Get Ready – Bill White and Farouk Shami Will Debate January 28, 2010

I’ll be honest.  I’m a little concerned that this debate will be painful to watch.

Still, I’m thrilled that  Texans who plan to vote  in the 2010 March Democratic party primary will have an opportunity to watch former Houston Mayor Bill White and Hair Care Businessman Farouk Shami debate before the election

.

On the Republican side, Governor Rick Perry, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and party activist Debra Medina have agreed to take part in two debates.

The debate between the two democratic gubernatorial candidates is scheduled to take place on Monday, February 8, 2010 in Dallas.

Below is a statement released by Shami’s campaign:

HOUSTON–

“Our campaign is very pleased to be offered the opportunity to reach so many voters through this debate”, said Campaign Director Vince Leibowitz. “We applaud our opponent for agreeing to give Texas democrats an opportunity to see the front runners for our party’s nomination in a head-to-head debate.”
 
Shami’s campaign previously challenged democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White to accept debate invitation proffered by numerous democratic clubs and organizations within Texas.  “We believe when Texas democrats are given the opportunity to hear Farouk Shami’s message of new ideas, new jobs and a new hope for Texas they will make the decision to go with the candidate that will breathe new life into our party as opposed to the candidate of the establishment”, Leibowitz said.

Mr. Shami also looks forward to letting voters see the difference between politics as usual and his fresh perspective from someone that isn’t a career politician. Mr. Shami looks forward to the opportunity to face Bill White in front of the moderators, the voters and all Texans.

“I am not a polished and packaged career politician with a cookie cutter campaign. I am a candidate for the people, not the special interests or the quid pro quo politics that disillusion voters,” Shami said.

Get Your Bill White For Governor Yard Sign January 28, 2010

(CAMPAIGN NEWS RELEASE)

Dear Friend,

Our first round of yard signs has just arrived! With the March 2 primary quickly approaching, we have a lot to do so that we can spread the word about Bill White’s run for governor.

To pick up a yard sign, come visit our statewide headquarters at 2100 West Loop South, 7^th floor. We’re here Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you need to have one delivered, let us know.

While you’re here, find out how you can help bring new leadership to Texas. We hold phone banks every evening and block walks every weekend. We have thousands of doors to knock on and calls to make before the primary, and we need your help.

Thanks for spreading the word about Bill White!

Robert Nnake
State Volunteer Coordinator
http://www.billwhitefortexas.com/volunteer

P.S. Don’t keep this message to yourself. Please forward it to your friends and family.

Farouk Shami Applauds President Obama’s State of The Union January 28, 2010

 

Farouk Shami’s Response to the State of the Union Address

Democratic Candidate for Governor Farouk Shami Commends President Obama’s Goal to Repeal the Military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy

 
HOUSTON-“Tonight we heard the President speak about the State of the Union.  I commend him for setting the goal of repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and believe he is doing the absolute right thing.  The State of Texas is completely broken and things are seriously off track and headed in the wrong direction.  Career politicians have played politics as usual and talked a lot without any serious action.  I’m running for governor because I firmly believe we need someone to step in and solve our problems.  I urge you to look over the policies on my website and see real solutions to our problems.  I am not beholden to any special interests but yours, which is why I’m funding this race out of my own pocket.  I will never give up fighting for the people of Texas and look forward to working together to fix our broken state.”

Sheriff Garcia Plans Town Hall Meeting January 25, 2010

January 25, 2010

SHERIFF GARCIA TO HOST FIRST TOWN HALL MEETING OF THE YEAR

 

(HOUSTON, TX) – Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia will meet with residents on Saturday, January 30 during a morning town hall meeting in north Harris County – the first one of the year.

Attendees will have the opportunity to share with the Sheriff and members of his command staff any concerns they may have. The Sheriff will also discuss results from the recently created Gang Unit and the Safe Home Task Force, among other things.

Also in attendance will be members of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Robbery Division, Crime Stoppers, Aldine ISD Police and Constable Precinct 2.

Parents will have the opportunity to have their children fingerprinted courtesy of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Community Support Bureau. Fingerprints are an excellent identification and locator tool in the case of a missing child.

This is Sheriff Garcia’s third town hall meeting since taking office in January 2009. It was originally scheduled for December 5, 2009 but was rescheduled due to weather conditions that day. The Sheriff’s first town hall meeting was in Channelview in June, followed by one in Katy in August. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

WHO:            Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia            

WHAT:           Town Hall Meeting
       
WHEN:           Saturday, January, 30, 2010
                10 a.m. – Noon

WHERE:          YES Prep North Central

•  
  13703 Aldine-Westfield

President Bush #41 Remembers Robert Mosbacher,Sr. January 24, 2010

 

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT GEORGE H. W. BUSH

ON THE DEATH OF SECRETARY ROBERT ADAM MOSBACHER, SR.
HOUSTON — Following is a statement by former President Bush 41 on the death of his close personal friend and former Commerce Secretary Robert A. Mosbacher, Sr.  Secretary Mosbacher died in Houston this morning, January 24th, after a year-long fight against pancreatic cancer.

Barbara and I feel a profound sense of personal grief over the death of our dear friend Bob Mosbacher, a close friend of some 50 years who helped us, and guided us, and lifted us up in so many different ways.  As good as he was at political fundraising — as he was certainly the very best at that — Bob meant so much more to us.  

Together we shared a journey that led to the presidency, the mountaintop of American politics, and there we worked together to help America more fully embrace the world around us and compete in the newly emerging global markets that the waning Cold War made accessible.  No doubt, Bob will be remembered as one the most effective Commerce Secretaries in our Nation’s history.

Bob Mosbacher was an honorable and a first-rate businessman, and perhaps the shrewdest dealmaker I ever knew.  But more than that, Bob was a true Point of Light, someone who generously helped so many different causes — but never seeking the limelight.  I think particularly of his spearheading the Odyssey Academy Charter School in Galveston as exemplary of Bob’s penchant for helping others in need.  And of course, we worked together with such joy to help support our beloved M.D. Anderson in the battle against cancer.  Few, if any, ever did more for that groundbreaking institution than Bob.

Bob Mosbacher was a patriot, a lover of the sea, and a loving family man.  Barbara and I have already sent our condolences to his wife Mica, his children, and his grandkids — and assured them of Bob’s place of honor in our Nation’s history.  We loved him very much.  He will be sorely and deeply missed.

Congresswoman Jackson-Lee Ready For Campaign January 24, 2010

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee proved once again on Saturday that she is a tireless campaigner, one of  her greatest strengths going into a contested March primary.

She began the day with a breakfast for Houston area ministers, had lunch with precinct captains and finished with a combination birthday party/campaign kickoff Saturday afternoon. 

If  turnout  is any indication, the Congresswoman still has strong support in the district.

The crowd included families, community leaders, elected officials (and candidates trying to get elected) along with volunteers who are ready to hit the ground running to help the Congresswoman win re-election in the 18 Congressional District. 

Faces in the crowd included: former city council member Gordon Quan who is running for Harris County Judge. Former Police Chief and current city council member C.O. Bradford  and Houston Federation of  Teachers President Gayle Fallon.

As 2 on the Beat previously reported,  Houston city council member Jarvis Johnson and attorney Sean Roberts are running against Jackson-Lee in the March 2nd Democratic Party primary.

If she wins the primary, Jackson-Lee will face a Republican opponent in the November general election.   The 18th congressional district is solidly democrat, so the Congresswoman shouldn’t have to worry as much about losing the general election, IF  she can win the primary. 

However, some political observers believe Jackson-Lee is vulnerable and could face a tough time winning a ninth term in congress.  While there is anti-Washington/anti-incumbent sentiment sweeping across the country, Jackson-Lee has perceived weakness that hit closer to home.

Her opponents, both Republican and Democrat, accuse her of being out of touch with residents and not doing enough in recent years to help the district.

She angered many of her constituents when she backed Sen. Hillary Clinton over Sen. Barack Obama in the 2008 Presidential Primary.

She also raised eyebrows when she showed up at Michael Jackson’s funeral and pushed for the late pop star to receive a Congressional Medal of Honor.

When asked by the media if she is concerned  about losing or being forced into a runoff,  the congresswoman said, “the seat belongs to the people. I will continue to fight for the people in Washington and in the district.”

She did not directly address the claims made by candidates/opponents Johnson or Roberts.

President Bush #41 Endorses Sen. Hutchison for Texas Governor January 22, 2010

 With some polls showing her trailing Gov. Perry by ten points, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison got a huge boost to her campaign Friday when she was enthusiastically endorsed by  former President George H.W. Bush (#41)  and First Lady Barbara Bush.

Speaking from a podium in the driveway of his Galleria-area home, Mr. Bush said that a vote for KBH was a “vote for conservative values.”

(The following is a campaign news release)

 President George H.W. Bush And First Lady Barbara Bush Endorse Hutchison For Governor 

HOUSTON, TX – Today, at their home in Houston, President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush endorsed Kay Bailey Hutchison in her campaign for Texas governor. 

“Barbara and I are taking this unusual step of endorsing in this primary because of our unbridled belief in Kay. She is strong. She has proven her steadfast commitment to the issues and values that unite Texas Republicans. And we are proud to stand with her today,” said former President Bush.

 The Bushes, who do not have a history of endorsing in Republican primaries. offered their enthusiastic support of Kay Bailey Hutchison. Citing the need for a strong leader in the governor’s office to lead Texas forward, they emphasized their focus on the future and the need to confront tough, complex issues that have gone unaddressed. 

“Kay is a respected national leader on many of the same issues that Texas is confronting today. These are tough, complex issues, but we have every confidence that Kay can get positive action after years of drift and delay,” said former President Bush. “This election is about the future, not the past – and we have no doubt that Kay has the right vision and values to help Texas build an even better tomorrow.”

 As a lifelong Republican, Hutchison worked to help build the Texas Republican Party from the ground up. She is more committed than ever to maintaining a strong Republican Party that is true to its core principles of more freedom and less government. 

President Bush who served as Harris County GOP chairman and later as chairman of the Republican National Committee lauded Kay’s loyal dedication to the Party, “I respect Kay’s loyal dedication to the Republican Party. To paraphrase the old song, she was a Lone Star Republican before it was cool to be a Republican in Texas.” 

First Lady Barbara Bush offered accolades for Kay and her leadership by saying, “We are endorsing Kay because she has proven herself as an effective leader fighting for Texas values in the United States Senate – and we have no doubt she can bring that same positive, inclusive style of leadership to Austin, to help our beloved Texas realize its fullest potential.” 

Hutchison is the only candidate in this race who has laid out a clear vision for Texas’ future and a plan to keep Texas strong 20 years from now. She has put forth plans to fix Rick Perry’s transportation mess, improve education by tackling the dropout rate head on, secure the border, protect private property rights and keep taxes low. She has also pledged to end the cronyism and mismanagement of our state government under Rick Perry.  

“The endorsements of George and Barbara Bush further the momentum of our campaign,” said Hutchison. “I am so honored to have the support of a true American statesman and one of our most beloved first ladies. This election is about the future of Texas, and as governor, I will look ahead and implement policies that will ensure Texas remains the greatest state in the nation.”###

The Campaign For State GOP Chair January 22, 2010

I don’t usually post information about the campaigns/elections  for county or statewide Democrat and Republican party leadership.

The positions are important and reveal a lot about the party’s tone and agenda,  but I’ve always considered those races “inside baseball” and not  interesting to the average voter. 

However,  it  looks like the statewide Republican Party is bracing for a heated battle that could set it on a new course if  Stephen Munisteri of  Houston is elected.

(you can read his statement below)

He is challenging GOP Chair Cathie Adams.  Adams was elected to the position last October after former chair Tina Benkiser stepped down to join Governor Perry’s re-election campaign as a senior advisor.

I haven’t spoken to Adams, but I do recall reading that she plans to seek a full term when the Republicans meet at their annual convention in June.

STEPHEN P. MUNISTERI ANNOUNCES FOR REPUBLICAN PARTY OF TEXAS STATE CHAIRMAN
HOUSTON — Long time Conservative and Republican activist Stephen P. Munisteri announced today that he is seeking the Chairmanship of the Republican Party of Texas at its State Convention in Dallas the weekend of June 11, 2010. 

Munisteri has been involved in the Republican Party and the conservative movement for 38 years and is a retired attorney and businessman from Houston.  In announcing his candidacy, Munisteri stated, “I believe both the Republican Party of Texas as well as our country are at crossroads.  Our country, which after the election of Ronald Reagan moved in the direction of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, strong national defense, less government intrusion in our lives, and lower tax rates, has been dramatically moved to the left by President Obama with massive government programs and bailouts.  Republicans have a unique window of opportunity to reverse some of these disastrous Obama policies before it is too late, but must act quickly to seize momentum.”

Munisteri went on to explain his view of the Chairman’s role, “However, to do so, the Republican Party must be a more effective organization, and that is why I am seeking the role of Chairman.  Although I am a solid Conservative I believe the Republican Party must do a better job at reaching beyond just its base to independent and minority voters without sacrificing its core beliefs.  Most important to this effort, the Republican Party must do a much better job of reaching minority communities, especially the Hispanic community” 

“In order for the Republican Party to remain a majority party in Texas, a new state Chairman must also be able to work all of the various activists and groups who are disenchanted with the liberal Democrats and Congress.  It is vital to ongoing Republican success to keep all of these groups within the party.”

Munisteri elaborated on his experience and qualifications to serve as State Party Chairman, “I have spent 38 years working within the Republican Party working on dozens of campaigns, I have been a precinct chairman, a member of the SREC, attended multiple state conventions and national conventions, and have worked across Texas and other states for several Presidential campaigns.  I have strong business administrative skills, having built a law firm from a single person into a 49-person operation including 20 attorneys and a multi-million dollar budget larger than that of the RPT.”

In a strong showing of support for his candidacy, Munisteri is pleased to announce the following members and supporters of his campaign, including: Mike Boylan, past State Chairman of the Associated Republicans of Texas; Mr. William McMinn, past State Finance Director of the Associated Republicans of Texas; Robert Mosbacher, Jr., past State Finance Chairman of the Texas Republican Party, former president of the United States Overseas Development Corporation, and the Party’s past nominee for Lieutenant Governor; Robert Miller, prominent attorney with Locke Lord(Bissell & Liddell LLP); former State Representative Martha Wong; former State Representative Brad Wright; former Missouri Lt. Governor William Phelps; well-known Republican attorney Frank Riley; Jessica Colon, past National Chairman of the Young Republican Federation; and prominent Houston businessman Ross Davis of Davis Southern Operating and Davis Asset Management.  Additionally, Munisteri has signed up Precinct Chairman, SREC members, past Republican staff members, and Conservative activists to assist in the campaign. 

The campaign has opened up a headquarters located at 3637 W. Alabama #210, Houston, Texas 77027.  Munisteri will campaign full time between now and June. 

###

Farouk Shami Outlines New Campaign Policy – Challenges Bill White January 21, 2010

 With no announced plans for a debate between the two democratic gubernatorial candidates running in the March 2010 Primary, I guess voters can only look to campaign statements and news releases for information.

 

Today Hair Care Executive Farouk Shami issued a policy statement important to gay Texans. Shami also challenged White to debate this and other issues.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2010
HOUSTON-Farouk Shami’s campaign released a comprehensive and inclusive LGBT policy, calling for equal rights and protections for the LGBT community.  Farouk believes that all people of Texas deserve to be treated equally.
 
“Discrimination has no place in Texas, LGBT Texans are Texans and we need someone in Austin to stand up for them,” Shami said. Shami’s LGBT policy calls for same-sex civil unions, proposes including LGBT in protections against employment and insurance discrimination and establishing authority for same-sex couples to make medical decisions on one another’s’ behalf.
 
Farouk publicly challenges democratic candidate Bill White to endorse this same policy for the LGBT community. “The Stonewall Democrats have asked Bill White to be their keynote speaker at an event, we challenge him to show the community he is a true advocate for the LGBT community. He should earn his endorsement,” Farouk said issuing the challenge. “I am prepared to stand up for the LGBT community. Are you, Bill White?” Shami asked.
 
Farouk Shami also made a public challenge for Bill White to debate “anytime, anyplace.” The Shami campaign says he is ready to debate Bill White. “If you claim to be an advocate for the LGBT community, prove it.” Shami said.

– 31 –

Click here for LGBT Policy

 

Join Congresswoman Jackson-Lee’s Campaign Opening January 20, 2010

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Opens Campaign Headquarters U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District invites everyone to join her for an open house at her campaign headquarters this Saturday. Food, fun and more will be the order of the day at the campaign headquarters from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the CWA Hall, 1730 Jefferson, on Saturday, January 23. Supporters can visit with the Congresswoman, pick up yard signs and sign up for volunteer activities. For more information, please call 713-445-3134 or visit the campaign website, http://www.sheilajacksonlee18.com.