140 days to complete the business the voters hired them to do. We need to acknowledge Straus' victory and take comfort in the fact that the other two Texas GOP leaders, Governor Rick Perry and Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, are pretty conservative and will lead the charge for our issues.

Update:  Apparently Warren Chisum is not endorsing Paxton after all.  He released a statement today indicating support for Straus. 

We Are All 'Conservatives' Now?

Wow, what a difference two years makes.  In the face of the Obama victory in 2008, so many of my political acquaintances were touting their 'moderate pride,' and discussing the various ways the GOP needed to move to the center.  Now, however, it seems everyone wants to be a Conservative.  Democrats shamelessly sprinkled the term throughout their 2010 campaign literature, and Republicans previously known as 'moderates,' are scrambling to prove that, really and truly, they have always been Conservatives. 

So, did all these folks suddenly have death-bed Election Year conversions? Perhaps to some extent, but for the most part I think the survivors are redefining the Conservative label in an effort to squeeze into the political fashion du jour.  

Of course claiming to be a political Conservative has had various implications over the years.  At different times and locations, today's Conservatives would have been called "Liberals," and today's Liberals are earnestly seeking a return to their previous identification as "Progressives."  (Oh, the delicious irony; but that's for another day.)  While there are common threads that run through the history of Conservatism, we have to acknowledge that certain policy positions have characterized conservative thought in recent decades, and none more significantly than those regarding abortion.

In recent years, when anyone identified as a political Conservative, we immediately knew they were pro-life.  For those who hate Conservatives, abortion policy stands front and center as the issue held up for the greatest ridicule and disdain.  Now however, we are to accept as Conservatives not only those who've been silent on the issue, but those who've been in bed with the enemy: abortion-giant Planned Parenthood.

We are now told, via endless and annoying internet advertisements, that Texas House Speaker Joe Straus is a Conservative.  When it comes to abortion issues however, the evidence just doesn't add up.  Straus earned a 50% pro-life rating in 2005, his wife has held several Planned Parenthood Board positions, and in addition to special recognition, Straus has received campaign contributions from the abortion business' political action committee.  This is not the resume of a Conservative. 

Some of my colleagues would clarify by saying, "well, he's a fiscal Conservative," but that argument doesn't hold up when we consider his less than stellar ratings from fiscally conservative groups, and his troubling committee appointments in 2009.

Now, I do not believe Joe Straus is 'evil,' nor is he a Democrat in Republican clothing. He is not, however, a Conservative by the current definition.  This isn't a reason to kick him out of the Republican party;  the GOP, like any other major party, is a coalition of various political camps.  However, super-majorities are rarely lasting, and if we are to make the most of our current status, we will need a strong, conservative leader in place.  Who that leader will be, remains to be seen, and there may yet be another candidate in the race.  Even so, Straus may survive and emerge with the gavel on January 11.  If so, we must continue to work for conservative priorities, but with a watchful eye on our moderate Speaker.

Support for Straus Crumbling

Representative Bryan Hughes, HD 5, released the following today:   
(HT:  Blue Dot Blues)

Today after much prayer and counsel, I formally withdraw my support for Speaker Joe Straus. I do this with no malice toward the Speaker or any other member.

Over the past several days I have heard from an increasing number of my constituents and supporters. Their unanimous voice has called for me to withdraw my support of Speaker Straus.

My decision, though not a light one, was made clearer after a phone call I received over the weekend from a member of Speaker Straus's leadership team. This member brought up the subject of redistricting and explained to me how that process would be used to punish those members not on Speaker Straus's list of supporters.

More specifically, this member told me that maps were already being drawn to get rid of Representative-Elect Erwin Cain (R-Sulphur Springs) and Representative Dan Flynn (R-Van), because they were not on the Speaker's list of supporters.
I was then told that I had nothing to worry about in redistricting, so long as I stayed on the Speaker’s list.

This conversation first saddened and then disgusted me.
Using the redistricting process for retribution reminds us of all that is wrong with politics. The Speaker's race should be decided not based on threats of punishment and not on promises of power, but on principle.

The people of Texas have chosen us to speak for them. As we prepare to cast our first vote on their behalf, we should lay aside our ambition for powerful committees, stand against the threats, and support the Speaker candidate who best represents our conservative principles.

Rep Kino Flores Convicted: Is Diana Maldonado Next?

Representative Kino Flores, a Democrat from the Rio Grande Valley, was found guilty of multiple charges of tampering with government records and perjury.  It seems Flores had failed to report his sources of income on required personal financial disclosure forms.  He could face up to two years in prison.

As I reported in a recent post, an ethics complaint has been filed against Representative Diana Maldonado for the same offense.  It seems her personal financial disclosure form included no sources of income whatsoever.  As the Flores conviction demonstrates, this is no small matter.  If, in fact, Maldonado has attempted to hide her income sources, she too may find herself in an orange jumpsuit. 

"No-Show" Maldonado

While Representative Diana Maldonado is touting her work on the Veterans Affairs Committee as a reason to re-elect her, it seems she didn't actually show up for work very often.  According to records, Maldonado missed more than half of the votes on bills voted out of the veterans committee.  She also missed opening roll call 66% of the time she did bother to attend committee hearings.  Unlike most freshman, Maldonado has one of the worst attendance records in the house, and is ranked in the bottom 20%. 

Of course this comes as no surprise to citizens of Round Rock.  Diana Maldonado is notoriously late for nearly every event:   the swearing-in of new school board members last May, the grand opening events for Cedar Ridge High School, the re-naming of Hernandez High School, and even for her own campaign events.  It has gotten to the point where folks take bets on just how late she will be or whether she will show up at all.

Life happens, and we have all been late or had to miss important events from time to time.  However, Maldonado's record reveals her consistent tardiness and absenteeism.  What is worse is the lack of respect Representative Maldonado seems to have for the time and needs of others.  While one might convincingly argue that given her left-of-center-votes, it is really best if she doesn't show up, the Citizens of District 52 deserve better.  It is time to terminate No-Show Maldonado, and send a Conservative, and reliable, representative to the Texas House.

Williamson County Democrat Party Chair Resigns, Endorses Gonzales

WOW, what a news day!  Here is the press release from Democrat Party Chair Greg Windham.  It will be interesting to see how the Diana Maldonado campaign spins this.  Grab the popcorn...

10/19/10
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Gregory S Windham
512-656-7368
Gregory S Windham, WCDP Chair

Democratic Chair Resigns

Windham Endorses Republican in District 52
Georgetown, Texas - Recently elected Democratic Chairman, Gregory S Windham, announced his resignation from the Chairmanship today citing differences of opinion over the State and National Democratic Agenda and support of a Republican candidate as his reasons.

A Message to Democrats

It is quite apparent that many members of the Williamson County Democratic Party leadership are interested in following a more liberal national agenda than listening to the majority of their constituents here locally. As a fifth-generation Texan and longtime supporter of Conservative, Texas principles, I find myself isolated within the party ranks and unable to relay my message of fiscal responsibility, family values, free-markets, and fair play.

The divisive, rigid leadership with the State and local party have made it clear from the beginning of this term that they have no interest in my opinions; engaging in personal name calling, the marginalization of the Chair's voice, and claiming my Texas ideals are out of touch.
I have a hatred of tyranny and contempt for its tools and being that I cannot sit down quietly and allow my mind be used for the spreading of an agenda that will further divide our citizenry, I choose now to resign as Chairman.I give heartfelt thanks to my many supporters whose tireless work helped me get elected to this position. I am sincere in my hopes that Williamson County residents will take control of the political process from the many hand picked representatives of the left who now hold the keys to our political process. 

After several opportunities to hear the candidates for State House Rep 52, I have decided to support Larry Gonzales as the next Williamson County State Representative. Larry's experience, intelligence, and knowledge of the political process far exceed that of the Democratic candidate. He is a family man, business owner, and a gentleman willing to build bridges and represent his district rather than his party.

Texas and America are facing a perfect storm. We must work together, hand in hand, to guide our way to safe shores. The continual mockery of each others positions and platforms only deepens our internal wounds. Compromise is necessary and I urge all who have interest in Liberty and a zeal for truth to listen carefully to all opinions and, above all, practice the Golden Rule.


God Bless You and God Bless Texas


Gregory S Windham
Georgetown, Texas
# # #

Diana Maldonado and the Incredible, Amazing Flip Flop

Wow. Just, wow.

At last Tuesday night's candidate forum sponsored by the Round Rock West Neighborhood Association, State Representative Diana Maldonado performed one of the most amazing political flip-flops, evah. While previously so opposed to common-sense voter photo ID legislation that she was willing to kill hundreds of other bills to stop passage, Maldonado stated that she now supports photo ID! This is so astounding that we might need a new award category, perhaps Acrobat of the Year?

Here is the release from the Larry Gonzales Campaign:

Diana's Flip Flop
For Immediate Release

October 13, 2010

Maldonado Metamorphosis: From Capitol Chubber to Campaign Conservative
Liberal Flip-flops on Voter ID

Williamson County – How do you know we are just five days away from the start of voting? Liberal Democrat Diana Maldonado announced last night she supports requiring a photo ID to vote, despite stating just 5 days earlier at a forum she was opposed to voter ID and last session participated in a five-day delay of the House Calendar that killed the photo ID bill.

In a forum hosted by the Greater Round Rock West Neighborhood Association, Maldonado said, “I am for voter identification where it does have a picture, let’s do that.” Emphasising her point, she said later, "Sure let's put a picture on it."

But according to the Austin American-Statesman, at the forum hosted by the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on October 8th, “Maldonado compared asking voters for more identification, than what is currently required, to police officers asking for more identification when they pull over drivers.”

“Diana’s desperate flip-flop on voter ID doesn’t change the fact she helped kill that bill, and dozens of other bills last session including a bill to require background checks of childcare providers who receive state money,” said Gonzales. “She literally put politics ahead of the safety of our children to kill a bill she now says she supports. It’s just pathetic political pandering.”

###

Maldonado and the Stealth Income Tax

While many factors contribute to Texas' economic strength, the state's constitutional prohibition against an income tax is an especially attractive element for both business and individuals.   Democrats have longed to remove this obstacle to higher taxes, and earlier this year Representative Lon Burnham lamented that Texans are "just too stupid" to understand how beneficial a state income tax would be. 

In the 2009 Legislative session, Representative Diana Maldonado and other pro-taxers thought they had found a way around the Texas Constitution by attaching a measure to House Bill 3983.  Also called the "Circuit Breaker Tax," HB 3983 would have tied property taxes to personal income.  Ostensibly the law would have then allowed individuals with lower incomes to receive a reduction in their property tax rate, prompting proponents to refer to HB3983 as an 'affordable housing' measure.

This so-called affordable housing measure has several troubling implications.  For one, the State would be required to compensate local government entities for any reduction in revenue, placing an additional burden on the State budget.  Even worse is Maldonado and friends' attempt to redistribute income.  Under HB 3983, lower income individuals buying homes above their means would be rewarded with a reduced tax bill, and inevitably, higher-earning individuals who prudently purchased more modest homes would be punished with a heavier property tax bill.  In other words, regardless of your home-purchase decisions, your 'property tax' assessment would be based on your income. 

While Liberal-Progressive Democrats were successful in passing this 'stealth' income tax, Governor Rick Perry wisely vetoed the measure saying, 

(HB 3983) would make the distribution of the property tax burden less equitable by shifting it to middle-class property owners. This would make the property tax function more like a progressive income tax, in that the tax burden would slowly be pushed upwards until only the owners of the most valuable property paid any actual tax.

Diana Maldonado's support of the stealth income tax is just another example of her tax-and-spend approach to government.  Rather than protect one of the elements that has made Texas the strongest state economy, our Representative attempted to radically change our tax structure.  It is time to send pro-tax, pro-big government liberals like Diana Maldonado home and replace them with common-sense Conservatives.

Freshman of the Year Awards: Everyone Gets an 'A'

One of the most damaging educational theories to come out of 'left field' in recent decades was the Outcome-Based-Education model.   OBE is responsible for the deterioration of academic standards in our schools, or the 'dumbing down' of curriculum, so that all the children can feel good about themselves, since everyone gets a 'happy face' no matter what.  Leftists have not limited OBE concepts to our schools, but have implemented such standards for adults too.   Remember when only the most accomplished special forces got to wear a 'green beret'?  In 2001, the Army decided that all soldiers get to wear a black beret.  Happy faces all around, everyone feels good. 

Unfortunately, the OBE "happy-faces-for-all" approach is rampant in politics too.  While Williamson County Democrats have been touting the fact that Representative Diana Maldonado was named "Freshman of the Year" in 2009, there are a few little details voters should know. 

First of all, the awarding entity, 'Legislative Study Group,' is a partisan Democrat group led by ardent liberal-progressive Rep. Garnet Coleman.  Representative Tommy Merritt, the token Republican RINO who joined the group so that they could call themselves 'bipartisan,' was spanked and sent home in the GOP Primaries this year to be replaced by Conservative David Simpson. 

Furthermore, a little research reveals that EVERY Democrat freshman House member received some kind of 'best award' from a left-leaning group.  For example, Democrat Representatives Carol Kent, Robert Miklos, Joe Moody, Marisa Marquez, Kristi Thibaut, and Armando Walle, all received "Freshman of the Year" awards from various liberal groups.  Other Texas House Freshman Democrats received similar awards;  Rep. Carol Alvarado received a Distinguished Service Award, and Rep Al Edwards received the Legislative Champion Award. 

So which Democrat is the real FOTY?  Hard to say...looks like everyone got an A.  Now, don't we all feel good?

GOP McGuinness Taking Lead in HD50 Race

Okay, so Texas House District 50 is not in Williamson County, but is significant to us since it borders House District 52.  In what most pundits thought a safe race for Democrats, Republican challenger Patrick McGuinness has a slight lead over the pro-Obama incumbent.  If even Travis County Democrats are in trouble...whew!

Unlike the Quorum Report, I only cite real polls, so here is the official release regarding the Gateway Research Group poll.

AUSTIN, TX – A poll conducted by the Gateway Research Group in the first week of September shows Republican Patrick McGuinness with a slight lead in the race for House District 50 in northern Travis County.

49.7% of those polled favored McGuinness over Democrat incumbent Mark Strama, who garnered 48.1%. 2.2% of those polled were undecided in this race.

“This poll, like the one conducted for GOPAC-Texas recently, shows that voters are turning away from the Democrats’ failed policies, both nationally and in the Texas House,” said McGuinness. “I will continue to make my case to voters in HD 50, advocating fiscally conservative policies that build our prosperity by keeping taxes and spending in check, and pursuing excellence in education by empowering parents and teachers.

McGuinness continued, “My opponent supports Obama and his agenda, and stood with liberal Democrats in the legislature to vote against taxpayers, against ballot security, against teacher merit pay, and against fiscal responsibility. I aim to bring better representation to my neighbors in district 50. ”

The Gateway Research Group is part of the Austin-based Gateway Policy Group. The poll was conducted between August 28 and September 6, 2010 and sampled voters in HD 50. Questions can be directed to Dr. Greg Hupp or Trey Newton at 512-477-3100.

Patrick McGuinness is a longtime Austin resident, and an engineer at Freescale with a doctorate in Computer Science. He and his wife Celeste are raising their four children in northwest Austin. He can be reached at 512-377-1307 or pat@patmcguinness.org.

Democrats Worked Really, Really Hard Last Weekend

Democrats were very busy over the weekend, but seem to be more desperate than I thought.
Perhaps this is what comes from hiring paid thugs campaign workers via the internet?

Diana Maldonado Now Masquerading as an Independent or Something

Oh my, the Diana Maldonado campaign has finally figured out it's not such a good thing to be an Obama Democrat this year.  The latest campaign flyer from the beleaguered incumbent not only implies she is fiscally conservative, but actually claims she is the "Independent" voice.  Furthermore, that bad, bad word "Democrat" has been stricken from the entire piece, front and back.  What a charade.

For starters, a recent poll showed that the number one issue for independent voters this year is....Obamacare.  Specifically, they hate it.  This is a huge problem for Representative Maldonado; even though she couldn't vote for it, she sent a very public letter to the President in March 2010, urging him to go ahead and force Obamacare through Congress despite overwhelming public opposition.  Not a popular move amongst 'Independents.' 

Another huge problem for Maldonado is her list of supporters; most notably Annie's List , a 'liberal-progressive' group so controversial, that even the Williamson County Democrat Party Chair spoke out against them.  In addition to the radically pro-abortion Annie's List, Maldonado also takes support from Blue Texas, a left-wing, pro-Democrat PAC, as well as other liberal-progressive groups. 

Of course this isn't the only charade Maldonado and her supporters are attempting; in addition to last week's awkward debate faux pas, Lefty blog Burnt Orange Report mistakenly claimed a poll showed her leading by 50-42 against Larry Gonzales.  However, author Karl-Thomas-Musselman had to backtrack since the 50-42 number wasn't a poll after all.   Here is the exchange:

Does a recent poll show Diana Maldonado leading her Republican challenger 50%-42%? It's possible. Maybe those on Sen. Kirk Watson's Online Townhall yesterday with Rep. Maldanado know more- I missed the call.


CORRECTION: Alas, those weren't poll numbers, but instead Rep. Maldonado's time of 50min:42sec for her 5 mile run. Too bad the title wasn't "Maldonado Running Strong in District 52"!

Well, duh.  Maldonado could not get to 50% in a pro-Dem year, only a fool would believe she is somehow stronger in a pro-Conservative year.  A better title would've been "Maldonado Running from Her Votes." 

Curiously, the mea culpa hasn't stopped lefties like Harvey Kronberg from running with the rumor that Maldonado is leading, although he is careful to add "No, we haven't seen the poll."  So much for the credibility of the Quorum Report. 

Diana Maldonado can try to use campaign literature to hide her affiliations, but she won't be able to hide from her voting record and actions as a legislator. Educated voters will realize that Maldonado and her fellow Democrats are part of the problem, and the solution will be to declare their independence by hiring a new State Rep for House District 52.

Maldonado Is Weaving a Tangled Web: UPDATED

Apparently the Diana Maldonado campaign had to do some quick scrambling Wednesday in response to the revelation that the Texas House District 52 Representative has been avoiding open debate on political issues. By Wednesday night, they were sending out notices to lefty bloggers that included a copy of Maldonado's Calendar, which now shows scheduled debates. Their take?  “See? See? She had it right there on her calendar!”

Unfortunately a copy of an electronic calendar doesn't prove much. The syndicated Lynn Wooley radio show invited Representative Maldonado to debate with Gonzales on air, but she claimed she was unavailable for the initial date. The show then offered 3 alternate dates, but she claimed to be busy on all three. Her campaign is now saying the show was too “Tea Party,” but that does not explain why she declined the Austin Community College invitation for a televised debate. The Round Rock Chamber Debate Diana suddenly has on her electronic calendar for October 5, is actually tentatively scheduled for October 14 during lunch at the Wingate, and has not been finalized. The wrangling over the terms of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber has been going on inconclusively for weeks.

Puzzled by the fact that he had never even heard about the debate at Southwestern University to which Diana claims she agreed, GOP candidate Larry Gonzales actually picked up the telephone to call the university to try to determine when and where this debate will take place. Officials at Southwestern were completely baffled by the question, and stated that nothing was on the college calendar. However, when Gonzales finally got in touch with the events coordinator, he was told that the College Democrats had contacted scheduling on Wednesday night to schedule a debate, while the Maldonado campaign is claiming it has been scheduled for weeks. The press release from the Gonzales campaign calling for debates arrived in my mailbox at 11:57AM Wednesday morning.

It gets better. The scheduler tells Larry that “one candidate has confirmed and they've talked to a least one other one,” and “they have talked to Gonzales.” Neither Larry nor anyone with his campaign have ever been contacted by anyone regarding a debate at Southwestern.

The truth is that Larry Gonzales is willing to have an unscripted debate anytime, anywhere, while Representative Maldonado has been evasive and/or making diva-demands regarding parameters. When called out for her tactics, it seems Diana Maldonado and her handlers scrambled together an elaborate deception to try to make Larry Gonzales look like a liar. Pretty slimy stuff.

Happily, the result of all this, is that now Diana Maldonado will have to agree to some real debates. I'm sure the Voters of House District 52 will appreciate the chance to get beyond the pre-worded statements into serious discussion of the issues.

Update:
News 8 Austin covered this story this evening, and confirmed that no debate had been scheduled at Southwestern University.  Also of interest: regarding Larry Gonzales' request for unscripted debates,   "Maldonado admitted she preferred less divisive settings."  Of course she does.

Representative Maldonado Afraid to Debate?

In the recent Politifact/Austin American Statesman article verifying that Democrat Representative Diana Maldonado is having to hire 'volunteers' through Craigslist, the Maldonado campaign claimed that Larry Gonzales was not willing to discuss the issues.  Ironically, Larry Gonzales has been trying unsuccessfully for months to get Maldonado to debate him on issues important to the District.  She has refused to do so unless she is given the questions in advance, which only further substantiates the rumor that she cannot think for herself and is completely reliant on handlers to script every appearance.  Below is the release from the Gonzales campaign: 

Gonzales to Maldonado: Let’s Debate…Unscripted
Gonzales Proposes Three Issue-Themed Debates

Williamson County – Republican nominee for House District 52, Larry Gonzales, today challenged liberal incumbent Diana Maldonado to three debates focused on key themes.


“Elections are about choices on issues that matter, and I want the voters of District 52 to have ample opportunity to see the differences between a small business owner and an out of touch liberal who represents Austin instead of Williamson County,” said Gonzales. “Let’s stand before the people of this district with no scripts or canned remarks, and let the voters decide who offers the best vision for creating jobs and opportunity in Williamson County.”


Gonzales proposes an initial debate about the subject most on the mind of voters: jobs and fiscal discipline, hosted by a local business organization. Gonzales proposes a second debate on education, including higher education, hosted either by a local PTA or on the grounds of a local campus. Gonzales proposes a third debate on border security, and the challenges posed by illegal immigration, hosted by a local Tea Party.


Gonzales added, “Diana Maldonado has had five opportunities to stand with me and debate the issues, but has declined every one of them – one of them was to be televised,” said Gonzales. “Clearly, trying to work out a debate schedule privately did not work, so we’re making our request public.”


The debates and forums that Diana Maldonado has declined are the following: The Lynn Woolley syndicated talk radio show; the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (we were told she agreed only if she had the questions seven days in advance); Texas P2 (which is comprised of business and industry) on two separate occasions; and Austin Community College, which offered to televise the debate and rerun it before Election Day.


"In order to be transparent, honest and accountable to voters, debates are crucial. They deserve to hear their state representative defend her record, and how my vision for the future contrasts with that record," said Gonzales “Let’s give voters an unfiltered account of where we stand, and how we will lead. I’m ready. Is she?”

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