The word on the street (Sesame Street) is that State Representative Jessica Farrar is not voting the way a few special interest groups want her to, so they recruited Jose Medrano to run against her. Whether there is any truth to the word on the street, isn't really important.Representative Farrar has been a champion for many good causes including protecting the rights of new homebuyers. She is very well respected. She is a good Representative and an asset to the Legislature. But, there must be something important, or a special interest that makes Medrano interested in running because it isn't for lack of good representation.
Looking at his ethics reports finds he raised about $30,000 with $15,000 coming from a loan to himself, $5000 from Bruce Sallee, the President of Texas Petroleum Investment Co, and $5000 from a Farmers Insurance PAC. (Jose is in the insurance industry.) So $25,000 of his $30,000 came from 3 individuals, with more than half from a loan. Leaving $5000 from 12 individuals.
Thank goodness that we have individuals willing to take the risk to run for office, but with that, they should challenge those who need challenging.
2 comments:
Regarding Texas House of Representatives District 148 campaign in the Democratic primaries election 3/4/08:
I had NOT seen your blog note until a neighbor just sent it to me after I sent the following email:
Two Saturdays ago, I discussed some important issues with the young man on my front porch, as he canvassed Heights neighborhoods. Joe Medrano is running against House of Representative District 148 rep, Jessica Farrar in the Democratic primary. We had a good conversation. Impressed by Jose's conversation, congeniality, reasons why he was running this year, I looked up his campaign website & cross referenced all previous writings and Texas politics blogs.
I wrote him a letter & asked questions about his positions. Clips from our series of emails follow.
BOTTOM LINE if you want to skip the info: NO WAY JOSE. Vote FOR JESSICA FARRAR!!
Jose couldn't answer all my questions. Some he did about his similarities to Jessica but not much substance. Why do you want to run this year with only two years into your business career? Why do you want to serve the public beyond your insurance business? Why don't you get involved at the precinct level? Foundations? Communty service? I can sense your drive, but what is the motivation? You seem like a bright and capable nice guy.
I have read all the info on your website. Sorry that you're having to spend so much of your own $$ on your campaign and you have less than 190 supporters giving any money (and only two big insurance businesses and some ad company). Jessica has 13,000 people giving $5.00-250.00. Her service and charitable giving record is documented and commendable.
I agree with you that there are a few problems with Jessica being less available in the district while she is also working with her dad's archetecture firm, raising a family & traveling to Austin for law school. I worry that she might move to Austin and be less available to Houston as she overcommits her time. HOWEVER,
After comparing your record, your academics, training, insurance business niche and inexperience in legislation to the record of Jessica Farrar, I must decline to participate in your campaign and indeed, I want your to quit your campaign.
We've been emailing back & forth but sharing my wisdom and political connections with you will not pursue truth and joy. I want you to STOP campaigning. Use your talents to help the Democratic party work on other important races.
I am committed to disciplined and courageous conversations urge you to withdraw your challenge. You're not ready Jose Medrano.
You know Jessica. You worked for her and I assume much of your training was developed during your experiences with her and other campaigns. Yes, other staff have gone on to State rep positions but not against her!
The majority of my family, friends & neighbors are satisfied, indeed pleased with Farrar's performance and service to our communities. It took a while for her learning the ropes in the lege, but Jessica worked hard & gets in there to fight for constituents. AFter 13 years, 7 terms and surviving as the only female Latina state legislator, she's in a fairly unique position with wide support from women, health care advocates, PRO-choice, civil rights, Latin American groups, police, fire & infrastructure of state government. I can depend on her to do the right thing.
I can't count on you to do that yet. Will you challenge the status quo as needed? Will you challenge the dominating speaker Craddick? Jessica can bargain and gracefully and authentically negotiate. You're not ready.
I asked you to take a turn being a precint judge. Be a delegate at a county, state & national convention. Work your way up the process of electoral politics. Work on real issues to gain organizing skills and connections.
Too bad you actually live in our district. Please consider moving to one of the CONSERVATIVE bastions in Houston and challenge a crummy House of Representative public servant? like one of the Republicans?
Jose, I repeat: Your decision to run against a Jessica is a bad decision at this time in history. Let it go.
We need Jessica not worrying about a challenge at all and out there CAMPAIGNING for other candidates we need to get elected this big election year.
In Struggle, Sincerely,
Cathy C. Courtney, MPH
Houston
and now I finally found out!! : TX lege Creepie, control freek, crooked House Speaker Tom Craddick friends put Jose up purposely to try & get rid of Jessica who sometimes bravely puts a wrench in the bulldozer crazed Craddick agenda & committees!
.... from longer info --HD 148 District Race–
Craddick D Challenger funded Jose Medrano vs. Democratic Incumbent Rep. Jessica Farrar
Craddick D and Republican consultant. Partida & Associates are working with the Medrano campaign this cycle, receiving $6,590 in work for Medrano between 1/2/08 and 1/4/08. This cycle they have also performed $10,000 in work for entrenched “Craddick D” Kevin Bailey. Their previous clients include $20,643.07 from Craddick surrogate Ron Wilson in his failed 2004 bid for reelection, $12,395.48 for Craddick’s Speaker Pro Tem Sylvester Turner in 2006 election season, and $4,700 for “Craddick D” Kino Flores during session in 2007.
After working on Ron Wilson’s losing 2004 primary election, Partida & Associates went to work on Pete Sessions’ general election congressional campaign against Democratic Congressman Martin Frost, in a district that was gerrymandered with the help of Wilson. Partida & Associates were paid $178,880 for their work on the campaign, and after Sessions was elected, a Partida staffer went to work in Sessions’ Dallas office.
==============So research DONE on Jose. Feel free to clip any of this & spread the positive word to
VOTE FOR District #148 JESSICA FARRAR.
Onward!
Courtney
WOW! Thanks for the comments!
I'm not happy with this guy. He is spending way too much of his own money for a losing cause.
I bet there is something going on.
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