Politex

Tarrant Republican primary ballot will be packed

Candidates can officially start filing for the March primary next week but there have been enough early announcements to show where the action will be.

Republican races up and down the ballot are expected to draw multiple candidates, making for a busy primary season for the GOP. Look for primary fights targeting local members of Congress, the state House and a few county-wide races.

This week, former Bedford City Councilman Jeff Cason revealed plans to challenge Rep. Todd Smith, R-Euless. That's the fourth incumbent state house member from the county to attract a primary challenger. The others are Republicans Vicki Truitt of Southlake, Charlie Geren of Fort Worth and Kelly Hancock of North Richland Hills.

Further down the ballot, Republican County Judge Glen Whitley has drawn at least one primary challenger. Also, the death of longtime District Attorney Tim Curry and the retirement of County Clerk Suzanne Henderson have drawn several Republican candidates to those county-wide seats.

On the Democratic side, local party leaders say they will have candidates in several races but few if any primary fights are expected.

-Aman Batheja

One Last Time for the Hammer. . .

Tom DeLay, not content with embarrassing the staid Washington establishment -- or anyone who ever knew him -- for weeks on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, returned to the scene of the crime last night to perform the Texas Two-Step, or at least a Hollywood version, on the show's finale. Gyrating with partner Cheryl Burke, DeLay was still shaking his butt, Western style, and ended the routine sliding into home base -- the camera -- before throwing his cowboy hat into the audience. Dancing to George Strait's "I Can't See Texas From Here," DeLay, who withdrew from the compeition due to stress fractures, now healed, performed but did not erase the image of him, dancing, to use the term loosely, to the Trog's "Wild Thing." -- Maria Recio

Friedman debunking rumors that he might back Shami

As Houston hair care magnate Farouk Shami prepares to jump into the Texas governors race today, his friend Kinky Friedman is brushing aside speculation that he might drop out of the Democratic primary race to endorse the Houston businessman.

The rumors, which have been making the rounds in Democratic circles for weeks, "couldn't be more wrong," Friedman said by phone as Shami planned a 3 p.m. announcement rally in Houston to declare his candidacy as a Democrat.

When Friedman first ran against Gov. Rick Perry as an independent candidate in 2006, he often introduced Shami as his campaign manager, recalls the Star-Telegram's Bud Kennedy.  They also sold and marketed Farouk & Friedman's Olive Oil to raise money for Israeli and Palestinian children affected by the Middle East conflict.  Friedman promised then that if he became governor, he would name Shami, a Palestinian-American, as his ambassador to Israel.

Shami's spokeswoman Jessica Marie Gutierrez said Shami, who plans to use $10 million of his own money in the governor's race, considers Friedman "a great guy" but feels that the Austin author-entertainer "doesn't have the experience Farouk has to be governor.

"He has nothing against anybody.  He has nothing against Perry," Gutierrez said of her boss.  "He just feels when it comes down to running the state of Texas, he would be the man for the position."

Friedman, now running as a Democrat, said the rumors that he might endorse Shami could stem from confusion over his pledge that he would endorse and campaign for whomever wins the Democratic primary if he's not the nominee. "Right now, I think all of them look better than Prince Humperdink (Kinky-code for Perry)," Friedman said of his Democratic rivals.

At the moment, though, that's a pledge that Friedman believes he probably won't have to honor.  "I think I'm going to win," he said.  "At this point, I think we're looking very, very good."

-- Dave Montgomery    

Domestic partner decision in New York

The Associated Press reports that an appeals court in New York upheld the right of same-sex couples to get health insurance and other domestic-partner benefits if they've been married in another state.

Benefits for domestic partners has been  big topic at Fort Worth City Hall. That's one of the major gay-rights recommendations that came out of the police incident at the Rainbow Lounge summer.  Conservative groups have hinted that providing domestic partner benefits might violate the Texas consitutional amendment that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman.

The New York appeals court rejected some of those arguments, but hinted that the state legislature needs to settle the question of whether gays can marry in that state.

Read below the jump for the whole article.

-- Mike Lee

Hancock draws repeat primary opponent

Former North Richland Hills Mayor Charles Scoma confirmed today he is planning to run against state Rep. Kelly Hancock in next year's March primary.

Scoma, 70, was mayor of North Richland Hills from 1998 to 2002. 

Scoma (left) said he launched a campaign exploratory committee about a month ago to explore the issues and a possible campaign. He described himself as “semi-retired” but owns Southwest Hydrokinetics, a firm specializing in wastewater treatment equipment

Scoma said Hancock’s opposition to a local-option transportation funding package championed by a group of North Texas officials earlier this year was one of the reasons he was entering the race.

“A lot of the constituents in District 91 have contacted me about various issues and it appears they want to have a choice ,” Scoma said.

Hancock (right) and Scoma both ran for the open District 91 seat in 2006. In a four-way race, Hancock won with 51 percent of the vote. Scoma received 17 percent support.

Scoma abandoned a previous bid for District 91 in 2001 soon after the Star-Telegram reported that he had falsely claimed to have two college degrees. In 2003, Scoma received an undergraduate degree from Dallas Baptist University.

Along with the 2006 race, Hancock and Soma have something else in common: both are former Birdville school board presidents.

District 91 covers a large area of Northeast Tarrant County, including North Richland Hills, Watauga, Haltom City, Richland Hills and part of north Fort Worth.

-Aman Batheja

Geren critic launches primary campaign on Facebook and Twitter

Lawyer Matthew Krause told us back in September he was seriously considering a run for Charlie Geren's seat in the Texas House.

Earlier this month, Krause quietly launched the campaign in earnest on Facebook and Twitter. He plans to hold an official campaign launch early next month.

Krause, 29, is a litigation attorney with Liberty Counsel, an Orlando-based law firm affiliated with the Rev. Jerry Falwell. 

Krause said Geren invited him to lunch a few weeks ago to talk about the primary.

“He was very nice to me,” Krause said. “I let him know this is something I felt called to do or felt led to do.”

Krause plans to run on a platform of no tax increases and limited government. He cited Geren’s decision in 2006 to support an expansion of the franchise tax on businesses to help fund schools and reduce local property taxes as a mistake.

“Philosophically we’re different and I think in a lot of ways the ideals and values I bring to the table would be better for Texas,” Krause said.

Geren emerged this year as a key ally of newly elected House Speaker Joe Straus. In previous years, he was one of former House Speaker Tom Craddick’s most vocal critics.

District 99 covers Northwest Tarrant County, including north and west Fort Worth, River Oaks, Azle, White Settlement, Lake Worth and Saginaw.

-Aman Batheja

First forum for Democratic candidates for governor at TCU tonight

Three out of the five Democrats running for governor will appear at a candidate forum tonight organized by the Tarrant County Young Democrats. Organizers say it is the first Democratic candidate forum of the race.

Former U.S. Ambassador Tom Schieffer, rancher Hank Gilbert and Fort Worth teacher Felix Alvarado are scheduled to answer questions tonight. Humorist Kinky Friedman and hair care magnate Farouk Shami will not be attending.

The Tarrant County Democratic Party announced today that Friedman will participate either remotely or via a surrogate.

Lee Henderson, Tarrant County Young Democrats vice president, said Friedman was invited weeks ago but is out of state today. Shami could not attend because he isn't formally launching his campaign until tomorrow.

The event begins at 7 p.m. in the 3rd floor ballroom at the Brown-Lupton University Union on Stadium Drive.

A conservative group called Young Americans for Liberty at UH are hosting a forum for the Republican candidates for governor tomorrow at the University of Houston. Organizer Micah Jackson said Gov. Rick Perry, US Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Debra Medina and Larry Kilgore had been invited to attend the forum but that not all of them could make it. Now the plan is for all of the candidates to deliver pre-recorded televised statements, he said.

-Aman Batheja

Hutchison backing away from resignation plans (Update)

AUSTIN - Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, in a surprise shift of plans, will remain in the Senate while she continues her campaign against Gov. Rick Perry in the 2010 governor's race and will not resign from her Washington post until after the March primary, her campaign said today.

Hutchison spokesman Joe Pounder said that the senior Texas senator believes it's important to remain in the Senate to fight against President Obama's health care plan and environmental cap-and-trade legislation.  Senate leaders have said that debate on the controversial health package will extend into next year.

Consequently, Pounder said, "that delays the Senate resignation until after the March primary."

Hutchison, during an Austin appearance earlier Friday, told reporters that she was considering revising her timetable because of the protracted debate on health care. "The health care debate is now going over the end of the year and that has obviously presented a problem in my timeline," she said.

Perry told reporters that Hutchison is needed in Washington "to do the job she was elected to do," contending that the senator has been "A.W.O.L." on critical issues.  

"We appreciate that Senator Hutchison has taken the governor's advice and finally decided to make a decision to stay in Washington," Perry spokesman Mark Miner said after Hutchison's campaign said that she would stay in the Senate until after the primary. "Hopefully this will allow her to be a full-time senator for the people of Texas."

Hutchison is scheduled to announce her plans on Saturday at the convention of the Texas Federation of Women. 

Excerpts from her speech: "I have said before that I intended to resign this fall after I worked to defeat the Obama health care bill. I have not said the exact date for resignation because we were waiting for the Democrats to schedule the Senate debate.

“But the bill has now passed out of the House, taking us one perilous step closer to a government takeover of nearly one-third of our economy. We are a step closer to huge tax increases. To the loss of countless jobs. And the end of patient choice. The Democrats are going to pull out every stop to socialize American medicine. But we will fight it every step of the way. And it could be a long fight.

“I am more determined than ever to become the 48th Governor of the great state of Texas. But at the same time I must put what's best for my campaign aside and do what is best for our state. That is why I must stay in the Senate while running for the Republican nomination for Governor.”

-- Dave Montgomery

Reports: Hutchison won't resign until after primary

The Associated Press is reporting that Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison won't resign her Senate seat until after the March primary. More details to come.

Local-option transportation bill could make a comeback

The El Paso lawmaker that heads the House Transportation Committee was in Arlington to speak to the Regional Transportation Council Thursday.

Democratic State Rep. Joe Pickett told them he would work during the next year on a bill to increase the gasoline tax to improve Texas highways. He also said he would work with North Texas officials to include a local option that allows metro areas to hold elections and raise gas taxes, car registration fees and other revenue sources for public transportation.

Pickett was a key negotiator in a failed effort during this year's legislative session to pass a bill allowing local entities to ask voters to approve raising local taxes and fees to fund transportation projects.

Pickett caught the ire of some lawmakers supporting the local-option plan when he refused to include the measure in the House version of a massive bill overhauling the Texas Department of Transportation, sparking a threatened filibuster from Republican State Sen. John Carona of Dallas.

Pickett told council members that he and Carona, who heads the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee, intend to hold joint House-Senate meetings in 2010 to work on a transportation bill that can pass muster in the Legislature.

More news from yesterday's RTC meeting here.

-Gordon Dickson and Aman Batheja

Bush presidential center

DALLAS -- The McFarlin Auditorium at SMU is filling up as folks gather to hear from former President George E. Bush himself about his vision for his future presidential institute here. First up at 2 pm is Don Evans, then former First Lady Laura Bush. Then the former president will speak. -- Anna M. Tinsley

Listen to an audio clip

Politicos praise Obama's Fort Hood speech

Texas politicians in attendance for today's memorial at Fort Hood had nothing but praise for President Barack Obama's speech at the event.

Gov. Rick Perry, who has had no problem criticizing Obama's policies since he took office, said, "I thought it was spot on," according to pool reports.

US Rep. John Carter, R- Round Rock, whose district includes Fort Hood, said he thought Obama touched on all the right points.

"I was extremely proud of him and I thought he did a good job," Carter said.

-Aman Batheja

Turner and Harris buy first scratch-off lotto tickets for veterans

After helping push the bill through the Texas Legislature earlier this year, State Rep. Chris Turner and State Sen. Chris Harris bought two of the first scratch-off lottery tickets for veterans Monday morning.

Turner, a Democrat, and Harris, a Republican, were two of the sponsors of the bill that created Texas' first scratch-off lottery ticket dedicated to veterans benefits. The proceeds from the ticket will benefit the Permanent Fund for Veterans' Assistance.

The two Arlington lawmakers were joined by State Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, and others at a a Tigermart gas station in South Arlington to promote the $2 scratch-off, which went on sale statewide today.

For those thinking of trying their luck, the odds of buying a ticket with a prize (from $2 to $20,000) are 1 in 4.72.

 

-Aman Batheja

Palin plans book signing in Texas as critics prepare to pounce

Sarah Palin will be in North Texas on Dec. 4 for a book signing at Legacy Books in Plano, according to the independent bookseller.

The former Alaska Governor's memoir, Going Rogue: An American Life, comes out later this month.

The release of Palin's memoir is prompting a high level of activity from Palin's critics. Tina Fey has already promised to bring her Palin impersonation back to Saturday Night Live in honor of Palin's new tome.

And the day before Palin's book comes out, a book-length spoof is slated for release. Going Rouge: An American Nightmare was put together by two editors from The Nation and includes a reprinted column from former Texas Agriculture Commissioner Jim Hightower, who takes issue with the notion that Palin is a populist in his commentary.

"Being a populist is something real and just being popular or angry or a  contrarian doesn’t make you a populist," Hightower said in a recent phone interview.

The always blunt Hightower said he thinks Palin's high profile makes her deserving of an entire book mocking her.

"In my view, she’s such a phony that she certainly deserves a little exposition," Hightower said.

Palin is expected to come back to Texas early next year to campaign for Gov. Rick Perry.

Hightower said Palin’s visit might hurt the re-election efforts of the man that puts "the goober in gubernatorial." 

Then again, he said, no Democrat n the race seems ready to take the Governor's Mansion from the GOP.

"Texas, we’ve got a little farther to go, especially since now we’re the Secessionist Republic of Republican Ridiculousness," Hightower said.

-Aman Batheja

Fort Hood assault prompts variation on typical gun control debate

Thursday’s shooting on a Texas military base has revived the debate on whether the current gun control rules on military bases make sense and both advocates and critics see the tragedy as supporting their side.

Army Chief of Staff George W. Casey Jr. ordered a review of all force protection policies at U.S. Army bases worldwide Thursday, including the rules regarding who can carry guns on the bases.

Currently, concealed handgun laws such as the one in Texas do not apply on military bases. Soldiers generally only carry weapons on base when there is a specific reason. Personal weapons are registered with authorities on the base and stored in special rooms until they are signed out.

Suzanna Hupp, a former state representative whose parents were among the Killeen Luby’s massacre victims in 1991, said allowing soldiers on base to carry arms would not prevent attacks like Thursday's, but would likely reduce the damage.

"Of course the element of surprise was a probably valuable tool for a creep like this," Hupp said. "You’re not going to prevent somebody from killing those first couple of people...but after that...if more people were armed in there, it could have ended much, much, much sooner."

Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, a gun rights advocate, said the policies at military bases should be up to military officials, but a review of Fort Hood’s policies makes sense.

“I’m not saying the policy should change ... but again we have an example of a shooter going to a target rich environment where he knew that no one was there who could resist,” he said.

Several gun control groups quickly pointed to the Fort Hood tragedy as a reason to stiffen gun control laws.

“This latest tragedy, at a heavily fortified army base, ought to convince more Americans to reject the argument that the solution to gun violence is to arm more people with more guns in more places,” said Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. “Enough is enough.”

US Rep. Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth, said Congress may need to look closely at this issue but shouldn't until the Army completes its review. 

“This base, and other bases, these are people’s homes,” Granger said. “So there are people who are armed on base – military police, security guards – but not in their homes, their schools, or in this case the deployment area.”

-Aman Batheja and Anna Tinsley

U.S. Senate pays tribute to Fort Hood victims

The U.S. Senate today passed a resolution, (S. Res 344) authored by U.S. Texas Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn honoring the Fort Hood victims and their families.

  "As the families and victims begin their long and difficult recovery from this shocking and saddening tragedy, we offer our prayers and support in this time of grief to everyone affected by this violent act. Today as I tour Fort Hood and visit with the wounded there, I intend to tell those with whom I meet that entire nation shares their pain, and that we offer our full support and hope for a full recovery,” said Hutchison.  

    “For more than a half century, Fort Hood has been a source of pride and strength for all Americans,” Cornyn said. “The soldiers stationed there have never hesitated to answer the call to protect and defend our nation. After yesterday’s senseless act of violence, it is our duty to care for those same protectors, and my thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims and their families."

 

President Obama orders U.S. flags at half-staff for Fort Hood victims

President Obama issued this proclamation today:

"Our nation's thoughts and prayers are with the service members, civilians, and families affected by the tragic events at Fort Hood, Texas. The brave victims, who risked their lives to protect their fellow countrymen, serve as a constant source of strength and inspiration to all Americans. We ask God to watch over the fallen, the wounded, and all those who are suffering at this difficult hour.

As a mark of respect honoring the victims of the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas, I  hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, Tuesday, November 10, 2009. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

-- Maria Recio

Chet Edwards leads House in honoring Fort Hood victims

 During an often emotional House debate on a resolution honoring the victims and families of the Fort Hood shootings, Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, said,"in the days ahead, Ft. Hood will become known to the world as a place of unspeakable tragedy, but I know it as a place of great triumph—a place where service to country isn’t just an ideal, it is a way of life, a place where the American spirit is alive and well, even amidst this tragedy. I hope the world will see the Ft. Hood I saw as its representative in Congress for 14 years. When I think of Ft. Hood, I think of the 29-year-old Army widow who asked me, not to help her, but rather how she could help others who had lost their loved ones in combat. When I think of Ft. Hood, I think of the young soldier I met at a welcome home ceremony. It was three days before my wife gave birth to our first child, and when I saw him with his wife and newborn baby, I told him how excited I was at the thought of becoming a father for the first time. Without complaint, he looked at me and said, “Sir, I missed the birth of my first child because I was in Iraq, and I missed the birth of my second child when I was deployed to Bosnia.” When I think of Ft. Hood, I think of the parents I met there this summer who lost their two sons in combat in Iraq just 9 days apart. How can a nation measure the depth of that kind of sacrifice? When I think of Ft. Hood, I think of soldiers, families and their neighbors in nearby communities who care for each other and are proud to serve and, yes, sacrifice for our nation’s freedom. Ft. Hood is known as “The Great Place”, because that is what it is, past, present and future. The actions of one deranged gunman should not and will not change that fact." Edwards and others, including Reps. Mike McCaul, R-Austin, Solomon Ortiz, D-Corpus Christi, Ted Poe, R-Humble and Silvestre Reyes, D-El Paso, spoke in favor of the resolution which the House was scheduled to vote on later today.

Link to video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_T_0gMYiE0

-- Maria Recio

Honoring Fort Hood soldiers

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, will ask the U.S. House today to pass a resolution honoring Fort Hood soldiers and their families, after Thursday's deadly shooting.

"In the days ahead, Fort Hood will become known to the world as a place of unspeakable tragedy, but I know it as a place of great triumph -- a place where service to country isn't just an ideal, it is a way of life, a place where the American spirit is alive and well, even amidst this tragedy," he said.

Edwards, whose district includes Johnson and Hood counties, will present the resolution for U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, who is at Fort Hood today.

-- Anna M. Tinsley

As one leaves, another jumps in

AUSTIN - Hair care magnate Farouk Shami says he's a full-fledged candidate in the 2010 governor's race and plans to put $10 million of his own money into the campaign, the Austin American-Statesman is reporting. 

 Shami's declared intentions to enter the Democratic gubernatorial race comes just days after Garland therpaist Mark Thompson withdrew his candidacy, saying the field had gotten too crowded.

Shami, a native of Palestine who came to the United States in 1965, told the Austin newspaper that he'd accept a salary of $1 if he becomes governor.  He hardly needs the $150,000-a-year salary.  Shami is the founder and chairman of Houston-based Farouk Systems Inc., a highly successful company with an international line of hair care products.

Shami has been considering the race for several weeks and earlier told the Star-Telegram that the economy and employment would be his top priority.  "I'm a doer and not a talker," he said.

-- Dave Montgomery

 

Thompson not concerned about Gilbert's last place spot in poll

Just a day after Garland therapist Mark Thompson dropped his bid for Texas governor, a new poll shows Thompson with more support among self-identified Democratic primary voters than the candidate he endorsed, East Texas rancher Hank Gilbert.

The inaugural University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll shows Thompson with 3 percent support compared to Gilbert, who came in last of six candidates with 0.3 percent.

Thompson did not raise any money or formally campaign since he entered the gubernatorial race earlier this year. He dropped out yesterday after deciding that the Democratic field had become too crowded.

In the last University of Texas poll in June, Thompson also attracted 3 percent support, higher at the time than Tom Schieffer, who came in second in today's poll after Kinky Friedman.

Thompson attributed his consistent showing in both polls to supporters he gained from his unsuccessful bid for railroad commissioner in 2008.

"We did very, very well for very little money," Thompson said.

Gilbert has been campaigning around the state in recent weeks. 

Thompson said he thought Gilbert may have more support than the poll suggests, noting Gilbert's ties to grassroot groups such as Texas TURF. 

"The thing is I’m not picking the person who has the best chance or the best money," Thompson said. "I’m picking the one who I most agree with."

Gilbert's campaign as well as that of Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison have disputed the veracity of the Tribune poll. Both campaigns have criticized its accuracy because it uses Internet-based polling.

"It is a complete and total joke," Gilbert campaign spokesman Vince Leibowitz said in a statement.

Along with criticizing the poll's methodology, Hutchison campaign manager Terry Sullivan noted that the results on the Democratic side should raise questions.

"Does anyone really think that Kinky Friendman is primed to win the Democratic primary for Governor?" Sullivan said in an email.

Soon after the attacks on the poll's credibility, the pollster's responded.

-Aman Batheja

Gubernatorial goodies

FORT WORTH -- Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Schieffer had a surprise waiting for him when he arrived to speak at a Jim Austin luncheon today at the downtown Sheraton Hotel.
A white cake featuring his gubernatorial logo.
"It has been about 10 years since I had my name on a cake," he said with a grin.
-- Anna M. Tinsley

Perry leads Hutchison by 12 points in new poll

  Gov. Rick Perry, seeking an unprecedented third four-year term, holds a solid lead over his leading rival, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, among potential voters in the March 2 Republican gubernatorial primary, according to the inaugural University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll.

Perry had 42 percent compared to Hutchison's 30 percent among self-identified Republican voters.  Former Wharton  County Republican Chairwoman Debra Medina had 7 percent, which the survey said puts the conservative GOP activist in a possible spoiler's role, even if she doesn't improve her numbers. 

At the same time, the survey says that Hutchison would fare better in hypothetical matchups with Democrats in next November's general election.

Austin entertainer Kinky Friedman leads the field in the Democratic primary for governor, with 19 percent.  Next are Fort Worth attorney Tom Schieffer with 10 percent, former Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle, who is considering the race, 5 percent, and Mark Thompson, who dropped out of the race on Monday, with 3 percent.

Rounding out the field were Fort Worth educator Felix Alvarado with 2 percent and Whitehouse rancher Hank Gilbert, with 0.3 percent.

In a hypothetical special election for Hutchison's U.S. Senate seat, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Houston Mayor Bill White polled 13 percent, followed by former Comptroller John Sharp, with 10 percent.  Pollsters described the showing as a virtual three-way tie, within the survey's margin of error.

The survey helped kick off the launch of the Tribune, an online news publication. 

-- Dave Montgomery

Thompson drops bid for governor, endorses Gilbert

Garland therapist Mark Thompson dropped out of the governor's race today. Thompson said the Democratic field has become "too crowded" to make the statewide bid realistic.

"There’s just too many people running," Thompson said. "Any time someone jumps in, they cut your percentages down."

Thompson said last week he was considering ending his bid. He had said he had launched his campaign earlier in the year assuming he would be in a three-way race with former ambassador Tom Schieffer and humorist Kinky Friedman.

There are now at least four Democrat candidates for governor -- Schieffer, Friedman, East Texas rancher Hank Gilbert and Fort Worth teacher Felix Alvarado. Houston Hair-care magnate Farouk Shami and former Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle have said they may join the race as well. Candidates can not officially file for a place on the March primary ballot until December.

Thompson said he is endorsing Gilbert, who most closely matches him on several key issues including an opposition to toll roads.

In 2008, Thompson ran unsuccessfully for Railroad Commissioner. He got 44 percent of the vote against Republican Michael Williams and Libertarian David Floyd.

-Aman Batheja

Perry, Hutchison duel for doctors' backing

With the health care debate at fever pitch in Washington, doctor endorsements seemed to be the the theme of the day in the Republican governors race between Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Perry won the support of the  powerful Texas Medical Association's political arm, TEXPAC, using the occasion to again blast President Obama's health care initiative.   Hutchison's campaign sought to counter the endorsement by announcing a "Physicians for Kay" coaltion, composed of doctors and other health care professionals who back the senator.

Hutchison's camp also announced the formation of an Aggies for Kay coalition in an attempt to dent the governor's support among the far-flung Texas A&M community.  Perry, a former Aggie yell leader, is the first A&M grad to occupy the governor's mansion. 

-- Dave Montgomery

Lawmakers tout Tier One Amendment

AUSTIN - Mindful of potential low turnout in tomorrow's constitutional amendments election, House Speaker Joe Straus and other lawmakers today appealed to voters to support a proposed amendment to create a network of top-tier universities in Texas.

Proposition Four would transfer more than $500 million from a dormant education fund into a new fund to transform  at least seven universities into top research universities. Three North Texas universities would be among those on track for tier one status - the University of Texas at Arlington, the University of North Texas at Denton and the University of Texas at Dallas.

"A vote for four is a vote for Texas," said Straus, who joined other speakers in calling the amendment essential to help bring more research and business to Texas.  Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, described Proposition Four as "the biggie'" among the 11 amendments that will be decided voters in the Tuesday election.

Rep. Diane Patrick, R-Arlington, called UTA "one of the frontrunners" to achieve tier one status.  Lawmakers hope to have at least two or three new tier one universities within the next two to three decades after candidate institutions meet a number of criteria to acheive elevated status. 

Texas currently has just three tier one schools - publicly supported University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University at College Station and privately funded Rice University in Houston.

-- Dave Montgomery

Rep

And the endorsements just keep on coming

Gov. Rick Perry picked up an endorsement from the Texas Association of Manufacturers today, and since it's Friday, might be a good time to recap on the endorsement front. 

Other Perry endorsements this week came from the Texas Association of Builders and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour.  Former Vice President Dick Cheney landed squarely in U.S. Kay Bailey Hutchison's corner and will travel to Houston for a Nov. 17 fund-raiser.  Stay tuned.

-- Dave Montgomery

-- Dave Montgomery 

Gilbert pushes for gas tax hike over toll roads

Democratic candidate for governor Hank Gilbert rolled out his transportation platform Thursday afternoon outside a Fort Worth Mexican restaurant.

Gilbert proposed funding new highway construction via an 8 cent gas tax hike followed by future hikes of up to 4 percent a year based on increases in highway construction costs. He also proposed banning all future toll roads in the state unless voters approve a toll road in their area.

Gilbert’s proposal may sound similar to the local-option-funding package North Texas officials tried to pass through the Legislature earlier this year. It would have allowed voters in urban counties to consider tax and fee increases, including a gas tax hike, to pay for better mobility.

Gilbert said he opposed that measure because he prefers a statewide gas tax increase and feels that any funding mechanism should tax drivers passing through the area, not just those that live there.

Gilbert also wants to create a 14-member elected Transportation Commission, headed by a statewide-elected chair. The Texas House passed a measure that would do just that earlier this year but it died in the Senate.

“TxDOT has become an agency that the people of this state can not trust,” Gilbert said.

Tom Schieffer of Fort Worth, another candidate in the Democratic primary, does not have a transportation platform on his campaign web site but released a statement Thursday criticizing Gilbert’s gas tax proposal as bad for middle and lower income families and small businesses.

“The legislature and the next governor should first look for waste and inefficiencies in the system before they start talking about an increase in the gas tax,” Schieffer said.

Gilbert guessed a gas tax would cost a driver between $1.20 and $1.60 more every time they fill up, less than the cost of using many toll roads.

"I don't consider that to be something that's going to terribly impair someone," Gilbert said.

Gilbert's full transportation plan is on his campaign web site.

-Aman Batheja

Perrys bags two endorsements

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry was headed for North Texas today to receive a mid-afternoon endorsement from the 11,000-member Texas Association of Builders, which is holding  the three-day Sunbelt Builders Show in Grapevine.  Perry and TAB leaders were expected to announce the endorsement at a 3:15 p.m. press conference.  

Although times have been tough on home-builders during the Great Recession, home-builders in Texas have fared better than those in other states.  Texas had 50 percent more housing starts than the rest of the country, said TAB spokesman Scott McClure.

The Republican governor, who is facing a challenge from U.S. Sen Kay Bailey Hutchison in the GOP gubernatorial primary race, also snared an endorsement from another state chief executive - Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, who is currently chairman of the national Republican Governors Association. 

Barbour said Perry's efforts to limit government and restrain spending "have kept Texas strong in the face of our nation's economic downturn."

-- Dave Montgomery

Nolan Ryan endorses Williams for Senate

Weatherford auto dealer Roger Williams added Rangers President Nolan Ryan to the roster of sports figures backing him for US Senate today.

Williams, a former Texas Secretary of State and professional baseball player, is one of several Republicans hoping to replace Kay Bailey Hutchison whenever she steps down from US Senate seat to campaign full time for governor. 

Others that have backed Williams include former Dallas Cowboys Rayfield Wright and basketball coach Bobby Knight.

-Aman Batheja

Cheney to campaign for Hutchison

  AUSTIN - Get ready for a replay of the shotgun jokes.  Dick Cheney is heading to Texas.

   The former vice president is backing U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in the Texas governor's race and will be in Houston for a Nov. 17 fundraiser. 

  Cheney's endorsement could boost Hutchison's support among conservative activists in her bid to unseat Gov. Rick Perry in the March 2 Republican primary.  But the visit is also likely to be a mirthful reminder of an ill-fated Texas trip in 2006, when Cheney accidentally shot and wounded 78-year-old attorney Harry Whittington on a quail hunt.

   The vice-presidential mishap uncorked a spate of late night jokes like this one from David Letterman:  "Good news, ladies and gentlemen, we have finally located weapons of mass destruction.  It's Dick Cheney."  Texas Monthly also featured a shotgun-wielding Cheney on an award-winning cover in 2007,  declaring:  "If You Don't Buy This Magazine, Dick Cheney Will Shoot You in the Face."

   Cheney has strong ties to Texas and Texans.  A former congressman from Wyoming, he served as defense secretary under President George H. W. Bush, directing Pentagon strategy in the 1991 Persian Gulf War.  As vice president under Bush's oldest son, George W. Bush, he developed a reputation as conservative hard-liner. He also lived in Dallas as  CEO of Hallilburton before becoming vice-president.

  Hutchison spokesman Joe Pounder said Cheney and the state's senior senator"have worked together over the many years on a lot of conservative issues," including passing President Bush's tax cuts and strengthening the military. 

  "We're proud to have his support," said Pounder. 

   Perry spokesman Mark Miner said Cheney's endosement of Perry's leading rival is not suprising "considering they both worked together in Washington for so long.  The Washington establishment usually sticks together."

--Dave Montgomery

Rep. Ted Poe: "trick or treat" on healthcare bill

 That wiley Rep. Ted Poe, R-Humble, can't resist comparing the Democratic healthcare plan with the dark forces . . . of Halloween. In yesterday's one minute speech on the House floor, he said:

 "Mr. Speaker, in the dark caverns of the Capitol where the trolls roam at night, the Halloween health care bill is being drafted by a secret few. The bill is being written in secret so no one, especially seniors, see it.

   Mr. Speaker, what is being cooked up in the dungeons of this building? Is it just too scary for people to know about? Well, probably so. You see, it takes $500 billion from Medicare and gives that money to the national Halloween health care bill. That's a frightening nightmare for people, especially seniors. And more importantly, it turns America's health over to the government.

   Does anyone actually think the government can do it better? The Halloween health care bill will probably have the competence of FEMA, the efficiency of the post office, and the compassion of the IRS. The bill may be ready just in time for Halloween, and it will be a treat for the special interest groups, but it's a trick on the American people, especially the seniors. No wonder they're scared of it."

-- Maria Recio

Thompson campaign on hold, may drop out of governor's race

Garland therapist Mark Thompson has put his campaign for governor on hold and may drop out of the race. He plans to announce his decision next week, he said.

Thompson said the race for the Democratic nomination is getting too crowded.

"If there are four, five, six people, I just get lost in that shuffle," he said.

Thompson said he had hoped to run in a three-way race for the Democratic nomination, possibly against former ambassador Tom Schieffer and humorist Kinky Friedman.

"Right now I’m just re-evaluating because in a three way race, I think I’d have a very good chance," Thompson said. "Schieffer has problems being a Republican and Kinky Friedman has problems being Kinky Friedman."

East Texas rancher Hank Gilbert and Fort Worth teacher Felix Alvarado are also running for the Democratic nomination. Houston Hair-care magnate Farouk Shami and former Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle have said they may join the race as well.

Thompson said he's concerned that in next year's primary, he and Gilbert could split the middle class, anti-toll road vote. Friedman, meanwhile, would garner "the cannabis and the freak vote," he said.

Thompson said one of the Democratic candidates asked him to drop his bid for governor but he declined to say who it was.

In 2008, Thompson ran unsuccessfully for Railroad Commissioner. He got 44 percent of the vote against Republican Michael Williams and Libertarian David Floyd.

Thompson's campaign blog is down today and he has not posted to his Twitter feed since August. In July, he reported no contributions but had spent $1,019.26.

-Aman Batheja

Bush jokes about being called "a terrible president"

Left out of our story today about former President George W. Bush's first motivational speech was a joke he made while talking about the importance of men being good fathers.

Bush told the crowd at the Fort Worth Convention Center yesterday that he would never have achieved what he did in life without "the unconditional love" of his father. A father's unconditional love can help a person feel comfortable taking risks, he said.

“Life is full of risks," Bush said. "It’s risky to run for president. You could lose and say, ‘Oh what a terrible candidate.’ Or you could win and say, ‘Oh what a terrible president.’"

-Aman Batheja

Bush defends his decisions in debut as motivational speaker

Former President George W. Bush told over 11,000 people at the Fort Worth Convention Center that he was confident he made the right decisions as president even if it hurt his popularity.

“Every single day I was honored to be your president by bringing honor and dignity to the office,” Bush said in his first foray into motivational speaking at the day-long Get Motivated seminar.

Bush spoke in a relaxed tone about a few lessons he'd learned in his life including sticking to your principles and living each day to its fullest.

“It’s so simple in life to chase popularity but popularity is fleeting," Bush said. "It’s not real."

The former president also emphasized the importance of generosity, noting how many people were surprised when he promised billions in aid to Africa to fight the AIDS epidemic.

“Apparently Republicans aren’t supposed to be compassionate so it was a shock," Bush said.

Bush also spoke about his faith, promising everyone in the audience that those people who prayed for him and his wife while they lived in the Oval Office made the first couple's lives better.

“From a personal perspective, I don’t see how you can be president without relying upon an almighty," Bush said.

Bush’s speech sounded briefly like a Republican Party stump speech when he spoke about his economic outlook.

"Another principle I believe in is that you can spend your money better than the government can,” Bush said to huge applause. He added later, “The marketplace works. It is fair. It is equitable. It is a fair form of democracy.”

At the end of his speech, Bush received a standing ovation.

-Aman Batheja

Motivational speakers wander into politics

The Fort Worth Convention Center is packed this morning for the Get Motivated seminars. A long list of all-star speakers are scheduled but what's bringing national attention to today's feel good fest is the debut of former President George W. Bush as a motivational speaker.  

Two hours in, we've heard four speakers, all of whom are giving personal anecdotes to deliver similar lessons: be a leader, stay positive, don't give up. 

A couple of speakers have veered briefly into politics.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell told a funny story about having trouble getting through airport security. He then praised President Bush's policies related to terrorism and foreign policy.

"We are safer than we were before 9/11 because of President Bush,"  Powell said to applause.

John Walsh, of America's Most Wanted, spent most of his speech describing his journey from his son being murdered to helping catch criminals on his long-running TV show.

Near the end, Walsh praised Bush for creating the National Sex Offender Registry and then sharply criticized President Obama for not funding the Adam Walsh Act, named after his son. 

He also complained that federal leaders will let NASA spend millions to find "ice crystals on the moon" but won't put more into beefing up protections against sexual offenders. 

Mentioning the different companies the Obama adminsitration bailed out, Walsh said, "They’ve bailed out out all these creeps but they haven’t funded the Adam Walsh Act.”

Walsh urged the crowd to lobby their members of Congress.

"Send them that letter, 'I'll never vote for you again. I'll never send you five bucks unless you get the Adam Walsh Act funded," Walsh said.

-Aman Batheja

Perry supporter named to head state Republican party

AUSTIN – Long-time conservative activist Cathie Adams, who is supporting Gov. Rick Perry in his Republican gubernatorial race against U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchsion,  was chosen Saturday to head the Texas Republican Party for the next eight months.

The State Republican Executive Committee chose Adams over Melinda Fredricks of Conroe, one of Perry’s appointees to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.  Adams received 36 votes in the secret balloting, compared to 25 for Fredricks.  A third candidate, Mary Yoly Moore of El Paso, received no votes.

Adams  is perhaps best known as leader of the Texas Eagle Forum, a women’s organization’s that champions socially conservative causes, including opposing abortion.  Adams, who has been president of the forum for 16 years, said she will resign to assume her new post as State GOP chairman.

Adams, who also plans to relinguish her post as a member of the Republican National Committees, replaces Tina Benkiser, who resigned to become a senior campaign adviser for Perry.

 In serving out Benkiser’s unexpired term, she will hold the post until June, when delegates to the State Republican Convention elect new officers. 

Perry issued a statement saying he looks forward to working Adams “to advance the conservative values that have made both our state and party stronger.''

-- Dave Montgomery

Senate endorsements

 Nine Tarrant County officials came out in support of local man, former Texas secretary of state Roger Williams, who is among those running for the U.S. Senate seat that may open up if Kay Bailey Hutchison does resign to pursue her bid for Texas governor.

Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley, Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson, Tarrant County Tax Collector-Assessor Betsy Price, Tarrant County District Clerk Tom Wilder, Tarrant County Commissioners Gary Fickes  and JD Johnson, Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief, Fort Worth Councilman Jungus Jordan and North Richland Hills Mayor Oscar Trevino all endorsed Williams, a Weatherford car dealer.

-- Anna M. Tinsley

Bush, Giuliani and Powell coming to Fort Worth Monday

Former President George W. Bush is scheduled to speak at the Fort Worth Convention Center Monday as part of the Get Motivated seminar.

The seminar is known for bringing a group of high-profile names to a single location to deliver motivational speeches.

The lineup for this Monday includes Bush, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani,and Christian motivational speaker Zig Ziglar. It appears to be Bush's first appearance in the series.

A spokeswoman for Get Motivated Seminars, Inc. said 15,000 people are expected for the Fort Worth event.

Bush joins a long line of presidents who have spoken at the Get Motivated events. Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford have all made appearances at the seminars in the past, according to news reports. Other Texans who have been apart of the series include Laura Bush and former Texas Gov. Ann Richards.

Star-T Transportation Reporter Gordon Dickson reports that the TRE is warning commuters this week that Monday could be a mess due to the thousands of extra passengers expected to be traveling to the event.

-Aman Batheja

Chances are you haven't voted yet

Early voting started yesterday for the Nov. 3 election.

In Tarrant County, 807 people voted. In a county of more than 800,000, registered voters, that's less than 0.1 percent.

At several early voting locations, less than 10 people used the voting machines. In the Everman Independent School District, where voters are being asked to decide on a property tax increase, one person voted yesterday.

So if you're reading this and you're a registered voter in Tarrant County (and not one of those 807 who did their civic duty yesterday), consider taking a look at this list of early voting locations and times.

Don't know what's on the ballot? Here's our primer on the 11 statewide constitutional amendments. Several local entities have issues on the ballot too. Fort Worth voters will decide whether the crime control tax is renewed. And the Arlington school district is holding a $197.5 million bond election.

Early voting continues through Oct. 30.

-Aman Batheja