The Texas Blue: News
Find out if you're in TDEx
Tue, 04/17/2007 - 10:53pm
So the Texas Observer explains it all — they provide a simple form from the ACLU that you can email to the Office of the Governor to find out if you're considered to be a threat. I reproduce the form letter for cutting-and-pasting purposes after the jump, and have just submitted the form myself. I'll keep you posted as to what reply I get; you guys do the same.
TexVAC Rayburn Johnson Dinner: Begala, Clark to Speak in Dallas
Tue, 04/17/2007 - 2:50pm
We learned today that the 2nd TexVAC Rayburn Johnson Dinner on April 28, 2007 will feature former Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe, former Texas Lt. Governor Bill Hobby, former Congressman Martin Frost, and Waco businessman and philanthropist Bernard Rapoport. The keynote speaker will be Paul Begala, whom you all know from the campaigns of a man named Bill. General Wes Clark will be attending and speaking on behalf of Dallas businessman Jess Hay, the dinner's honoree.
More on TDEx: Raymond On The Case
Tue, 04/17/2007 - 2:07pm
We had a little bit of news yesterday about the growing TDEx scandal, and just a few minutes ago I received a press release from Representative Richard Raymond's office concerning some legislative action. Rep. David Swinford, the chair of State Affairs, accepted Raymond's HB 4108 as an amendment to a general Homeland Security bill, HB 13. The transfer of TDEx to the DPS is at the very least going to the floor, and if Perry and Dewhurst's inability to control the Lege as of late is any indication, it will probably pass.
Bill Tracker: SB 583 Counseling to Fast Track Divorce
By Karl Lynch
Tue, 04/17/2007 - 1:36pm
SB 583, introduced by Senator Dan Patrick, would change the mandatory waiting time before finalizing a divorce. Currently, the waiting period is 60 days. This legislation would increase the waiting period to 180 days. In a strange exception, couples that go to 10 hours of counseling would only have to wait 90 days. The bill was left pending in committee.
Tuesday Roundup: Some Bad News
Tue, 04/17/2007 - 9:34am
The lead story yesterday is the lead story today and will probably be the lead story tomorrow. The rampage at Virginia Tech was the worst of its kind in United States history, and yesterday was the first in a series of painful days for family members and friends, a series of days so painful as to be unimaginable for most of us. It is terrible, and we are sorry to observe it.
Texas Voters Must Beware of Road Bond Proposals
By Peter Stern
Mon, 04/16/2007 - 4:08pm
What is happening in Hays County is or will be occurring as well in other Texas counties.
What Farmers Branch Needs is a Pizza Patron
Mon, 04/16/2007 - 2:01pm
The citizens of the city of Farmers Branch, Texas have become further divided on the issue of illegal immigration. Flyers and yard signs are doing most of the talking as the May 12 election on the proposed illegal immigration reform draws closer.
Monday Roundup: TDex May Cause Some Problems
Mon, 04/16/2007 - 9:11am
Rick Perry's office no doubt keeps a great many files — on issues, on opposition research, on bills, on developing items of interest. One thing that you wouldn't normally expect out of an office built around a guy who apparently never communicates via email is a massive database on Texas citizens. The Texas Data Exchange database, or TDEx, referred to as a database of "criminals and potential terrorists" in the media, has raised questions ever since its existence was made public late last week.
On The Record: Lloyd Criss
Sun, 04/15/2007 - 12:07pm
For this installment of On The Record, I spoke with Lloyd Criss, Galveston County Democratic Party Chair and SDEC Committeeman from Senate District 11.
DOJgate & gwb43.comgate Coming to a Head
By Josh Matlock
Fri, 04/13/2007 - 3:40pm
The Bush administration may have violated the 1978 Presidential Records Act requiring the White House keep records of discussions and policy deliberations. Since 2001 approximately 50 White House officials are reported to have had shadow off-book RNC e-mail accounts. The RNC claims they cannot recover e-mail records for 15 of these 50 officials.