Bob Perry the sugar daddy of the 2006 Elections

As of Oct 28, 2006, Bob Perry the homebuilder who financed the swiftboating of a Vietnam Veteran has donated a total of $4,466,500 to Texas candidates and organizations, the vast majority Republicans or Republican causes.

In Oct alone, he has donated $668,500 with $15,000 to State Representative John Davis. The yearly figure includes $40,000 to Martha Wong, $275,000 to Rick Perry, $325,000 to Texans for Lawsuit Reform, $40,000 to Gene Seaman, and $100,000 to Greg Abbott.

Bob Perry has become the poster child for campaign fianance reform in Texas. The full spreadsheet can be found here.

On edit: Here are some interesting totals:
Total donations for 2006: $4,466,500
Total donations for Oct: $668,500

Total donations to Democrats: $145,500
Total donations to Republicans: $4,321,000

Total donations to Democratic organizations: $0
Total donations to Republican organizations: $1,855,000

So, who is Bob Perry's bitch now?

The Wall to no where.

Building a wall between the United States and Mexico is the dumbest thing We the People have ever done, second to attacking Iraq based upon incorrect intelligence.

The support of The Wall by candidates for the 2006 elections has a similiar problem, a lack of intelligence, and with that, the Republican Party has once again successfully used an issue to their advantage in the 2006 elections.

The Republican party successfully used the vote to give the President the authority to send 2800 of our soldiers to their death looking for non-existant weapons of mass destruction, to send over 16,000 wounded to a hospital, and send $300 Billion of our tax dollars down the drain, to their advantage in the 2002 election.

The Wall is another Iraq. It's another attack on a segment of the population that isn't light skinned, blue eyed, or English speaking. It's a simple minded, emotionally charged campaign issue that reaches out to the ignorant and those who rely on TV commercials, hate filled radio stations, and those who refuse to vote based upon intelligent research.

The Wall is an ignorant idea, so ignorant, that President Bush and Congress voted to build it, but didn't appropriate any money to build it with. Unfortunately, this won't make a difference on those ignorant enough to propose it, or those ignorant enough to believe it.

Make absolutely no mistake about this issue. The immigration issue of building The Wall with no money, supported by candidates Shelley Sekula Gibbs, Tom DeLay, John Davis, John Culberson, is about one thing, and one thing only: The Republicans have absolutely nothing else to run on in 2006 except an emotionally charged issue of using Mexican immigrants as their own private pinata.

Maybe it is time for a citizen patrol of all homebuilders and employers who are using illegal immigrants to line their pockets with profits. This is more intelligent than building The Wall.

More ethics violations on State Rep John Davis

The Houston Chronicle endorsed State Representative John Davis HD129 solely on the fact that he is on the powerful Appropriations Committee and the Budget and Oversight Committee responsible for allocating billions of our tax dollars.

With this in mind, it should be concerning that he has 3 ethics violations filed against him for hiding $100,000 in campaign expenditures, using his campaign donations for custom boots, and not being able to file his reports correctly. These violations are detailed here, here, here, here, here, and on KHOU TV, here.

Luckily his staff has been busy reading the blogs on his inability to handle his campaign reports and have filed an amended report, but not on the missing $100,000 in expenditures, but on his Oct 10th filing. Unfortunately, once again, the amended report was filed incorrectly and a 4th complaint should be filed.

State Representative Davis was quick to amend his report filed on Oct 10, but has, so far, neglected to address the important violation concerning the $100,000 in expenditures and most probably will try to squeek out the election without coming clean with his constituents and his donors.

If you can't trust your State Representative with your hard earned cash that you donated to his campaign, how can you trust him with the billions of tax dollars? Maybe The Houston Chronicle should have asked this question instead of relying on blogs to do it.

It is time to come clean on the $100,000 in expenditures.

Houston Chronicle endorses another Dufus.

The Houston Chronicle after endorsing Orlando Sanchez, and Annette Galik, has endorsed one of the most useless, State Representatives in Austin, John Davis.

This is the State Representative who has recently hid $100,000 in campaign expenditures, the same one who has 3 ethics violations filed against him, the same one that no one can name one thing he has accomplished, the same one who can't file his campaign finance reports right yet is on the powerful Appropriations Committee, the same one who is the chair of the Health and Human Services Committee yet has screwed up the CHIPs program beyond recognition, the same State Representative that has been called "furniture" by Texas Monthly, the same State Representative that has so little respect for his constituents that he doesn't even have a website, phone number, campaign, or headquarters, or has bothered to run a campaign, the same State Representative who voted for a $6000 increase in his own pension claiming he deserved it, the same State Representative who said that a 44% increase in college costs was "reasonable", the same State Representative who says our air is clean, the same State Representative who claims his door is always open, but never seems to be at home, and the same State Representative whos office is always locked and the phones never answered.

The Houston Chronicle had an opportunity to endorse a very talented candidate, Sherrie Matula, who has been a citizen lobbyist for many many years in Austin. She has a proven record in education and in many different fields. Unlike Davis, she has worked her butt off to get her message out to the voters and to gain their trust. She would bring real representation to the district for once instead of someone most people don't even know.

Instead they endorsed a dufus by virtue of his committee assignments as opposed to his accomplishments in the committees.

State representative, District 129, John E. Davis — The Republican incumbent of this Clear Lake-Pasadena-La Porte district, Davis holds a seat on the important House Human Services Committee. While Davis at first defended cuts in the Children's Health Insurance Program and the hiring of a private company to determine eligibility for state health services, he subsequently worked to restore full services to CHIP. Davis also acknowledges that the private company has underperformed, is liable for financial penalties and must swiftly correct its shortcomings.

Besides all of the above, their endorsement doesn't make any sense. Yesterday Strayhorn issued a nasty report on what Davis did to the CHIP program and recommended

The contract with Accenture must be ended. I recommend the Legislature pass emergency legislation that removes HHSC's direct management of the project and places the responsibility with a turnaround team composed of experts who can effectively manage state resources and stop the drain on tax dollars.

And Davis hasn't held their feet to the fire as the endorsement claims, instead he continued to praise what they are doing even writing to the HHMS commissioner in support. page 1 page 2 page 3 page 4.

The Chronicle Editorial board did a disservice to the constituents of district 129 and to the children of the state. They should be ashamed of themselves for writing such a worthless endorsement based upon false information.

Here comes the judge endorsement.

For some reason I remembered something about the judge of the 245th Judicial District Court (Family Court). This is the court that hears cases about divorces and various reasons for divorce such as (to be blunt) messing around while maried, or with another married person.

The judge in this court is Annette Galik (Republican), who was just endorsed by the Houston Chronicle and who according to the Houston Press in 1998,

Now, as she is running for re-election against Democratic family law attorney Bill Connolly, anonymous sources have circulated videotapes and tapes of phone messages and phone conversations documenting Galik's continuing, not-so-subtle affair with 54-year-old Dr. Mohammad Athari, a married family man.

Now think about this. Who else would be more qualifed to hear testimony about infidelity and messing around with married folk, than a judge who is infidelifying and messing around with married folk? Or who else would be more qualified to hear testimony about a murder case, than a judge who committed murder? Look folks, good judges with experience is hard to find.

And it seems Annette Galik has LOTS of experience. next thing you know the Chronicle will endorse John Davis for re-election.

Strayhorn bashes State Rep John Davis's Accenture

Ouch! During the debate last night Representative John Davis avoided discussing the CHIPs program and the Accenture contract that out sources our tax dollars to Bermuda. And he did the right thing because Carol Strayhorn has issued an audit on Accenture and the Health and Human Services Committee, which John Davis is the Chair, and it is absolutely brutal.

At this writing, the project is behind schedule and $100 million over budget, without a revised plan to get the project back on course. Accenture has not met its performance requirements and has not been held accountable for its failure. Clients are still reporting delays and inaccuracies in processing their applications. HHSC has proven it cannot manage Accenture and the contract.

My conclusion is that this project has failed the state and the citizens it was designed to serve. The contract with Accenture must be ended. I recommend the Legislature pass emergency legislation that removes HHSC's direct management of the project and places the responsibility with a turnaround team composed of experts who can effectively manage state resources and stop the drain on tax dollars. And, most importantly, make sure children receive the health insurance for which they are eligible. In addition, the Legislature should review this administration's 27 major policy changes that have resulted in even more children losing health insurance.

So much for privatization.

Recently Davis rounded up 30 Republicans to defend his privatization plan of out sourcing our tax dollars to Bermuda. His letter can be found here: page 1 page 2 page 3 page 4.

Sherrie Matula vs RepJohn Davis. A debate recap.

The debate between Sherrie Matula and State Rep John Davis was only 1.5 hours, yet from this debate we learned a number of things:

1. The Clear Lake High School Debate club was very well prepared for the debate and it was outstanding. Very well done and professional. The media and the Clear Creek Independent School District missed out on a very well organized and moderated event.
   
2. State Representative John Davis wasn't qualified to be a State Representative in 1998 and isn't qualified to remain one in 2006.
   
3. On Nov 7, 2006 State District 129 should have a new Representative, Sherrie Matula.

If you want more information on the candidates visit sherriematula.com, call her HQs at 281-461-8009 or visit her HQs at 907 El Dorado. Unfortunately, Representative Davis does not have a HQs, phone number, or website.

Items of note:
Shelley Sekula Gibbs crashed the debate and was snippy with the students for not allowing her to be recognized, or invited to the debate. (it was a state race, not congressional) In typical trademark fashion, Shelley arrived late, and left early. Everyone rejoiced.

There were about 110 people in attendance, with only 15 in support of John Davis. Not one single elected official from Davis' party was there. No Senator Jackson, Representative Taylor, City Council member Wiseman, the local members of the Republican clubs, no one. It is as if they have abandoned him.

On many occasions there was loud applause for Sherrie Matula, while Davis received the old "We cant let them beat us" obligatory clapping from the 15 or so in attendance. Shelley was the loudest and most obnoxious applauder, until she left.

John Davis had one of the best performances of his political career. Unfortunately his responses to many questions showed his ignorance of the law, or was completely out of step with the working middle class. He had artificial hand motions, sometimes looking out of sync with what he was saying. At times he would change his position after Sherrie spoke and would actually agree with her.

All in all, Davis sounded good but was short on substance. Sherrie had a clear understanding of every issue. Davis even claimed that Sherrie was a one issue candidate, as opposed to his overwhelming understanding of the issues. (no applause)

College Costs:
Davis stated that a 44% increase in college tuition, due to the Legislature deregulating college costs, was reasonable. (Groans from the audience) He also said that the Houston Chronicle just today wrote that Texas is just below the average of the nation, but failed to mention that it is 44% higher than it was before deregulation 3 years ago.

Sherrie stated the 44% increase was unacceptable and the state must look at the effects of deregulation on the middle class. (very loud applause, especially by the students)

Davis talked about restarting the Texas Tomorrow Fund but failed to mention it was in the hole $200Million and has been discontinued due to deregulation.

Air Quality:
Davis stated the air quality in the area was better than it was 40 years ago, but failed to recognize that Houston still has the worst air quality in the country. He defended his record of doing nothing and voting against the environment bills Mayor Bill White pushed for. (There were more groans in the audience)

Immigration:
On immigration, he took the Shelley Sekula immigrant bashing stand calling for all police to ask for proof of citizenship when charged with a crime. Sherrie Matula had to remind the audience that by law, we already do that, but we do not, and the Police cannot with the manpower they currently have, ask every person they stop for a traffic ticket for proof of citizenship. Davis again reiterated his stance which we are currently doing. NOTE: Davis mentioned on a number of times his good friend State Representative Rick Noriega when discussing immigration. You can decide why he did that for yourself.

Insurance:
Davis didn't have an answer to the high cost of insurance, except for bringing in more competition and promised lower rates in the future. (groans) Sherrie got her first loud applause when she said the insurance industry was overly represented in the Insurance Commission. She mentioned that competition has done nothing to brind down the rates in Texas and that Texas has the highest rates in the nation. Again. In her rebuttal she said the bottom line is that rates have not gone down. (more applause and hollering)

Health Care
This is one of the moments where my notes were BLAH BLAH BLAH. Davis claimed health care must be affordable, but didnt mention what he has done over the last 8 years to do this. He avoided the privitization of the CHIP program discussion, which is his baby, except to briefly comment how wonderful the program is (groans). And he mentioned health care reform in 2007. (groans, as if insurance, medical malpractice, and tort reform has worked)

Sherrie spoke of alternatives for small businesses, access to pools of insurance by public workers such as non teachers in the school system. Sherrie also said it was time to address this and "belly up to the bar". (lots of applause on this)

TAKS Testing.
Davis claimed the TAKS tests provided accountability. This was his only point on the issue.

Sherrie stated she was on 60 minutes in 2000 talking about the unfunded mandate, how it was costing tax payers $1500 per child just for testing, and that teachers (she was one for 25 years until recently) were spending 36 days out of the year for this unfunded mandate.

Sherrie also claimed there was a much better approach that is used on a national level that would provide accoutability and give control of teaching back to the teachers and school officials. She gave numerous examples. On rebuttal Davis agreed with her ideas. He stressed that these children needed "TLC".

Campaign contributions limits
Davis was against campaign limits. Here in Texas it is unlimited. He claimed that if someone (like Bob Perry) gave millions to someone that the people in Texas would consider them as bought off and wouldn't vote for him. I guess he was referring to Rick Perry?

Sherrie said that 27 people in the state finance most of the candidates and that this must stop. She supports a compound limit of $100,000 per person over a 2 year period. This bill she referred to would limit contributions to a single candidate to $5000 from one person and $10,000 from a PAC. Bob Perry's $100,000 donation to Rick Perry would be banned. (very loud applause)

Davis believes that the uncontrolled money in Texas politics should be continued. Light applause.

Opening and Closing Statements
Davis in his opening and closing statements focused on fighting Bayport (we lost), fighting the San Jacinto Rail (we won, but not sure what Davis did for that) and fighting for Green Space in Clear Lake (again those working on this issue and in the audience questioned what he did). He referenced a few NASA related bills concering technology transfer, but again I can't remember just what involvement he had. He seemed to claim that he filed the bill. His closing was much like his opening. No new ideas. No idea on what he would do to represent the area. He claimed he was a fighter and fought for his constituents. (light applause)

Sherrie had a list of things she would do including establishing a citizen advisory council on issues such as insurance, environment, education, etc. Promised to have a townhall meeting before, during and after the legislation session to keep everyone up to date on the issues. She also said that for the last 8 years we haven't had any representation in Austin, and it was time that we do. (LOUD applause)

VFW endorses Nick Lampson!

Congressman Nick Lampson received the endorsement of the Veterans of Foreign Wars today in Pearland. Nick was introduced by Rick Noriega a Lt Colonel in the National Guard and a veteran of the Afhganistan war.

HOUSTON - The national Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC has endorsed Democrat Nick Lampson in his race for former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's seat, an endorsement that Lampson's campaign says helps debunk claims that he is a liberal.

Unlike many Democrats in Congress, Lampson opposes setting a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq. As a congressman, Lampson supported President Bush's request to authorize force in Iraq, but says he now realizes that request was based on bad intelligence.

Lampson says he would instead defer to military officials in Iraq to advise Congress when Iraqi forces are sufficiently strong to accomplish their own objectives.

Aggies don't lie, cheat or steal, except for Rick Perry.

In the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M there is a motto of "Aggies don't lie cheat or steal". Unfortunately this doesn't seem to apply to Rick Perry, an Aggie.

As a former student and member of the Corps (Company L2) it bothers the living hell out of me when Perry is on TV lieing about the $2000 increase in teachers pay. He fails to mention that teachers have lost their $500 stipend for their health care, and another $500 from last session.

He claims the Texas Residential Construction Commission created by his biggest donor, Bob Perry of Perry Homes, is good for the consumer, yet everyone except the builders and their mouth pieces (including the TRCC) knows it is nothing more than a sham of a commission, a sick trick on our elected officials.

He brags about tort reform yet not one single penny of relief in health care, or consumer prices has been realized.

He claims the privitization of the Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP) has been a great success when in fact we are spending millions more in tax dollars that are being sent to Bermuda, and over 250,000 children have been dropped off the rolls.

He claims the insurance reforms in 2003 were a great success, while our rates have doubled or tripled and our coverage has been reduced.

He sold our farmers land for his political buddies to out source the development of the Trans Texas Corridor while claiming it was needed for our state.

The Aggie motto goes beyond "Aggies don't lie cheat or steal", it also says "Or tolerate those that do", but with Rick Perry as Governor of this State it is nothing more than a hollow motto.

John Cobarruvias
Company L2
Class of '78

Debate for District 129 and after debate party.

Join us for a few drinks and snacks at Tommys Restaurant across the street from UHCL right after the debate with Sherrie Matula and her family. 2555 Bay Area Blvd., 281-480-2221

Early Voting. Silly Sekula. Voting problems.

Well early voting started out with interesting problems.

Early this morning, a new early voting location off of Navigation was opened with a rally by local candidates. Afterwards, they all went to be the first to vote in the new location. And the voting machines were down. After 20 minutes the machines were still down. Thanks goodness we have this new, secure, easy to use, ee-lectronic voting ma-cheens. Will it ever be possible to return to paper? Or plastic?

And Silly Sekula was out shaking a few hands, and I do mean a "few" in the Clear Lake Area. She was standing with her paid volunteers working for $12.00/Hour reminding people to "vote twice for Silly!" and handing out a three page instruction booklet on how to write-in vote. The instructions took longer to read than to vote straight Democratic ticket. Many inside of the voting area were clearly upset on the procedured to vote, except those voting for Nick Lampson.

Of course, I had to vote my favorite Steve Stockman in the special election hoping to see a very spirited run-off between Silly Sekula Gibbs and Steve "Laughing" Stockman in December for the title "Congressman for a month".

And more voting problems in Clear Lake with the judges and clerks talking with voters about Tom DeLay and who was replacing him as a write-in candidate, and how to vote straight Republican. These instances were immediately reported to Beverly Kaufman's office so they could quickly ignore them.

Just 14 days to go. Thank goodness.

Silly Sekula.

This is just silly. Sekula silly. I haven't received one piece of information from her campaign that is positive. Every piece is a hachet job on Nick Lampson followed by a page and a half of instructions on how to vote for her in the write in election.

I'll be glad when Nov 8 comes and this silliness stops.

A Lost Endorsement: Return Nick Lampson to Congress

The Houston Chronicle devoted a complete column on Congressman Culberson's many faults with a semi endorsement based solely upon "he will likely win his race". Yet for Congressman Nick Lampson, an 8 year veteran with a proven record, only one paragraph below Ted Poe was written.

The Chronicle in the past has endorsed other candidates, Richard Morrison, Tim Riley, and at times given a no-endorsement for District 22 snubbing the arrogance of Tom DeLay. This year they had an opportunity to write an endorsement based more on the qualifications of the candidate, instead of the corruption of the incumbent. And they completely missed this opportunity. With this in mind this is what the Chronicle could have written:

Congress needs Nick Lampson.

Never in the history of this country has there been an urgent need to return bipartisanship to Congress. Congressman Nick Lampson has a history of bipartisanship during his 8 years representing his district and would be a fine candidate to return civility to our House of Representatives.

The race for District 22 has become a sad national joke on the constituents of the district with Congressman DeLay quitting after the primary, being indicted on money laundering charges, and the Republican leadership foolishly attempting to circumvent the political process in such a rotten way that Supreme Court Judge Scalia couldn't stand the stench of it and refused to rule on the case.

Even Governor Perry with his refusal to call a special session until the very last moment has turned the special election into yet another joke, which Congressman Lampson refused to participate in, and rightfully so. For this, the Republican party does not deserve the nod in this election, and neither does anyone of their many candidates.

But Nick Lampson does.

As every candidate for Congress should do, Congressman Lampson has worked hard for the voters trust in District 22, the old fashion way. He and his volunteers have knocked on tens of thousands of doors in the district, starting early in the hot summer days. They have made tens of thousands of phone calls urging voters to consider his candidacy. His staff organized numerous house parties throughout the district with his message of fiscal responsibility, homeland security, education and port security. As he has done in Congress, he has reached out to all voters in the district, Democrat, Republican, and Independents asking for consideration of their vote in November.

Nick Lampson has a history of working with both political parties, creating the Missing and Exploited Children Caucus composed of an equal number of Democrats and Republicans. He is fiscally responsible calling for an end to automatic increases to their own salaries, and working for a balance budget. He has brought more money to his district, based upon sound fiscal policy, than any other Congressman in Texas. He authored the Space Exploration Act and has been an avid supporter of NASA.

Congressman Nick Lampson has worked hard for the support of his district. The district, the State, and the Country would take one giant leap towards returning civility to politics by returning Nick Lampson to Congress.

Davis on Davis

The Clear Lake Citizen ran articles on Candidate Sherrie Matula (see Matula on Matula) and State Representative John Davis. Muse has the Matula article. Davis is below. I found some very interesting comments from the Representative:

This reporter started off by asking Davis about homeowner issues, citing a Forbes magazine article that said that Texas homeowners' rates are 25 percent higher than that in Louisiana. Homeowners can't get relief.

Ever since 2002 when insurance rates were the highest in the nation, rates have double or tripled while the legistature gave concessions after concessions to the insurance industry. They removed mold coverage, water, sewer, and foundation damage and yet our rates continued to rise. John Davis response to the above question?

Davis said his time and effort in the 2003 session was spent on bringing in more competition in the industry.

More competition? Wouldn't that mean more competitive rates? Less premiums? Better coverage? Regardless of what his time and effort was spent on, it FAILED. Texas now has the highest rates in the nation, with the least amount of protection, and the highest deductibles. Maybe this is the same competition that was to reduce our electricity rates, our college costs, and telephone service. And all of them have failed.

On the Environment:

When Davis was asked about his stand as one of 20 legislators who voted against the Clean Air Amendments, and for two of those votes, he was listed as absent, he replied, "I don't know why I was absent for two of those votes. "As far as the clean air amendments are concerned, I was born in Pasadena, and raised here. As a kid you could just smell the chemicals.

There was the Champion Paper Co. that spewed odors you could pick up for blocks, and from the age of 16 on as a kid, I worked in chemical plants. It's night and day from 30 years ago to today. I think industry has done a good job. There are checks and balances. When you look at the big picture, we've come a long way."

"I think the industry has done a good job."? Is he serious? Our air is more polluted than ever, still swapping back and forth with Los Angelos for the worst air in the country. A statement like this is much like the Libertarian candidate saying our air was cleaner than it was 20 years ago during a congressional debate.

But this one really takes the cake.

When questioned about why he gave himself a $6,000 pension increase, Davis said: "I think it's fair; I have no problem with that. It takes a tremendous amount of time and energy to be a public servant.

This is a pension increase of $6000/year. When Davis retires after 8 part time years as a legislator, he will receive $34,000 a year for the rest of his life. This is not a pension for 8 years in a full time job and it is far below anyone I know would receive for just 8 part time years. Anyone with Davis record should be embarrassed to accept a raise in their pensions while teachers and other who work full time jobs gets little if any increase.

I've had enough of John. He is a great guy, but I've had enough.

Debate for State Representative District 129

Senator McCain on Bob Perry's 527: "evil"

Senator McCain stated on 527 groups:

According to McCain, the current "tenor" of campaigns is too negative and he hopes the courts can help stop new groups called "527s" which are able to skirt campaign contribution limits. "The 527s are pernicious evil that needs to be eliminated," McCain said. "We have a Federal Elections Commission that will not enforce the law and they are an absolute national disgrace." McCain said.

Obviously he must be talking about Bob Perry who donated over $4 Million to the Swiftboat Veterans, $5 Million to the Economic Enterprise Fund and $2 Million to the Americans for Honesty.The swiftboat 527 was created to attack Senator John Kerry during the 2004 Presidential election. The other 527s are attacking other Democratic candidates in other states including John Ford, Democratic candidate for Senate in Tennessee, Congresswoman Darlene Hooley in Oregon, and Congressional candidate Baron Hill in Indiana.

The Economic Enterprise Fund is now being sued by the Indiana Attorney General, a Republican, for illegal robo calls.

Bob Perry is well known in Texas for being the Sugar Daddy of Texas politics donating nearly $7 Million over a four year period, most to Republican candidates and Republican organizations. In return a Commission was created, stacked against the consumer, which protects his industry from taking responsibility for new home defects.

The "Evil" McCain is referring to is spreading to other states. Maybe Bob Perry will move to one of them.

Local coverage on State Representative Davis.

The Clear Lake Citizen briefly discussed the ethics complaint on John Davis.

According to a recent report, Davis' campaign finance reports for the last six years detailed approximately $100,000 in non-disclosed expenditures. Sherrie Matula, Davis' opponent in the Nov. 7 election, has heavily criticized Davis over the expense reports, saying she was concerned by his actions. "One hundred thousand dollars in non-disclosed expenditures is very significant, especially for an elected official with positions on the Appropriations Committee and Budget and Oversight," Matula said.
...
Davis' most recent report, filed on Oct. 10, does not list any payments to American Express or any miscellaneous expenditures.

Thank goodness!

Signs of the times.

My sone took this picture of the signs in Clear Lake. There are three on the ground, and some are torn up. They have been like that for a couple of week now. My son said "They put them up like they don't really care."

Bob Perry, Greg Abbott and suppositories.

The Houston Chronicle reports on the Attorney Generals office lack of consumer protection for new homebuyers by not responding to complaints. It reminds me of a joke:

A doctor sees a patient for hemoroids. After a few weeks he sees him again and asks "How did the suppositories do for you?" The patient responds with "Well Doc the good the medicine you gave me did, I might as well just stuck them up my ass!"

And that is the same for filing a complaint with the Texas Attorney General about a homebuilder that destroys your financial stability and your family's shelter. Years ago the AGs office had a "Informal Resolution Process" which meant they receive a complaint form, file one copy, send the other to the builder, wait for the response, file a copy and send it to the homeowner. They didn't read the complaint and would not followup on the complaint. It was nothing more than a fancy named postal service.

Under Abbott it got worse. Now they just file the complaint. Nothing else. This was disclosed to homeowners during a meeting with his staff from the Consumer Protection Division asking for an investigation against Pulte Homes. (which never happened) Some of the owners had received a response to their complaints while others asked why they didn't. It was then the staff disclosed the budget cuts and new policy of do nothing.

The Attorney Generals mouth piece has another description for their do nothing policy:

"We've streamlined the process to be more responsive," said Paco Felici, a spokesman for the attorney general's office. "We are taking a more diversified approach in how we handle complaints."

Streamline is code word for "eliminated" and diversified is code word for "ignorant" Prior to Abbott, I personally delivered over 100 complaints to the AGs office on a single builder. We were told to "get an attorney". Now Abbott's office just says "get out of the building".

It is just a coincedence that Bob Perry of Bob Perry Homes donated $470,000 to Greg Abbott and Greg Abbott has decided to eliminate and ignore complaints about homebuilders. Coincedence and nothing more.

So next time you get screwed by a builder, instead of filing a complaint, get a suppository.

Debate set for State Representative District 129

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Rohmteen Mokhtari
Phone: (281)-221-3665
rohmteen@gmail.com

High School Students to Hold Debate for State House District 129

Houston, Texas – October 16^h, 2006 -- Students for Political Debate, an independent student group in the Clear Lake area, is set to host a debate between Representative John Davis and Sherrie Matula in the District 129 congressional race on Wednesday October 25, 2006. The event will be take place in the auditorium of The University of Houston Clear Lake. The auditorium is located on the second floor of the Bayou Building, maps and directions are available at uhcl.edu. There will be a "meet the candidates" session from 6:30-7:00 PM before the debate. The actual debate will start at 7:00 and will end at 8:30. The audience will be allowed to submit questions before the debate. This debate format will allow voters to determine the issues which are important to them.

Students for Political Debate is a group of high School students committed to providing the public with the opportunity to hear from the candidates vying to represent them.

"It is wonderful, high school students are getting involved with the politics that will affect their schools, their community, and their future. As a former teacher, I am honored to accept the invitation and look forward to the event." said Sherrie Matula.

"I am very proud of these students for taking the leadership to organize this event. It is very important that the citizens of Clear Lake hear the issues." said Rep. John Davis.

Shane Sklar endorsed by the Victoria Advocate.

The Victoria Advocate gave a great endorsement of Shane Sklar for Congress starting with a deserving bashing of Ron Paul:

Local political and civic leaders rarely waste their time going to Paul with needs ranging from hurricane relief to port security. Instead, they go directly to U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. This is a key reason that some prominent Republicans, including Victoria County Sheriff T. Michael O'Connor, are financially supporting Paul's Democratic opponent this year.

Paul and his supporters brag that he is "the taxpayer's best friend" because of his routine "no" votes in the House. That is a great sound bite and fits nicely on the incumbent's campaign signs. But it disguises the reality that other members of the House who work effectively get for their districts the money that might have come here.

And finishing with:

Economic development, agriculture, national security, health, energy, ethics and fiscal responsibility are issues Sklar believes are important. He knows, as his opponent does not, that reflexive no votes are not the right way to address these issues, either on a regional basis for the 14th District or on a national basis for the country as a whole.

We do not fully agree with Sklar on his approach to all the issues he has identified as important. But we agree with him on more than enough of them to believe he is a far better alternative than the incumbent.

More important, the young Edna rancher has demonstrated that he has the ability to think through issues carefully and making sensible, informed decisions that would benefit this part of Texas in concrete ways.

The 14th Congressional District needs to be represented by a real leader, not an ineffective ideologue.

Voters should bring Ron Paul home for the last time and send Shane Sklar to Congress to provide that much-needed real leadership.

A sham of a hearing on vouchers.

From Sherrie Matula "Sitting through the voucher hearing"

Let's get the facts straight. Edgewood ISD was ignored for years by the state legislature while the district was starving for funds to just exist. Teachers and parents banded together with NEA - National Education Association - to sue the state of Texas to equalize funds - as stated in the Texas Constitution "every student is guaranteed a free and equal education". When the district finally received the funds it needed, the performance of the students turned around and quickly. Now, the state legislature is using what they created to justify why we need vouchers.

This is typical of the current administration in Texas and the United States. Starve the organization for funding, then claim "privatizing" as the savior. It's a sick ploy when they use kids like they are.

That's Wrong, Wong.

Leave it to State Representative Martha Wong to do whatever it takes to win, including decieving her own constituents into thinking she authored crime related bills when all she did was vote for them.

Like everyone else did. Watch KPRC for a very revealing segment.

Brokeback cowboys for Perry.

OK, this just can't be good for Perry.

Who in the hell on Perry's staff allowed Perry to dress up like someone auditioning for the Village People or for the sequel Brokeback Mountain II? I sure hope this picture wasn't printed in Texas Cowboy magazine because it would surely chase off anyone who wears boots, cowboy hats, and chaps for a living.

At the very least you should have worn a worn out demin shirt. And his gloves shouldn't look like he bought them at the local five and dime store. And what the hell is the messge with the chaps? Does he even own a horse? Or was he thinking about riding a bucking cow or something?

And that hat looks about as natural as a Rabbi wearing a live raccoon on his head. Color me ignorant, but this outfit of Rick's is a tad bit too New Yorkish for me. I'm not sure just what they were trying to get across to the voters with this costume.

I think he would have done better in the Indian costume myself.

State Rep John Davis. The Good The Bad and The Ugly.

I've ragged on State Rep John Davis of district 129 quite a bit and thought I would attempt to document the good the bad and the ugly about his 8 years in office. The movie The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is one of my favorites along with Rocky and Jacobs Ladder. It's appropriate for John Davis and his record.

The Good.
John is a real nice guy. You will hear this about him quite a bit. He stood with his community against the San Jacinto Rail which would have carried toxic chemicals through the area. It was defeated. He stood against Bayport a massive port pushed by the Houston Port Authority. Unfortunately the port is now being built. He passed a bill to rename NASA Rd 1 to NASA Parkway. Did I say he was a real nice guy? And he is. Really. This is by far his best attribute. And it is a good one.

The Bad.
John was approached on homebuilding issues after he was elected in 1998 with the hope he would be an advocate for consumers. He wasn't. John supported the homebuilding industry with his vote on the Texas Residential Construction Commission, a Commission that has been deemed worthless, especially by the homeowners that need help. He supported the insurance industry on insurance reform. He didn't support an amendment to require a reduction in rates in return for massive concessions. He supports tort reform and was one of the sponsors of the massive tort reform bill that has had absolutely no impact on the citizens of the state, but has reduced the liability for those who screw consumers, such as homebuilders.

His local office is hard to contact being closed most of the time. Most in the community, based upon phone calls and block walking, have no idea who represents them in Austin. Sometimes this is good when your government is working correctly, many tend to not pay attention. But not this year.

And The Ugly.
John's continued attack on our public schools has been met with resistance from the community. A forum with State Senator Jackson and Davis along with the President of Texas State Teachers Association was attended by many teachers who walked away with a very low opinion of his expertise. Prior to Sherrie Matula considering running for office, she debated Davis in a forum arranged by UH Clear Lake. It was a disaster for Davis. And again at a meeting held by a PTA, Davis stated on multiple occasions that "education was not his expertise". He is an avid supporter of vouchers, even though our public schools are some of the best in the state. He supported House Bill 1 which was denounced by all teacher organizations.

John is on the Appropriate Committee and the Budget and Oversight Committee. Someone on these committees, responsible for budget and appropriations of billions of dollars, should not be under investigation for hiding $100,000 in expenditures on his campaign finance reports. This is including $40,000+ hidden behind an American Express, and $31,000 in payments to himself. KHOU TV has a full report on this.

John has been on the Health and Human Services Committee which ushered in the privatization of our Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This has resulted in outsourcing 1500 state jobs from an agency, that was providing a very good service, to a company in Bermuda. Not only were the jobs outsourced, but our tax dollars are now going to Bermuda. The Commissioner has been asked by 60 Democrats and Republicans to immediately discontinue the service provided by Accenture because of it's complete failure. Davis in response rounded up 30 Republicans in defense of the experiment gone bad.

John is one of the Toxic 20 a group of legislators that voted against environment protections in the Houston area, home of the worst air and water in the nation. Standing with the community against the San Jacinto Rail was a no-brainer. Every politician from the community association board members to Congress (except for Tom DeLay and State Senator Jackson) was against this rail. But to vote against bills that would help clean up the air and water in our area is irresponsible.

Unfortunately, during the last Legislature, 20 of 34 state representatives in the eight-county region rejected five anti-pollution amendments. Those measures would have boosted TCEQ health screening levels, forced companies to provide continuous monitoring of emissions and fined violators who made repeated chemical releases near vulnerable communities.

John voted to increase his pension by $6000 a year. When he retires, he will receive $34,000 a year for the rest of his life for 8 part time years in Austin. To be fair, this raise in his own pension was tied to a raise for judges pay, but who was lobbying for the judges? Not once was the issue of judges pay brought to the attention of the constituents, yet they were provided a pay raise, and Davis got $6000 a year more for his own retirement. $34,000 a year is more than some people will make after working a lifetime. Our teachers are $6000 a year below the national average in their pay. Where was Davis when they needed help?

In conclusion.
Give John Davis credit for being a nice guy and his opposition against Bayport and the San Jacinto Rail, but this is not a popularity contest or a vote for homecoming king. The decisions he has made in Austin has directly affected his constituents in a negative way. He has taken his constituents for granted and has not worked his district like a State Representative should. He isn't even running a campaign to gain the trust of the voters after 8 years of few accomplishments.

In just a few years, he will be enjoying $34,000 a year of our tax dollars. It is time to let him return home and enjoy that tax payer retirement.

If I could spell the music of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, I would, because it would be appropriate.

Wah-Wah-Wah.

Expenses for State Representative Davis.

Muse is going to have more on this subject, but State Representative John Davis' expense reports show one thing and one thing only: he is not campaigning. Here is a quick analysis of his expenditures:

Travel	$2,946.00
Office Supplies	$1,146.00
Bedding	$1,124.00
Cell Phone	$437.00
ALEC Conference	$2,408.00
Business meetings	$1,167.00
Non-Political	$3,515.00
Telephone bill	$470.00
Gifts	$548.00
	$13,761.00

No expenses for signs, or literature, or website, or campaign headquarters, or anything. It is like he isn't running a campaign. (and he isnt)

Bob Perry. The GOP Sugar Daddy.

Texas homebuilder Bob Perry continues to fund the Grand Old Party (or the Gay Old Pedophiles) during the last 3 months with total contributions of $944,500 and $3,314,500 for the first 9 months of 2006. All Republicans.

Missing in action: State Representative John Davis who lives just miles from Bob Perry's home in Nassau Bay.

Here are some details:

Texas 2020 Pac,	$25,000.00
Republican Party Of Texas,	$75,000.00
Friends Of Susan Combs Committee,	$50,000.00
Friends Of Kyle Janek,	$5,000.00
Hou Professional Republican Women PAC	$2,000.00
David Dewhurst Committee,	$50,000.00
Elliott, Brady G.	$2,500.00
Hillco Pac,	$100,000.00
Texans For Rick Perry,	$100,000.00
Hillco Pac,	$50,000.00
Texans For Medina,	$5,000.00
Stars Over Texas Pac,	$50,000.00
Texans For Greg Abbott,	$50,000.00
Texans For Lawsuit Reform Pac,	$50,000.00
Republican Party Of Texas,	$25,000.00
Republican Party Of Texas,	$100,000.00
Assoc Republicans Of TX Campaign Fund,	$50,000.00
Texans For Bob Deuell,	$5,000.00
Republican Party Of Texas,	$100,000.00
Harris County Republican Party (cec),	$50,000.00

For a Grand Old Paltry total of $944,500.

Politically Asleep in District 129

Muse is infactuated with State Representative John Davis' financial reports and rightfully so. Hiding $100,000 in payments to American Express and reimbursements to himself and his staff is not ethical and it is clearly against the rules governing campaign donations and expenditures. We have rules designed to make our financial donations and expenditures transparent to those who contribute, and to those who vote.

Unfortunately Texas has one of the most, if not the most, worthless Commissions on ethics violations. They are under staffed, under funded, and has yet to prosecute anyone for violations. Instead they just settle prior to filing charges. This usually ends in a small fine and a promise not to do it again.

Well, John Davis might have done it again. Muse has details, but I noticed something very strange with the recent filings. Bedding. $1124 of bedding. $541 on July 3 and $583 on July 12. This bedding is described as for his Austin apartment which he paid $2700 in advance for the next six months rents.

There is absolutely nothing unethical with purchasing a mattress, bedding, or any furnishing for an apartment in Austin with campaign funds. Our State Reps spend a lot of time in Austin and must have a second home. In fact on 9/12/2004 he purchased $2350 from Fingers Furniture in Pasadena Texas. Then hauled it to Austin.

But, why in the world would you buy bedding and a mattress from Star Furniture and Bed Bath and Beyond in Webster Texas, then haul it to Austin? Doesn't Austin have a Mattress Mac? This doesn't make sense.

Also, he has been in Austin for 8 years now. Why purchase furniture 6 years later and bedding 8 years later? It just doesn't add up. Unfortunately because of the hidden $100,000 expenditures there is no way to determine if the apartment was furnished with more bedding or furniture.

This is why we have rules and regulations to protect our State Representatives. The above gives the impression that campaign funds, donations, may have been used for personal items like boots, bedding, and bathrooms. This is against ethics rules.

If an amended report is filed to resolve the ethics complaint against Davis, more light can be shed on the purchases with campaign donations. But with a non existent campaign and a challenger with more qualifications than any candidate in Texas who is actively campaigning and testifying at public hearings on behalf of her community, Davis might want to get a refund on that advance apartment rental.

Sherrie Matula testifies against privatizing schools

Sherrie Matula, candidate for State Representative District 129, testified at a public hearing on privatizing public schools through a voucher program, now being called "choice". The hearing is one of many around the state for the Texas Senate Education Committee being charged to research privatizing our public education system as a way to reform.

Sherrie, a long time advocate of public schools, waited almost 6 hours while hand picked individuals testified in favor of a voucher program. State Representative John Davis, her opponent, did not attend. Davis is pro-vouchers, pro-choice and supports Jim Lieninger who has attacked our public schools by donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to anti-public education candidates like Kent Grusendorf. (NOTE: Kent Grusendorf was defeated in the primary by a Republican who supports our public education system. Grusendorf was chair of the House Public Education Committee. Gosh that had to hurt.)

Sherrie is by far one of the most knowledable candidates in Texas on education. As a teacher for 25 years with real experience in the classroom, a two-term board member of CCISD with experience in budgeting for classrooms across the district, and a long history of lobbying on behalf of parents, teachers, and students, Sherrie is by far one of the last individuals John Davis would want to debate.

By the way, John Davis agreed to a debate on Oct 25. Details coming soon.

You're doing a heck of a job Perry!

Perry's property tax cuts aren't exactly the $2000 he has been claiming in his commercials. Why am I am not surprised when the Houston Chronicle reports that we got duped by the Governor in his school reform package? Maybe I am cynical, or maybe I just know better.

Come to think of it, has any promise of "reform" Rick Perry has pushed through the Legislature had any impact on you wallet? (in a positive manner) Let's see:

Insurance reform. This was Perry's baby in the 2003 legislation session and granted "emergency" status to the issue. In the end, our rates, the highest in the nation in 2002, doubled. Our coverage was cut (loss of water, sewer, and foundation damage) and deductibles are higher. According to Forbes Magazine, Texas how has the highest rates in the nation, second to Louisiana. Our average is twice the national average. See The Most Expensive States To Insure Your Home 2005 by Forbes Magazine.

Tort reform. The only people who really understand that Perry's tort reform of 2003 was nothing but a give away to corporate interests are those who have a situation that requires one of those "greedy trial lawyers". Perry passed massive tort reform in 2003 with promises of stopping "frivolous" lawsuits to lower cost of goods. So how much money have you saved?

College tuition deregulation. Once again Perry promised lower rates and a more competitive environment. In return college tuition raised over 30%.

Electricty deregulation. Wasn't the promise of more competition was to lower our electricity rates. Instead rates have continued to rise with brownout occurring in the past summer. Seen your electricity bill lately?

So, when Perry is on TV saying "I'm proud of Texas" and bragging about his $2000 tax cut, just remember "Perry, you're doing a heck of a job".

Or better yet think "What's in your wallet".

I'm for vouchers. I'm for choice.

The debate on Senate Bill 422, Amendment 19 and yesterdays so-called public hearing on privatizing our public schools has surfaced a new buzz word, another way to deceive the parents in Texas: "Choice".

"School choice is the civil rights issue of the 21st century," said Isabel Santa, spokeswoman for the Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options. But the legal and political roadblocks of using tax money to offset private school tuition are tremendous, some said.

And this from State Representative John Davis from a debate on the House floor (thanks to BOR for this tidbit)

"I'm for vouchers. I'm for choice."

The pro-voucher crowd is at it again and will make a big push for privatizing our public school system while charter schools, a product of "choice", have been failing. Their think tanks funded by Jim Lieninger must have had a study on how best to muddy the water while changing tactics and direction. Hence the use of "Choice".

Much of the public testimony Friday centered on the success of the privately funded voucher program that's been operating in the San Antonio-area Edgewood school district for eight years. Hundreds of students there attend the public or private school of their choice because of the initiative.

What is not said about these types of schools are the fact they do not compete on a level playing field. They are not under the same rules and regulations that plague our public schools and our teachers. As Sherrie Matula, candidate for State Representaive District 129 and opponent of John Davis, said in a forum on competing with private schools "Bring it on!".

Sherrie stated the public schools would beat the heck out of private schools if her teachers and schools were under the same rules and regulations.

Don't be stupid and fall for yet another buzz word from the Republican party. These are the same people who brought you "competition" in insurance which doubled your premiums, the same people who brought you "competition" in electricity which increased your energy bill, the same people who brought you "competition" in college tuition which increased rates by 30%.

There is only one real "choice" on November 7. Parents and taxpayers should take that choice.

Republican State Rep John Davis is Pro-Choice.

State Representative John Davis is on record on the House floor in support of vouchers saying "I'm for vouchers. I'm for choice" when debating SB422 Amendiment 19 concerning a pilot program for privatizing public schools. Watch the video at about 7:15:00.

Davis, was clearly out of his league when debating State Representative Sylvester Turner on school vouchers. Davis used his worn out excuse of his own personal experience with his son's teacher suggesting that his son attend private school for a particular learning disability. He also used the old "my wife was a teacher', yet neglets to say that she taught many many years ago.

Davis has been an avid supporter of privatizing our public schools, yet his District Chief of Staff, campaign manager, and treasurer, is the President of the local Council PTA. The Texas PTA is 100% against any type of voucher or privatizing of our public school system.

As State Representative Sylvester Turner stated on the floor while debating John Davis "Once you step into the fire, you got to take the heat." referring to Davis' suggestion to have a pilot program only in specific areas and not in others such as his own district.

Davis is being challenged by Sherrie Matula, who retired from teacher after 25 years, has been on the CCISD board for two terms, an has lobbied on the state and federal level for public education since 1978.

Davis was clearly out of his league against Representative Turner and is out of his league with Sherrie Matula. Davis may be pro-choice in education, but the people in his district may be pro-choice in the election and choose Sherrie Matula.

As Burnt Orange reported;
Rep. Davis is under investigation by the Texas Ethics Commission for possible misappropriation of up to $100,000 in campaign contributions. The story -- which first broke on Musings, one of our fellow Texas blogs, over three weeks ago -- has shaken up the race and forced many around the state to take notice.

Builders commission is worthless. Again.

The Dallas Morning News wrote that the Texas Residential Construction Commission is near worthless. This is news?

Good news: In about nine of 10 investigations, Texas officials have told builders to make repairs. Bad news: Two years into the program, most builders haven't made the fixes.

The TRCC (pronounced trick) is really nothing more than slick snake oil. It sounds like a great idea, it looks like a great idea, but it fails absolutely miserably, so much so, that it is hard to write about it without regurgitating the same old problems over and over again. Luckily, the homebuilders and thier high paid lobbyists have their simple minded comments down:

"We're focusing on a very, very small number of situations where ... communication and other things have broken down," said Scott Norman, vice president of governmental affairs and general counsel for the Texas Association of Builders.

Well, if there are "very very small number of situations", why are they paying a lobbyist to be their mouth piece? And why do we need a $3 Million/year Commission for 24,000+ builders when there is only a small about amount of complaints?

The 525 investigations initiated in two years with the TRCC represent about one-tenth of 1 percent of about 373,000 homes built and registered in Texas during that time.

The amount of complaints is not the reason action was needed. It was the way these "very very small number of situations" were being handled, leading many homebuyers into a flawed kangaroo court of arbitration, and others into bankruptcy or foreclosure.

But instead of understanding what the real problem was, the homebuilders drafted a bill that created a worthless Commission, stacked with builder friendly Commissioners and that threw out common sense in dealing with rotten builders and common defects.

As one simple example, the Commission, buy law, only requires a 1 year warranty on new homes for workmanship. So, a hardwood floor coming off the foundation, or tile coming up, or a roof falling off the house, or paint washing off, or hundreds of cracks in the walls appearing, after the first 12 months, are not warranted by this worthless set of "performance standards".

This is just one of many many problems with this Commission. It is worthless and it's a waste of time writing about it.

But I will continue.

Signs of sick Republican values.

This is what happens when Republicans who claim a lock hold on "family values". Yesterday members of the local Democratic club installed 20 signs throughout the district in the Clear Lake area for Nick Lampson for Congress and Sherrie Matula for State Representative. In less than 24 hours at least 6 of the signs were sliced in half. And wouldn't you know it? Shelley Sekula signs popped up nearby on the same day.

There is nothing worse than a low life slimeball Republican who can't keep their hands off of someone else's hard work. Some of the signs were replaced twice, after the jackals destroyed the originals on Sunday, probably on their way back from Sunday church.

Not one single Gibbs or Davis sign has been destroyed, yet the Lampson/Matula signs are being destroyed faster than we can afford. One Gibbs sign was removed off of private property after repeated attempts to ask the staff to remove it. The sign was taken down left on the ground with the poles and a note was left reminding them the property was private.

In return they destroyed our signs.

It is obvious the Republicans are having problems keeping their hands off of under age boys, and their opponents signs.

Sleeping candidates in Clear Lake

The Capitol Insider has a list of sleeper candidates across the state for state offices. Because of the Foley scandals and the previous Republican scandals like Tom DeLay, Abramoff, Plamegate, and others, these candidates may have a long shot at winning in November. Included in this list is Clear Lake's own Sherrie Matula.

Matula - a retired teacher and former school board member - is challenging Republican State Rep. John Davis of Houston in HD 129 in southeast Harris County. A longtime Democratic activist, Matula is a member of the Texas State Teachers Association board and a Clear Lake Area Symphony Society member who's in line to be president. Matula had raised about one-third as much money as Davis and had less than half as much cash on hand at the end of June. But Matula's fundraising fortunes could take a turn for the better if she can continue to rally education interests and others behind her campaign in the final four weeks of the race. Matula is pushing ethics reform amid questions that have been raised about Davis' campaign spending.

Couple that with the fact that her opponent John Davis is under investigation for hiding $100,000 in campaign expenditures, and is not running a campaign, and who knows what it could bring in November.

Sad Shelley Sekula-Gibbs.

Shelley Sekula-Gibbs crashed a breakfast held by a local business organization in Clear Lake where the speaker was Congressman Nick Lampson. (That's Shelley in the picture with the HUGE Vote Once Vote Twice button. The picture is from the Clear Lake Citizen)

She wasn't invited to speak. She wasn't invited to be recognized. In fact she just wasn't invited.

So, instead she flyered the cars much like when you are having a garage sale, or looking for a lost a pet, or running to be a Member of the United States Congress.

Is this sad or what?

Debate in District 129 scheduled.

The Clear Lake High School Debate Club has confirmed the date of Oct 25 for a debate between Sherrie Matula and John Davis for State Representative District 129. Time and location TBD.

The debate club organized a very successful Congressional debate between Tom DeLay and Richard Morrison two years ago.

Matula and Davis have debated before in a forum organized by UH Clear Lake prior to the 2005 legislation session. This was before Sherrie decided to challenge Davis and maybe his performance at the forum and his complete lack of knowledge on important issues like insurance and education had something to do with this.

On several occasions Davis hogged the microphone and had to be cut off by the moderator. For the most part he rambled on issues that I can't even remember causing me to resort to doodling. He diverted questions about education and insurance to others on the panel, including Sherrie and State Representative Larry Taylor.

One of the most memorable moments was when Davis stated he believed in competition for schools (vouchers). Sherrie fired back with "Bring it on!" my teachers and schools would beat the heck out of any private school IF (this is a big IF) the private schools were put on the same restrictions the public schools have.

Davis' performance at this forum was shocking to say the least. After 8 years in office he had little knowledge of education issues, insurance, or any other issue brought forward. If this forum had been a little league baseball game, it would have been called in the 2nd inning.

Game two is Oct 25.

NOTE: After the forum Sherrie was approached by a number of individuals asking her to consider running for the position in 2006. And she did!

Radnofsky slaps around conservative talk show host

Barbara Ann Radnofsky slapped around the host of The Connection Red White and Blue on PBS last Friday night. It was a sight to be seen. Twice! The 30 minute video can be found here.

Gary Polland, former Harris County Republican chair was put in his place time and time again by Barbara Ann, who was armed with the facts rolling off her tongue. The lady was just a wealth of information, leaving Polland dazed, confused, and visibly uncomfortable.

At times the liberal co-host, David Jones, just kept quiet while Barbara grabbedPollard by the ear and took him back to the woodshed over and over again. Barbara repeatedly cut through Pollards quick one-liners, the Republican Party is known for, with simple things we call "facts". Pollard was never able to recover and looked like he wanted the 30 minute segment to end 40 minutes prior.

Pollard was clearly out of his league with Barbara Ann. Enjoy the hand print Gary.

No campaigning for District 129 incumbent

With just 2 weeks before early voting incumbent State Representative John Davis doesn't seem to be worried about the election. With only a splattering of yard signs throughout the district, Davis doesn't have any campaign activity against his challenger Sherrie Matula, a long time activist in the Clear Lake area.

John Davis (a really nice individual) has a recently filed ethics charge against him which made KHOU TV this past weekend. That can't help his non-existant campaign. Hiding over $100,000 in campaign expenditures including $48,000 to himself is unheard of in Texas politics. This would even make Tom DeLay blush. And the next round of campaign reports are due this week.

But, it is clear, even with his horrible record on education, the environment, consumer protection and more, he is not worried about running a campaign. Contrast the two candidates:

Campaign Info	Sherrie Matula	John Davis
Campaign Website	www.sherriematula.com	NONE
Campaign Email	sherriematula@sherriematula.com	NONE
Campaign Headquarters	907 El Dorado	NONE
Campaign Phone	281-461-8009	NONE***
Campaign Manager	April Moone	NONE
Campaign Activity	M-Sat 9am-9pm Sunday 1-9	NONE

***Davis has been funnelling his campaign calls through his official office in Austin and field office in Clear Lake. His staff takes down your name and number then forwards the information to John Davis' cell phone. This is yet another no-no, using your office and employees to run your campaign.

Team Matula has knocked on thousands of doors in the area, called thousands more. Sherrie Matula plans to block walk all the way till election day. (Literally. Sherrie block walks every weekend) Phone banking will continue.

Davis on the other hand is faced with little coattails to ride on this election. Rick Perry is not a popular Governor. Tom DeLay, his one time good friend, is no longer around for a draw. Then there is Sekula-Gibbs running for "Congress for a Month" and is expected to be beaten soundly.

And then there is his title. Republican. That can't be good in this political climate of corruption.

State Representative Ethics Scandal online.

The segment on State Representative John Davis' ethics scandal is now available on the KHOU website.

Davis declined to be interviewed for the segment. Pink Dome also has a post. This is not going away very soon. Finance reports are due on Tues. and his amended reports should be available soon.

Davis claims all his expenditures are legitimate, but if that is the case, then it should have been done correctly in the first place. Also, $50,000 paid to himself listed as simply "Reimbursement for out of pocket expenses" should be reviewed in detail regardless of when the expenditures were made.

State Representative John Davis on CH11

KHOU TV in Houston did a segment on State Representative John Davis's ethics charges . (video coming soon). Davis declined to be interviewed. The ethics charges include:
-non disclosures of expenditures totally over $74,000
-non disclosure of reimbursements to himself for over $31,000
-use of campaign funds for personal use ($1500 for boots)
-non disclosure of payments to American Express for $43,000

The complaint has been filed and accepted by the Texas Ethics Commission (which is difficult to do) and Davis has agreed to submit an amended report for some of these violations, but there are complications in the others. For instance according to the rules of the TEC, an amended report cannot be filed to correct the non disclosed reimbursements. What does this mean? I don't know. It is unclear whether the $31,000 would have to be paid back into his campaign account.

Also, what about the use of campaign cash for personal use? I can't imagine what could be bought at Jesse's Boots for $1500 that would be campaign related. Would this have to be repaid as well?

Davis's financial statements are in shambles. There are specific rules on how to handle credit card payments, restrictions of campaign funds for personal use, and various forms to be filled out if campaign cash is used for non campaign expenditures. His reports could be used as a tutorial on "How NOT to file".

Based upon the history of the TEC and others with the same type of violations, he should expect a very hefty fine.

But then again, this is the TEC with as much teeth as a new born.

TX Parent PAC endorses Sherrie Matula for HD129

Texas Parent PAC, a bipartisan organization which endorses candidates committed to public education has endorsed Sherrie Matula for House District 129 over the incumbent, John Davis. Their press release can be viewed here.

"Sherrie Matula will have an immediate impact in the Texas House of Representatives, because she is experienced, energetic, and totally committed to representing the people of her district,” said Manuel Rodriguez, Jr. of Houston, a Texas Parent PAC Board member. “The families of H.D. 129 deserve better representation, and it is time for a change at the Capitol.”

John Davis has been in office for 8 years with little if any significant legislation to his credit. Texas Monthly in their article "Best and Worst Legislators" considered Davis "used furniture" describing legislators that simply follow the leaders. He has pushed for vouchers throughout his career. About a year before considering a run for office Sherrie was on a forum with Davis sponsored by UHCL where she was clearly head and shoulders above Davis in every issue discussed. It was after this forum that Sherrie was encouraged to consider running for office.

Matula is the only candidate in this race who has taken a stand to oppose siphoning money from public schools to fund private school tuition vouchers. “In 2005, incumbent John Davis spoke on the House floor in support of a tax-funded program for low-income and Spanish-speaking Houston students to attend private academies,” Rodriguez said. “Davis was irresponsible in pushing a voucher scheme that could have taken away $200 million from Houston public schools.” The voucher program Davis supported was defeated.

Sherrie is well known in her community as a charter member of St Bernadettes Church, board member of the Clear Lake Symphony, her professional achievements in Texas public education, and her many volunteer activities since moving to the Bay Area.

Texas Parent PAC leaders said Matula has a wealth of experience and leadership ability that will allow her to hit the ground running at the state Capitol in January. Matula will use her leadership and collaboration skills to solve problems affecting families, including escalating property taxes, traffic congestion, neighborhood and port security, and skyrocketing insurance and utility bills. As a fiscal conservative, she will work to balance Texas fiscal operations and attract new businesses.

Visit Sherrie's website at http://www.sherriematula.com

Tom, Dick, and Shelley

No place but Texas would a candidate for the United States House of Representatives invite a disgraced Congressman who quit just months before the election and has been indicted for money laundering and conspiracy, and a Vice President with a 19% approval rating. And Shelley called it a success. No place but Shelley-Land.

Cheney spoke at the Hyatt Regency Houston to about 200 Sekula-Gibs supporters who each paid $500 or more for a sandwich, chips and a 15-minute speck from the vice president. She said she expects to raise $200,000 from the event.

I don't get it. 200 came to see the VP? Is that it? And for a stale sandwich, broken chips, and a 15 minute speech by Dick. I think the crowd who coughed up $500 for this comedy act got Dicked.

And then there was Tom DeLay. Most legitimate candidates would run away from DeLay as if he was packing a load, but not Shelley. Instead she embraces him with a pat on the butt.

DeLay, under fire for ties to disgraced lobbyists and facing a state criminal indictment relating to campaign finance, resigned from Congress after winning nomination for a 12th term in March. Courts ruled that the GOP could not replace him on the Nov. 7 ballot, leading to the write-in campaign.

Well, on the bright side, Cheney got invited to fundraise for someone. And he didn't even shoot them in the face! All in all, a good day for Silly Sekula-Gibbs.

Sekula rallies the racists.

Leave it to Shelley Sekula-Gibbs (formerly known as Shelley Sekula-Rodriguez) to continue her assualt on the immigrants of this country for political gain at a rally complete with confederate flags.

One man, T.C. Burton, carried a sign festooned with a Confederate battle flag and a George Wallace bumper sticker, left over from the former Alabama governor's 1968 bid for the presidency. "Illegal aliens get the hell out," it read.

Shelley has found some new friends for her attacks on immigrants such as Dan Patrick of KSEV, Sam Malone, and Chris Baker of KTRH to be her waterboys. Isn't it funny, that her rally attracted only 100 racists, yet marches in support of immigration reform attracted 35,000 including all races, with flags of all nations.

And lets not forget what this is all about: the Republicans are going to lose the House and possibly the Senate in November and they have absolutely nothing else to run on but attacking the immigrants of this country and inciting their lowest base of racist voters.

Texas consumers are stupid.

In 2002 Texas insurance rates were the highest in the nation. Rick Perry campaigned on reducing these rates and now he is claiming that he did just that:

Perry said in a recent interview that he kept his promise to bring rates down and thinks that voters are satisfied.

No Governor, the voters are not satisfied. They are stupid. And you are banking your election on their stupidity.

Rates have come down in some cases, 7% or so, but only after the rates had doubled or tripled! According to Forbes Magazine, after Perry sold the farm to...uh...Farmers Insurance and the industry, Texas now has the highest rates in the nation, 25% higher than second place Louisiana. And we lost significant coverage and our deductions have soared.

Case in point, my home insurance is provided by USAA one of the best in the nation, if not the best. In 2002 my premium was $670. After Perry's reform, it is $1375. I lost foundation, water, and sewer damage and my deductables went from $500 to $3000.

I got a few words for Rick Perry. If doubling our insurance rates, taking away coverage for foundation, water and sewer damage is your idea of helping the consumer, then please STOP HELPING US!

And for the consumers. Can you see through Perry? Or you stupid or what?

I've blogged to death on these issues. If the consumers re-elect this idiot of a Governor who sold us out to the insurance industry and the homebuilding industry, then they deserve to be stupid.

http://bayareahouston.blogspot.com/2006/06/show-state-farm-door.html
http://bayareahouston.blogspot.com/2006/09/weve-been-decieved-by-rick-perry.html
http://bayareahouston.blogspot.com/2006_01_01_bayareahouston_archive.html

Foley scandal. Yet another distraction.

The Guardian has reported that 9 American soldiers were killed in Iraq last night, and two American soldiers were killed in Afghanistan. Yet the front page of the main stream media is dedicated to Speaker of the House Rastert, Republican Congressman Foley, and the Republican party.

The scandal surrounding Republican Congressman Foley concerning inapropriate emails to a 16 year old male Congressional page is yet another distraction from the real issues of the 2006 elections. It's over shadowed the death of 9 or our soldiers in Iraq, the incompetence of Donald Rumsfeld, the book by Bob Woodard, the NIE report, the resignation of Congressman Foley and Ney, the Jack Abramoff scandal, Tom DeLay resigning, the disaster named Iraq, the fact that Korea has bomb, the deficit, the war in Afghanistan, the $300 Billion spent in Iraq, the torture issue, Ahba Gaib prisoners abuse, the economy, price of gas, cost of education, etc, etc, etc,

Don't think this little episode of preying on 16 year old pages by the moral majority, the protectors of traditional marriage, Republican Congressman Foley, is going to over shadow all the failures of the current administration.

It already has. Enjoy.

Lampson: Return the cash Shelley

Congressman Nick Lampson who founded the Missing and Exploited Children Caucus has called for the resignation of any elected official who withheld information concerning disgraced Republican Congressman Mark Foley.

Nick Lampson today sent a letter to opponent Shelley Sekula-Gibbs asking her to join him in calling for the resignation of any member of congressional leadership who had knowledge of inappropriate email traffic between shamed Congressman Mark Foley and underage pages working at the House of Representatives. Lampson also urged Dr. Sekula-Gibbs to donate the funds she recently received from Congressman Tom Reynolds, who has admitted he knew of the situation and did nothing about it and from any others in congressional leadership who had prior knowledge of Mr. Foley's actions to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Shelley Sekula-Gibbs strapped for campaign cash after the Republican party backed out of their$3M commitment to her, has had to rely on other sources such as Dick Cheney and Mark Foley. Dick Cheney with an approval rating in the teens will be the guest at a fundraiser in Houston for Gibbs. Usually with such a low approval rating the VP would not be invited to campaign for any candidate, but Shelley's race is considered "safe", ie it is safe to say she will lose. So nothing is lost by allowing Cheney to come to Houston.

Don't look for Shelley to return any cash from Foley or anyone who knew about Foley's perverted sexual problems. She is too busy bashing immigrants and standing on the graves of fallen heros to pay any attention to a Republican pedophile scandal.

Sherrie Matula to receive Parent PAC endorsement.

Sherrie Matula, candidate for State Representative District 129 will receive the endorsement of the Texas Parent PAC according to The Houston Chronicle. Texas Parent PAC is known for endorsing the challenger to State Representative Gruesendorf, chair of the Education Committee, and one of the most anti-public education Representatives in the House. Gruesendorf was defeated in the primary.

Our PAC-with-heart will stand up for children by making contributions to Republican and Democratic candidates who are committed to strengthening Texas public schools. Endorsements will be based on key record votes and positions on issues such as the school start date, public school finance, opposition to private school vouchers and excessive testing, local control, and government mandates.

Sherrie Matula is running against State Representative John Davis, a supporter of vouchers who has a grade of 0 on public education, and has admitted numerous times that "education is not my expertise". John Davis, a very nice individual, with little name recognition, has no campaign website, no campaign headquarters, no campaign phone, no campagn staff, and is funneling calls to his campaign (his cell phone) through his official office in Austin and field office in Webster. He has little if any presence in the district besides a small splattering of signs. Besides that, he has recent ethics charges on $100,000 of undisclosed expenditures.

Sherrie's campaign has been block walking daily, delivering signs, phone banking and meeting voters in the district. Sherrie also has the endorsement of the Texas State Teachers Association and the Texas Federation of Teachers. She has lobbied on the State and Federal level for her community, parents, students, teachers and public education. She is a long-time community activist with a very impressive resume of community and professional activity:

• Taught 25 years – Clear Creek ISD (11 years) and Pasadena ISD (14 years)
• Served on Clear Creek Board of Trustees from 1990-1994
• Five nominations to Who’s Who of America's Teachers and three nominations to the National Honor Roll of Educators
• 2 nominations for Disney Teacher of the Year
• Served as mentor teacher in Pasadena for many years
• TSTA/NEA Member for 25 years (Texas State Teachers Association – National Education Association)
• Represented teachers and educational employees in grievances for 24 years
• First involved in precinct elections, county elections, and state democratic conventions back in 1972 in Austin
  
• Served as a parent advocate in ADD, ADHD, and Dyslexia for 15 years – free to anyone who needed the services
• Charter member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church parish
  
• President-Elect of Clear Lake Area Symphony Society
  
• Member of Middlebrook Community Association Board
• Board of Directors of Bay Area New Democrats – Secretary
• Long-time member of AAUW – American Association of University Women
• Life Member - PTA
• Member of TSTA Board of Directors
• Established Clear Lake High School Choir Booster Club
• Member of Board of Clear Lake High School Girls’ Soccer Booster Club
• Board Member of Bay Area Youth Basketball Association for 6 years – participated for 12 years
• Girl Scout Leader for 4 years and Cookie mom

Congressional House of ill repute.

The Foley scandal is beginning to simmer with allegations that Republican Congressmen kept Representative Foley's (R-Florida) dirty little secret of sending sexually explicit emails to a male 16 year old page in order to preserve a Congressional seat.

If true, this is absolutely sick and you have to wonder: Where is Jerry Faldwell? Dr. Dobson? Or the morally ethical Tom DeLay, Newt Gingrich, O'Reilly, Hannity, Coulter, or Rush? Where are the protectors of our moral Christian values? You know the ones they rub into your face every two years during the elections?

Here we have a situation involving a male Republican Congressman, chairing the Missing and Exploited Children, actually exploiting male children in the House of Representatives and yet where is the outrage from the wholesome Christian Right Wingers? Where are those Christian Conservatives of Congress who led the charge against Clinton when he had an affair, such as Gingrich, and former speaker Livingston?

The silence on the hill is deafening. The so-called "conservative" Republican leadership, the masters of morality, should be screaming for an investigation into who knew what and when about the behaviour of Representative Foley. Instead they are stalling as if they were involved in the cover up.

This just shows the true colors of the Republican leadership. They have turned our House into a playground of sexual fantasies and dirty old men, flashing each other and looking the other way to protect their leadership roles in Congress.

This is sick. Just plain sick.