Politex

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

Obama greets A&M spectators with a Texas-style "howdy" (updated)

COLLEGE STATION -President Obama received a thunderous standing ovation as he arrived at Texas A&M's Rudder Auditorium to join former President George H. W. Bush to make a renwed push for volunteerism in America.

"Howdy, Aggies," Obama said after he was introduced by Bush, getting an enthusiastic "howdy" back. Obama then began a speech with high praise for Bush's life-long commitment top public service.  He finished talking shortly after 5 p.m.  

-- Dave Montgomery

;

Waiting for Obama

COLLEGE STATION - Conservative protesters are railing against President  Barack Obama's policies as they await his arrival at Texas A&M University, where the 44th president will join the 41st president - George H.W. Bush - in a forum on volunteerism.

Obama, flying in from San Francisco after a visit to New Orleans the previous day, arrived in at Houston's Ellington Field at 2:59 P.M. and was scheduled to fly by helicopter to College Station.  He was scheduled to speak at 4:50 p.m.

Gathered at Spence Park about a block away from the auditorium where Obama will speak, the crowd of several hundred demonstrators was growing in size and momentum as a parade of speakers took turns portraying Obama as a leftist who will be clearly on alien turf in conservative red-state Texas.  A recurring theme, both in signs and applause lines:  "Keep your hands off Texas."

A sampling of the placards and banners:  "NoBama."  "Why Do you Hate our Country?"  "Hands Off My Values, My Wallet and My Future."  "Mr. President. Do Not Mess With Anything in Texas." 

Another sign portrayed Obama standing alongside  communist  icons such as Karl Marx, Joseph Stalin, Vladimir Lenin and Mao Tse-Tung.

Many of the protesters were veterans of anti-Washington "Tea Parties" staged across Texas this year to denounce Obama's tax and spending policies.

Asked why he drove over from Austin for the protest, Alan Daves responded: ""Tyranny."  Wearing a T-shirt reading, "You Lie," the insurance and real estate broker said he is "trying to stand up to this lying, gestapo government."

Dallasite Sue Glover, a grandmother and small business owner, said Obama's policies endanger fundmanetal liberties.   "He doesn't believe in the Constitution, he doesn't believe in independent rights, he doesn't believe in Christianity."'

With Obama making the first trip to Texas since the start of his presidency, protesters were being urged to register their dissent in an orderly fashion. In a letter earlier this week in the Bryan-College Station Eagle, the first president Bush effectively urged campus visitors to be on their best behavior.

"This is not about politics," Bush wrote, saying he was eager for Obama "to experience the open, decent and welcoming Aggie spirit for himself."

Danny Stevens, chairman of the Texas A&M College Republicans told the protesters that under Aggie tradition, boos are off-limits. Instead, he explained, Aggies show their disapproval with a "horse laugh" - hissing while simultaneously thrusting clasped hands toward the shoulders.

A building separated the protest park from Rudder Auditorium, the site of the event, so it was unclear if Obama would see the demonstrators.

--Dave Montgomery

Laura Bush accepts Cowgirl Museum award in Fort Worth

She isn’t really a cowgirl, former First Lady Laura Bush insisted on Friday as she accepted an award from the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth.

Bush received the Gloria Lupton Tennison Pioneer Award from the museum for her work in the area of literacy. 

Though not a cowgirl, she mentioned another ‘title’ she received some years ago when she and President George W. Bush visited England to meet Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife for the first time.

“The London Daily Mail ran a headline that said Our Modern Mum Meets Bush’s Little Woman,” Bush joked.

-Shirley Jinkins

Shapleigh stepping down, Nelson and Orr hope to keep seats

Three members of the Texas Legislature revealed their plans for next year's election season this morning.

The big surprise: El Paso Democratic Sen. Eliot Shapleigh said he will not run for another term. He's held the post since 1996.

"While other public service may lie ahead, I will not run for the Texas Senate in 2010," Shapleigh said in a press release.

Locally, Sen. Jane Nelson of Flower Mound and Rep. Rob Orr of Burleson, both Republicans, officially announced plans to run for re-election.

Orr already has a primary opponent in Cleburne Mayor Ted Reynolds, who has been working to make the construction of Texas 121 an issue in the race. Orr has served in the House since 2005. District 62 covers Johnson and Bosque Counties.

"I am proud of my conservative, business-friendly, pro-life and pro-family voting record that has not changed since I entered the legislature in 2005," Orr said in a press release. "I am also extremely proud to have co-sponsored legislation that added God into the pledge to the Texas flag."

Nelson who has been in  the Senate since 1992, represents District 12 which includes portions of Tarrant and Denton Counties.

"Aside from addressing our transportation, education and health service needs, one of my top goals next session will be to protect North Texas in the redistricting process," Nelson said. "During the past decade we became the state's largest population center, and that needs to be reflected when the political maps are redrawn."

Nelson has been mentioned as a possible candidate for Lieutenant Governor if David Dewhurst ends up running for Kay Bailey Hutchison's vacated US Senate.

-Aman Batheja

Perry in Fort Worth

Gov. Perry rallying grassroot supporters in FW

Texas Gov. Rick Perry is in Fort Worth right now, speaking to a group of grassroots supporters.

He's talking about Washington, and how he's worried about Congress has handled "bailouts," health care reform even cap and trade.

"Washington's solutions are devastating," Perry told the crowd of about 30 gathered at Blue Mesa. "I think Texas is the blueprint America needs to look at to go forward."

-- Anna M. Tinsley

Perry camp says Hutchison comments show misplaced priorities

Gov. Rick Perry's campaign has responded to Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's comments this morning on a Dallas radio show, taking issue with her plans to resign from the Senate as well as whether Hutchison's  bones can multitask.

Hutchison told radio host Mark Davis she may not resign from her Senate seat until next year because of important issues before Congress including healthcare reform.

Perry's camp has been hammering Hutchison for months over her plans to resign her Senate seat, and at times have said they aren't convinced she'll actually give up the seat.

“Today Senator Hutchison continues to waffle on when or if she will resign, demonstrating that she remains more concerned with her own political interests than those of the people of Texas," Perry campaign spokesman Mark Miner said.

Miner also took issue with Hutchison saying that she plans to "fight with every bone in my body against the government takeover of healthcare."

Since Perry has long opposed President Barack Obama's proposals for healthcare reform, what would Miner find problematic about this remark?

Behold:

"The Senator said today that she wants to fight health care legislation with every bone in her body," Miner said. "Do these comments mean she is already abandoning her opposition and pledge to lead the fight against cap-and-trade legislation, which will cost Texas hundreds of thousands of jobs?"

-Aman Batheja

Hutchison hints at pushing back resignation (updated)

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison suggested on conservative radio host Mark Davis' show this morning that she might put off her resignation from the US Senate once again.

"I am going to leave," Hutchison told Davis on WBAP/820 AM. "I think it’s important that I do everything I can when there are such huge issues and I haven’t been able to set that deadline which I know is something a lot of people are looking at to determine what other possibilities there might be," 

Davis asked if she might stay in her seat until the end of the year.

"I can’t say anything right now because I don’t know," Hutchison said. "Every day in Washington, some new bad thing is coming up."

Davis pushed further, asking if she might stay in the Senate through next year's March primary.

"Well, a lot of people are suggesting that," Hutchison said. "That’s not what I want to do. That’s not what I intend to do but...right now I want to just see what comes next. When is healthcare finished? I want to stay and fight with every bone in my body against the government takeover of healthcare."

Hutchison announced in July, also on Davis' show, that she would step down from her Senate seat sometime in October or November in order to devote herself to her campaign for governor.

Hutchison told Davis today it "bothers" her how many public officials' political plans are up in the air while they wait for her to step down. 

Afterward, Davis told his listeners he was skeptical Hutchison would let go of her seat before year's end.

"I think that October/November time frame is gone," Davis said.

Also during the show, US Rep. Michael Burgess reiterated his support for Hutchison to be the next governor. The Lewisville Republican has joined several other members of the Texas Congressional delegation in backing Hutchison.

-Aman Batheja

Election information

The Leagues of Women Voters of Arlington and Tarrant Coutny has published a voters guide for the Nov. 3 election.

The guide includes information on the 11 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution as well as local propositions that impact Tarrant County communities and more.

It is online at lwvarlington-tx.org and lwvtarrantcounty.org. For information on finding a printed copy, call 817-348-8683.

-- Anna M. Tinsley

"Crazy or stupid" DeLay surrenders after shaky samba

Tom DeLay, remembered in Texas and Washington political circles as a man who took no prisoners, bowed out of ABC's Dancing with the Stars, after getting stress fractures in both feet.

DeLay's cringe-inducing dancing -- who can forget that air guitar? -- drove his former congressional colleagues crazy, he acknowledged on the air, but in the end, it was good taste as well as hurting feet that made him quit.

Really. He said it himself. "if you can't practice you make a fool out of yourself out here," said DeLay, who was wearing a barber shop quartet style shirt with a sparkling elephant on the back.

Washington Post TV columnist Lisa de Moraes in today's column summed up DeLay's unlikely step into reality television:

"The judges gave him the second lowest score of the night: 15 points. It was his worst score yet in the competition, though he was a perennial cellar dweller when it came to the judges' votes.

The first week of competition, DeLay's rump also cost him points.

He wiggled it.

In front of the camera.

Dressed in granny pants.

While cha-cha-ing.

To the Troggs' "Wild Thing."

It was horrible (sob). "

However, as a consolation prize (does that make him Mr. Congeniality?) DeLay promises to be back, dancing the Texas Two-Step in the grand finale.

-- Maria Recio

Stimulus continues to stimulate debate in Texas

Texas has received more than $12 billion in federal stimulus money so far, more than most states, but the amount is still drawing some grumbling from around the state.

We reported today that nine states received more stimulus money dedicated to the arts than Texas. Eight of those states are smaller than Texas.

The disparity comes from the portion of the money that was awarded directly by the National Endowment for the Arts to arts organizations. Texas arts organizations competed against museums, symphonies and acting troupes from around the country and most of the Texas applicants apparently didn't measure up, according to the NEA.

Last week, the Dallas Morning News reported that Texas has received less stimulus funding per resident than nearly every other state.

State lawmakers balanced this year's budget with $12.1 billion in stimulus money, nearly 7 percent of the state budget. 

-Aman Batheja

Schieffer snares endorsements from South Texas lawmakers (Updated)

AUSTIN - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Schieffer, seeking to strengthen his support among Hispanics, today announced endorsements from nine Democratic legislators from the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas.  The latest pledges followed endorsements from five Democratic House leaders earlier this year.

Schieffer, a Fort Worth attorney who served as a U.S. ambassador in the Bush administration, drew the support of state Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen, chairman of the Senate's Hispanic Caucus, along with eight House members, including Rep. Rene Oliveira of Brownsville, a 13-term member who chairs the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

Other endorsements came from Reps. Veronica Gonzales of McAllen, Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles of Alice, Ryan Guillen of Rio Grande, Eddie Lucio III of Brownsville, Armando "Mando" Martinez of Weslaco, Aaron Pena of Edinburg and Tara Rios Ybarra of South Padre Island. 

Gonzales chairs the House Border and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and Toureilles chairs the House Agriculture and Livestock Committee.

Schieffer, who served as a legislator from Fort Worth in the 1970s, has sought to build support among key lawmakers in his bid for the Democratic nomination in the 2010 governor's race.  His campaign leadership includes former House Speaker Pete Laney of Hale Center, long-time Rep. Senfronia Thompson of Houston, and Lyndon Olson, a former ambassador to Sweden who served with Schieffer in the statehouse.

In a press release announcing the latest endorsements, lawmakers touted Schieffer's business background, his political credentials as a "lifelong Democrat" and his promises to improve health care and education.  Oliveira described Schieffer as "good for South Texas" and compared him to past Democratic governors Ann Richards and Mark White.

Other Democratic contenders include school teacher Felix Alvarado of Fort Worth, Austin author-entertainer Kinky Friedman, Whitehouse rancher Hank Gilbert and Mark Thompson of Garland, a therapist for the blind.

Gilbert spokesman Vince Leibowitz said the endorsements constitute a "tacit acknowledgment" that Gilbert is emerging as a "serious threat" to Schieffer's candidacy.  "This is yet another futile attempt to jump start a lackluster campaign," Leibowitz said in a press release.

-- Dave Montgomery

.

In a press release announcing the endorsements, the lawm