Thursday Roundup - Cornyn, Klingons, and a GQ Impeachment

On February 17, the Washington Post ran a story about Senator John Cornyn. Near the end of the article, written by the very astute Shailagh Murray, the Texas Blue's recent take on Cornyn's vulnerability is cited, and the Senator responds to it and the SurveyUSA poll results we offered as proof that he's beatable. The story goes on to say Cornyn has raised $3.2 million for his 2008 race, which is substantial, to say the least. Who knew our observations would inspire a streak of such panicked fundraising?

With more on dollars, we turn to this story in the Star-Telegram which casts a wary eye on where legislators are living in Austin and how they are paying for it. The article contains a bit about state Senators Jane Nelson and Kim Brimer, both North Texas Republicans who are paying rent on lodging that is owned by their spouse and using campaign funds to do it. It is well-written and gives a brief history of everything you ever wanted to know about Ethics Option 319, which allows the practice, convoluted as it may be.

A few days ago I pondered how anyone could argue with voter-verifiable paper trails, save for cost issues. State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst has filed a bill that would require counties to add a backup paper trail to voting machines, and the main argument against it, of course, is cost. It'll run somewhere between $40 and $50 million, and the ensuing fight will be about where that money will come from.

In another unfortunate turn for Governor Perry, the Statesman reveals that on the same day Merck donated to Perry's campaign, Perry's staff had a meeting about the HPV vaccine. They say it is a coincidence, and it might be, but it just looks terrible. This won't be a deal breaker, but it is another in a long line of things that any politician just wouldn't want to deal with.

Vice President Dick Cheney recently went on a tear against Democrats who are opposing the Iraq troop surge, saying they don't have the votes to stop it. In related news, Wil S. Hylton, who writes for GQ, went on a tear against Cheney for the upcoming March issue, writing six of his own "articles of impeachment" against the Vice President. It seems to be strictly political, with no mention of the high crime of wearing chinos with sneakers.

For all you Republicans out there, John McCain and Rudy Giuliani are causing problems. They have ducked signing a pledge against increasing taxes which has been signed by every Presidential candidate since the Reagan years and most of the people running against them for the nomination. I know that doesn't mean anything definite, but since Republicans can't beat on each other very much over the war they will have to turn to something else, and taxes seems a likely candidate for Issue #1, since most of the Right is huddled in Fear Of A Democratic 2008.

Finally, a couple of videos. First of all, Texas Congressman and Presidential hopeful Ron Paul spends a cool five minutes explaining why the Federal Reserve is Constitutionally dubious, and if you're into that sort of thing, this is funny.

If you want something that's funny, but less involved, here's a gem by Oregon Congressman David Wu from the floor of the House about Klingons in the White House. It happened on January 10, so some of you might have seen it, but if not, you deserve it. The Olbermann presentation with the Star Trek music completes the deal, but Rep. Wu really sells it.