Doing My Part For The Left

Doing My Part For The Left Has Moved

2008-07-21T21:42:00.003-05:00

After blogging for over 3 years at blogspot, I have bitten the bullet and moved Doing My Part For The Left to a dedicated server. I have transferred the stories but will leave this site up for awhile so readers can find me. The new site will have more features and I plan to add more pages and do some interesting things. You will find one page called All Things Cornyn where I will continue to blast Sen. Box Turtle every chance I get.

There will be other fun pages and lots of new post added often. I have lots of plans and ideas and hope you will come check it out and let me know what you think.

Texas Kaos is Having a Party and Y'all are Invited

2008-07-11T07:56:00.001-05:00

Mark your Calendars for Saturday July 19th 7:00PM to 10:00PM. As the Netroots Nation conference winds to a close Saturday evening, come by Bay6 Studios in East Austin:

Kick Back and Kick it Up before We Kick 'Em Out!

Sponsored and hosted by Texas Kaos and Bay6 Gallery. Featuring music, food, drink and a group art exhibition of work by Texas artists with a political theme titled:

"Blogging from the Right Side of the Brain."

In honor of all of the effort that has been going on around Texas Kaos over the last couple of years Bay6 Studios has decided to host a party to say thank you for all of the good work you have done. Please accept this as your personal invitation to attend. I would like to also personally extend an invitation out there to any artist's, lurking or not, to submit pieces for consideration in the show. I have always been fascinated by left brain/right brain thinking (as opposed to GOP no brain thinking!) and hope this event turns into a good mix between the bloggers and artists. We have some great art work lined up for the event already and will make room for more if you are so inclined.

This is an out of pocket expense for Bay6, our way of saying thank you to people like Krazypuppy, Boadicea, and all of you really who make this a stimulating place to be. We will be passing the boot at the event and all proceeds will go to ActBlue, editors choice (sounds like a good opportunity for a poll).

We are not looking for any cash to put the event on, but if you are in the Austin area and would like to participate in catering, food, drink or music, we would appreciate any and all donations to the effort. If you would like to lend a hand in putting the event together, volunteering at the event that would be helpful also.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

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For any and all inquiries, email kevin@bay6studios.com

Texas Progressive Alliance Weekly Blog Round-Up

2008-07-07T05:42:00.000-05:00

It's Monday, and that means it is time for another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's Weekly Round-Up. The roundup is compiled each week based on submissions by TPA member bloggers. This week's round-up is compiled by Vince from Capitol Annex.

According to PDiddie at Brains and Eggs, if Chris Bell -- in his current inclination toward making a run for the Texas Senate in District 17 -- were to stand next to Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa, it would appear to be at a 90-degree angle compared to him.

It was a week for new contributors at WhosPlayin. Kit asks a million tough questions about America's interventionism and the illusion of national security, and txdemjen expresses the frustration a lot of us have with Obama's sudden right-ward bend.

CouldBeTrue from South Texas Chisme is appalled that special prosecutor, Terry McDonald, gives former Sheriff, Michale Ratcliff, a sweet plea deal for the sexual assault of a minor supposedly under his protection.

Bay Area Houston says Governor Perry is calling for an investigation into the insurance industry.

Gary at Easter Lemming Liberal News now sees his
Pasadena neighbor Joe Horn saying he is no hero. Will he be subject to the same attacks those who have been saying that all along have experienced? Gary has been on vacation, mostly, but remains ticked off over the stupid.

Lovelie99 at McBlogger takes some time out of her busy schedule to inform us about the plight of supermodels. Apparently, there is a shortage of H-1B work visas since far too many math nerds are being imported to, you know, make stuff and stuff and program computers and stuff. And make other stuff, such as cellphones, such as. Which means there are too few supermodels who are allowed to work in the US. Well, at least the kind who are emaciated, gaunt and angular. We at McBlogger wondered if possibly there are math nerds who could do double duty. Then we laughed and laughed and laughed.

The Texas Cloverleaf wonders which is the better place to live...Collin County or New Jersey?. Forbes has the answer.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts the latest toll scam we'll be paying for soon, Going "Cashless" Will Cost Us All.

Off the Kuff notes a recent CNN Presidential poll and says it's not a dead heat if someone is leading.

Last week was a great one for evolutionary biology, but sucked if you happen to be a Conservapedia believer. Over at Texas Kaos Boadicea shares the tale of Conservapedia Ignoramous Schooled by Evolutionary Biologist and then discovered a sequel in which Lenski Meets the Naked Scientists.

refinish69 ponders the American Dream on the 4th of July at Doing My Part For The Left.

North Texas Liberal reports on Kim Brimer's cowardly move to keep worthy opponent Wendy Davis off the ballot in Fort Worth's SD 10.

Vince at Capitol Annex tells us about State Rep. Warren Chisum's announcement that he'll be trying again to pass legislation creating a two-year waiting period before couples can divorce.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T05:05:00.004-05:00

Today is the 4th of July and is the day we celebrate American Independence. There will be lots of flag waving, speeches, fire works and food. While celebrating the 4th with family and friends at a back yard cookout, parade or political rally, I hope everyone takes a few moments to reflect on what they consider America and why they are celebrating.

I am the last person in the world to be a "flag waver". The notion of wrapping myself in an American flag and singing "Old Glory" is sort of repulsive to me for many reasons. I have watched the neocons turn patriotism into an evil thing actually and use it as an excuse to condone genocide and needless war. I do not celebrate the America we are but the American Dream I believe our great country can be.

We have all heard and song "America the Beautiful" but I wonder how many have actually read the words.

"America the Beautiful - 1913
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife.
Who more than self the country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till souls wax fair as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America ! America !
God shed his grace on thee
Till paths be wrought through
wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!

O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man's avail
Men lavished precious life !
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!"

Katharine Lee Bates wrote the original version in 1893. She wrote the 2nd version in 1904. Her final version was written in 1913.

Here is a note from Katharine Lee Bates:

"One day some of the other teachers and I decided to go on a trip to 14,000-foot Pikes Peak. We hired a prairie wagon. Near the top we had to leave the wagon and go the rest of the way on mules. I was very tired. But when I saw the view, I felt great joy. All the wonder of America seemed displayed there, with the sea-like expanse."

The song speaks of a dream. A wondrous dream where Americans work together to make this a great country for all and not for selfish gain. It speaks of freedom for people and striving to make America the best it can be without restrictions based on faith, creed, color or any other man made barrier. America the Beautiful speaks of working to make this Country of ours all it can be and working endlessly to improve the world. This is my dream for America and why I do what I do in politics and civil rights. Instead of singing the National Anthem with it's images of War, I will sing America the Beautiful with it's dream and images of Hope for a better America.

Celebrate this day and the freedoms we have and cherish. Use today to rekindle the fire and resolve to continue the battle to create America the Beautiful for all Americans and for future generations.

Cornyn Staff Member is a Sock Puppet

2008-07-01T21:02:00.002-05:00

News report from KVUE-TV on Dave Beckwith, a staffer for John Cornyn, sockpuppeting on Burnt Orange Report and other blogs.

“STOP THE BULL, TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT OIL”

2008-06-30T20:55:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow 5 Democratic Congressional Candidates will hold a press conference to tell the GOP to stop the lies and o something for their constituents.

Five area Democratic Candidates for Congress will gather together today in the midst of a herd of Longhorn cattle and in front of an historic oil well at a well-known Dallas area gas station to tell their GOP Opponents, “Stop the Bull, Tell the Truth about Oil.”

The five candidates are Tom Daley (CD-3), Glenn Melancon (CD-4), Tom Love (CD-24), Ken Leach (CD-26) and Eric Roberson (CD-32). Each is committed to lowering the price of oil for consumers at the pump by working to return balance to our oil futures markets by fully ending the Enron Loophole, London Loophole and enacting common sense market reforms that will return balance to our oil markets.

These Democratic candidates assert that their GOP opponents are selling the citizens of North Texas a wagon load of bull manure by blaming Democrats for today’s high oil process and simultaneously providing no solutions. Texans know something about oil and about oil markets, so it’s time that Congressional Republicans quit their load of bull, stop offering fake solutions to the current oil crunch, and tell Texans the truth.

Anybody who knows anything about futures markets knows that the possibility of oil hitting the market 10-15 years from now will not impact current prices. When faced with the facts, the Democratic Candidates believe that the citizens of North Texas will be able to see through the political Bull and will see that the Democratic Plan for our energy future is the pathway to lower gas prices in both the short and long run.

GOP Load of Bull Facts

Democratic Policies Keep America from Drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) or in a variety of areas Off-Shore These policies were created by a Republican President, supported by decades by Republican and Democratic congresses, and have long had bipartisan support.

Only Democrats do not want to drill in the Alaska National Wildlife refuge.Even John McCain agrees that ANWR is too pristine to commence drilling

Drilling in ANWR or off the shore of the U.S. coast of the United States will cut the price of oil in half

Oil From these areas will not reach market for more than a decade and according to Energy Information Agency estimates that at the height of potential production oil from ANWR will under most scenarios lower the price of oil less than a dollar per barrel.

Calls for reducing market speculation by re-introducing prior market regulations are merely a “Sham” and will not work.

Wall Street experts agree that uncontrolled speculation is responsible for more than 25% of the current cost of oil. Based on supply and demand alone, the price of oil should be well below 100 a barrel.

The Problem with the oil price is a lack of supply.

Even T. Boone Pickens agrees we can not drill ourselves out of this mess. Currently up to half of the price of a barrel of oil is caused by a “Speculation Premium” and the low value of the Dollar. The best way to lower the price of oil is to end the market of unfair and unneeded speculation and return strength to the US dollar.

The Democratic Solution is anti-market and big government.

The futures markets functioned for decades under the prior rules without the current level of unfair and unneeded speculation. If you believe in the market, you will fix it and not allow it to be manipulated.

These 5 Democratic candidates for Congress will stand in unison to say that the people of North Texas deserve solutions not sound bites. The Democratic Congress is offering a well-reasoned 4-part solution to the current oil mess:

(1)Return the oil futures markets to their historic rules that prevented improper speculation by getting rid of the Enron Loophole, the London Loophole and requiring full registration of all U.S. oil traders to identify the scope of the current problem;

(2)Return strength of the American dollar by moving towards a balanced budget and strengthening the economy;

(3)Enact legislation to increase supply of American Oil by actually requiring the holders of governmental oil leases to “use them or lose them” as is required for coal leases; and,

(4)Work on lowering demand for oil by using market incentives to foster the prompt development of plug-in hybrids and natural gas powered cars that lower emissions and use American sources of power.

When America goes to vote this November, they need to be able to vote based on facts, not on Bull.

After the press conference, each candidate will be available for questioning prior to providing photo opportunities talking with real consumers, pumping gas and checking tire pressures to increase mileage (Full press packets will be available at the event that will include candidate bios, fact sheets, and a detail of current bills in the Congress designed to lower the price of oil for all Americans.)

Texas Progressive Alliance Weekly Blog Round-Up

2008-06-30T04:30:00.001-05:00

It's Monday, and that means it is time for yet another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's weekly blog round-up. Posts included in the round up are submitted each week by Alliance member blogs. This week's round-up is compiled by Vince from Capitol Annex.

Maybe PDiddie at Brains and Eggs was wrong about Obama and Texas. Decide for yourself.

Off the Kuff has one last belated interview from the state Dem convention, with CD32 candidate Eric Roberson.

There is a new email scandal in Harris County. XicanoPwr writes about the offensive emails discovered at the Harris County Sheriff's Office by a local media undercover investigation. One email has Osama bin Laden urging folks to vote Democratic. In another email, a top commander suggested that alligators should be put in the Rio Grande to cut down on illegal immigration.

Big Drunk at McBlogger points out, again, the flaws in the R's "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less" strategy. Which really isn't hard to do since the R's don't exactly excel at critical thinking, are in love with fantasy and are (to a large extent) willfully ignorant.

refinish69 of Doing My Part For The Left is delighted to announce that the Texas Medical Association Rescinds their endorsement of Box Turtle and shares Rick Noriega's response to Big Bad John.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson posts on the cracks forming in the Texas GOP in A Cooling Off Period For The Texas GOP.

Vince Leibowitz at Capitol Annex takes a look at the Texas Supreme Court's recent opinion declaring, essentially, that if you are injured by a church, you are screwed, which stems from the case of--get this--an exorcism gone horribly wrong.

North Texas Liberal reports on the charge that John McCain and his wife Cindy have defaulted on four years of back taxes for their La Jolla, Calif. residence.

The Texas Cloverleaf helps expose the fact that oil companies are not drilling on 3/4 of the land they already lease, because it will cost them too much. Corporate greed, anyone?

Over at Texas Kaos, it is Kenneth Foster all over again, as it looks like Texas' law of parties is fixing to execute another man, Jeff Wood, who didn't kill anyone.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme notes John McCain shows his true colors by choosing Phil 'Enron' Gramm as a close associate.

NyTexan at BlueBloggin tell us how the Bush administration has hit the pinnacle of security chaos. We can rest easy now, knowing that we have outsourced the outsource; Department of Homeland Security Outsources National Security

Bay Area Houston writes about State Senator Kim Brimer keeping campaign cash for himself.

Texas Medical Association Rescinds Endorsement of Cornyn

2008-06-27T16:47:00.001-05:00

John Cornyn screwed up again. He decided that funding for Medicare was not important and voted to stall funding for Medicare.

Link

The political action committee of the Texas Medical Association, furious about a Thursday night vote on a Medicare-funding bill, is going to rescind its endorsement of Sen. John Cornyn’s reelection bid, association spokesman Brent Annear said.

Cornyn and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison voted to stall a bill that would have prevented a 10 percent cut in Medicare funding for physicians, prompting an unusually harsh reaction from the medical association, which has 43,000 members and is one of the most powerful trade groups in Texas politics.

Big Bad John better stick to doing bad videos instead of being a Senator from Texas. He proves yet again he does not care for Texans unless they are paying for his campaign. He is a total sell out and a worthless senator. He does not care about the elderly of Texas or America. Time to vote him out of office and send a real Leader to DC.

Look at a video response to Big Bad John.

Here is the press release from Rick Noriega about this issue.

Rick Noriega: Cornyn’s Medicare Vote Irresponsible for Texas Seniors and Families

Houston, TX – Republican incumbent John Cornyn’s deciding vote against cloture last night on H.R. 6331 the "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008" is another example of Cornyn’s misplaced priorities – putting special interests over Texas seniors – said Rick Noriega today.

"Today's vote is simply unconscionable. John Cornyn's vote has jeopardized access to health care for thousands of elderly Texans," Noriega said. According to the Texas Medical Association, 58 percent of Texas physicians will have no choice but to limit the number of new Medicare patients they treat. Noriega said Cornyn's actions will force more and more physicians out of the Medicare program.

"Instead of standing up for Texas' patients and physicians to fix Medicare's flawed payment system, Cornyn has once again put partisan
politics and the profits of private, for-profit Medicare HMOs ahead of the needs of Texas seniors."

The legislation which passed the House of Representatives on an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 355 to 59, would grant an 18-month
reprieve from the 10.6-percent Medicare physician payment cuts scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2008. The bill would pay for the reprieve by eliminating subsidies to for-profit Medicare Advantage plans. Cornyn’s vote single handedly killed the bill last night in the Senate.

"Why would Senator Cornyn defend the practice of paying more money for a medical service to a private HMO than to the physician performing
the service?” said Holly Shulman, press secretary of the Rick Noriega campaign. “This vote proves once again that John Cornyn is nothing more than a shill for the big insurance companies that are funding his campaign."

Noriega added, "Senator Cornyn has shown a consistent pattern of callous disregard, voting against the health of Texas' Veterans, Texas' children and Texas' elderly. Texas needs a Senator who will fight for access to quality health care and stand up against the health insurance companies and special interests."

Texas has a chance to send a True Leader to DC in November and we better do it!!!

Who is The Most Endangered Republican in the Texas House of Representatives?

2008-06-25T09:48:00.002-05:00

If you have been following the videos released on Monday and Tuesday, no doubt your appetite has been sufficiently whetted and you are eager to know just exactly who the most endangered Republican in the Texas House that you don't know actually is. Wait no longer, as the answer is below:

What makes John Davis the most endangered Republican in the Texas House? It's a good question, and we've got the answer.

John Davis is out of touch with his district. HD 129 is a district that includes El Lago, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, Shoreacres, Taylor Lake Village, and Webster and parts of Friendswood, Houston, La Porte, League City, Pasadena, and Pearland--all in Harris County.

A common misconception is that HD 129 is a "silk stocking" House District full of wealthy folks. That's not true, however. While a majority of families do have an annual income of over $50,000 according to the 2000 Census (the most recent numbers broken out by House District), the population of HD 129 is more "middle class" than anything.

Davis' voting record, however, is pretty shoddy when it comes to the needs of middle class families.

Davis voted for tuition deregulation. It doesn't take a genius to tell you that middle class families have been impacted significantly by the Legislature's decision in 2003 to deregulate college tuition. It has become very difficult for middle class families to afford to send their kids to college because tuition costs are skyrocketing. Clearly, tuition deregulation is not a middle class value that the people of House District 129 support. Davis has even put the interests of one of his big supporters, Houston home builder Bob Perry, above middle class students who want a college education when it came time to cast votes on the Appropriations Bill on the House floor!

He's for dirty air. Once again, it doesn't take a genius to tell you that the air quality in Harris county is somewhat lacking. Heck, even the American Journal of Epidemiology has taken note of the fact that lung cancer mortality in Harris County is high--and that isn't because more people in Harris County enjoy the occasional Marlboro or Kool, either. Yet John Davis--time and time again--has voted against improving the air quality in his own district. Here is some of what Davis actually has to say about this topic:

"It's much cleaner than it was 20-30 years ago. I believe we are on the right track. I don't want to choke off industry.

You can also watch a YouTube of Davis actually making that statement here.

Davis also voted for raising taxes on small businesses. Even though Republicans are typically pro-business, Davis is surely no friend of small business. Even others in his own party call the tax John Davis supported an "abject failure." Taxing small businesses out of business isn't exactly a middle class value, either.

And, there is plenty more where that came from: Davis voted to disenfranchise minorities and the elderly (Voter ID), to waste taxpayer dollars on state-funded lobbyists (more than once), and even allowing the state to seize homes of Medicaid patients (HB 2922).

Does Davis share his district's values? We think not.

Davis' failure to reflect the values of his district alone, however, doesn't make him endangered. It is, rather, a variety of factors.

One of the key factors that makes Davis terribly endangered is the quality of his opponent, Democrat Sherrie Matula, and the campaign she is running down in HD 129.

We'll talk more about that on Thursday.

Brought to you by Vince Liebowitz from Capital Annex

Help Put Rick Noriega Over the Top

2008-06-25T08:51:00.001-05:00

Texans love to vote so here is a chance to go vote for Rick Noriega before the November general election.

Sen. Barbara Boxer's PAC has kicked off their 2008 "Choose a Challenger" contest. The voting goes through midnight tonight.

Please go and vote for Rick Noriega if you have not done so already. The exposure and help Rick will receive from winning this and the email support from Sen. Boxer are incredible. Currently Rick is leading and we want to
keep it that way. Please forward this to any and all Texas Democrats.

*Which Challenger should the PAC for a Change community help in 2008?*

PAC for a Change is kicking off our 2008 "Choose a Challenger" contest –- an opportunity for you and our entire online community to decide which
Democratic Senate Challenger our PAC will support next. The winner of our online contest will be featured in a fundraising email to our PAC for a
Change community, potentially adding *tens of thousands of dollars to his or her campaign war chest this fall -- going a long way towards helping us build a stronger progressive Senate majority in 2009 and beyond. *

Fill out the ballot below to vote in our "Choose a Challenger" contest
before the June 25th deadline!

Let's show Rick some of that famous Texas grassroots support!!!

You can also make a donation to Rick's campaign and send Rick to DC as the next Texas Senator.

Who is The Most Endangered Republican in the Texas House of Representatives?

2008-06-24T12:44:00.000-05:00

Who is The Most Endangered Republican in the Texas House of Representatives? Watch the video below, and see if you can tell us. If you can't, stay tuned. There will be more videos to follow this week, and we'll ultimately reveal his identity on Wednesday.

Who is The Most Endangered Republican in the Texas House of Representatives?

2008-06-23T16:42:00.002-05:00

Texas Progressive Alliance's Weekly Blog Round-Up

2008-06-23T05:28:00.001-05:00

It's Monday, and that means it is time for another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's Weekly blog round-up. The round-up is compiled from posts submitted by member blogs.

WCNews at Eye On Williamson takes apart the new GOP Business tax in Tearing At The Margins Tax.

Off the Kuff published the rest of his convention week interviews, with Joe Moody (HD78), Ernie Casbeer (HD59), and State Rep. Juan Garcia (HD32).

McBlogger asks why are the Republicans so ideologically driven on energy policy? Then he remembers that knowledge isn't so useful in the faith-based economy.

Something stinks about the Webb County Sheriff's election. CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme can't wait to find out who did what.

BossKitty at BlueBloggin points out that we have more than just McCain and Obama running for president. And Then Theres Bob Barr - Born Again Libertarian; one-time conservative Republican Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party presidential nominee, offered a scathing critique of Sen. John McCain today and predicted he would garner substantial conservative Republican support in a handful of battleground states critical to McCain in his campaign against Democratic Sen. Barack Obama.

Obama needs Texas to win the presidency, but only -- as with recent previous Democratic nominees -- for its money and not its electoral votes, claims PDiddie at Brains and Eggs.

WhosPlayin piles on after Joe Barton, Michael Burgess, Pete Sessions, and Kay Granger hold a press conference to blame Democrats for high fuel prices. It was so bad that even Fox 4 News called B.S. on it.

Lightseeker at Texas Kaos continues to keep an eye on Blackwater's shenanigans. The latest is that Erik Prince loves him some Sharia law-if it will quash a lawsuit for him.

Wonder how long it will be before the company dress code includes a burqa?

refinish69 reviews the GOP's Big Bad John at Doing My Part For The Left. While the video is wonderful for a laugh and has wonderful production values, it is as full of crap as John Cornyn's career as a US Senator.

Vince at Capitol Annex takes down the new platform of the Republican Party of Texas.

Help Keep a Roof Over the Diva Dogs' Heads

2008-06-20T05:04:00.007-05:00

I am not one to ask for help and it never comes easy for me but the time for being coy is over. I am in desperate financial straights and need the kindness of strangers to help get me past this. I have been unemployed since March with no unemployment benefits. I have scraped by and survived by now the mess has hit the fan. I am behind in my rent and unless I can pay them $875 by Monday I will most likely be evicted. I have a court case for eviction on Monday afternoon.

People have asked if they can help. You can make a donation to help me through the rough times at Doing My Part For The Left podcast through the paypal link there. You will never know how much I hate asking but I do appreciate the ones who want to help out the Diva Dogs and I.

PS: If you have a job you can offer me, that would be great also. I am willing to do anything legal. LOL

New Poll Shows Texas 10th Within Reach

2008-06-16T16:12:00.002-05:00

From Matt Glazer at Burnt Orange Report

More good news in the Texas 10th Congressional District. In a recent poll conducted by Goodwin Simon Victoria Research, CD-10 is now very much in play.

Our recent poll results indicate that voters in Texas’ 10th Congressional District may be willing to head in a different direction in 2008. Democratic candidate Larry Joe Doherty has a compelling personal narrative, incumbent Republican Mike McCaul is vulnerable because he has failed to make any meaningful connection with his constituents, and Democrats have a real chance to take this district in November.

cross posted at Daily Kos, Burnt Orange Report

This poll shows that the initial trial heat for Republican incumbent Mike McCaul gets only 43% of the vote and Democratic challenger gets 34% of the vote (down 9%). The main point here is that McCaul fails to get even close to the 50% plus 1 benchmark. In a generic Dem vs. Rep the Democrats gets 41% and Republicans get 45%. This indicates two points, one McCaul underperforms the straight Republican ID which means McCaul is actually underperforming the straight Republican ticket and two, LJD will see a huge bounce among both Democrats and Republicans once he begins outreach.

The poll also indicates that Doherty could move voters rapidly if they have the opportunity to hear his message.

After hearing one positive statement about Doherty and nothing critical of McCaul, voters are quickly able to reevaluate the congressional race, preferring Doherty over McCaul by 46% to 38%. After hearing considerable information about both candidates voters prefer Larry Joe Doherty by a 50% to 36% margin over McCaul. This again underscores how potentially fluid this electorate is.

The other scary point is how negative CD-10 feels about native son, President George W. Bush.

Bush’s job rating is 70% negative here (in Texas) and 69% of C.D. 10 voters think the country is seriously off on the wrong track.

These numbers are good news for Democrats in Austin, Houston, and the counties in between. What we need to remember though is McCaul is independently wealthy and has strong family ties to the Clear Channel conglomeration. If LJD can’t get both small and large donations, this will be a hard race to win.

To read the full polling memo, click here. The 400-person survey of likely voters in the 10th Congressional District was conducted May 27-31.

Make sure to donate today.

Big Bad John Cornyn

2008-06-16T15:15:00.004-05:00

John Cornyn showed this video at the Texas Republican Convention and showed just how out of touch he is with Texas. He talks about opening government to the people. Yes, we saw as the Republican party gave more tax breaks to big business and screwed the American public but he was all for it. He rooted out crooks? What ones? Haliburton and their no bid contracts? Maybe the Republican legislators or senators who ignored pleas about the abuse at the Veterans Hospitals? I don't think so.The picture of barbed wire speaks volumes of his stance towards immigration and wanting to build a wall across the Texas/Mexican border. He claims he gave support to our troops but we all know this means he supported them by sending them to die in Iraq and voted for every funding bill for the war but not for a time line to bring them home. I am sure you also remember he voted against the new GI Bill to honor our veterans when they get home.

The video as a simple question. As the sun sets on the pecos and six years are running out, is it time to send someone else to DC? There is only one answer. YES!!! Texas deserves a statesman in Washington as our junior senator. Texans must unite behind the campaign of Rick Noriega and send someone to DC who will actually look after the best interest of all Texans and not just the millionaires. Send Rick to DC to help rewrite history so that Texas can say we had a senator who cared not only for our troops but helped bring them home from a senseless war that has turned into a bloody civil war that we should not be involved in. Send Rick Noriega to DC so that Texas has a senator who cares about education and teachers instead of funding programs that only teach for end of year test scores. Send Rick Noriega to DC so we have a senator who will actually vote his convictions and not just follow a party line. Send Rick Noriega to DC so Texas has a senator who actually who stand up for all Texans and all Americans.

Texas Progressive Alliance Weekly Blog Round-Up

2008-06-16T03:09:00.003-05:00

It's Monday, and that means it is time for another edition of the Texas Progressive Alliance's weekly blog round-up. The round-up is compiled based on submissions made by member blogs. This week's compiler is Vince from Capitol Annex.

CoulldBeTrue hears Rick Perry's rally call against Mexican drug cartels hooking up with local gangs and fears coded words meaning 'Lets profile Latinos' yee haw.

Off the Kuff spent his time in Austin interviewing candidates for office. The first group of interviewees published are State Rep. Dan Barrett, HD97; Wendy Davis, SD10; Robert Miklos, HD101; and Chris Turner, HD96.

refinish69 of Doing My Part For The Left gives a review of his experience herding cats at the Texas Democratic Convemtion and a podcast version as well.

The Texas Cloverleaf wonders why we are getting yet another TX Secretary of State, as Phil Wilson is set to resign after only one year on the job.

PDiddie had some scenes from the Texas GOP convention posted at Brains and Eggs.

With four electric companies folding up shop over the last several weeks, it is going to be a difficult summer for Texas consumers. The failures underscore just how screwed up the retail utility business is in Texas. One commentator has called it a game of Russian Roulette, and so it is....

In a much-anticipated mega-post on transportation issues, McBlogger tells us that lawmakers are "doing it wrong" when it comes to transportation funding.

Vince at Capitol Annex tears apart the Republican argument for getting rid of property taxes and replacing them with a sales tax for funding public schools, which this week was promoted by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility.

Herding Cats at the Texas Democratic Convention

2008-06-15T15:47:00.001-05:00

This past week was the Texas Democratic State Convention and I was there as an Obama Delegate. It was so thrilling and exhausting to be with over 15,000 Democrats for 3 days.

The weekend started off Thursday night with all the parties. I was at the Bloggers Caucus and had a blast!!! It is one of the best attended parties at every Texas Convention. We had lots of bloggers, candidates, elected officials and excited Democrats. Who wouldn't have a great time drinking and talking politics with some the best of the Texas Blogosphere. The event was host by the Texas Progressive Alliance and I am happy to report I am a member.

Listen to the podcast @ Hearding Cats at the Texas Democratic Convention

A little music, a little politics and a few laughs. LOL

Here are just a few of the great elected officials or candidates who stopped by;(be sure and visit their websites to help out with their campaigns)

Diana Maldonado TX-HD52

Robert Miklos TX-HD 101

Larry Joe Doherty TX-US 10 and his wife Joanne

Glen Melancon TX-US Con 4

Rick Noreiga TX-US Senate

The list goes on and on....

Now is the time for Democrats to get busy working on the November elections. WE need to elect good people from the White House to the Courthouse!!!

Friday was spent waiting in lines and finding rooms and then finally convening the SD14 delegates to start the long procedure of voting for committee members and also national delegates. We set Texas history by staying in session the longest of any senate district ever. We were there till 3:36 am on Friday Night and then had to be back as early as 8 am for some. LOL

Chelsea Clinton spoke to the Delegates on Friday night.

Saturday was spent listening to speeches and voting on resolutions, the party platform and the Party Chairperson. I am happy to say that Boyd Richie was reelected to a second term. I finally gave up around 7pm and headed out for dinner and cocktails but I know others who stayed till at least midnight on Saturday.

Texas By The Numbers

Remembering Ann Richards

and Lady Bird Johnson

and honoring a True Texas Statesman and Hero

Texas Senator Mario Gallegos

We are ready to Take Texas Back and we hope you will join us in this battle!!!

Help Send me to Netroots Nation!!!

Netroots Nation is coming to Austin next month and the only way I will be able to attend is if I win one of the scholarships being offered by Democracy for America. I am asking all my readers and blogging friends to help me make a dream come true.

They have announced at Democracy for America that one scholarship will be awarded solely on the number of grass roots supporters. I have 40 supporters as of airtime but I know my listeners would love to hear me podcast live from Netroots Nation.

I got started blogging after attending Demfest 2005 in Austin and meeting some of the top bloggers from around the world. They inspired me to add blogging and podcasting to my political and civil rights activities. The blogging community has made a huge difference in American politics and I believe I have helped inform people about issues near and dear to my heart.

Attending Netroots Nation will give me a chance to meet some of the great bloggers who inspire me with their activism and writing while also challenging me to do more and more to continue the battle to make this a better world for all people.

Please visit my Netroots scholarship application and show me some of that famous grassroots support.

Last Day to Apply for Netroots Nation Scholarship

2008-06-13T10:13:00.001-05:00

Tonight at midnight is the cutoff to apply for a scholarship to Netroots Nation. Netroots Nation will be in Austin at the convention center July 17th- July 20th.

You can help fund theses scholarships by making a donation and helping bloggers who would not be able to attend come to the Largest Gathering of Bloggers in the world.

If you would like to attend Netroots Nation and do not need a scholarship, click on the picture below.

Decisions about the scholarships will be based on:

One scholarship will be awarded based on community support alone. You can voice your support for a candidate on their application page.

At least 20 scholarships will be awarded in total. We will base our decisions on application content, active experience, individual need, geographic, gender, age, and ethnic diversity as well as community member support. Our goal is to not just reward the best or those who need it most, but also to expand the progressive movement and bring activists together. The winners will be announced by June 18. Please search through the candidates and voice your support today.

I am in the running for one of the scholarships myself and would appreciate any and all support. LOL

Click on the footprints to help send me to Netroots Nation

John McClelland for State Representative District 64

2008-06-12T07:14:00.003-05:00

John McClelland is running in TX-HD 64. John is a young man who believes in taking care of Texans instead of big business. I have had the pleasure of meeting John and speaking with him about the issues and he is someone we need in the Texas Ledge. He has devoted most of his life to political and civil rights.

John is one of the many candidates who stopped by the bloggers caucus at the Texas Democratic State Convention but he needs our support.

Let's help John get elected and get that majority in the Texas Legislature!!!

We can also help john get the Democracy for America endorsement. It is very simple to do. You go over to John's campaign page and voice your support for his campaign.

Meet the Man Who's Taking on Craddick

2008-06-11T11:33:00.000-05:00

Bill Dingus is in town tomorrow at the historic Scholz Beer Garten, and this is a chance to talk to the man with the guts to take on Tom Craddick.

June 12, 2008 * 5:30-7:00
Scholz Beer Garten
$20 Donation Suggested

Bill Dingus is running for State Representative against Tom Craddick in House District 82.

Come have a cold drink with Dingus, who not only has the courage to stand up to Craddick but also a real commitment to bringing change to the Capitol.

Contributions are not required, but I am sure all donations will be deeply appreciated.

If you can't come by, please visit Bill's web site: www.billdingus.com

This race typifies why we need Democrats up and down the ballot. With Dingus in the race Craddick is required to filed TEC reports, spend time and the district, and answer to the press. In addition, Dingus is a former elected and stellar candidate. This is a year for change, and maybe the stars will align perfectly and Dingus becomes the first Democrat to represent HD-82 in over three decades.

Come by, talk change, and join us in meeting one of the most courageous candidates for the Texas House.

Texas Progressive Alliance Roundup

2008-06-11T11:22:00.001-05:00

Still woozy from the Bloggers Caucus? Well, there's nothing like a little hair of the blog to cure what ails you. Click on to read the Texas Progressive Alliance roundup for the week.

BossKitty at BlueBloggin tell us about the Government Accountability Office's (GOA) revealing report to Congress on how tax preparers work in cooperation with banks to advance refunds which can greatly reduce your tax refund check in Refund Anticipation Loans, Rapid Refunds, Sleazy Tax Preparers

The live-blog of the contest for the state chair of the Texas Democratic Party was done by PDiddie at Brains and Eggs.

Off the Kuff conducted an interview with the Communications Director of the American Wind Energy Association on the state of wind energy in Texas and America today.

Kit of WhosPlayin thinks much of mainstream media coverage of late - especially with regard to the Democratic nomination is meant to distract us from the more important issues like Iraq, health care costs, and the mortgage market melt down.

Texas Kaos has extensive liveblogging and video from the Texas State Democratic Convention this weekend. Highlights include Chelsea Clinton's Two Messages for Texas Democrats, Sam Houston Makes The Case for Caring About the Judicial Races, and Senator Mario Gallegos Addressing the State Convention a little more than a year after he and the Texas Senate Dem Caucus held off David Dewhirst's grab for your voting rights.

McBlogger's Lovelie99 takes a look at a culinary craze that is sweeping the nation. And finds it, frankly, pretty gross.

Help Send refinish69 to Netroots Nation(updated)

2008-06-11T11:18:00.001-05:00

Netroots Nation is coming to Austin next month and the only way I will be able to attend is if I win one of the scholarships being offered by Democracy for America. I am asking all my readers and blogging friends to help me make a dream come true.

I got started blogging after attending Demfest 2005 in Austin and meeting some of the top bloggers from around the world. They inspired me to add blogging and podcasting to my political and civil rights activities. The blogging community has made a huge difference in American politics and I believe I have helped inform people about issues near and dear to my heart.

Attending Netroots Nation will give me a chance to meet some of the great bloggers who inspire me with their activism and writing while also challenging me to do more and more to continue the battle to make this a better world for all people.

Please visit my Netroots scholarship application and show me some of that famous grassroots support.

They have announced at Democracy for America that one scholarship will be awarded solely on the number of grass roots supporters. I have 37 supporters so far but I know with the readers I can make it to Netroots Nation.

Help Send Refinish69 to Netroots Nation

2008-06-09T06:25:00.005-05:00

Here's a Hint To All The National Delegate Hopefuls

2008-06-05T05:11:00.006-05:00

It is June 5th and the parties for the Texas State Convention start tonight!!! All the National Delegate Hopefuls better bring their credit cards and start buying drinks. My preference is Absolute and tonic- single shot- tall glass.
I have received emails, letters, calls, handouts and even some neat gifts. Now I want BOOZE!!!

Here are just a couple of the places you can find me tonight:

The Third Biennial Blogger's Caucus

DATE: Thursday, June 5, 2008
TIME: 8:30pm-12:00am
LOCATION: The Cedar Door, 201 Brazos St.

Come and have a drink with the best and brightest from the Texas Blogosphere. Meet your favorite bloggers!

Turn Texas Blue Obama Party
Texas Democratic State Convention
June 5th
Club de Ville
900 Red River
Austin, TX
8 P.M. until Midnight
RSVP: TexansForObama.com/party
DJ DOJO and Crew
Live Screen Printing by Billy Bishop

All Obama delegates, alternates, supporters and friends of supporters are welcome. It's going to be great fun!

So if you want my vote, liquor me up. LOL

You can also buy me cigarettes and so there is no confusion, here is what brand I smoke.

Making The Dream a Reality

Barack Obama 2008