The Texas Blue: News
Economic Problem Indicator #3,008
Wed, 04/09/2008 - 2:00pm
This is a bummer but it is something we should all hear, so I'm just going to give you the stinger: "International Monetary Fund shows U.S. sliding into recession and pulling down economic growth around the world."
Pelosi and the House Rules
Wed, 04/09/2008 - 1:30pm
"Pelosi and the House Rules" would make a pretty good band name, but it makes an even better descriptor for how the Speaker of the House flexed some muscle against President Bush.
More Hearings for Petraeus and Crocker
Wed, 04/09/2008 - 12:30pm
Toady General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker are making appearances before the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees, the House equivalents of the Senate panels they took questions from yesterday. Their assurances of progress in Iraq are being met with skepticism similar to what they experienced yesterday. You can check it all out via C-SPAN.
Lampson v Olson
Wed, 04/09/2008 - 11:00am
Shelley Sekula Gibbs, she of the famous immediate congressional staff mutiny, was defeated in the runoff for the Republican nomination in the 22nd District. CQPolitics posits, and not with any lack of merit, that the Republican establishment was eager to line up behind Pete Olson, a former aide to both Senators John Cornyn and Phil Gramm. Olson will face incumbent Democrat Nick Lampson in November.
Other Runoff Results
Wed, 04/09/2008 - 10:00am
The Chron lists some of the other interesting races from yesterday's runoffs and how they turned out over here.
News Roundup, 4/9/2008: A Long Day In Washington + Runoff Results
Wed, 04/09/2008 - 9:14am
Yesterday's big story was the testimony before Congress by General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker on Iraq, at least until late last night when the runoff for the Democratic candidate for railroad commissioner was decided.
Mark Thompson Wins Railroad Commissioner Runoff
Tue, 04/08/2008 - 10:26pm
Railroad Commissioner is one of our statewide races in Texas that many voters know little about but that has a large influence on the everyday lives of Texans. Today was the runoff between Democrats Dale Henry, a candidate with a resume loaded with civic leadership experience and hands-on oil and gas experience and Mark Thompson, an activist, therapist and former police officer.
Petraeus On Iraq: In Summary
Tue, 04/08/2008 - 2:35pm
``What you've given to your chain of command is a plan which has no end to it,'' Levin said. He asked Petraeus when he would be in position to recommend further troop cuts, once the 45-day evaluation period ends in September.
``It could be right then, or it could be longer,'' [General Petraeus] said. He declined to be pinned down, saying he would recommend further cuts when conditions were right.
Good Reporting on Bad Behavior
Tue, 04/08/2008 - 1:53pm
The Lone Star Project is calling on Fort Worth State Senator Kim Brimer to fork over $357,000 to charity after the sale of a condo owned by his wife that Senator Brimer rented with campaign funds. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Jay Root does some due diligence and not only delivers fine reporting, but totally destroys the protestations of Brimer's spokesperson.
Phone Ban Rings Smart In World of Bad Driving Habits
By Chris Bell
Tue, 04/08/2008 - 9:30am
Anyone doubting the wisdom of West University Place’s cell phone ban should administer my stupid driver test.
Next time you’re waiting for a left turn signal, it comes on and the car in front of you doesn’t move, look closely at the driver. He or she is most likely talking on a cell phone or sending a text message.