NorthTexasLiberal

victory for equality in new hampshire

2009-06-04T03:39:00.004-05:00

Great news out of New Hampshire today! A true victory for equality!

The state legislature there voted to allow same-sex marriages, as long as religious groups were not forced to perform the ceremonies.

After rallies outside the Statehouse by both sides in the morning, the last of three bills in the package went to the Senate, which approved it 14-10 Wednesday afternoon.
Cheers from the gallery greeted the key vote in the House, which passed it 198-176. Surrounded by gay marriage supporters, Lynch signed the bill about an hour later.
''Today, we are standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear that they will receive the same rights, responsibilities -- and respect -- under New Hampshire law,'' Lynch said.

New Hampshire became the sixth state to recognize marriage equality, joining Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, and Maine. California allowed same-sex marriage for part of last year, though voters amended the constitution there to prohibit such unions. Couples married before Prop 8 was enacted will still be technically married.

Rhode Island is currently the only state in New England where same-sex marriage is not legal. The New York Times expects a marriage equality bill to fail there this year.

Let's celebrate this victory in New Hampshire, but the fight is nowhere near over! Write your legislators and tell them to support marriage equality in your state. We've made it happen in six states- we can make it happen everywhere. Marriage is a civil right!

diversity is a good thing: why sonia sotomayor is a good pick for supreme court

2009-06-02T05:34:00.005-05:00

Ever since President Obama made his first Supreme Court pick last week, both sides of the political aisle have been discussing whether or not she is a good choice.

Here's a little info on Sonia Sotomayor, provided by Wikipedia:

Sonia Sotomayor is a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. On May 26, 2009, President Barack Obama nominated Judge Sotomayor for appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice David Souter. If confirmed, she would be the court's first Hispanic justice and third female justice.

That last sentence has caused quite a bit of controversy. Before she was even nominated, The New Republic published a hit piece on Sotomayor which was quickly distributed through the conservative community and became the meme when the issue was raised in debate. She was called the "affirmative action" nominee by Pat Buchanan. Bill O'Reilly and his panelists called Sotomayor's record "disturbing." But the worst condemnation of Sotomayor has come from something she said in 2001 when discussing gender and national origin:

“I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life."

The White House is trying to play it off as "poor word choice," but she meant what she said. And it doesn't make her a racist in the slightest, as Newt Gingrich and Rush Limbaugh would have you believe.

It isn't that hard to figure out. Diversity is a good thing. How could a group of nine white men always come to a decision for us all? The Supreme Court should be just as diverse and colorful as the United States- the people that represent us should look like us. It's not affirmative action and it's not choosing someone less qualified because of race or gender.

An American from Puerto Rican descent and humble beginnings may bring a world of different experience to the table when discussing an issue before the Court. She may not always have a better decision than a white male, but she could have a different take on it that could make someone look at it differently. And in a country with so many Hispanics, doesn't it only make sense that on a court of nine justices, at least one would be there representing the Hispanic community and their collective interests? The same goes for her being a woman: we've had women on the Court for years now, but it's because it only makes sense.

By all means, choose the most qualified candidate. But yes, I want a woman on the Court. And yes, I want blacks, Hispanics, Asians, gays, and Muslims to serve as well. There are plenty of highly-qualified minorities out there willing to serve in that capacity, and kudos to President Obama for choosing one of them. We need as many American voices in the mix as possible to find the truly American answer to any given question.

So yes, Limbaugh. et al. In some cases, your experiences that amass from not being a white male sometimes do make you uniquely more qualified to serve on the Supreme Court.

maine becomes fifth state to recognize marriage equality

2009-05-06T13:36:00.003-05:00

Another day, another state.

Today, same-sex marriage is now legal in Maine, the fifth state in the U.S. to recognize marriage equality. After both houses of the state legislature passed a marriage bill, Gov. John Baldacci signed the bill within an hour.

"I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage," said Baldacci, a Democrat.
But he raised the possibility that the residents of the state would overturn the law, saying, "Just as the Maine Constitution demands that all people are treated equally under the law, it also guarantees that the ultimate political power in the State belongs to the people."
Three other states -- Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa -- allow same-sex marriages. Vermont has passed a law making gay and lesbian marriages legal that takes effect in September. New Hampshire lawmakers are close to passing a similar bill.
On Tuesday, the Washington City Council voted to recognize same-sex marriages from states that allow those unions. Mayor Adrian Fenty has indicated that he will sign the measure. It will become law if Congress fails to overturn the measure during a 30-day review period.

Congratulations to those that worked hard for this victory in Maine, and we encourage other states on the verge, such as New Hampshire and New York, to come to similar conclusions. If conservatives really consider marriage equality to be a states' rights issue, then they won't mind if states continue to rule in favor of marriage equality.

neil durrance announces campaign for congress

2009-05-05T18:35:00.005-05:00

Chairman of the Denton County Democratic Party Neil Durrance has announced his intention to run for U.S. Congress in the 26th Congressional District in Texas.

Read the press release below.

Neil L. Durrance, an attorney and Chairman of the Denton County Democratic Party, today announced his campaign for Congress in the 26th Congressional District.

“For too long, Rep. Burgess has voted against the best interests of Texans. We need real leadership in Washington that puts partisanship aside to find solutions to the challenges we face. I will work with both Democrats and Republicans to turn the economy around, improve access to quality, affordable health care, and invest in the next generation of leaders by strengthening education.”

Mr. Durrance’s campaign will focus on bringing fiscal responsibility to government, creating jobs in the district, making educational opportunities available people of all ages, and improving health care.

Neil Durrance has practiced law since 1981, served as a City Council member, and was elected Chair of the Denton County Democratic Party in 2007. Filing with the FEC allows Mr. Durrance to begin the fundraising phase of the campaign. During this phase the organizational structure of the campaign, including staff, will be put in place. A formal public announcement is expected in late fall 2009.

Questions should be directed to durranceforcongress@gmail.com.

joe the plumber needs to go away

2009-05-05T18:25:00.004-05:00

We've got a memo for Joe the Plumber.

The 2008 presidential election is over, John McCain lost, and nobody cares about you anymore.

Samuel Wurzelbacher, known affectionately during last year's campaign as Joe the Plumber, has decided to try and get another fifteen minutes in the spotlight. This time, he slurred gays and lesbians, saying he'd never allow "queers" near his children.

"Queer means strange and unusual. It's not like a slur, like you would call a white person a honky or something like that. You know, God is pretty explicit in what we're supposed to do--what man and woman are for. Now, at the same time, we're supposed to love everybody and accept people, and preach against the sins. I've had some friends that are actually homosexual. And, I mean, they know where I stand, and they know that I wouldn't have them anywhere near my children. But at the same time, they're people, and they're going to do their thing."

It's alright, Joe. Honestly, I understand that there are ignorant, prejudiced, redneck assholes out there and they're going to do their thing, but I wouldn't want them around the kids.

(P.S. We apologize that our site hasn't been updated in a while. Hopefully that'll change.)

the timetable: iraq war to end by august 2010

2009-02-27T14:29:00.002-06:00

"By August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end," President Barack Obama promised today in a speech before a group of U.S. Marines at Camp Lejeune.

As a candidate for President, I made clear my support for a timeline of 16 months to carry out this drawdown, while pledging to consult closely with our military commanders upon taking office to ensure that we preserve the gains we've made and protect our troops. Those consultations are now complete, and I have chosen a timeline that will remove our combat brigades over the next 18 months.

Let me say this as plainly as I can: by August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end.

As we carry out this drawdown, my highest priority will be the safety and security of our troops and civilians in Iraq. We will proceed carefully, and I will consult closely with my military commanders on the ground and with the Iraqi government. There will surely be difficult periods and tactical adjustments. But our enemies should be left with no doubt: this plan gives our military the forces and the flexibility they need to support our Iraqi partners, and to succeed.

State Board of Education Approves Science Standards Supporting Evolution

2009-01-22T22:25:00.014-06:00

Overturning a controversial standard enacted twenty years ago, the Texas State Board of Education on Thursday dealt a huge blow to creationists by striking down requirements in the science curriculum standards to teach the "strengths and weaknesses" of evolution. The board apparently was persuaded by a panel of science educators who argued that the existing standard misrepresents the debate over the mechanisms of evolution to falsely imply that scientific consensus on the theory does not exist.

The "strengths and weaknesses" argument was added to the Texas science curriculum in the eighties due to pressure from religious conservatives. Today's tie vote of 7-7 narrowly repudiates the anti-science wing of the state board, led by home-schooler and Republican ringleader David Bradley.

The Texas Freedom Network's live blog has a rundown of the day's votes. On a key amendment, the following members, all Republicans, voted in favor of teaching the "strengths and weaknesses" of evolution: Barbara Cargill, Ken Mercer, Cynthia Dunbar, Don McLeroy, Gail Lowe, Terri Leo and David Bradley.

Voting against the amendment were Mary Berlanga, Mavis Knight, Rick Agosto, and Lawrence Allen, all Democrats. In addition, Republicans Bob Craig, Pat Hardy and Geraldine Miller had the fortitude to buck the Republican leadership by also voting against the amendment. Rene Nunez (D- El Paso) was absent for the first vote but voted against a second, similar amendment introduced later in the proceedings.

Gail Lowe, representing Denton's own district 14, is quoted in the proceedings as saying, “There is no one opinion from science teachers or from science experts.” Actually, within the scientific community there is universal consensus on the validity of evolution. Read this statement from the National Academy of Sciences:

Creationism, intelligent design, and other claims of supernatural intervention in the origin of life or of species are not science because they are not testable by the methods of science [...] Documentation offered in support of these claims is typically limited to the special publications of their advocates. These publications do not offer hypotheses subject to change in light of new data, new interpretations, or demonstration of error. [...]

No body of beliefs that has its origin in doctrinal material rather than scientific observation, interpretation, and experimentation should be admissible as science in any science course [...] Science has been greatly successful at explaining natural processes, and this has led not only to increased understanding of the universe but also to major improvements in technology and public health and welfare. The growing role that science plays in modern life requires that science, and not religion, be taught in science classes.

The news was not all good. Two amendments pushed by the religious conservatives on the board managed to squeak through. One calls into question the "common descent" theory of evolution, and the second opens the door to the "young earth" fanatics by encouraging challenges to theories regarding “the structure, scale, composition, origin and history of the universe.”

The fight is not over. A second vote is scheduled for Friday, and the final vote on science standards is scheduled for March.

Celebrate Obama's Inauguration with the Denton County Democrats!

2009-01-19T21:57:00.010-06:00

The Denton County Democratic Party will be hosting an Inauguration Party at the Prairie House in Denton on the evening of January 20th to celebrate the inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama. The Prairie House is located at 10001 Highway 380 in Denton, TX.

All Denton County Democrats are invited to attend. The event will be held from 6:30 until 10:30 pm. Attendees will view the inaugural celebrations and discuss the events of the day. There is no cover charge, and food and drink will be available at the expense of individual participants. The entire Prairie House has been reserved for the event.

Parties of eight or more wishing to reserve a table should contact the Prairie House directly at 940-440-9760. For further information on this or other Denton County Democratic Party sponsored events, contact the DCDP Events Chairman at 972-219-0401.

The Denton County Democratic Party urges all interested parties to come and celebrate “Change in America.”

Watch the following video and listen to President-elect Obama's Inaugural speech at the Lincoln Memorial. Then join the Denton County Democrats on this historic night as we proudly celebrate the inauguration of our 44th president.

bill white announces senate run

2008-12-17T16:35:00.001-06:00

You can read more about Houston Mayor Bill White at Capitol Annex.

salazar, vilsack chosen for obama cabinet

2008-12-17T16:00:00.000-06:00

The president-elect made two new cabinet announcements today -- former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack has been appointed as secretary of agriculture, and Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar was tapped for secretary of the interior.

"Together, they will serve as guardians of the American landscape on which the health of our economy and the well-being of our families so heavily depend," Obama said in introducing Salazar and Vilsack as his latest Cabinet picks. "How we harness our natural resources, from the farmlands of Iowa to the springs of Colorado, will speak not only to our quality of life, but to our economic growth and our energy future."

Obama made several other Cabinet announcements this week -- the superintendent of public schools in Chicago, Arne Duncan, will be secretary of education, and an entire energy and climate team was announced in anticipation for combating global warming.

Obama, promising to address global warming and energy sources, formally named the rest of his team today: physics Nobel laureate Dr. Steven Chu as his Energy Secretary; Lisa Jackson as his Environmental Protection Agency Administrator; Nancy Sutley as his chair of the Council on Environmental Quality; and Carol Browner as assistant to the president for Energy and Climate Change, a new post.

At the beginning of the month, the president-elect rolled out his national security team. He has also made appointments to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Commerce.

no open couch at white house for the obamas

2008-12-12T21:07:00.000-06:00

The president-elect has asked and has been denied an early entrance to the Blair House in the new year, according to the New York Times.

The White House has turned down a request from the family of President-elect Barack Obama to move into Blair House in early January so that his daughters can start school on Jan. 5.
The Obamas were told that Blair House, where incoming presidents usually stay in the five days before Inauguration Day, is booked in early January, a spokesperson to the Obama transition said. “We explored the idea so that the girls could start school on schedule,’ the spokesperson said. “But, there were previously scheduled events and guests that couldn’t be displaced.”

It remained unclear who on Bushes guest list outranked the incoming President.

White House spokespeople have said that the press is making an issue out of nothing, and that they are not planning on releasing the private schedule for the Blair House.

The Blair House will become available to the Obamas on Jan. 15.

daschle picked for health and human services

2008-12-11T14:01:00.000-06:00

Tom Daschle will head the Health and Human Services Department, President-Elect Obama announced today in a news conference.

Daschle’s pick was overshadowed by the high drama of Obama’s first news conference since the scandal surrounding his Illinois Senate seat broke, but both men pressed on.

Obama announced that Daschle, 61, also will head the White House Office of Health Reform, and that his deputy in that job will be Jeanne Lambrew, his co-author on a book on health care reform.

In addition to the HHS post, Daschle, a former U.S. senator for South Dakota as well as Majority Leader from 2001-2003, will craft Obama's universal health care plan.

clinton would take pay cut at state department

2008-12-11T13:40:00.001-06:00

Recent reports on the blogosphere claimed that Sen. Hillary Clinton may have faced an uphill battle against the Constitution during her nomination hearings.

An obscure section on compensation for public officials, the Emoluments Clause, says that no member of Congress can be appointed to a government post if that job's pay was increased during the lawmaker's current term.

As it turns out, the position of secretary of State received a pay raise during Clinton's tenure as New York's junior senator. So in order to keep things on the up and up, her congressional colleagues have changed it back.

Clinton would make about $4,700 less as secretary of state than her predecessor, Condoleezza Rice.

Congress late Wednesday lowered the salary for the nation's top diplomat to keep Clinton's nomination from running afoul of the Constitution.

Clinton's new salary will be $186,600, still an improvement over her compensation as a senator.

Not everyone is pleased, though, and conservative watchdog groups may challenge her appointment as the nation's top diplomat, not sure that Congress' pay cut satisfies the constitutional requirement.

But Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, said Thursday that Congress’ action has never been tested in court, and he says his group is considering litigation in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to challenge her appointment.

“In our view, it is an end-run around the Constitution,” Fitton said. “We are contemplating our next steps.”

Clinton's confirmation hearings will likely begin next month.

will the blagojevich scandal hurt obama?

2008-12-11T13:26:00.001-06:00

We're sure you've heard all about the Rod Blagojevich scandal by now -- the governor of Illinois thinking he could get away with basically selling President-Elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat, and then getting caught, the way politicians always do.

Although the Illinois governor has been under investigation on federal corruption charges for years (as most Chicago politicians are, by default), Blagojevich’s arrest on Tuesday morning at his home definitely sealed the deal.

Aside from numerous other charges, Blagojevich was indicted for “wide-ranging criminal conspiracy,” including his efforts to “sell or trade” President-elect Obama’s vacant Senate seat in exchange for financial benefits for him and his wife, Patti. What is this, wife swapping?

On Tuesday afternoon, the governor appeared in court and was released on $4,500 bail. And now, he’s back at work. Unless Illinois lawmakers act fast to impeach, Blagojevich will still be able to name Obama’s successor. In other words, he’s still open for business.

Obama claims he did not know about and had no involvement in the scandal. In fact, some reports show that someone on Obama's staff may have actually blown the whistle on the governor's office.

The President-elect gamely fielded three questions on the issue and addressed it in his opening remarks, saying (twice) that he was appalled and disappointed "by the revelations earlier this week." He declared that he "had no contact with the governor's office" and "did not speak to the governor" about the process of who should replace him as Senator. "That I know for certain," Obama said.

Do you believe him? Do you think the public will? Or will this home-state scandal tied so closely to the new president affect his credibility? You decide.

So far, others have also been implicated in the scandal -- including Jesse Jackson, Jr., who reportedly offered up to $500,000 in fundraising for the governor in exchange for the vacant Senate seat.

homeless in austin: an insider's view

2008-12-09T13:03:00.001-06:00

Our friend and fellow blogger, Steve at Doing My Part for the Left, has been hit hard by the shoddy economy, and after losing his job has found himself homeless. We are helping him broadcast his story by re-posting it here. You may see it on other Texas sites, as well, because Steve has many friends in the blogosphere and we're all interested in helping in any way we can. Like Julie at MOMocrats puts it, "We're going to have to drastically change the way we think, work, and live---drastically change our expectations of what we will have and get, and fight as hard as he has to hold on to what we've got."

Hard times have hit us all at one time or another. We have seen the high unemployment numbers and the dismal forecast for economy in America. I never thought as a college graduate I would have an inside view of the day to day struggles of the homeless but I am there and will share my experiences so that people might gain a better insight and understanding of the plight we are facing in America.

I have been unemployed since March of 2008. Without unemployment benefits, I took to couch surfing and doing odd jobs for cash. Once the 2008 general elections were over and a new era in American History began, I started a new journey of my own. I spent a few weeks in a weekly motel that cost enough per week that I could have rented an apartment if I had not been evicted back in June. I realized that not only had I run out of money but I had also run out of options. I finally had to admit I needed more help than was available and I would have to take drastic steps. I moved my computer and many possessions that would not fit in a rolling suitcase and left them with a friend. I spent one last night on another friend's sofa and then I was truly on the streets and homeless.

I arrived at Sally (The Salvation Army) and found out they do a raffle every morning for beds that become available in the men's dorm. I was there at 8:45 am and waited as I watched more and more men file in hoping to get a bed for Wednesday night. The counselor came out and asked how many men were there for a bed. 15 men ranging in age from 18 to 70 raised their hands. The counselor said they only had two beds. As he walked around the room with a hat with 15 slips of paper, he informed us if we got a number we had a bed but if not we would have to try again the next day. I was not one of the lucky ones.

Realizing I had to do something I started asking questions and was told that I could try the lottery at ARCH (Austin Resource Center for the Homeless) at 6pm. I took my rolling suitcase and Netroots nation bag and headed over to ARCH to ask questions. I had to wait in line to get in and then have my bags go through an x-ray security machine like the ones they sue at the airport and then file through a metal detector. I went to the desk and asked what I need to do and to verify times for the lottery. I was also informed that if the temperature was below 40 degrees, they would allow more people to stay. The first night I was lucky enough to draw a number which meant I could sleep on a mat on the floor in the lobby of ARCH.

Once the lottery was over I was led into the building and told I would have to take a shower. The ARCH does not provide towels and since I had not thought to back one, I had to dry off with paper towels. I was then given a thin pallet to sleep on. Well, I would not exactly call it sleeping. I lay on the pallet with a coat and a sweatshirt rolled up as a pillow. I had another coat that I used as a blanket. I was close to the stairs that led upstairs to the bathrooms and people were walking by my head all night. There was snoring, coughing, people crying out in their sleep and even a few arguments. Lights out was at 9:30 but if you have ever been by ARCH you know they have security lights that are on 24/7. Reading was not a problem since I could not really sleep. At 4:30 am the people on the first floor were awakened so they could start setting up the lobby for the day. They served us coffee and granola bars. I had survived my first night as a homeless person.

The next two nights I was lucky enough to win cold weather lotteries and spend the night at two different churches who fed us dinner and breakfast before sending us back to ARCH. On Saturday morning, I was finally able to get assigned a bed at Sally. I no longer have to fear not having a bed as long as I follow all the rules. There are many rules and hoops you must jump through to qualify for the different programs and I will be discussing those and my life as a homeless person in future installments. Being limited to an hour on a computer at the library and having to have others post for me, restricts what I can do as a blogger. Look for future installments soon.

You can read Part Two here.

richardson to head commerce

2008-12-08T21:19:00.001-06:00

As President-Elect Barack Obama continues to name his Cabinet members, we're more and more impressed. The overly-qualified New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson will become the Secretary of Commerce in the new administration.

Our friends at Dos Centavos argue that sending Richardson to Commerce is a good move. Richardson takes up the post with experience in creating jobs and with negotiation. He was also the governor of a border state, and is uniquely qualified to handle issues of undocumented labor.

We wish Richardson luck in his new position, and welcome him to the Obama administration!

now playing: milk

2008-12-08T17:17:00.002-06:00

Gus Van Sant's biopic of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the U.S., is now playing in theatres.

Go see Milk today! It's sure to be nominated for countless awards, and we think it was one of the best films of the year. Just don't see it at Cinemark! Harvey Milk would not have wanted companies supporting Prop 8 to benefit from him.

The movie depicts Milk, played by Sean Penn, and chronicles his rise and fall, culminating in his assassination. This is definitely a must-see movie! It also stars James Franco, Josh Brolin, and Emile Hirsch.

Update: Milk is already set to receive its first major award!

a resounding endorsement

2008-12-01T13:52:00.001-06:00

Cecile Richards, the president of Planned Parenthood, issued a resounding endorsement today of President-Elect Barack Obama's choice of Sen. Hillary Clinton as his secretary of state designate.

The selection of Senator Clinton represents an important first step down a new path for American foreign policy -- an enormous shift represented by the selection of a champion of women's health and rights to be in charge of America foreign policy.

As first lady and as a U.S. senator, Hillary Clinton visited more than 80 nations, but for a majority of the world's population, her unique quality may be her gender. Senator Clinton understands that improving the status of women is not simply a moral imperative; it is necessary to building democracies around the globe. Improving the status of women is key to creating stable families, stable communities, and stable countries. Women's ability to control the size of their families, regardless of economics, nationality, or culture, has a direct impact on their economic well-being and that of their children. Senator Clinton understands that women's quality of life directly affects the major issues confronting the globe: national security, environmental sustainability, and global poverty.

Read the rest of the article here. We agree with Richards -- Clinton is a magnificent pick for this job. We congratulate her and are excited to continue on this journey with Obama, Clinton, and the rest of the new team for a new America.

the obama administration

2008-12-01T10:01:00.000-06:00

This morning, President-Elect Barack Obama announced his cabinet. We congratulate the picks and hope the Senate will provide a quick confirmation for the new Obama administration. Meet the newcoming presidential team below.

Joe Biden, Vice President

Rahm Emanuel, Chief of Staff

Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State

Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense

Timothy Geithner, Secretary of the Treasury

Eric Holder, U.S. Attorney General

James L. Jones, National Security Adviser

Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security

Robert Gibbs, Press Secretary

Susan Rice, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations

Following today's announcement of the national security team, we're still awaiting announcements from the president-elect on his choices for domestic leaders for Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Education, and Secretary of Health and Human Services.

the black list

2008-11-29T23:07:00.000-06:00

Our friends at The Texas Cloverleaf have compiled a list of those in North Texas who felt the need to help legislate hate this election season. The Cloverleaf's info shows that such bigwigs as the CEO of Cinemark Theaters spent thousands of dollars to help pass California's Proposition 8, which denied the rights of gays and lesbians to marry there.

Check out the full list and make sure you aren't a patron of any of these businesses.

attorney general collapses during speech

2008-11-21T00:52:00.000-06:00

The Washington Post has breaking news about U.S. Attorney General Mukasey:

Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey collapsed last evening while delivering a speech to a prominent legal group and was rushed to George Washington University Hospital.

Mukasey remained at the hospital overnight for observation but a Justice Department spokesman said Mukasey had strong vital signs and was "in good spirits" after the incident, which occurred at an annual Federalist Society gathering. A person who attended the dinner said Mukasey was visibly shaking and perhaps slurring his words before he fell to the floor.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mukasey and his family tonight. We're hoping for a speedy recovery.

the trashing of a former president (throwing bill clinton under the bus)

2008-11-19T10:47:00.003-06:00

It began during the Democratic primary, when detractors began accusing former President Bill Clinton of being a racist.

Since then, people have blamed Clinton for sinking his wife Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential ambitions. People, especially the pundits, have been chattering since before the New York senator even conceded about the former president's role on the campaign trail.

After his wife's concession and endorsement of Barack Obama for president, they continued to denigrate Bill Clinton by saying that he wasn't fully on board, he wasn't doing what was asked of him by the Obama campaign, that he didn't really want Obama to be elected, and that he and Hillary would likely vote for John McCain so she could run for president again in four years.

Now, as reports abound that Hillary has been offered the secretary of state position in the incoming Obama administration, the networks can't stop discussing whether or not Bill will cost her the cabinet post.

I think it's high time that we take a step back and remember the 1990s. Under President Clinton's purview, economic growth was positive. And when Clinton left office, armed conflict around the world was at an all-time low. We truly were experiencing a time of peace and prosperity.

And even though the Clintons lost the health care battle in their day, their hard work on introducing the issue on the national stage will make it that much easier for the Obama administration to assemble and pass a national health care plan.

Let's stop attempting to tarnish President Clinton's legacy, and instead honor and respect the great work that was accomplished in the Clinton years. The Republicans have done enough to try and bring down the Clintons-- we don't need good Democrats following their lead.

democrats take alaskan senate seat

2008-11-18T20:22:00.002-06:00

Last week, we told you about three Senate races to watch, as Democrats continued to fight in different parts of the country in too-close-to-call election bids.

At least one of them is going to have a happy ending.

While we wait for the runoff in Georgia and the recount in Minnesota, the tallies are nearly complete in Alaska and it appears that Sen. Ted Stevens, the long-standing Alaskan Republican known in his state as "Uncle Ted", will lose his seat to Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich.

Sen. Ted Stevens, the longest serving Republican in Senate history, narrowly lost his re-election bid Tuesday, marking the downfall of a pillar of the U.S. Senate and Alaska icon who apparently couldn't survive his conviction on federal corruption charges. His defeat to Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich moves Senate Democrats closer to a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority.
Stevens' ouster on his 85th birthday marks an abrupt realignment in Alaska politics and will alter the power structure in the Senate, where he has served since the days of the Johnson administration while holding seats on some of the most influential committees in Congress.

The slim margin by which Begich has prevailed may trigger a recount, but reports say that the remaining ballots to be counted come from Anchorage, where Begich is the mayor.

Stevens' downfall was being indicted and found guilty of seven charges of making false statements. The lame duck senator could face up to five years of prison for each count.

Things are looking up on Sarah Palin's cold frontier.

vice president cheney indicted

2008-11-18T19:36:00.000-06:00

In the waning days of the Bush administration, we've come to not expect a lot of action from the lame ducks. But a Federal grand jury doesn't think we should forget about what's happened over the last eight years.

A grand jury in south Texas indicted Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on separate charges related to alleged prisoner abuse in federal detention centers, Willacy County District Attorney Juan Angel Guerra told CNN Tuesday.
On the southern tip of Texas, Willacy County is on the United States-Mexico border.

Democratic state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. is also charged in the indictment. Michael R. Cowen, an attorney for Lucio, issued a statement calling Guerra a "one man circus."

Cheney is the first vice president to be indicted by a Federal grand jury since Aaron Burr in 1803. We're going to be following this story closely, as the outcome could be very, very interesting. What do you think should happen to the outgoing vice president?

All we can say is, "Wow!"

protesting prop 8 in washington, dc

2008-11-15T17:01:00.004-06:00

We hope you were able to attend one of the more than 300 protests around the country today in opposition to California's Proposition 8 which reversed marriage equality.

We were able to attend the march on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and were happy to join with thousands of others in support of equal rights for all families. There was very little resistance and lots of those on the roads were honking and waving in support, including a Metro bus driver. The march began at the Reflecting Pool in front of the U.S. Capitol and ended at the White House, where a helicopter could be seen landing toward the end of the march. Wonder if President Bush witnessed our demonstration?

Throughout the march, protesters chanted: "What do we want? EQUAL RIGHTS. When do we want it? NOW!" It was an invigorating experience for those involved as they marched on Washington, many for the first time. Signs read, "Hate is not a family value," "Let's vote on your marriage," among hundreds of other creative slogans against hate.

People were fired up for marriage equality. Even pouring rain didn't end our march for rights!

If you have pictures and stories from protests in North Texas, send us a note at northtexasliberal@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you about your experience.

We've already heard that over 2,000 people attended the rally in Austin. We're proud of our fellow Texans for standing up for equality!

UPDATE: Pictures from the Houston rally can be found here and pictures from Austin here. Thanks for the tips!

secretary of state clinton?

2008-11-13T19:22:00.001-06:00

All of the hard work that Sen. Hillary Clinton put in by hitting the campaign trail and making eloquent and passionate speeches on behalf of Barack Obama was paid off on Election Day, but she may be in for yet another reward.

Rumor has it that President-Elect Obama is not interested in the names that are vying for the Secretary of State slot in his new administration, such as Sen. John Kerry and Gov. Bill Richardson.

Two Obama advisers have told NBC News that Hillary Clinton is under consideration to be secretary of state. Would she be interested? Those who know Clinton say possibly. But her office says that any decisions about the transition are up to the president-elect and his team.

Speculation increased after Clinton boarded a flight to Chicago today, though an adviser claimed it was for personal business.

UPDATE: ABC News has a a knowledgeable source calling talks of Clinton being tapped "very serious" and Politico reports Obama sources calling her "the favorite."

grandma returns (strayhorn to run for austin mayor)

2008-11-12T21:58:00.001-06:00

Remember One Tough Grandma?

Carole Keeton Strayhorn, former State Comptroller and Austin mayor, is ready to jump back into the political scene after a failed bid for governor in 2006.

Burnt Orange Report says that Strayhorn has appointed a treasurer and filed necessary paperwork to run for mayor of Austin.

This should be interesting!

Strayhorn served as Austin's mayor for three terms, from 1977 to 1983. Her resume also includes several other notable accomplishments:

She is the first woman elected as mayor of Austin and the first Austin mayor elected to three consecutive terms. She was the first woman elected to the Texas Railroad Commission and the first woman elected as comptroller. She also was the first woman to serve as president of the Austin school board and as president of the Austin Community College board.

Throughout Strayhorn's lengthy career in Texas politics, she has been a Democrat, a Republican, and most recently an independent. We hear that the mayor position in Austin is supposed to be non-partisan, but we still wonder what she'll be this time!

it's not over (dems fight on in three states)

2008-11-12T21:31:00.000-06:00

You may have thought that the elections were over and done with as soon as you heard the words "President-Elect," but three Democrats across the country are fighting on for Senate seats as their races are still too close to call.

In Minnesota, comedian-turned-politician Al Franken is trying to unseat Republican Sen. Norm Coleman. The state is undertaking what appears to be a recount as only about 200 votes separate the two candidates.

Down in Georgia, Democratic candidate Jim Martin has forced Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss into a runoff election. We'll know the fate of that Senate seat after the results come in from the Dec. 2 contest. (By the way, Chambliss seems to think that he's in a runoff because so many black people voted in Georgia.)

And finally, there's a showdown taking place in Sarah Palin's stomping grounds of Alaska! It seems that voters, even those that are traditonally Republican, don't take kindly to their senator being convicted of three felonies during a re-election campaign. Alaskan officials are still counting the votes, which at last count showed Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich ahead by a razor-thin margin of only three votes. The state Democratic Party is "cautiously optimistic."

It's going to take hard work, but Democrats could win these three seats. And if that were to happen, they would be entering the next session of Congress with a filibuster-proof supermajority of 60 solid Democratic votes, with or without Joe Lieberman in the caucus.

We can't wait to see the results of these exciting races! We'll keep you posted on the outcomes. In the meantime, please consider making contributions to Jim Martin's runoff campaign in Georgia.

stop the hate, defeat prop 8

2008-11-11T20:20:00.000-06:00

This weekend, thousands upon thousands of people of all stripes will gather at designated sites across the nation in order to protest the inevitable passage of California's Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that will likely repeal the legal marriages of thousands of gay couples in that state.

There are two events of this kind in North Texas, so take your pick and show up to one or the other. The time for silence is over. It's time to stand up and fight for our rights and the rights of our family, friends, and neighbors.

PROP 8 PROTESTS

Dallas
WHEN: Saturday Nov. 15, 2008 @ 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Dallas City Hall @ 1500 Marilla Dr.
FACEBOOK PAGE

Denton
WHEN: Saturday Nov. 15, 2008 @ 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Courthouse on the Square @ 110 W. Hickory St.
FACEBOOK PAGE

honoring our veterans

2008-11-11T15:26:00.000-06:00

stop the hate - dallas protest tomorrow

2008-11-08T13:40:00.000-06:00

Stop the hate in Dallas!

Here's your chance to speak out against bigotry and hate in our hometown.

Tomorrow morning, a local church called First Baptist Dallas plans to give a hateful sermon preaching about why it's not okay to be gay. If you disagree with this assessment and think that it's okay, in your eyes and God's, to be who you are, please attend tomorrow's protest.

Please be at 1707 San Jacinto in Dallas tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. for the protest.

brimer not letting go

2008-11-05T20:02:00.001-06:00

Apparently, Kim Brimer isn't ready to let go.

PoliTex says that this afternoon, the Wendy Davis campaign had yet to receive a congratulatory call, and no concession statement had been made from the state senator, a Tarrant County Republican.

Brimer, who lost by about 7,000 votes to the former Fort Worth City Councilwoman, was unavailable for comment when called Tuesday night by the Star-Telegram. His campaign spokesman, Jarod Cox, said they were waiting for more complete results before commenting.

When 100 percent of the precincts were reported by Tarrant County elections officials late Tuesday night, Brimer still did not call with a comment.

Let's no be quick to judge this is a poor sportsmanship- after all, it's a definite possibility that Brimer really isn't ready to let go and that he'll continue to challenge Davis' eligibility even after her election.

tie game (dems make gains in texas house)

2008-11-05T18:09:00.001-06:00

Texas Democrats may have failed to elect any of their statewide slate yesterday, but they did make inroads in the Texas Legislature.

With most of the races completed, Democrats have picked up a net gain of three seats in the 150-member House. They flipped six seats that had been held by Republicans and lost three of their own seats. And there's an Irving seat where GOP incumbent Linda Harper-Brown has eeked by with a 25-vote margin (out of 40,700 votes cast), but there are still provisional ballots to count and a recount in the race is almost certain.

If the Democrats are able to flip Harper-Brown's seat in a recount, then the Texas House would be tied with 75 Republican members and 75 Democrats. That could mean that a speaker race which could end with a Democrat as Speaker of the Texas House.

As we head into redistricting, it's more important than ever to have Democrats in control of the state legislature. And it's looking more and more like a real possibility after yesterday.

wendy wins! (davis defeats brimer in sd10)

2008-11-05T17:50:00.000-06:00

After a grueling campaign in which her opponent continuously plagued the campaign with legal battles, former Ft. Worth city councilwoman Wendy Davis is the winner in Senate District 10.

Tarrant County voters chose to send change to Austin, rejecting the same old divisive Republican tricks offered by Kim Brimer.

Congratulations, Wendy! You endured a hard-fought campaign and we hope you're enjoying this moment- we can't wait for you to get to work in Austin to continue your tradition of making Tarrant County and Texas better with your service. Thank you, and way to go!

OBAMA ELECTED PRESIDENT

2008-11-04T22:01:00.000-06:00

Sen. Barack Obama, an Illinois Democrat, has been elected president of the United States, according to major network projections.

real-time election results on twitter

2008-11-04T17:02:00.000-06:00

North Texas Liberal will keep you updated on real-time election results at our Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/nortexlib

vote vote vote vote vote vote vote

2008-11-04T01:22:00.000-06:00

this is it

2008-11-04T00:01:00.001-06:00

It seemed like this day would never come, but it's finally here.

Today is Election Day 2008. Hopefully, by tonight we'll know who'll be our next president.

With your help and your vote, we can usher in a new progressive era of hope and change. We can elect Democrats up and down the ballot that will help make the necessary reforms that will get our country headed back in the right direction. The results of this most consequential election will determine the future of our country. No less hangs in the balance.

Many have speculated what this country would look like if Al Gore had become the president eight years ago instead of George W. Bush. Let's not spend the next eight years wondering what might have been. Let's make our hopes and dreams a reality. Let's vote for real progress, instead of divisive Washington politics that's gotten us nowhere.

Let our vote be a resounding demand to end the war in Iraq, work toward universal health care, end tax cuts for corporations outsourcing our jobs, and become independent from foreign oil by investing in new and alternative forms of energy. Let our vote tell the government that we will no longer accept it prying into our bedrooms and doctor's offices, but will instead send it where it's most needed- our schools.

Most of all, let our vote tell the youth of this country that we care about their future. That we want them to inherit an earth better than that which we received.

We hope you'll take the time to vote today, if you haven't already. Vote for your future. And vote for ours.

North Texas Liberal endorses Barack Obama for president of the United States.

miller, kirk being considered for obama cabinet

2008-11-03T20:08:00.000-06:00

If Barack Obama wins the presidency tomorrow, one of his first and most important tasks will be deciding on the members of his cabinet. Rumors abound that some prominent Texans may be on the shortlist to become key players in an Obama administration- including two former Dallas mayors, Laura Miller and Ron Kirk.

Once again, Vince Leibowitz Capitol Annex has the scoop.

Congressman Chet Edwards (D-Waco) is reportedly a possibility for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs post in an Obama cabinet, but a longshot as him vacating his seat would undoubtedly leave it in Republican Hands. In addition, former Dallas Mayor Laura Miller is reportedly under consideration for an Obama administration post, although what that post might be and whether it is a cabinet-level post is uncertain.

We’ve also heard that Houston Mayor Bill White is “on the list,” for consideration, but for what post remains to be seen.

Leibowitz also notes that former Dallas mayor Ron Kirk may be up for Secretary of Commerce.

We've got our fingers crossed for both of our hometown candidates!

could alaska go blue?

2008-11-03T19:36:00.000-06:00

Of course it's a long shot, but new polling suggests that the conservative bastion of Alaska may be in play in tomorrow's presidential election.

Yes, the same Alaska whose governor, Sarah Palin, is the vice-presidential candidate on the GOP ticket.

A Hays Research statewide survey in Alaska taken yesterday gave John McCain 46.6% of the vote, while Barack Obama garnered 43.9%. Factoring in those that were leaning one way or the other, the numbers are 48-45. That would mean that the Democrats are only down in Alaska by a mere three points, which is within the margin of error of the poll.

According to RealClearPolitics, however, an average of October polling puts the Republican ticket more than 15 points ahead of Obama in the state.

While it would be a total rejection of the Republican Party if the Democrats were to prevail in Palin's home state, we think it's much more likely for Obama to carry McCain's state, Arizona.

palin continues desperate "terrorist" talk

2008-11-03T18:53:00.000-06:00

John McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, may have been going "rogue" again, but on the eve of tomorrow's historic election she continued a desperate line of attack against her opponents.

In the process, she's helping to confirm in people's minds how sad the back-to-the-wall Republican campaign has become.

At a rally in Missouri today, Palin asked:

"What do they think? Do they think the terrorists have all the sudden become the good guys and changed their minds? No, the terrorists still seek to destroy America and her allies and all that it is that we stand for: freedom, tolerance, and equality. The terrorists have not changed their minds."

You can watch a video of her remarks below.

We hope that the American people will repudiate this despicable style of negative campaign when they head to the polls tomorrow to elect a president. We don't need more dirty politics in Washington- we need change. Real change.

madelyn dunham, obama's grandmother, dies at 86

2008-11-03T16:32:00.000-06:00

Just hours before the election in which her grandson is the first major party black candidate for president, Barack Obama's grandmother Madelyn Dunham has died from cancer.

"She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances. She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring. Our debt to her is beyond measure."
Obama and [sister Maya] Soetoro-Ng asked that donations be made for the search for a cure for cancer in lieu of flowers. A small private ceremony will be held "at a later date."
Dunham passed away peacefully at her home shortly before midnight Sunday night (5 a.m. ET), campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki told CNN. She said Obama learned of her death around 8 a.m.
The Democratic presidential candidate left the campaign trail on October 23 and flew to Honolulu, Hawaii, to spend the day with Dunham, whose health deteriorated after she suffered a broken hip.
His wife, Michelle Obama, filled in for him at events in Columbus and Akron, Ohio, on October 24.
Obama said in an interview taped for that day's "Good Morning America" that Dunham had been "inundated" with flowers and messages from strangers who read about her in Obama's 1995 book, "Dreams From My Father."
"Maybe she is getting a sense of long-deserved recognition toward the end of her life," he said.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Obama family as they face this tragedy on the eve of the election. No matter who you're voting for tomorrow, please keep the Obamas in mind tonight.

twitter the vote!

2008-11-03T14:16:00.000-06:00

Texas Blog Roundup: November 3, 2008

2008-11-03T08:27:00.000-06:00

It is Monday, November 3, 2008. In less than 24 hours, the United States will have elected a new President and Texas will--hopefully--send Rick Noriega to the U.S. Senate and a host of new State Representatives and Senators to Austin.

In the meantime, here is your Election Eve edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's weekly roundup.

Bradley from North Texas Liberal lets us know that you should be careful not to lose your vote if you have to use an electronic voting machine, like TV personality Oprah Winfrey almost did.

jobsanger believes an avalanche of new voters could produce some surprises on election day, including the possibility that Georgia will turn blue, and even though an amazing 23% of Texans think Obama is muslim, a huge turnout in the urban areas and South Texas could produce some surprises in Texas, and early voting totals show this is happening.

Justin at AAA-Fund Blog is glad that 60% of Asian Americans polled in Harris County support the Democrats. He also is glad that voting this year was not a chore as it often feels. Justinurges everyone to support AAA-Fund's five Texas endorsees: Rick Noriega, Al Green, Nick Lampson, Hubert Vo, and Sandra VuLe.

It's been an exciting week for Democrats. First up was Hank Gilbert asking a Cornyn staffer to take a walk from a Rick Noriega event. Then there was Texas Blogger (and current TPA Chair) Vince Leibowitz spanking the Mike McCaul campaign for their amateurish content theft. Finally, we at McBlogger received word that Dr. Dobson had traveled to the future and didn't like what he saw. Which is something you'll probably love.

Vince at Capitol Annex tells us how State Rep. John Davis (R-Clear Lake) is sending out his wife to attack Netroots backed candidate Sherrie Matula (D-Houston). In return, he opens John Davis' own personal Pandora's Box and tells the world about Davis' record.

The Texas Cloverleaf notes that Barack Obama leads John McCain in fundraising in Denton County of all places! In nonpartisan news, while Obama is raising money, Ron Natinsky is spending it. The Dallas City Councilmember is spending your tax dollars on trinkets bearing his name. In shocking news, a 9 year old is electrocuted by a McCain-Palin yard sign. No, we couldn't make this stuff up if we wanted to.

After record breaking early voting in Williamson County, Eye On Williamson is ready for the general election. The HD-52 race has been the focus of attention this election cycle. The issues concerning voters in HD-52 include the Trans-Texas Corridor, insurance reform, and the economy. No matter the issue Diana Maldonado is the best choice in HD-52.

WhosPlayin looks at the early voting turnout in Texas' 26th Congressional District, and thinks Ken Leach just might be able to upset incumbent Michael Burgess. WhosPlayin asks you to guess whether this incident of political suppression happened in Liberia or Texas. (Hint: It was Harris County, Texas.) Most of all, WhosPlayin wants Denton County residents to get to the polls and VOTE!

Off the Kuff takes his last looks at early voting, and makes fun of some whining by Republican enablers Texans for Lawsuit Reform.

El Paso is going Democratic in a big way. As El Paso goes so should South Texas. CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme is looking for a blue, blue Thanksgiving!

BossKitty at TruthHugger is laments pre-election jitters, Oh The Stress Of It All - Op Ed, and how many years will it take to recover because, Divided We Fall.

Neil at Texas Liberal says think about the future when you vote. Don't be like Galveston voters who in 1886, 14 years before the 1900 hurricane, voted no on building a seawall. Texas Liberal also offers up a post on how Texans have voted for President since 1948, and, finally, submits for your review some election predictions.

Over at TexasKaos, TxSharon tells us that somebody is finally looking at the Barnett Shale Gas Wells . Its called accountability and its about time. Boadicea provides some excellent resources/talking points on the ACORN non-story. Give a look. TxSharon kicks off a lively debate on the the training of 4000 troops in the use of non-lethal weapons for possible domestic use.

Texas politics is screwed up for at least two obvious reasons this week: because Tom Craddick has his debates sponsored by AT&T -- complete with a lobbyist on the panel, and because 23% of all Texans think Barack Obama is a Muslim. The sad details at Brains and Eggs.

At Three Wise Men, Nat-Wu discusses the long tradition in the Republican of crying wolf about voter fraud in an effort to minorities from legitimately exercising their right to vote, and Xanthippas rips into anti-woman bloggers for brewing up a faux controversy over their DART bus ads.

oprah almost loses her vote!

2008-11-02T02:28:00.000-06:00

On a live show Friday, Oprah Winfrey said that she participated in early voting but was shocked when reviewing her ballot that the voting machine did not record her presidential choice on the first try. Luckily, she reviewed the ballot and was able to change it, but some people might not have given the ballot a second look.

"When I voted yesterday electronically, the first vote that you vote for on the ballot is the presidential candidate. It was my first time doing electronic, so I didn't mark the X strong enough, or I held down too long. Because then when I went back to check it, it had not recorded my presidential vote," she said.

She then simulated her meltdown, shaking and breathing heavily while stuttering out the words, "It didn't record my presidential vote."

It was a close call, but she could have lost her vote. Don't let it happen to you. If using a voting machine, be very careful to review your ballot and report any irregularities.

Otherwise, have fun and rock the vote!

can ken leach win in denton county?

2008-11-01T19:24:00.000-05:00

Our friends over at WhosPlayin have broken down the statistics to show that a victory for Democrat Ken Leach, who's running to unseat Rep. Michael Burgess, a CD-26 Republican, is not out of the question.

Can Democrats really pull off an upset in conservative Denton County?

Well, there's only one way it can happen. YOU have to get out the vote! When you go vote, take a friend, a sibling, a parent, a cousin, a neighbor. Make sure that every progressive voter you know makes it to the polls on Tuesday. This election is so important, and with so much within our grasp we can't afford any missed opportunities.

goolsby not happy about having to campaign

2008-10-31T15:35:00.000-05:00

Our friends over at Capitol Annex brought our attention to a little scoop involving good old Dallas Republican Tony Goolsby.

The uncouth state representative apparently said the following to the Associated Press: “I’m up to my ass in a damn campaign. This is the only job I’ve got and I’m trying to save it. Obama’s got people coming from the rafters.”

Folks, we've been hearing that Republicans across the state are sharing the same sentiments. They weren't expecting to have to defend their seats, but the Democrats are building a huge momentum.

We've said it before-- we're expecting some serious surprises and upsets on election day!

american stories, american solutions

2008-10-29T21:57:00.001-05:00

The following thirty-minute advertisement aired tonight on the major networks. If you've got a few minutes to spare, take a look at Barack Obama before heading to the voting booth on Tuesday.

palin eyes 2012, leaving mccain aides "speechless"

2008-10-29T20:25:00.000-05:00

It seems that even Sarah Palin is ready to jump off the sinking ship that is the John McCain campaign.

McCain's running mate Palin has already begun talking about her future aspirations if her ticket were to lose Tuesday's election.

ABC News is reporting that Palin has already begun talking about 2012:

In an interview with ABC News' Elizabeth Vargas, the Republican vice-presidential nominee was asked about 2012, whether she was discouraged by the daily attacks on the campaign trail, and would instead pack it in and return to her home state of Alaska.
"I think that, if I were to give up and wave a white flag of surrender against some of the political shots that we've taken, that would bring this whole … I'm not doing this for naught," Palin said.

On CNN, Dana Bash said that when she told a senior McCain adviser about Palin's remarks, that person was "speechless."

Are you surprised?

his choice

2008-10-29T16:12:00.001-05:00

It may go against conventional wisdom that the vice-presidential picks don't do a lot of mind-changing in the long-run, but I will say that I've spoken with several undecided voters and even Republicans who voted early for Barack Obama, and when asked why, Sarah Palin was at the top of the list.

It seems that the Palin pick has backfired.

She may prove to be a formidable candidate one day, but for now, she's just now ready. And it shows. John McCain is losing valuable votes because of his choice.

Watch Barack's compelling new ad below. It really makes you think doesn't it?

mccain and obama tied in arizona

2008-10-29T14:37:00.000-05:00

Along with red states West Virginia and Georgia, John McCain's home state of Arizona has been moved to the "Leaning McCain" column on the RealClearPolitics electoral map.

You read that right: the senator from Arizona may actually lose the state he represents.

The Arizona Republic reports that McCain's lead over his Democratic opponent has shriveled to only two points, and with a three point margin of error, the state is now an electoral toss up.

Sen. John McCain's once-comfortable lead in Arizona has all but evaporated, according to a new poll that has the underdog Republican presidential candidate struggling in his own backyard.

With less than a week until Election Day, McCain is leading his Democratic rival, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, by 2 points, 46 to 44, down from a 7-point lead a month ago and a double-digit lead this summer, according to a poll from Arizona State University.

This race is getting very interesting. We may be in for some surprises next Tuesday!

a special message from bill and hillary

2008-10-29T14:25:00.001-05:00

President Bill Clinton and Sen. Hillary Clinton sent the following message out to supporters. It's more important than ever to get out the vote! In Texas, early voting will continue this week or you can vote on Election Day, Nov. 4.

With Barack Obama and Joe Biden in the White House and bigger Democratic majorities in Congress, we're going to achieve things that didn't seem possible just a few years ago. But it's up to us to make it happen.

With only a few days left, it is crucial that we all do everything we can. Every single conversation, every single phone call, and every single volunteer could make a difference

Watch the video and sign up below to volunteer.

brimer calls texas blogger "lunatic"

2008-10-29T14:04:00.001-05:00

Fellow Texas blogger Bay Area Houston had a little run-in with State Sen. Kim Brimer, the SD-10 Republican whose seat may get taken in a few days by Fort Worth Democrat Wendy Davis.

Here's the description of John's encounter with Brimer in his own words:

Background:
I attended the Sunset Commission hearing on abolishing the Texas Residential Construction Commission. Prior to the meeting I had sent a letter to Brimer (see attached) asking him to recuse himself from the decision to abolish this commission because unlike the homeowners who will testify, Brimer can always just ask Bob Perry for more donations to buy another condo if the condo is defective. I was obviously referring to his rent to own scam.

The confrontation
While “teaching” a new homeowner the ropes in the capitol, I saw Brimer in the hall, so I asked him about the letter and if he would recuse himself from the decision. He immediately turned red and started yelling at me “You are a lunatic” “You are crazy” and then walked away.

Three times I asked Brimer to “Don’t turn away from me, let’s talk about this”. Each time he would turn around getting more red. He claimed I didn’t know what I was talking about, and got mad when I told him I had a copy of the Ethics complaint. He demanded a copy of it. (see attached. Notice this complaint was filed in late 2007 and is NOT the one filed by the Values PAC in Dallas)

Brimer again turned away until I said “Well, then we will discuss this at the hearing, with the media”. He turned around one last time and said “I’ll make sure you are not there!” (What that meant is beyond me!)

The conclusion
Anyway, he was there for the two day hearings, but he was noticably missing from the part on the homebuilders commission recommendation. Mission accomplished?

If you want to bring real change to Austin, make a last-minute contribution to the Wendy Davis campaign today, and if you live in Senate District 10, make sure you vote for her!

obama's closing argument

2008-10-27T23:19:00.001-05:00

"We have to work like our future depends on it this last week, because it does..." - Barack Obama

Texas Blog Roundup: October 27, 2008

2008-10-27T23:14:00.001-05:00

It's Monday, and that means it is time for another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance Weekly Roundp-Up. This week's edition is compiled by Vince from Capitol Annex.

Oh, and don't forget to vote early!

The Texas Cloverleaf helps spread the truth about ACORN.

McBlogger takes a look at our own Congressman from Clear Channel, Mike McCaul, and discovers that he is indeed different.

jobsanger points out the dysfunctional aspect of this year's Republican campaign, first in Palin Disagrees With McCain, and then in Repubs Can't See The Reality.

BossKitty at TruthHugger is sad to recognize that while America’s Foreign Policy Suffers - Unemployment Soars - Religion Goes Toxic America's short attention span has been grabbed by personal survival and courted by political and religious philosophies.

As early voting begins Eye On Williamson charts the early voting numbers in Williamson County. HD-52 Democratic candidate Diana Maldonado continues to rack up the endorsements and launches her latest ad, taking on the insurance companies and high homeowners insurance.

Neil at Texas Liberal posted the second part of his Who I Would Have Supported For President series. The latest entry covered the years 1824-1852.

Gary at Easter Lemming Liberal News is keeping the early voting info up for the voters who need it but did notice that all the PUMAs have come home to Obama.

Vince at Capitol Annex notes that the Texas Association of Business has finally pleaded guilty in connection with its 2002 violations of Texas' campaign financing laws and that State Rep. John Davis (R-Clear Lake) and State Sen. Kim Brimer (R-Fort Worth) have taken big bucks from a company the TCEQ fined more than a quarter million dollars last week for polluting.

CouldBeTrue from South Texas Chisme has some hints about how to get your specific sample ballot. Be prepared!

Off the Kuff analyzes the high level of early voting in Harris County so far.

XicanoPwr analyzes the GOP attack on ACORN and the disenfranchisement of thousands of voters carried out by Paul Bettencourt in Harris County.

John McCain describes the economy as a drive by shooting. The Texas Cloverleaf calls it a whack job.

North Texas Liberal reports on Sarah Palin's $150,000 shopping spree at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, and discusses why it could signal the end for her and John McCain's faltering campaign.

As Democrats in Harris County appear on the verge of something historic, the trends in the extraordinary early voting turnout portend the same blue surge that the rest of the country is about to experience. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs has the deets.

refinish69 at Doing My Part For The Left wants everyone to say thanks to Barbara at Avenue Gallery- NOT!!!

nytexan at Bluebloggin points out just how McCain and Palin are alike with their FEC violations. We’ve gone from 8 years of the “emperor has no clothes” to “the empress has new clothes.” The GOP is priceless. Palin is following in McCain’s footsteps for FEC violations, what a pair of mavericks. CREW Files FEC Complaint Against Palin. And, for McCain, apparently he and Palin have an affection for Russia; McCain’s New FEC Violation: Asks Russia For Campaign Money.

George at The Texas Blue wants you to know your job's not over just because you voted. We look at the early voting excitement across the state and remind you that it's critical to tell your friends and family to vote as well!

why it's not sexist to criticize palin's wardrobe

2008-10-27T00:01:00.002-05:00

If people were making fun of Gov. Sarah Palin's wardrobe choices, then The View co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck might have had a point when she was out stumping for Palin and her running mate, John McCain, but instead her attacks fell flat as she called criticisms of Palin's shopping spree "deliberately sexist."

Sorry, Elisabeth, but you're just flat out wrong on this one.

As we explained last week, the RNC spent $150,000 on a designer wardrobe for Palin's campaign appearances. This is relevant because Palin is attempting to appeal to Joe Sixpack and Joe the Plumber while painting the Democrats out to be the ones shopping at Neiman's while sipping their lattes. She can't have it both ways.

And there is no double standard here. First of all, the Obamas shop on a budget, and much ado has been made about the fact that Michelle Obama shops at H&M instead of pricy boutiques or department stores. Secondly, Democrats have come under fire for similar hypocrisy as Palin's. For instance, John Edwards' message of "Two Americas" fell flat after it was revealed that he received a $400 haircut.

Edwards is a man. The right endlessly criticized him for trying to appeal to blue-collar voters and leading an elite lifestyle. Now Hasselbeck and her ilk are going to have to suck it up when the Ferragamo is on the other foot.

get out the vote!

2008-10-26T20:20:00.001-05:00

Early voting continues this week!

fort worth star-telegram endorses obama

2008-10-25T19:27:00.001-05:00

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram endorsed Barack Obama for president today in an editorial citing America's need for new leadership.

For many of the same reasons that the Star-Telegram recommended Democrat Bill Clinton in 1992, it is recommending Democrat Barack Obama in 2008.
Obama provides the prescription for America’s ills at this moment: a fine, inquisitive intellect, paired with an eloquence that allows him to articulate a message with clarity and substance; an ability to inspire people of all ages, races and ethnicities who never before were engaged in the political process; and an unflappable temperament that allows him to weather a barrage of withering personal attacks.
Under his leadership, the Obama campaign has been amazingly disciplined, efficient and effective. Those same talents will be essential for the difficult work ahead to rebuild the nation’s faltering economic institutions and restore citizen confidence.

Meanwhile, the Fort Worth newspaper's main competitor, the Dallas Morning News, has endorsed John McCain. We think that, like the two biggest newspapers, the voting population in North Texas is also split. That's why you need to get everyone you know out to the polls on Election Day, or better yet during early voting next week. We could turn this around and give Obama much-needed, valuable votes. And yes, Texas is a red state, but you never know what could happen! We may end up with a Democratic senator if we get out the vote!

listen up- california, arizona, and florida

2008-10-24T01:09:00.001-05:00

In the states of California, Arizona, and Florida, there are hateful ballot initiatives that voters will be faced with on Election Day- now just 11 days away.

We urge voters in those states to make a decision that's bigger than them. Make a decision for a future for so many young people that deserve to live in a country that grants all its citizens equal rights.

Do the right thing. Vote NO on anti-gay ballot initiatives! Support marriage equality- for yourself, for your children, for your cousin, for your parents, for your neighbors... for the future.

possible voter suppression reported in texas

2008-10-23T22:11:00.000-05:00

Are we in for another election riddled with questions about fraud, suppression, and intimidation? Can we just play fair for once, and see who wins?

The powers that be in Texas may be up to the same old tricks this cycle, according to reports out of Clear Lake. MOMocrats has the full story about possible voter suppression tactics in an area recently plagued by hurricanes. Here's an excerpt:

"A driver's license?" I asked, "They specified a driver's license?"

She confirmed it was a driver's license, not any other type of photo ID.

Earlier this year, back in March, there was a referendum on the table to require a photo ID to vote. However, the problem with that is technically it's a poll tax, since the IDs cost (money and time). You can't charge people to vote. However, even that referendum didn't require a driver's license, just an official photo identification card.

These poll workers stated that they required a driver's license, according to my friend. When she asked, they said she didn't have to show hers to them to vote.

Next, I talked to another friend who voted that same day at that same place. She reported the exact same experience.

"Did they tell you they had to have your driver's license?" I asked.

"Yeah, they did," she said.

"Did they scan the back of it?"

"Yeah, they did," she said again.

"Did they tell you that you had a choice, and that they didn't need the license?"

"No, I just figured the rules had changed," she said.

Apparently, all across the state, poll workers are asking voters to have a valid driver's license ready before voting. There are even reports from right here in North Texas of voters having their licenses scanned.

Keep in mind that you do not have to participate in this practice. There is no voter ID law in this state, and if you present a valid voter registration card, you do not have to show another form of identification unless you are a first-time voter.

the end of sarah palin

2008-10-23T06:45:00.002-05:00

In September, we brought you a two-piece special series on the Republican vice-presidential nominee, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska [The Palin Pick and The Sarah Palin Show].

At that point, after the American public was still getting introduced to the governor, we argued that Palin seemed real to voters in Middle America, and that Barack Obama's supporters would do well not to ignore Palin's "everyman" appeal.

After today, we've changed our mind. We're retracting that warning. Why? Because now, it will be hard for Middle American voters to view her as much more than a fraud.

After weeks of battling her public image as Tina Fey "mocked" her and Katie Couric "tricked" her, she seemed to redeem herself by not falling flat at the vice-presidential debate.

But now she has suffered a death knell: it has been revealed that the Republican National Committee provided Palin with a $150,000 wardrobe from high-end retailers, including over $75,000 at Neiman Marcus and nearly $50,000 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

In a time when the Democratic ticket is leading the Republicans by double digits in most polls and has already amassed over 270 electoral votes in most predictions, this is the nail in the coffin for John McCain and Sarah Palin.

If this were Cindy McCain (and it has been), we wouldn't bat an eye. Why? As the Style section of the Washington Post says this morning, a shopping spree doesn't go against McCain's public persona. It isn't unexpected or out of character. McCain has never tried to appeal to "Joe Sixpack." (And we're sure that Barack is forever grateful today for his wife Michelle's ability to shop on a budget.)

But Palin is almost desperately middle-class- and she never lets the media or the voters forget her humble beginnings. While her spokesman has said that Palin has intended to give the clothes to charity in some way after the election ends, I'd like to hear a surrogate or Palin herself explain how the shopping trip matches anything that the candidate has said on the trail over the past couple of months.

The fact is that it doesn't. Not at all. Not ever. And there's no defense for Palin to be dressed in Valentino while she criticizes liberal regions of the country for not being "real America."

The act is up, Sarah. It's time to return your expensive wardrobe- but you can keep a winter coat, because you may need one back in Alaska.

early voting!

2008-10-20T16:59:00.000-05:00

Early voting began today, but you already knew that, didn't you?

After all, Tarrant County smashed early voting records today when over 25,000 people showed up to vote there.

Find more information about early voting by clicking on your county:
Tarrant County
Denton County
Dallas County

Vote! It's your civic duty! And make sure you watch this before you head out to the voting booth.

Texas Blog Roundup: October 20, 2008

2008-10-20T09:12:00.000-05:00

It's Monday, and that means it is time for another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's weekly round-up. This week's round-up is compiled by Vince from Capitol Annex.

The Texas Cloverleaf took part in Blog Action Day this past Wednesday. Find out how you can combat poverty in your neck of the woods.

Bay Area Houston listed the fines for State Representatives and Senators issued by the Texas Ethics Commission in 2007 and 2008. Enjoy!

jobsanger discusses voting and registration. He says the E-Voting Can't Be Trusted without a paper trail, and ACORN Is Not Committing Fraud in their effort to register over a million new voters.

Vince at Capitol Annex notes that State Rep. John Davis (R-Clear Lake) is misleading voters about his poor record on education in his newest mailer, and that the mainstream media is calling John Cornyn's performance in the final senatorial debate "less than senatorial."

In the first of a series of posts on past presidential elections, Neil at Texas Liberal offers up Who I Would Have Supported For President 1788-1820.

WhosPlayin goes off on a Republican County Chair who thinks a candidate's sexual preference is more important than the substance of his ideas.

Off the Kuff takes a look at why some people won't be able to cast their ballot during the first few days of early voting.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme wants a fair election without Republican voter suppression and questionable electronic voting machines.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the fake controversy about voter "registration" fraud, Gone nuts about ACORN. And Diana Maldonado released her first TV ad this week, HD-52: Diana Maldonado is on TV, "Texas' Comeback".

Now that McBlogger has torn him a new cesspool, Joe The Plumber's fifteen minutes of fame are OVER

North Texas Liberal dissects Obama's wide lead on McCain in the polls and the projected electoral map. Also, former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorses Obama for president. (Start following us on Twitter for mini-updates and breaking news!)

Harris County clerk Beverly Kaufman predicts that 500,000 Houston-area voters will cast early votes, but Harris County tax assessor-collector Paul Bettencourt and Texas SoS Hope Andrade have done their best to hold that number down. Brains and Eggs has the details.

Gary at Easter Lemming Liberal News has put up his Early Voting Info post but also announced he is rapidly becoming a clueless Cassandra.

BossKitty at TruthHugger is sad to recognize that Sex Scandals, Scams, Phishing and Your Bank Account are signs of deeper disorders. Power, Money and Sex are hopelessly intertwined with EGO.

Justin at AAA-Fund Blog laments the loss of Gordon Quan as a future candidate.

Burnt Orange Report takes a look into the numbers of the latest poll in the U.S. Senate race and tells why it might be even closer than it looks.

Over at TexasKaos, fake consultant discovers a Giant Load of Hooey in one of THOSE emails. Just for fun, he investigates the "facts". The result is an education in how desperate the McCain-Palin crowd have become.

colin powell: "i'll be voting for sen. barack obama"

2008-10-19T14:15:00.000-05:00

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a retired general who famously advised President Bush against the Iraq war, endorsed Barack Obama for president today on Meet the Press.

90 percent (not george bush?)

2008-10-17T00:25:00.002-05:00

The Obama campaign has released a brand new ad featuring John McCain's "I am not George Bush" remark from Wednesday night's presidential debate. While the ad concedes that McCain isn't technically George Bush himself, the Republican senator did vote with the president 90% of the time.

follow us on twitter

2008-10-15T19:43:00.000-05:00

North Texas Liberal is now the proud owner of a Twitter micro-blog.

Follow us on Twitter for shorter, on-the-go updates:

www.twitter.com/nortexlib

We're going to be live-blogging tonight's presidential debate there, so check it out and "follow" us for more!

final round (obama and mccain go head-to-head at hofstra in third debate)

2008-10-15T08:22:00.001-05:00

Tonight is the third and final presidential debate between senators John McCain, the Republican nominee, and Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee for president.

If for whatever reason you remain undecided in this election, this debate is a must-see for you. Take a look at the two candidates and we're sure you'll find that Obama has a better message of hope and change, and real solutions to get our economy and our country back on track.

As Obama continues to pull ahead in every national poll, McCain is going to try and recover lost ground in this debate, so don't be surprised if his negative campaigning continues tonight while Obama offers real substance with his ideas and goals for us as a nation.

fourteen! (obama opens wide lead on mccain)

2008-10-14T19:44:00.001-05:00

Today (coincidentally the fourteenth of October) a new CBS News/New York Times poll has Barack Obama leading John McCain by a whopping 14 points, 53%-39%.

One week ago, prior to the Town Hall debate that uncommitted voters saw as a win for Obama, that margin was just three points.

Among independents who are likely voters - a group that has swung back and forth between McCain and Obama over the course of the campaign - the Democratic ticket now leads by 18 points. McCain led among independents last week.

McCain's campaign strategy may be hurting hurt him: Twenty-one percent of voters say their opinion of the Republican has changed for the worse in the last few weeks. The top two reasons cited for the change of heart are McCain's attacks on Obama and his choice of Sarah Palin as running mate.

Obama is currently leading in every major poll, and Real Clear Politics gives him an average lead of 8.1 points after factoring in this new poll and an LA Times/Bloomberg poll that has the Democrat leading by nine points. (Obama's second-highest showing is in the GW/Battleground Tracking poll, in which he leads by 13 points.)

Taking a look at the electoral map at RCP, the Democratic ticket also holds a clear advantage over McCain and Palin. Obama has 313 electoral votes according to their calculations, while McCain would only win 158. Even if McCain were to win all of the remaining toss-up states (Nevada, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and North Carolina), he would still lose the election handily. Notice any notorious swing states missing from that list? That's because Florida, Virginia, Colorado, and New Mexico have shown the potential to become bonafide blue states, and for now are being listed in the Democratic column.

Texas Blog Roundup: October 13, 2008

2008-10-13T15:51:00.000-05:00

It's Monday, and that means it is time for another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's Weekly Round-Up. This week's roundup is compiled by Vince from Capitol Annex.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme agrees with Webb County Elections Commissioner Patricia Barrera and Webb County voters: Electronic Voting machines need a voter verifiable paper trail.

jobsanger thinks the Texas Legislature should rescind the Texas Driver Responsibility Program, which has one million Texas driver's owing $815 in fines, and wonders if a Denver mural is artwork or a political sign.

Justin at AAA-Fund Blog makes note of near-violent anti-Iraqi racism at Texas A&M.

Captain Kroc at McBlogger has some advice for evangelicals narrowly focused on abortion.

Voter suppression by Republicans in Harris County is carefully distinguished from the "voter fraud" the conservatives continually whine about, but PDiddie's favorite (indeed his only) conservative commenter studiously doesn't get it. At Brains and Eggs.

nytexan of BlueBloggin points out that once again Bush lied and Congress went along with NSA Eavesdropping On Americans And Bush’s BS War On Terror. Americans now have the pleasure of knowing that NSA has listened to US citizens. Happy now!

Off the Kuff takes a look at the 30-day finance reports for Harris County candidates.

Mail in ballots returned for postage? It has already happened in Denton County. The Texas Cloverleaf has more.

Gary at Easter Lemming Liberal News posted videos, from why Obama is leading in North Carolina to the new GOP base and other stuff in one of his rambles around the web.

BossKitty at TruthHugger is saddened how some Americans cannot progress beyond old thinking. I’d Rather Not Say Its About RACE is an expose showing how Republican Politics exploits "old thinking" to control voters.

If you live in Bellaire, Sugarland, Galveston, or another part of the oddly gerrymandered SD 17, you may have gotten a "push poll" from folks trying to whittle down Democratic candidate Chris Bell's lead in the state Senate race. George at The Texas Blue points out some dirty tricks in Texas' 17th Senate district.

Vince at Capitol Annex--freshly back from a six-day hiatus after moving servers--has
ranked "Hot" Texas House races in anticipation of the 2008 elections.

connecticut recognizes marriage equality

2008-10-10T16:26:00.000-05:00

Today, Connecticut became the third state to recognize marriage equality by allowing same-sex couples to marry there.

Today, the Connecticut Supreme Court reversed a lower court decision and ruled that same-sex couples enjoy the same right to marry as different-sex couples under the state constitution. The court ruled that it is a violation of the state constitution to deny gay and lesbian couples the right to marry, and that it is not enough to provide rights to gay and lesbian couples through a separate system of civil unions.

Congratulations to those in Connecticut who have been working for and waiting for this momentous day. We only hope that more states will join California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts in granting marriage rights to all of their residents.

two ut students facing punishment over political signs on campus

2008-10-09T04:17:00.002-05:00

Burnt Orange Report has the story on two University of Texas students who are facing punishment after refusing to take down political signs from the windows of their dorm room.

Cousins Connor and Blake Kincaid, who share a room on the UT campus, have signs promoting Barack Obama and Democratic candidates displayed in the windows to their first-floor dorm. According to university officials, it is against school policy to allow signs in the windows. While the students feel that they are within the constitutional limits of free speech, the university says that political signs are allowed elsewhere on campus.

The university has already prohibited the roommates from registering for spring courses until the signs are gone, and has threatened to remove them from campus housing if necessary.

The University Democrats and College Republicans have joined forces in support of the Kincaids opposing this ruling. The Kincaids have said they will take the university to court before taking down their political posters.

Check out a news story on the situation below:

UPDATE: The situation has been resolved with the university agreeing to suspend the rules about political speech until faculty and students can come to a compromise, BOR reports.

campbell brown blasts mccain camp for race-baiting

2008-10-09T02:24:00.000-05:00

Looks like she'll be in hot water with the Republicans again.

CNN's Campbell Brown denounced Sen. John McCain's campaign surrogates for "race-baiting" in their constant attacks on Sen. Barack Obama.

She also weighs in on the "that one" hoopla, writing it off as a generational remark.

mccain calls obama "that one"

2008-10-07T23:11:00.001-05:00

Following tonight's presidential debate in Nashville, Tennessee, the pundits on CNN seemed indignant about one comment in particular: Sen. John McCain, when referring to Sen. Barack Obama, called his opponent "that one."

Now we can tear apart that comment a million times over to try and figure out whether there were any kind of undertones or implications, but we'll let you be the judge. View the video of the comment below:

So what do you think? Did McCain have a momentary lapse in memory and forget Obama's name? Was it just to reinforce the point? Was there any sort of condescension intended? You tell us.

cornyn: a slave for special interests

2008-10-07T22:54:00.000-05:00

Capitol Annex unveiled a great new video linking Sen. John Cornyn to the special interests. You could say he's been a "slave" for them. Check it out below.

brimer loses another appeal

2008-10-06T17:40:00.002-05:00

State Sen. Kim Brimer, R-Ft. Worth, lost yet another appeal today against his Democratic opponent, former Ft. Worth City Council member Wendy Davis.

The 5th Court of Appeals in Dallas has rejected the lawsuit by state Sen. Kim Brimer, R-Fort Worth, who was appealing a lower court ruling that former Fort Worth City Councilwoman Wendy Davis is eligible to challenge him on the November ballot.
A panel of three justices hinted during oral arguments last week that they were reluctant to overturn the ruling by state District Judge Tom Lowe in Fort Worth, who ruled in July that Davis is an eligible candidate. Brimer appealed Lowe's ruling.

But the appeals court in Dallas today upheld Lowe's ruling, saying in its opinion that "Brimer's only legally recognized interest in pursuing this appeal is to avoid being opposed by an ineligible candidate."
"Even if Davis is ineligible to hold office -- an issue we do not reach in this appeal -- her name will be included on the November 4, 2008 general election ballot in opposition to Brimer. We cannot, at this point, change that outcome and, therefore, this appeal is moot," the justices wrote.

Here's a quick history of the case for those that haven't been following along:

May 2007: Wendy Davis is re-elected to the Ft. Worth City Council.
August 2007: Davis officially declares her candidacy for the Democratic nomination in Texas State Senate District 10, which covers about half of Tarrant County and is represented by Republican Kim Brimer. She also resigns from her post on the city council, though local law required her to officially keep her seat until her successor is sworn in.
November 2007: Election is held to choose Davis' successor on the city council. It goes to a runoff.
December 2007: Joel Burns wins the runoff.
Early January 2008: Three Ft. Worth firefighters ask Tarrant County Democratic Party Chairman Art Brender to disqualify Davis from running for state senate because she is technically still on the council and state law prohibits sitting council members to run for the state legislature. The same day, Burns is sworn in on the council. The Secretary of State's office would not issue a ruling on Davis' eligibility, saying that Brender is the filing authority in the primary election. Brener issued a statement declaring Davis eligible to run.
Mid-January 2008: The Ft. Worth firefighters issued a court challenge that was dismissed by the Texas Supreme Court. The high court recommended the firefighters take their issue up with the regional appellate court.
Late January 2008: The firefighters lose in appeals court. The court rules that only a political opponent, such as Brimer, has the standing to bring such an eligibility suit.
March 2008: Uncontested in the Democratic primary, Davis officially becomes the nominee.
Early July 2008: Brimer himself challenges Davis' eligibility by filing a suit to have her removed from the November ballot.
Late July 2008: State District Court Judge Tom Lowe rules in favor of Davis, determining that she is eligible to remain on the ballot. Brimer appeals.
August 2008: The deadline to remove a candidate from the ballot passes.
September 2008: A Ft. Worth appellate judge asks that the case be moved to Dallas. The Texas Supreme Court moves the case to the 5th Court of Appeals there.
October 2008: The Dallas appeals court rules in favor of Davis, rejecting Brimer's suit.

Davis welcomed the news of the win for her campaign: "I am very pleased with the Court's decision today, and I look forward to continuing my conversation with Tarrant County families about the issues they are facing. What I'm offering voters is a representative who will bring real change to the way Austin does business."

Contribute to the Wendy Davis campaign today. Every little bit counts, and she could certainly use your help in her campaign against yet another Republican up to the same old dirty tricks. Kim Brimer has got to go, and with your help and your vote Davis will replace him.

Texas Blog Roundup: October 6, 2008

2008-10-06T14:26:00.000-05:00

Thirty days to go to Election Day, but you must be registered to vote, and today is the deadline. Make sure you're ready to vote by clicking here (scroll down a little, on the right side) to register or verify your registration. Early voting begins in just two weeks. And the blogs of the Texas Progressive Alliance had a lot to say about candidates on the ballot from top to bottom; here's the roundup of the best posts from last week ...

John Cornyn is bleeding support from the conservative wingnut base as a result of his 'yes' vote on the Wall Street bailout. Click on the links in PDiddie's "Bailout Burger, extra bacon, cut the taxes" post at Brains and Eggs.

Keep hanging onto your wallets, CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme warns. Texas is taking it in the shorts over the Bush bailout.

Off the Kuff takes a shot at projecting November turnout.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the on the connections between county elected officials and the ethically challenged 3rd Court of Appeals Chief Justice W. Kenneth Law in Broken Law and the criminality of what is legal.

In the midst of all the brouhaha about bailouts and golden parachutes, McBlogger tells a Real Life Tale of Trying To Buy Something in a store.

The Republican economic policies have caused the loss of 2.2 million jobs in the United States in the last 12 months. jobsanger tells us that the job losses are still growing, and finds a picture that accurately expresses how many Americans feel about Wall Street.

The Texas Cloverleaf recommends voting Yes on the Denton County bond proposal this November.

North Texas Liberal analyzes last week's vice-presidential debate between Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden.

nytexan at Bluebloggin takes a good look at a presidential candidate's relationship with a terrorist. As Sarah Palin tries to connect the imaginary dots of terror between Bill Ayres and Barack Obama, she should take a closer look at John McCain's Dear Friend, American Terrorist G. Gordon Liddy. People in igloos shouldn't throw fireballs.

Neil at Texas Liberal says it's crazy that Houston school kids will not be asked to make up days missed because of Hurricane Ike.

Burnt Orange Report rounds up the reasons why Rick Noriega is back in the Texas Senate race with newfound momentum.

BossKitty at TruthHugger is amazed how the Mainstream Media brings attention to nonsense while ignoring how North Korea, Russia, Iran, Myanmar Nukes and US Elections are connected to our future.

In light of its history of endorsement against farmers and agribusiness, Vince at Capitol Annex asks whether Farm Bureau's AGFUND is still relevant.

Over at TexasKaos, Txsharon tells us that Sarah Palin put out a whopper in her one-on-one with Joe Biden. Natural gas is NOT the clean alternative Palin claimed.

Lastly, Julie Pippert at MOMocrats interviewed experts about the economic crisis and discovered that women hit disproportionately hard by economic crisis don't receive adequate help in current bailout, experts say. She'll also be appearing on FOX News Radio, XM Sirius, and Blog Talk Radio on Monday.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE

2008-10-06T14:09:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day to register to vote in Texas. If you have not registered to vote yet, your form must be postmarked or turned in TODAY. Visit the following website for more information on how to register to vote:

www.voteforchange.com

gwen ifill: palin "blew me off"

2008-10-06T01:20:00.000-05:00

Sunday wasn't a great day in the media for Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

First of all, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright had to correct the Alaskan governor when Palin misquoted her. Then, an AP op-ed called Palin's attacks on Barack Obama "racially-tinged," referring to her trying to link the Democratic presidential nominee with terrorists. Also, conservative columnist and pundit Peggy Noonan referred to Palin's populism as "not a good road to be on" for the country.

One of the more interesting comments, though, came from the moderator of last Thursday's vice-presidential debate, Gwen Ifill.

Ifill commented on Palin's unwillingness to answer her questions during the debate. Ifill suggested that Palin ignored the questions that she was asked and instead chose to deliver a stump speech. Watch Ifill say that Palin "blew me off" in the video below:

saturday night live at the debates

2008-10-06T00:51:00.001-05:00

Tina Fey reprised her Sarah Palin role over the weekend on Saturday Night Live. The opening sketch from this weekend's episode satirized last week's vice-presidential debate. Check out the hilarious clip below, with a special guest star, Queen Latifah as moderator Gwen Ifill.

biden v. palin

2008-10-04T18:28:00.001-05:00

Thursday night's vice-presidential debate was hands down the most-watched VP debate ever and the second most-watched political debate in U.S. history, according to the Style section of today's Washington Post. That means more people tuned in to see Joe Biden and Sarah Palin debate the issues than than the number that have tuned in to almost every presidential debate in history. And these guys don't even get to run the show.

Along with a projected seventy-three million Americans, we tuned in to see Biden v. Palin. Many thought that Palin, the governor of Alaska and Republican John McCain's running mate, would fall flat on her face (figuratively, at least). Her expectations were low following a series of Katie Couric interviews that were released last week that made Palin seem like she didn't know what was going on. She couldn't name any newspapers that she read or any Supreme Court cases that she disagreed with other than Roe v. Wade.

Palin surprised us all, though, by generally seeming as if she knew the issues when pressed on them. She employed the age-old tactic of skirting the question, but that's to be expected of most honed politicians. She at one point even claimed to be such a Washington outsider that she likely wouldn't answer questions in the way that Biden or moderator Gwen Ifill may like.

Palin also employed colloquialisms and her famous Alaskan accent to her advantage, making her seem more appealing and real. If the debate were judged solely on style, she'd be a sure winner. Unfortunately for Palin, we judge debates on substance.

Biden, Democrat Barack Obama's running mate and the senior senator for Delaware, was more substantive. His deeper understanding of the issues was glaringly apparent. He made a clear case against a McCain administration while remaining friendly and cordial toward Palin. He outlined to the American people why they can't afford to re-elect the Republicans, and spoke of a better future offered with an Obama administration.

Biden also seemed to have a better understanding of the role of a vice president. While Palin argued that the Constitution allowed for an expansion of the VP's role, Biden countered that Vice President Dick Cheney "has been the most dangerous vice president we’ve had probably in American history."

Other standout moments found the governor and senator practically agreeing on their respective stances against same-sex marriage, followed up by stark contrasts on foreign policy. "Your plan is a white flag of surrender in Iraq," Palin told her opponent.

It was an interesting debate and seemed to captivate a large audience, but historically vice-presidential debates haven't had much, if any, of an effect on the outcome of an election. Eileen Smith at Poll Dancing sums it up nicely:

In the end, do VP debates matter? Probably not. Palin had the most to lose, and could have possibly done damage to the ticket, if she had given a lackluster performance. But she didn’t. Biden didn’t all of a sudden turn into Rick Lazio, and there were more than a few opportunities for that to happen.

So, Biden did well and Palin did well, and nothing changes. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming, also known as McCain versus Obama.

joe biden's emotional moment

2008-10-04T18:23:00.000-05:00

At Thursday night's vice-presidential debate, Democrat Joe Biden had a raw, emotional moment when talking about losing his wife and his child and being a single parent. He made his case that he can better relate to the people sitting around the kitchen table, insisting that they're looking for help instead of more of the same.

You can watch Biden's emotional moment below:

give me that wink

2008-10-02T23:11:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow we'll have more analysis of the vice-presidential debate, but tonight enjoy this video montage of Gov. Sarah Palin's many winks throughout the night.

head of skate

2008-10-01T17:24:00.004-05:00

Actor Matt Damon called Sarah Palin's nomination "a bad Disney movie." That's all that some humorists needed-- they took it and ran with it, creating a "trailer" that looks like it really could be "a bad Disney movie" about Sarah Palin. Watch it below for a few laughs.

house republicans are cry-babies

2008-09-29T17:18:00.002-05:00

Yeah, we said it.

Minority Leader John Boehner and his Republican caucus are being a bunch of cry-babies.

They really want to blame the economic recovery plan's failure in the House on a "partisan" speech by Speaker Nancy Pelosi? Give me a break.

Whatever happened to putting "country first?" Or is that just a campaign slogan for John McCain and the Republicans? Instead of doing the right thing, they took their toys and went home when big, bad Pelosi hurt their feelings.

Only 65 Republicans voted for the bill. 140 Democrats voted in favor. You can see how your representative voted here.

By the way, the stock market took a plunge today as the Dow Jones saw the largest-ever single-day drop: nearly 780 points.

help our neighbor: elect andrew rice

2008-09-29T17:05:00.000-05:00

Yes, we are a Texas-based blog, but wouldn't it be wonderful to turn Texas blue and also be surrounded by progressives across the region?

Our neighbor to the north, Oklahoma, has the chance to elect Andrew Rice to the U.S. Senate. What a refreshing change it would be to replace Sen. Jim Inhofe, who basically doesn't believe in global warming.

Please send a generous contribution to Andrew Rice today to help out his campaign. It would certainly be a good thing to send another Democrat to Washington!

mccain's last senate vote in april

2008-09-29T06:44:00.000-05:00

According to an article in this morning's Washington Post, John McCain's vote on the bailout package will be his first since April 8. He has missed 115 consecutive votes in the Senate since then.

He hasn't voted since before Hillary Clinton won the Pennsylvania primary.

Comparatively, Barack Obama's last Senate vote was in July.

Just thought that was an interesting little tidbit. Welcome back, John.

north texas constituents against the bailout

2008-09-25T19:50:00.001-05:00

According to PoliTex, several North Texas lawmakers are being flooded with emails and calls about the $700 billion bailout, and the vast majority of them are against the rescue plan.

Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville: has received about 957 e-mails on the bailout, 952 against, 5 in favor.Phone calls: 364. Only 6 support the rescue.

Rep. Joe Barton, R-Arlington: has received more than 500 e-mails with all but 25 against a bailout. Phone calls: About 400 – with fewer than 25 constituent calls in favor of the bailout.
Rep. Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth: has received 340 e-mails, 265 against the rescue and 75 for a bailout in some form. Phone calls: 77 – all against.

Rep. Kenny Marchant, R-Coppell: had gotten close to 1,000 e-mails and phone calls. Over 90% are against a federal rescue.

Are you for or against the proposed plan to fix the current economic crisis? Either way, you need to let your legislators know.

david letterman snubbed by john mccain

2008-09-25T19:34:00.001-05:00

John McCain, after suspending his campaign yesterday in light of the unfolding economic crisis, snubbed an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman.

After praising McCain's military service, Letterman took him to task for canceling his appearance at the last minute. Letterman also said that "you don't quit" in the middle of a campaign, and that McCain should have returned to Washington and let his vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin shoulder the campaign. The late night host continued to express his disappointment in McCain, suggesting that the campaign suspension was due to sliding poll numbers for his campaign.

"This just doesn't smell right. This is not the way a tested hero behaves," Letterman chided.

Later in the show, Letterman realized that McCain was conducting an interview with CBS News host Katie Couric, after telling Letterman by phone that he was "racing to the airport" in order to return to Washington.

You can view the video of Letterman's remarks below:

obama wants to debate as scheduled

2008-09-24T16:02:00.000-05:00

Barack Obama responded to John McCain's call to delay Friday's debate and suspend the presidential campaign by saying that the American people need to hear from the two people vying for the job of the next president.

In his statement from Florida, Obama said that he would return to Washington if necessary, but thought he could still make it to Mississippi on Friday night. He said right now he is focusing on preparing for the debate, and had no immediate intentions to suspend his campaign.

obama out in front in new poll

2008-09-24T15:19:00.000-05:00

In a new Washington Post-ABC News national poll, Sen. Barack Obama has opened a big lead on his Republican opponent -- almost ten points.

More voters trust Obama to deal with the economy, and he currently has a big edge as the candidate who is more in tune with the economic problems Americans now face. He also has a double-digit advantage on handling the current problems on Wall Street, and as a result, there has been a rise in his overall support. The poll found that, among likely voters, Obama now leads McCain by 52 percent to 43 percent. Two weeks ago, in the days immediately following the Republican National Convention, the race was essentially even, with McCain at 49 percent and Obama at 47 percent.

Perhaps these new poll numbers -- which give Obama a comfortable lead on the economy -- have something to do with McCain suspending his campaign and calling to delay the first debate.

mccain suspends campaign, calls for delaying first presidential debate due to economic crisis

2008-09-24T14:40:00.002-05:00

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain made a stunning move today as he suspended his campaign and called on his opponent to do the same.

McCain suggested that the first debate, scheduled for Friday, be postponed in light of the mounting economic crisis.

"I am calling on the president to convene a meeting with the leadership from both houses of Congress, including Senator Obama and myself," McCain told reporters in New York. "It is time for both parties to come together to solve this problem."
It was not immediately clear how extensive the suspension he announced would be -- whether it would include dropping television advertising or just canceling scheduled appearances. McCain took no questions after reading his statement.

Some are alluding that this is a political move from McCain following a dip in the polls. What do you think?

We're waiting on a statement from the Sen. Barack Obama's campaign, and we'll bring it to you as soon as it is made available.

are you serious? (brimer-davis battle headed to the big d)

2008-09-23T23:42:00.000-05:00

We only thought it was over.

As it turns out, it's only changed venue.

Attorneys are set to make oral arguments before the 5th Court of Appeals in Dallas on Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. on whether former Fort Worth Councilwoman Wendy Davis is ineligible to run against Republican state Sen. Kim Brimer.

Oral arguments had been scheduled here in Fort Worth last week until the Supreme Court of Texas moved the case to the Dallas appeals court last week after 2nd Court of Appeals Chief Justice John Cayce asked that it be moved to Dallas.

Since the case was still up in the air after the August deadline, Davis' name will remain on the ballot no matter what happens in the Dallas appeal. But should Brimer emerge victorious in the newest round, Davis would not be able to hold the seat even were she to win the election. Instead, the seat would remain vacant and would be subject to special election.

We're getting pretty tired of Brimer's sad attempts to get rid of his opponent before the election is even held. Brimer: stop the dirty tricks and let the people be heard. If the voters want to keep you, they will. What are you so scared of?

You can help the Wendy Davis campaign stand up to Republican scare tactics by making a generous donation to her campaign today.

Kim Brimer is only offering more of the same. It's obvious that he wants to play as dirty as he can in the election, so why would we trust him afterward? Come November, we're voting for change.

sen. clinton on the economy

2008-09-23T13:02:00.000-05:00

Sen. Hillary Clinton made the television rounds to talk about the economy and the new bailout plan. She gives her take on it in an appearance on Morning Joe, which you can view below:

oliver stone's "w.": will you see it?

2008-09-22T21:18:00.002-05:00

Oliver Stone's W. will be released October 17, so what do you think? Does it look biased or factual? Will you take the time and money to see it?

For those that haven't heard of it, it's a controversial new film depicting the life of George W. Bush.

The trailer is below:

john cornyn: all by himself

2008-09-22T16:37:00.000-05:00

The Rick Noriega campaign has released a hilarious new ad poking fun at Sen. John Cornyn, but also raising a pretty valid point. Check it out below:

You can help Noriega today with a $1 contribution. If he gets the most $1 contributions on ActBlue, he can win a $5000 endorsement. So please consider giving $1 right away!

disd agrees to make schools safer for gay students

2008-09-22T16:27:00.000-05:00

Dallas schools will be safer for gay students, teachers and parents, says a new agreement between the Dallas Independent School District and Lambda Legal.

As part of the new non-discrimination policy, DISD will:

Include training on LGBT issues as part of the regular diversity trainings for staff.
Allow LGBT groups such as Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), or Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG) to provide in-service trainings for teachers.
Use LGBT-friendly forms such as permission slips. The forms will refer to “Parent 1” and “Parent 2” instead of or in addition to “Father” and “Mother.”
Provide and make visible LGBT-friendly materials in libraries. Books, posters and other materials with LGBT themes and topics will no longer be held behind school library counters and individuals will no longer have to ask to view these materials.
Allow access to websites of LGBT organizations that are currently blocked, such as that of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), and Youth First Texas.
Make Lambda Legal materials on the rights of LGBTQ youth available at all middle and high school Counseling Offices.

We commend DISD for this new, progressive policy that will create a safer and more comfortable learning environment for all Dallas students. We hope that other North Texas area school districts will follow DISD's example and create similar non-discriminatory policies.

plan for change

2008-09-22T16:21:00.000-05:00

In a new ad, Barack Obama details his plan for economic change that would be implemented if he were elected. It's definitely worth a look:

Texas Blog Roundup: September 22, 2008

2008-09-22T16:17:00.000-05:00

It's Monday, and that means it is time for another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's weekly roundup. This week's roundup is compiled by Vince from Capitol Annex.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme notices cronies are number #1 in Texas from insurance companies to power companies

jobsanger points out the blatant racism at the "Values Voters Summit" sponsored by the Family Research Council, and wonders if John McCain's "senior moments" are indicative of a more serious psychological problem.

The Texas Cloverleaf spots State Senator Kim Brimer at a union hall. Unfortunately as they say, you can't put lipstick on a pig.

Off the Kuff takes a look at the lawsuit filed by Libertarian Presidential candidate Bob Barr to force John McCain and Barack Obama off the ballot in Texas.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the real world effects of the TRCC in Williamson County, Builder protection agency "hits home" in Williamson County

Neither the authorities nor the media have found any bodies hanging from the trees in Galveston or on Bolivar Peninsula -- mostly because there aren't any trees high enough to catch one -- but that didn't stop PDiddie from posting the rumors at Brains and Eggs.

Mike Thomas at would fight for San Antonio's share of federal funding based on his latest ad blasting all Congressional earmarks as wasteful "pork".

McBlogger takes a moment to demystify what's going on in financial markets. And call some people really bad names.

North Texas Liberal unveils the second installment of their Sarah Palin series.

nytexan at BlueBloggin wonders how John McCain cleans up Washington and Wall Street of the lobbyist when 177 Lobbyists Work For John McCain “The Reformer”

Gary at Easter Lemming Liberal News urges all to contact your Congress people now about this bad, very bad $700 billion taxpayer funded bailout of the financial industry. Otherwise, for the next three months, and then an additional six months after that, the Treasury Secretary can do anything "appropriate" with your money without anybody anywhere looking it over.

WhosPlayin took a moment to pin that pesky "redistribution of wealth" meme back on the Republicans, where it originated and operates today.

BossKitty at TruthHugger still expects the Bush Administration to pull a fast one, because the Pakistan Meltdown Offers Bush More Opportunities To Create Crisis, the dogs of war are still salivating ...

Vince at Capitol Annex tells us that State Rep. John Davis is up to his same old tricks down in HD 129. This time, he's holding a fundraiser in Austin while his district is without power, and his constituents are without water. He's clearly addicted to campaign cash. Someone throw this guy a roll of quarters before he has a stroke.

biden and clinton discuss women's issues

2008-09-18T15:08:00.002-05:00

Democratic vice-presidential nominee set down with Sen. Hillary Clinton to discuss women's issues and the supreme importance of the 2008 election. View the discussion below:

action alert: tell cornyn you oppose hr6845

2008-09-18T10:27:00.002-05:00

The following action alert comes from Jennifer McLennan with The Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC).

On September 11, 2008, the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee (Rep. John Conyers, D-MI) introduced a bill that would effectively reverse the NIH Public Access Policy, as well as make it impossible for other federal agencies to put similar policies into place. The legislation is HR6845: “Fair Copyright in Research Works Act” (http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/pdf/HR6845.pdf). ...
HR6845 is designed to do the following:

1. Amend current copyright law (Title 17).

2. Prohibit all U.S. federal agencies from conditioning funding agreements to require that works resulting from federal support be made publicly available if those works meet either of two conditions:

a. They are funded in part by sources other than a U.S. agency, or

b. The results from "meaningful added value" to the work from an entity that is not party to the agreement.

3. Prohibit U.S. federal agencies being able to obtain a license to publicly distribute, perform, or display such work by -- for example -- putting it on the Internet.

4. Makes broad policy by stifling public access to a wide range of federally funded works, and effectively overturns the crucially important current NIH Public Access Policy.

5. Because it is so broadly framed, the proposed bill would require an overhaul of well-established procurement rules in effect for all federal agencies, and could disrupt day-to-day procurement practices across the federal government, including in critical areas such as research to support national defense and homeland security.

6. In particular, the bill would repeal the longstanding "federal purpose" doctrine, under which all federal agencies that fund the creation of a copyrighted work must reserve a "royalty-free, nonexclusive right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the work" for any federal purpose. This will severely limit the ability of U.S. federal agencies to use works that they have funded to support and fulfill agency missions and to communicate with and educate the public.

7. The bill is a blunt instrument that uses extremely broad language to override existing procurement law, and as such has serious implications for the entire U.S. federal government far beyond articles resulting from research funding.

8. Because of the NIH Public Access Policy, millions of Americans now have access to vital health care information from the NIH’s PubMed Central database. Under the current policy, nearly 4,000 new crucial biomedical articles were deposited in the last month alone. This proposed bill would prohibit the deposit of these articles, and as a result, researchers, physicians, health care professionals, families and individuals will find it much harder to get access to this critical health-related information.

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas serves on the Judiciary Committee, so it is especially important for concerned Texans to contact him. His D.C. office can be reached at (202) 224-2934. A simple 30-second phone call telling the his office that you oppose HR6845 will do the trick.