Troubled foster children from Dallas are often shipped far from home, state official says

Garrett has the story:

AUSTIN — The most distressed foster children in state care too often are sent far from their home counties, especially if they’re from North Texas, the state’s top protective services official said today.

The Dallas-Fort Worth region is home to only six of the 66 residential treatment centers that are under contract with the state to care for abused and neglected youngsters, Anne Heiligenstein told a Texas House panel.
http://dallasne.ws/drcn8q

Democrats urge Texas Supreme Court to block Greens from ballot

Slater:
Democrats told the Texas Supreme Court today that the Green Party shouldn't be allowed to field candidates in the fall because it knew it was being helped by Republicans with $532,000 in illegal corporate money. The Green Party contends the corporate contribution that bankrolled its petition drive was legal. But Democrats argued that it's not -- and said in its motion to the Supreme Court today that allowing the Greens to be on the ballot would reward the party for bad behavior.
http://dallasne.ws/dp1GPh

Lawmaker chides Combs for rebate fiasco

Garrett reports:
Rep. Chente Quintanilla, D-Tornillo (El Paso County), today criticized as "a complete failure" the system of telephone and Internet reservations for appliance rebates that was set up this spring by Comptroller Susan Combs.
http://dallasne.ws/bMhKfP

2010 Casey Medals for Meritorious Journalism

A whole range of superb work from all over the country -- top to bottom, great stories meticulously researched and beautifully told. I highly recommend following this link and reading, even though it will break your heart. http://dallasne.ws/93ixzK

June 29, 2010 – The Dallas Morning News’ glimpse into the plight of two new parents facing an unimaginable decision, KING 5 Television’s unraveling of a family’s two-year fight against a state’s error and WBEZ-FM/Chicago Public Radio’s comprehensive look at the dropout crisis are among the winners of the 2010 Casey Medals for Meritorious Journalism. The medals are presented by the Journalism Center on Children & Families and funded by The Annie E. Casey Foundation.


Other news organizations taking top honors in the 16th annual contest include St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Chicago Tribune, The Indianapolis Star, Mother Jones, Houston Press, This American Life and BET News. The Dallas Morning News wins its third consecutive Casey Medal.

Billy Hamilton's do's and don'ts on outsourcing

Garrett has 'em:
Don't expect savings anytime soon. Check out other states that tried the same. Chew the fat with experts and possible vendors. Make sure the private sector's offering to do it for 30 to 40 percent less than your state agency can, because you have "lower wage costs and no profit requirements." Write down everything you expect -- down to the tiniest detail -- before you solicit bids. Bring good lawyers and don't walk away when the deal is inked: Watch the contractor like a hawk.
http://dallasne.ws/d2X2l7

Texans prefer slots over tax hikes to boost state revenue

Stutz:
A new poll conducted for horse track owners indicates that Texans would rather legalize slot machines at race tracks than pay higher taxes to offset a projected $18 billion revenue shortfall in the next state budget.
http://dallasne.ws/bHSvEa

Federation for American Immigration Reform tracks, tweaks illegal immigrant legislation

Dianne Solís:
The Federation for American Immigration Reform and its legal affiliate have been active around the nation in advising states and municipalities about ordinances and legislation to crack down on illegal immigration. Dan Stein is FAIR's president, and Mike Hethmon is the general counsel of its legal affiliate Immigration Reform Law Institute.
http://dallasne.ws/aT9Hff

Texas has 13th highest rate of obesity in U.S., study says

Jason Roberson reports:
Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, two nonprofit health research groups, said the state's adult obesity rate is 29 percent.


Their report, "F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2010," shows regional and income disparities in the obesity epidemic. It says 10 out of the 11 states with the highest rates of obesity were in the South, with Mississippi's 33.8 percent obesity rate leading the way. Colorado, at 19 percent, had the lowest obesity rate.
http://dallasne.ws/czoBrh

Texas Green Party files appeal to get candidates on November ballot

AP:
AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Green Party is asking the state Supreme Court to allow its candidates to be on the November statewide ballot.


The state Democratic Party sued to block the Green Party. A state district judge ruled last week that restricted corporate money was used to support a Green Party signature drive and did not comply with state election law.
http://tinyurl.com/2777s4l

U.S. fines Texas $4 million for botching food-stamp claims

Garrett reports:
AUSTIN — Federal food stamp officials have fined Texas nearly $4 million for making too many errors in calculating people’s monthly benefits.
http://tinyurl.com/2egu2cx

Perry, Hutchison comment on Dolph Briscoe's death

Stutz:
Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison Monday offered praises for former Gov. Dolph Briscoe, who died Sunday at his home in Uvalde.
http://tinyurl.com/296k8vx

Roundup of DMN coverage of the weekend's Texas Democratic convention

Boyd Richie challenger wins big endorsement
5:45 PM Fri, Jun 25, 2010
Christy Hoppe reports:
Texas Democratic Party chair challenger Michael Barnes won the endorsement of the Hispanic caucus at the state convention. School teacher Barnes is taking on incumbent Boyd Richie.
http://tinyurl.com/26ud3d9

White accepts nomination at Texas Democratic convention
11:27 PM CDT on Friday, June 25, 2010
Wayne Slater was there:
CORPUS CHRISTI – Bill White rallied the Democratic faithful Friday, saying he wants to be governor of Texas and not "leader of the national right wing."

In formally accepting his party's nomination, White cast Republican Rick Perry as a career politician guided by ideology and self-interest – and he promised to govern differently.
http://tinyurl.com/24g8x59




Today at the Texas Democratic convention: Possible fight on primary/caucus system, speeches galore

8:02 AM Sat, Jun 26, 2010
Ryan J. Rusak set the stage for Saturday:
Good morning from lovely Corpus Christi, where Texas Democrats wrap up their convention today. They got started last night, with governor candidate Bill White roused the delegates. As Wayne Slater writes today , it was a tough, thorough critique of his opponent, Republican incumbent Rick Perry, in sometimes very personal terms.
http://tinyurl.com/25kdept
 
Linda Chavez-Thompson takes on and David Dewhurst (and Rick Perry)
11:41 AM Sat, Jun 26, 2010
Hoppe:
Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Linda Chavez-Thompson (pictured here in 2003 photo) brought delegates to their feet with a speech spiced with sharp one-liners and a challenge to the Republican leadership.
http://tinyurl.com/2csuy7s
 
Boyd Richie overwhelmingly wins new term as party chair
12:24 PM Sat, Jun 26, 2010
Hoppe follows up:
Democratic Party state chairman Boyd Richie was selected by delegates to continue his work, beating back a challenge by South Texas school teacher Michael Barnes.
http://tinyurl.com/26fvp6n
 
Bill White weighs in on the only issue that matters today: TCU beating UCLA
1:21 PM Sat, Jun 26, 2010
Rusak talks baseball with the nominee:
http://tinyurl.com/32fbvzs
 
Radnofsky urges legal action against Wall Street
1:51 PM Sat, Jun 26, 2010
Jeffers:
Democratic nominee for attorney general Barbara Ann Radnofsy said Saturday that Texas should sue Wall Street for misconduct.

She blasted her opponent, incumbent Attorney General Greg Abbott, for not acting in the face of "clear evidence."
http://tinyurl.com/2dkzrza

Hector Uribe and Jeff Weems talk oil
2:55 PM Sat, Jun 26, 2010
Hoppe on 2 Dem candidates:
Democratic Land Commissioner candidate Hector Uribe blasted Republican leaders for being "apologistes for foreign oil corporations" whose careless will pollute the Gulf of Mexico for decades.

Railroad Commission candidate Jeff Weems spoke more concilliatorily towards oil and gas production, noting that it is one of the largest suppliers of jobs and tax revenues for the state.
http://tinyurl.com/275eouq

Democats embrace two-step primary process
3:10 PM Sat, Jun 26, 2010
Hoppe reports:
http://tinyurl.com/24rlqsx

Separated at birth: Boyd Richie and Haley Barbour
3:35 PM Sat, Jun 26, 2010
Rusak's sharp reporter's eye detects an interesting resemblace:
http://tinyurl.com/25cnmln

Bill White: Green Party petition drive means GOP is desperate
5:30 PM Sat, Jun 26, 2010
Slater:
Democrat Bill White says a Republican-financed petition drive to put the Green Party on the ballot means the GOP believes the governor's race will be close.
http://tinyurl.com/2bmejeq

Slater: Democrats at state convention focus on Rick Perry, not Washington
06:28 PM Sat, June 26, 2010
http://tinyurl.com/2dczkwb



 
 

Tips on the Lege for $285 per bureaucrat? Organizers defend seminar for agency heads

Garrett:

Is it kosher for one state institution to charge other state agencies and boards for tips and practical advice on how to navigate the upcoming legislative session? Especially when Texas faces a big budget shortfall? And when the speakers, such as about eight lawmakers and various budget aides to them and Gov. Rick Perry, are offering their insights for free?
http://tinyurl.com/2abebcg

Young illegal immigrants get chance to learn but not earn

Meyers reports:
"Thousands of high school graduates ... are discovering the dichotomy between a federal law that ensures their education and one that prevents them from using it."
http://tinyurl.com/2dxmeyo

Miner confrontation

Hoppe reports from Corpus:
Rick Perry spokesman Mark Miner came to Corpus Christi to attend the Democratic Party state convention, but the problem with being on TV all the time knocking Bill White is that people tend to recognize you.
http://tinyurl.com/35k57u6

House GOP flap: Solomons, Berman swap insults

Garrett has the story:
Rep. Burt Solomons, R-Carrollton , made public today a letter in which he denounced his Republican colleague, Tyler's Leo Berman, as a chronic liar who has falsely accused state GOP leaders of helping deep-six bills to discourage illegal immigration and acquiescing in last session's death of a "voter ID" bill.
http://tinyurl.com/2dx3gy9

Some down-ballot Democrats hope to ride White's coattails to victory

Kim writes about the hope that the rising tide that lifts all boats: http://tinyurl.com/27pyrpl

End of the Texas "Two-Step" primary ?

Slater looks at both sides:
Opponents of the so-called "Texas Two Step"" system to determine presidential delegates are working at the state convention to end the system. Texas is the only state in the country that distributes its presidential convention delegates based on (First) the primary vote and (Second) a series of caucuses primary night.
http://tinyurl.com/2u7nd8p

Circle of Perry associates grows in the Green Party scandal

Slater: The circle of Republicans close to Rick Perry who are involved in the Green Party petition scandal continues to grow.
http://tinyurl.com/26awm7t

Bill Clinton endorses Bill White; takes swipe at Rick Perry

Hoppe reports:
Former President Bill Clinton sent out a fundraising appeal on behalf of Democrat Bill White today, calling him "one of the most effective, respected and popular mayors" the nation has seen in decades.
http://tinyurl.com/24h27eu

Senate Republicans cite deficit, kill state fiscal aid

Garrett reports:
Senate Republicans in Washington late today successfully beat back an election-year bill that, among other things, would keep Texas' looming budget shortfall from growing by nearly $1 billion.
http://tinyurl.com/23lyppv

Gilbert will miss Democratic convention due to mother's death

Meyers:
Hank Gilbert, the Democratic nominee for agriculture commissioner, will miss the state's Democratic convention this weekend due to his mother's death.
http://tinyurl.com/2as7f59

Texans in Congress propose compromise on deepwater drilling ban

Melanie Mason reports:

One day after Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said the ban on deepwater drilling could be "refined," a contingent of House members--mostly from Texas--have weighed in on how to do so.
http://tinyurl.com/25ak8dz

Texas Democratic governor candidate Bill White's main stance hails back 15 years

Slater takes a look at Bill White:
When Bill White became state Democratic chairman nearly 15 years ago, he predicted that the party's worst days were over and that momentum "is definitely on our side."


He was wrong.

The Democratic Party was in political free fall when White took over after Republican George W. Bush's election as governor. White left the position as the GOP was on the verge of sweeping every statewide office in 1998.
http://tinyurl.com/32d5x8d

A familiar refrain: Gilbert yells about ag commish silence

Jessica Meyers with the latest from the Agricultural Commissioner race:
A postscript may have drawn the most attention in today's press release sent out by Hank Gilbert, the Democratic candidate for agriculture commissioner.
http://tinyurl.com/272aucl

GOP-linked firm paid $532,000 for Greens petition drive, files say

Slater reports:
AUSTIN – A petition drive to put a Green Party candidate for governor on the Texas ballot cost $532,000 and was bankrolled through an out-of-state corporation with Republican ties, according to court documents.

Democrats say the drive was a disguised effort to help Republican Rick Perry by fielding a candidate who would take votes from Democrat Bill White in November.
http://tinyurl.com/25mdxph

Update: Rep. Rios Ybarra responds to indictment

Garrett:
Late today, Rep. Tara Rios Ybarra issued this statement about her indictment in a Medicaid fraud investigation: "I am shocked, surprised and disappointed at the allegations made agains me. I have devoted myself to my dental patients and to following high ethical standards in my professional capacity as a dentist for 12 years. I would respectfully ask that people not rush to judgment until all the facts are disclosed."
http://tinyurl.com/265po4z

Texas Democrats keep fighting voter IDs despite idea's popularity

Hoppe reports:

AUSTIN – Texas Democrats have staked out political ground that trumpets their beliefs and will ignite supporters at the party's state convention this week – protecting the rights of eligible citizens to vote.
http://tinyurl.com/292v8vy

Q&A: New Texas GOP chief addresses party's challenges

Hoppe sat down with new TX state GOP chair Steve Munisteri and asked him some questions:

AUSTIN – Newly elected Texas Republican Party Chairman Steve Munisteri, who triumphed over an incumbent for the first time in party history at the state convention 10 days ago in Dallas, spoke Tuesday about the party's challenges, including its $700,000 debt, and its future direction.
http://tinyurl.com/2eaq5j8

Lawmaker-dentist indicted in Medicaid fraud probe

Garrett reports:

Rep. Tara Rios Ybarra, D-South Padre Island, is one of four dentists named in a federal indictment that alleges one of them, an oral surgeon, paid kickbacks to the others to get referrals of their patients.
http://tinyurl.com/29s2434

Group files complaint on Perry campaign disclosures of mansion expenses

Jay Root from the AP reports:

Since 2001, Perry's campaign has spent more than $800,000 under the loosely defined category of "mansion expenditures." Texans for Public Justice said in a complaint filed Tuesday with the Texas Ethics Commission that the campaign violated disclosure laws by failing to itemize the spending.
http://tinyurl.com/26zv7rp

Federal judge rules against Dallas creationist group

Slater reports:

A federal judge has ruled against the Dallas-based Institute for Creation Research in its lawsuit seeking permission to offer a master's degree in science education.
http://tinyurl.com/2b3t4bo

Lancaster police didn't arrest Dallas chief's son in incident before shootings

Eiserer:

The live-in girlfriend of Dallas Police Chief David Brown's son made a frantic call to Lancaster police Sunday morning, telling them that her boyfriend had had a "psychotic breakdown," had hit her and thrown her out of their apartment.
http://tinyurl.com/25j9k5o

Goldstein:
Chief David Brown issues statement on Lancaster shootings to Dallas police: http://tinyurl.com/23z2qkd

Pork board squeals over imaginary unicorn meat

The AP has the 1st story today: http://tinyurl.com/2fqzcbw

Leo Berman to file for House Speaker

Hoppe with more insight into Berman's move to capture the Texas House speakership:

Arch conservative Rep. Leo Berman, R-Tyler, plans to file the official paperwork today to challenge fellow Republican Joe Straus as speaker.
http://tinyurl.com/25au84p

Inspections find cracks on at least two American Airlines jets

Eric Torbenson:

Inspections of 56 of American Airlines Inc.’s Boeing 767 jets have revealed cracks in the engine pylons of two planes, according to the airline.
http://tinyurl.com/2dp52ne

Rep. Leo Berman of Tyler plans run for Texas House speaker

The AP reports:
AUSTIN, Texas – Republican state Rep. Leo Berman of Tyler is running for speaker of the Texas House during the 2011 legislative session.
http://tinyurl.com/267vmc4

Former state Rep. Terri Hodge reports to federal prison today

Jason Trahan reports:

Former state Rep. Terri Hodge isn't going away quietly.

A day before the veteran North Texas legislator reports to a federal prison in Kentucky to serve a year for tax fraud, she granted a quick – and contentious – interview in which she denied taking bribes and said she was "always honest" in her 14 years in the Texas House.
http://tinyurl.com/2d7jcwv

Rick Perry talks with Air China re DFW direct flights

Gov. Rick Perry said today that during his week-long Asian trip, he talked with representatives of Air China about direct flights between Dallas/Fort Worth and China. The governor - and a contingent of business and political leaders - have been visiting Shanghai , Beijing and Taiwan to promote Texas and boost exports and create jobs in the state. Slater reports: http://tinyurl.com/2e6gc5t

Dish mayor's outcry on gas drilling brings big buzz to tiny town

Wendy Hundley reports:

As mayor of Dish, Calvin Tillman presides over a two-square-mile patch of Denton County flatland and about 180 residents. But this small-town mayor has become a central figure in the national debate over gas drilling.
http://tinyurl.com/2csdv9l

Lancaster officer, Dallas police chief's son killed in shootout

Goldstein, Eiserer and Bush report:
LANCASTER – A police officer and two other men, including Dallas Police Chief David Brown's adult son, were fatally shot Sunday night at an apartment complex.

The slain police officer was identified this morning as Craig Shaw, a five-year veteran of the force and a member of its regional tactical team.
http://tinyurl.com/2cqxlda

A bad story gets worse: Source: Dallas police chief's son killed Lancaster officer http://tinyurl.com/2cqxlda

State to investigate Alamo, caretakers over safety clash

Scott Huddleston from the San Antonio Express-News has the latest from the Alamo:

The Texas attorney general's office has launched an investigation of the Alamo and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. The Daughters, caretakers of the state-owned battle site, have three weeks to gather a list of documents, including e-mails, financial audits, engineering reports and even records on vending machine sales.
http://tinyurl.com/2aqg8z4

Cost of 'virtual fence' on U.S.-Mexico border 12 times higher than first estimated

Suzanne Gamboa of the The Associated Press reports: 

WASHINGTON – Taxpayers have shelled out at least $15.1 million per mile for 53 miles of "virtual fence" built to secure the U.S.-Mexico border, more than 12 times the original estimate.
http://tinyurl.com/2cqg4g8

Prosecutors will try today to reopen case against Judge Sharon Keller

Hoppe:

AUSTIN – Prosecutors at a hearing this morning will attempt to revive the case against Judge Sharon Keller, accused of closing the state's top criminal court as a death-row inmate's lawyers tried to file a last-minute appeal.
http://tinyurl.com/275hcav

For much more background: http://topics.dallasnews.com/topic/Sharon_Keller

Texas employers add 43,600 jobs

Brendan Case reports on the latest TWC figures:

 Texas employers expanded payrolls by 43,600 jobs in May, the largest monthly gain in more than three years, according to preliminary data released Friday by the Texas Workforce Commission.
http://tinyurl.com/27ocbfd

Green Party cochair says she's paying GOP attorney in petition case

Slater follows the green to the Greens:
Green Party cochair Christine Morshedi of Houston says she hired a top Republican lawyer to represent her in the Democrats' lawsuit against the party.
http://tinyurl.com/23jungn

Rep. Joe Barton retracts apology to BP, hoping to tamp down uproar

Later, that very same day...

Barton, after relentless attacks from Democrats and a brewing uprising among fellow Republicans, retracted his apology to BP this afternoon, about four hours after triggering the uproar.
http://tinyurl.com/3xwm6vm

Video: Rep. Joe Barton apologizes to BP, accuses White House of "shakedown"

Gillman:

Texas Rep. Joe Barton's apology this morning to the BP CEO, Tony Hayward, for the "political pressure" his company has faced after the Gulf oil spill has caused a ruckus.
http://tinyurl.com/27bjegf

Agricultural census shows number of farms - especially small ones - rising

Eric Aasen reports:

Every five years, the Census of Agriculture counts farms and ranches across the country, as well as what's raised and grown on the land. It offers a glimpse into the state of American farming. The next one happens in 2012.


The 2007 census reported that the number of farms is growing, both nationwide and in North Texas.
http://tinyurl.com/28f7ex6

U.S. considers less jail-like facilities for immigrants

Michelle Roberts from the The Associated Press reports:

Some asylum-seekers and immigrants awaiting deportation proceedings could soon be able wear their own clothes, participate in movie and bingo nights, eat continental breakfasts and celebrate holidays with visiting family members.
http://tinyurl.com/2wnc9rb

Top GOP lawyer to represent Texas Green Party in Democrats' lawsuit

Slater reports:
http://tinyurl.com/233p3zu
A top Republican lawyer has been hired to represent the Green Party in a lawsuit in which Democrats want to know who bankrolled a petition drive to put the party on the ballot.

Wayne broke it earlier in our Trail Blazers blog -- interesting to see the rewrite process:
http://tinyurl.com/233p3zu

AUSTIN — A top Republican lawyer has been hired to represent the Texas Green Party against efforts to identify a mystery donor who paid to put the party on the fall ballot.




 

Perry campaign event runs afowl of White supporters

Sometimes it's just not a good idea to hold a news conference at your opponent's campaign office. Slate reports:
http://tinyurl.com/2fy856f

EPA takes control of Collin County power plant's state-issued permit

Randy Lee Loftis reports:

A fight between the Obama administration and Texas over industrial air pollution intensified Tuesday when the EPA took over two more state-issued permits, including one for a Garland Power and Light plant in Collin County.

http://tinyurl.com/34j5bfr

Slater: Texas Republicans display a siege mentality

Slater looks back on the Texas GOP weekend in Dallas:

For a party in power, there seem to be a lot of martyrs in the Texas GOP.


Rush Limbaugh says Democrats are the party of victims. But it was the Republicans at their state convention in Dallas this weekend who clearly saw themselves as the oppressed and mistreated.
http://tinyurl.com/2f6gwtx

The Texas Political Heat Index

The Texas Heat Index is a fact check of whether candidates, campaigns and interest groups are telling the truth as they aim to persuade voters. Claims are rated with Texas flavor, using the chili-pepper index on a scale from one to four.

Better work, and without the bizarre conclusions. see for yourself:

http://heatindex.dallasnews.com//

Alamo's director fired after only a few months on the job

Benning reports on the continuing saga of the Alamo:

The Alamo is without a director of operations for the second time in less than two years.

Michael McCracken, a San Antonio business consultant, was fired in January after only a few months on the job. Leaders of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas confirmed the departure Monday but declined to discuss the reasons.
http://tinyurl.com/2ebpu8q

2 Texas auto insurers top complaints list, face investigation

Stutz reports:

Loya is one of two large auto insurers that had a complaint record well above the state average in 2009, according to a new listing of “justified” complaints handled by the state Insurance Department.


Those complaints from Texas drivers included such practices as delays in processing claims, unsatisfactory offers or settlements, denial of claims and liability disputes.
http://tinyurl.com/2al9oyh

The 10 worst in Texas: http://tinyurl.com/27ntyac

Roundup of DMN coverage of last weekend's State Republican Convention in Dallas

 From the beginning -- 
DAY ONE:

Texas Republican convention arrives in Dallas; first up, show of unity between Perry, Hutchison
Our fearless leader Ryan Rusak sets the scene:
6:00 AM Fri, Jun 11, 2010
Good morning, political junkies. It's a great day to be a politico in Dallas: 15,000 delegates, alternates and guests (along with us media types) are here for the two-day Texas Republican Convention.


The action starts right away, with a Texas Federation of Republican Women breakfast featuring Rick Perry and Kay Bailey Hutchison. The two have not appeared together since the incumbent governor soundly defeated the senator in their heated primary battle in March. And Hutchison hasn't said much publicly about the campaign since her loss. As Wayne Slater noted earlier this week, expect the "Kay Bailout" and "Slick Rick" talk of those days to yield to pledges of unity and warm, if somewhat forced, interaction between the two.
http://tinyurl.com/2g4u23b



Republicans slinging red meat
12:47 PM Fri, Jun 11, 2010
Jeffers reports on TX GOP Chairman Cathie Adams' opening remarks at convention.
http://tinyurl.com/2bbzplc


Anita Perry introduces husband
Jeffers:
12:57 PM Fri, Jun 11, 2010
Texas First Lady Anita Perry is introducing her husband, Rick Perry, to convention delegates.
http://tinyurl.com/22sb3vn


Hutchison gives robust defense of Texas congressional delegation
Meanwhile, Rusak reports from Texas Federation of Republican Women breakfast:
1:08 PM Fri, Jun 11, 2010
Kay Bailey Hutchison's endorsement of her primary foe, Rick Perry, was the main highlight of their joint appearance at this morning's Texas Federation of Republican Women breakfast in conjunction with the state GOP convention here in Dallas. But Hutchison's robust defense of her colleague's in the state's congressional delegation was noteworthy, too.
http://tinyurl.com/29aqc63



Cornyn continues GOP pep rally
Jeffers has it:
2:09 PM Fri, Jun 11, 2010
The message for delegates at the GOP convention is simple: Don't stray away from Texas values.


Sen. John Cornyn said President Barack Obama was bringing a Chicago approach to the White House. He went on to talk about patronage, ward bosses etc. Kind of made me homesick.
http://tinyurl.com/23rzous


Stay away from Greg Abbott's daughter
Jeffers warns us the AG is apperently packing.
3:02 PM Fri, Jun 11, 2010
http://tinyurl.com/25vuxhf


Todd Staples talks tough
Jeffers continues to monitor the manliness:
3:35 PM Fri, Jun 11, 2010
"If they think they can mandate and legislate away our individual freedoms, I have one thing to say," he said. "Come and take it."

http://tinyurl.com/2fm2n9r


House Speaker Straus hears some boos
Jeffers reports:
3:42 PM Fri, Jun 11, 2010
House Speaker Joe Straus is not the most popular Republican at this convention.
http://tinyurl.com/2bprvlf


Texas lite governor's showdown with Rahm Emanuel: face-poking nearly cost him a finger, David Dewhurst says
Gillman gives us a fascinating glimpse at the world of big-time politics:
3:56 PM Fri, Jun 11, 2010
Most Rahm Emanuel stories involve cussing. One involves a buck naked lobbying effort at the congressional gym. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's involves a confrontation featuring behavior so menacing, he came close to snapping Emanuel's finger.
http://tinyurl.com/2ag9una


Dems get into the act with a trailer, an elephant and fake money
via Rusak: Intern reporter Neena Satija brings us this report on the Democrats' efforts to crash the Texas GOP party on Friday:
5:50 PM Fri, Jun 11, 2010
Lest the Texas Republicans steal all the headlines this weekend, the Democrats had their own little show near the Dallas Convention Center on Friday afternoon. Parked outside Eddie Deen's Ranch on South Lamar Street was a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom green-and-white mobile home that the Texas AFL-CIO is generously offering Governor Rick Perry for $1 a month.

http://tinyurl.com/28f7g8c
__________________________________________________
Meanwhile, in a galaxy far, far away...

Ex-Texas gubernatorial candidate an outlier at state GOP convention in Dallas
Hoppe reports on the insurgency:
12:00 AM CDT on Saturday, June 12, 2010
The Magnolia, as state Republican Party convention hotels go, is an outlier. And it's here in the lobby that Debra Medina, the tea party favorite who made an impressive stand in the primary for governor, is rousing the GOP rabble.
http://tinyurl.com/38oppkr

__________________________________________________

DAY TWO:

Day 2 of the Texas Republican convention: platform, elections and (more) speeches
Rusak wakes us up early for the second day of the State Republican Convention:
8:00 AM Sat, Jun 12, 2010
Might Republicans be turning into Democrats?


At least in one way, perhaps. Their tradition of tight-ship, done-before-dusk conventions could be lost today as the GOP puts off the business of its gathering at the Dallas Convention Center until the late afternoon. Debra Medina thinks it's all done on purpose; make sure you don't miss Christy Hoppe's story [see above -- jj] on Medina's counter-convention event Friday night.
http://tinyurl.com/32sh468



Mayor Leppert: Dallas has a prayer
Slater reports:
9:01 AM Sat, Jun 12, 2010
Delegates were up early Saturday morning for a prayer rally that started the day at the state Republican convention.
http://tinyurl.com/3xzrln8


Shoot, there's Jerry Patterson
Hoppe reports from the jungle:
12:52 PM Sat, Jun 12, 2010
http://tinyurl.com/3y6pbsq


GOP platform calls for Texas to adopt immigration law similar to Arizona's
Jeffers looks at the planks:
1:27 PM Sat, Jun 12, 2010
Texas Republicans are proposing a platform that calls for stiffer immigration policies and state laws that require local police officers to "verify residency status" of a person "upon arrest for another crime."
http://tinyurl.com/32jav8r


Speaker Joe Straus blasted by former state Republican Party vice chairman
Jeffers again:
2:01 PM Sat, Jun 12, 2010
Former Texas Republican Party Vice Chairman David Barton distributed four-page attack document today that casts House Speaker Joe Straus as a Republican helping Democrats defeat the conservative agenda.
http://tinyurl.com/37ycl6z


Floor fight for Republican Party chairman looming
Hoppe reports on Adams' ouster, from the beginning:
2:31 PM Sat, Jun 12, 2010
Reports out of nominations committee is that Steve Munisteri has won the chairmanship race from the caucus vote.
http://tinyurl.com/356v8sj


Marijuana activists share their message at Texas GOP convention
Neena Satija reports that Medina wasn't the only one excluded from the proceedings:
2:45 PM Sat, Jun 12, 2010
Craig Johnson of Protectyouth.org, an organization that advocates for regulation and taxation of marijuana, applied for a booth twice before he was finally rejected.

http://tinyurl.com/2bwhb4n


Nominations committee picks Steve Munisteri
...even as (Hoppe reports) the fight for chairmanship continued:
3:18 PM Sat, Jun 12, 2010
http://tinyurl.com/33uqokq


The shopping scene at the Texas Republican convention
Neena Satija took a quick trip through the marketplace at the GOP convention and found some fun items:
4:16 PM Sat, Jun 12, 2010
If you've got the urge to go on a little shopping spree this weekend, the Texas Republican Convention is the place to be. They've got T-shirts with clever slogans, posters, pins, tea party earrings - the list goes on.
http://tinyurl.com/2upwzyo


Barbour to Texas GOP: Don't let 'purity be the enemy of unity'
The AP was on this one:
5:37 PM Sat, Jun 12, 2010
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour told Texas Republicans on Saturday that the stakes in this fall's elections were "higher than any midterm election in my lifetime."
http://tinyurl.com/35bdhd6


Munisteri wins election as Texas Republican chairman with 59 percent of vote
Hoppe continues the chair narrative:
5:47 PM Sat, Jun 12, 2010
In a rare floor fight, the state Republican Party ousted a long-time social conservative leader and instead elected Houston lawyer Steve Munisteri as its new party chairman.
http://tinyurl.com/2vozro6


Republicans slam gavel on convention
Gromer bids us adieu -- till next week, when the Dems have their convention down in Corpus.
7:50 PM Sat, Jun 12, 2010
http://tinyurl.com/34qfrqv


And, at the last, the platform:
Immigration most pressing platform issue at state GOP convention

Gromer Jeffers reports:

Texas Republicans voted Saturday to call for a state law to require local police officers to verify that people arrested on suspicion of a crime are in the country legally.

If Republicans have their way, the Legislature would make it a crime for an illegal immigrant to "intentionally or knowingly" be in the state of Texas.
http://tinyurl.com/2dc5c9f


Other GOP platform proposals:


12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, June 13, 2010
Other proposals in the Texas Republican Party platform approved Saturday:

• A law to require that a sonogram be performed and offered to a woman seeking an abortion.
• Strengthening the State Board of Education's powers.
• Fighting efforts to increase the tax on gasoline or to index it to inflation.
• Outlawing of all sexually oriented businesses, including strip clubs. Dallas is one of the adult entertainment centers of the country.
• Requiring voters to produce a photo ID before casting a ballot.

Perry campaign aims for 50 percent of Latino vote

Hoppe:

Hispanics are being targeted to turn out for Rick Perry with the aim of garnering an unprecedented 50 percent of the Latino vote in November, campaign strategists said Thursday.
http://tinyurl.com/2bbualf

Texas Republicans' immigration reform stance may alienate Hispanics voters

Hoppe reports:

AUSTIN – The Texas Republican Party, on the topic of immigration reform, already eschews any shade of gray in its red, white and blue platform: It begins: "No amnesty! No how. No way."


But this week, conservative stalwarts, pushed by passage of Arizona's tough new law and angered by Washington inertia, are meeting in Dallas to demand that Texas act on a topic that could help define the party for this election and potentially hobble it in future ones.
http://tinyurl.com/2a3gvqc

Perry, Hutchison show unity ahead of Texas Republican convention

Rusak reports:
Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison made peace and a show of Republican unity Friday morning, sharing warm words for each other as the Texas GOP prepared to kick off its two-day convention in Dallas. 
http://tinyurl.com/2wg4xqk

Cornyn, Hutchison lean vs. more state fiscal aid

Texas' two senators said today they oppose a Democratic proposal unveiled Tuesday, which would add fiscal relief for hard-pressed states to a jobs and tax bill, because it would increase the federal deficit. Garrett reports:
http://tinyurl.com/279krpa

TX Democrats file suit: Who funded Green Party petition drive?

Slater reports:

The Texas Democratic Party has gone to court to force the Green Party to identify who funded a petition drive to put them on the November ballot.
http://tinyurl.com/2338uca

Legal aid attorneys expand lawsuit over Texas food stamp program

Garrett reports:

AUSTIN – Legal aid lawyers today accused Texas of still running an illegally understaffed, inconvenient and confusing eligibility system for food stamps despite having worked off a backlog of pleas for help.
http://tinyurl.com/238svm6

Sales tax receipts for May up, barely

Comptroller Susan Combs thinks an end may be near for Texas' tumbling sales tax receipts. Or even already here. But stress the maybe. A double dip is still a risk, she said today.
http://tinyurl.com/2dr2ey9

Dallas County DA Craig Watkins says prosecutions are coming in investigation of constables

Rusak reports:
Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins said this morning in Austin that he expects a prosecution to result from the ongoing investigation of two Dallas County constables operations.
http://tinyurl.com/2c3fb5k

Ex-employee of state veterans home is acquitted of abusing resident

Drew reports:

AUSTIN – A West Texas jury acquitted a former employee of a state veterans home Tuesday on a felony charge of abusing a resident in late 2007.

The 12-member jury deliberated for about 45 minutes in finding Bryson Vanderbilt not guilty, said Howard County District Attorney Hardy Wilkerson. The verdict followed a six-hour trial.
http://tinyurl.com/37r2ksd

Bill White releases his income taxes

Slater:

The Rick Perry campaign has been demanding for months that Democrat Bill White release his income taxes for the years he's served in public office. And today, White did.
http://tinyurl.com/38og7vb

See White's returns and disclosures here: http://www.scribd.com/document_collections/2494244

Bill White says Rick Perry isn't working very hard

Hoppe: Perry working hard, or hardly working?

A look at four recent months of Gov. Rick Perry's schedule shows that he isn't exactly burning the midnight oil.


The Bill White campaign requested the governor's official work calendar for this year and the open records request showed that Perry performed no scheduled state work on 24 of 72 business days. That's one-third of the work week without phone calls or meetings. The calendar covered January, March, April and most of May. The February record has not yet been released.
http://tinyurl.com/3y4o5vx

Abbott denies campaign rival's charge that he went easy on BP

Kim reports:
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said Monday that he feels "frustration and aggravation" over BP's response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and that the company's actions could lead to criminal charges.


He dismissed accusations by his campaign opponent that he has shied away from criticizing BP or downplayed the spill's magnitude.
http://tinyurl.com/2eh6mbs

Mystery money and Texas politics

Slater offers a little historical perspective:

The story of an out-of-state political operative steering secret money through a corporation to put the Green Party on the Texas ballot has a certain familar ring to it.
http://tinyurl.com/26zokl9

Bid to put a Green in Texas governor race may be illegal, expert says

Slater reports:

AUSTIN – One of the state's leading election experts says a petition drive funded through an out-of-state group to put the Green Party on the ballot this fall might have violated state law.


Party officials say the group, a nonprofit corporation, collected 92,000 signatures and delivered them as "a gift" so that the Green Party could field candidates in the November election. The arrangement for the petitions, set up by an Arizona Republican consultant, was revealed Sunday by The Dallas Morning News.
http://tinyurl.com/2e6xysh

GOP consultant in Arizona pulls strings to get Green Party on Texas ballot

Slater puts it together:

AUSTIN – The liberal Green Party's uphill battle to get on the Texas ballot this fall has been fueled by a surprising benefactor: an out-of-state Republican consultant with a history of helping conservative causes and GOP candidates.
http://tinyurl.com/27sqlhv

Ankle bracelets help deter DWIs for violators in Texas

Diane Jennings:
Actress Lindsay Lohan and other celebrities are not the only ones wearing ankle bracelets that monitor alcohol intake – thousands of Texans are doing the same thing.
http://tinyurl.com/27yadx3

Slater updates:

Remember Kay "Bailout" Hutchison, the spendthrift from evil Washington? How about Rick "Say one thing, do another" Perry - the governor for life whose cronies run Austin? That was so yesterday.
http://tinyurl.com/2do4dmm

Business tax receipts down 10 percent -- so far

The state's revamped business tax has yielded $3.6 billion this year, down from $4 billion at the same time in the last fiscal year, Comptroller Susan Combs' office announced today. The news could further complicate an already grim financial outlook: This year's budget assumes $4.3 billion from the so-called margins tax or revised franchise tax. Garrett reports.
http://tinyurl.com/267ds6q

Sierra Club considers suing EPA over Texas clean-air action

Loftis reports:

While the EPA goads Texas to reform its air pollution permits, the federal agency is neglecting its own duties under the Clean Air Act, Texas environmentalists say. The Sierra Club said it will file a formal notice today telling the Environmental Protection Agency that it intends to sue the EPA over its failure to act on three Texas clean-air concerns.

http://tinyurl.com/26gzzuu

U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess calls on Texas AG to investigate state's environmental agency

Heinkel-Wolfe at the Denton Record-Chronicle reports:

U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess has called on the Texas attorney general to investigate the state's environmental agency, following an audit report that showed agency officials may have withheld information about toxic compounds found near natural-gas facilities.
http://tinyurl.com/25w6uxd

Perry rejects second round of Race to the Top money

Gov. Rick Perry said 'no thanks' to federal stimulus money for education, saying the state's application would probably be penalized for its unwillingness to buy into national curriculum standards. Hoppe reports.
http://tinyurl.com/355css7

Accident set Texas Attorney General Abbott on path to politics

Kim reports:
http://tinyurl.com/2ffkwnd

Barbara Ann Radnofsky turns trademark intensity to attorney general race

Kim reports:
http://tinyurl.com/26xzfa5

Bob Perry bankrolls Republican in New Mexico

Perhaps the nation's most prolific campaign giver, Bob Perry is putting big money behind a candidate for governor in New Mexico. Slater reports.
http://tinyurl.com/39pr75c

Split opinions greet Texas school board training sessions

Though the class time is state-mandated, the content is not. Haag reports.
http://tinyurl.com/35mw2vp