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November 28, 2005
A Sign of Desperation
Tom DeLay, the Sugarland Congressman and at least temporarily neutered U.S. House Majority Leader, had been awfully quiet lately, until today.
Since the opening round of his criminal case in Austin, some six weeks ago, where he sported a big smile, almost palpable bravado, and scored an opening victory by getting the presiding judge removed, his sails have lost a bit of wind.
Last week Mr. DeLay suffered two significant setbacks. First, the new judge in the Austin trial refused to dismiss Travis County DA Ronnie Earle's charges against him, meaning he will remain out of power in Washington until at least early next year when his trial is scheduled to recommence.
Second, and much more seriously, his former Hill staffer Michael Scanlon was indicted in Washington and will be the prosecution's star witness against lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and a number of influential Beltway types, most likely inclduing Mr. DeLay. Not a good week for the Congressman.
So, when things are looking bad and you just don't have the stroke you used to, what's the solution? Why, hold a rally and blame Democrats for your troubles, of course!
Never mind that Mr. DeLay's latest problems in Washington stem from his own former staffer (who is, shockingly, a Republican) cooperating with the Republican-controlled Justice Department, it's the Democrat Party's fault!
Sadly, as this evening's wire story indicates, only about 100 people showed up to support him at a suburban Houston hotel. The crowds are getting smaller (though the protesters always show up), and the bad news just keeps on coming. Mr. DeLay's former best friend Jack Abramoff is going down, and with Scanlon's help, just might take Tom with him.
2005 has been a long year for Tom DeLay, and it's not over yet. 2006 may prove endless for him, or just the end. Well, at least he has Democrats at whom to direct his bellyaching. Texans don't like a whiner Mr. DeLay.
Posted by houtopia at 09:43 PM
November 27, 2005
Chappelle's Back! Sort of...
A momentary digression from the usual political fare to cover something really important: the return of superstar comedian Dave Chappelle.
After a much publicized split with Comedy Central regarding the "Dave Chappelle Show", a wildly successful comedy series, which sadly didn't even make it to a second season, and various bizarre reports about Chappelle's whereabouts and state of mind, Dave seems to be back.
Today's Times covers his celebrated return to Las Vegas, headlining a comedy festival.
As the article states, neither the circumstances of Chappelle's parting with Comedy Central, nor the rampant speculation about his mental state are any clearer than they were months ago. Chappelle won't discuss it, and only made vague reference to it in his act.
The reporter gave the act mixed reviews, but flashes of the old Dave definitely seemed in evidence. Count us among those very glad to see him back on the scene.
Posted by houtopia at 11:48 AM
November 23, 2005
Texas Supremes Shut Robin Hood Down
Well, big news out of Austin yesterday.
The Texas Supreme Court, not surprisingly, ruled in the West Orange Cove case that the state is using an unconstitutional property tax to fund public education, though it fell short of ruling the "Robin Hood" plan itself, which redistributes funding from school districts across the state, unconstitutional. Robin Hood, is, however, more or less finished.
As the Chronicle reports, the all-Republican court ruled 7-1 that "the state's reliance on local property taxes for more than half of education funding has left local school districts with no control over their tax rates."
The court has given the Legislature, which has failed in two regular, and four special sessions to do anything about this enormous issue until June 1st of next year to come up with a solution, or schools will not open next fall.
Unsurprisingly, Governor Perry, who has presided over the utter lack of accomplishment on this and all other substantive issues, and who regularly displays a curious disconnect from reality, quickly claimed victory for property taxpayers.
Trouble is, condemning the existing system was the easy part. Perry has put together a commission to address the issue headed by John Sharp (think he's trying to pin this on you, Mr. Sharp?), which is supposed to make its recommendations by next spring. (All these efforts are scheduled to be completed plenty of time ahead of next year's fall elections -- those Supreme Court justices are elected, remember.)
But any real solution to public school finance will require significantly more money, not less. So while it may be fun to crow about property taxes coming down (not a bad thing), that money and then some has to replaced somewhere else. And whether it's consumers or businesses, or likely some combination of both, significant numbers of folks will have to pay a lot more money, and they won't be happy about it.
You notice in the article that Lt. Governor Dewhurst and Speaker Craddick were decidedly more muted in their reactions than the good Governor. That's because think what you will of them, they actually understand the game here, and that there is a big "no-win" element of this situation politically, no matter what is done.
Whatever happens, it will happen on the Republicans' watch, and while that may offer some political opportunity, it carries a helluva lot more risk. Maybe by June 1st there will be a glittering new public school finance system with tax relief, more money for districts and everybody happy. Maybe not.
Given what's gone on in Austin over the last several years, what do you think?
Posted by houtopia at 03:07 PM
November 20, 2005
The Most Dangerous Man In Washington
In a Fall Washington Republicans would like to forget, things may have just gotten a lot worse. On Friday, Michael Scanlon, a former staffer for Sugar Land Congressman Tom DeLay, and business partner to fallen super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff, joined those two men in being charged with a felony.
Today's Washington Post reveals that Mr. Scanlon is likely to become the prosecution's star witness against Mr. Abramoff and a host of Washington players, including Members of Congress, lobbyists, Hill staffers and executive branch officials.
Quite simply, this guy was the go-between for Abramoff and his dealings with elected officials, their staff members, and administration officials. He knows way too much, and that makes him very dangerous indeed.
Scanlon, a young man in his 30s, almost instantly got rich after leaving Mr. DeLay's office to go to work with Abramoff in 2000. The two ran a scheme that bilked Indian tribes for $82 million for "help" with their casino gaming interests, which proved to be their undoing. Scanlon has a young family, and clearly decided cooperation with the Justice Department was more palatable than federal prison time.
The question is, just how much does he know and who will it implicate? Based on the number of deals going on, and the constant wining and dining of Members of Congress, etc., the list could be very long indeed.
One person very clearly in the crosshairs is his former boss, Mr. DeLay. Many people may hope for Travis County DA Ronnie Earle to hit paydirt with his case against the former Majority Leader, but early signs don't suggest that's likely.
Mr. DeLay's real danger has always been, and is now more than ever, the Abramoff business in Washington. Scanlon is the key to that. If Mr. DeLay is indicted by the Justice Department, or seriously investigated again by the House Ethics Committee, his political reign of power is likely finished.
Prolonged investigations on two or three fronts would make it impossible for DeLay to be reinstated as Majority Leader anytime soon. And with every day that passes where he grows more politically radioactive, it gives ambitious GOP caucus members more cover to permanently take him out of House leadership.
Even if he survives his legal troubles and is reelected at the ballot box, would Tom DeLay really go back to being a back-bencher? We doubt it.
So watch developments with Mr. Scanlon very carefully. He may well be the beginning of the end politically for Congressman DeLay.
Posted by houtopia at 11:48 AM
November 17, 2005
I Promise Not To Do It Again
Today's Austin American Statesman brings word that the Texas Republican Party avoided prosecution for illegal use of corporate funds in the 2002 elections, in exchange for a promise not to do it again. Isn't that special?
Never mind that illegally using over $5 million dollars in legislative and other races helped the GOP seize every lever of state government, just don't do it again, OK?
Apparently, Travis County Attorney David Escamilla decided to grant "deferred prosecution" until April 2007, which really means they won't be prosecuted at all, in exchange for their promise to abstain in the future. What??
The State GOP agreed to not to violate the state election code, and to seek election law training for its executive director and finance officials. Mighty big of them to agree simply not to break the law. Can this even be called a slap on the wrist? A stern talking-to? More like a meek "tsk tsk".
Can anyone imagine the baying from the right-wing looney crowd if the "Democrat Party" had gotten off so easy in a similar situation? They would already have the ropes dangling from the trees in Austin. This is disgraceful folks.
The 2002 election in Texas was the most pivotal state contest of the last 100 years plus. It fundamentally changed the power structure of state government, likely for years to come. And it was largely bought and paid for by illegal corporate contributions.
So, the State GOP walks away with just a promise not to do it again. Think anybody had their fingers crossed when they made the pledge? They're laughing all the way home. Color us disgusted.
Posted by houtopia at 05:54 PM
November 15, 2005
Mayor Bill Takes On Pollution
Fresh off a rather convincing reelection win (91%), Houston Mayor Bill White yesterday unveiled a new plan to fight air pollution.
Given Houston's poor air quality -- a new EPA study showed Los Angeles again inching ahead of us for worst in the country, but we're right up there -- an ambitious plan is welcome.
White seems to be treading a narrow path that both holds industry to tougher air quality standards while attempting to enlist them as partners in the solving the problem. While industry must be better corporate citizens in this regard, demonizing major regional employers and economic stimulators is not productive. The Mayor's path is precarious, to say the least, but if anyone can do it, it's probably Bill White.
Public consciousness on pollution as a health and quality of life issue has risen in recent years, and pollution's impact on economic development is increasingly understood as well. Houston has lost out on corporate relocations, and sometimes has difficulty attracting top professionals here in part due to our "quality of life" issues, of which air pollution is a big one.
Funding for the City's plan remains unclear, but it is a good step to have a concrete plan to reduce air toxics. Quality of life is slowly but surely improving in Houston, and Mayor White's pollution plan is a good next step.
Posted by houtopia at 06:21 PM
November 10, 2005
Another Strange Night
Well, another Election Night has come and gone. Few Houstonians seemed interested, but the same sex marriage amendment clearly motivated some folks to come out.
The statewide result of 76% for Prop 2 and 24% against was not terribly surprising, but the nearly as lopsided margin in Harris County was. We suspect local churches quietly signaled their flocks to cast a ballot on Tuesday.
There were few suprises. Mayor White dominated -- even a bit more than we expected -- receiving over 90% of the vote. We suspect he was the only person on the ballot to benefit from the Prop 2 vote on both sides. Whatever folks thought of same sex marriage, they thought Bill White deserved a second term as Mayor -- we agree.
While some expected Peter Brown to win handily in his race for At-Large Position #1 (Houtopia worked on his campaign), he won a narrow majority in a three-candidate field, earning 51% of the vote. As several knowledgeable folks have reminded us, winning a citywide open seat without a runoff is no small feat. Peter's three-year quest to win a seat on Council has borne fruit -- congratulations!
The At-Large #2 race (in which Houtopia is also involved) yielded a runoff as expected. Sue Lovell and Jay Aiyer emerged from a five-candidate field and will face off in the only citywide runoff on December 10th. It should prove interesting, as both are Democrats and a fair chunk of the electorate figures to be conservative.
Two district seats ended up in runoffs as well. District B, on the north side, will feature Felicia Galloway (daughter of the current officeholder) against Jarvis Johnson. That one could get ugly.
Finally, in District C, four candidates ran neck and neck, but Anne Clutterbuck and George Hittner made the finals. Conversely to At-Large #2, two Republicans made the runoff, and where Democrats decide to go will likely determine the winner.
Posted by houtopia at 11:50 PM
November 07, 2005
A City Waits With Anticipation... Not!
On the eve of the 2005 Houston City Elections, it's official, nobody cares.
The local campaigns are at full frenzy. TV ads are running, mail has been dropped, last minute phone calls continue, and materials are being compiled for Election Day poll workers.
Inside the bubble, everyone is in freak-out mode. Have we done enough? What more can we do? Does any of it matter?
Outside the bubble, back in the real world, there's an election? (Yes, there is.) Bill White? He doesn't even have an opponent, does he? (In fact, he has 4.)
Only about 50,000 people voted early in the City of Houston, and only another 100,000 or so are expected to turn out on Election Day. It makes for a rather lonely "E-day", and an unpredictable outcome for some down-ballot races.
The Mayor's reelection is not in doubt. Proposition 2 is a forgone conclusion. Peter Brown is a shoo-in for City Council At-Large Postion #1.
But for At-Large #2, and Districts B, C, and possibly F, the outcomes are unclear, and runoffs seem likely for most of them.
Oh, and there's that little State House race to replace the late Joe Moreno over in District 143 -- who knows in that one?
So, if you haven't voted, get out and do it tomorrow! If you need to find your polling place, go here.
And again, here are Houtopia's recommendations for how to vote.
Posted by houtopia at 02:25 PM
November 03, 2005
Hypocrisy Watch -- Alito/DeLay
A couple of days ago, U.S. Representative Tom DeLay's legal team successfully convinced a judge that presiding judge Bob Perkins needed to be removed from his criminal case, since Perkins' past contributions to Democrats would potentially create an appearance of bias against Republican DeLay.
And just today, administrative judge B. B. Schraub recused himself from appointing Perkins' successor due to his previous contributions to Republicans.
DeLay's team played the conflict of interest and partisanship cards, and got the judge they didn't like removed, but may have started a lengthy tit for tat. Judges stand for partisan elections in Texas, and are, therefore, political creatures by necessity. Finding an "unblemished" one may not be easy. Be careful what you wish for.
Today's Boston Globe unearths a much different (and more serious) conflict of interest case involving President Bush's new nominee for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Samuel Alito.
It seems that in 2002, Judge Alito refused to recuse himself from a case involving the Vanguard mutual fund company, despite his owning at least $400,000 in Vanguard funds and his previous pledge to recuse himself from any cases involving the company. In this case he ruled in favor of Vanguard -- shocking.
The White House, not surprisingly, is dismissive of any conflict of interest allegations against its nominee and is already portraying Alito as a victim of a character assassination campaign. Republicans have gotten very good at playing the whining victim.
You can't have it both ways, guys. If Tom DeLay can't get a fair hearing from a "Democrat" judge, then Samuel Alito shouldn't be ruling on cases connected to his own financial interest. Which way is it going to be?
Posted by houtopia at 03:16 PM
November 02, 2005
TABOR De-fanged
Those who followed last year's local property tax/revenue cap contest (it was a hot and heavy race, full of intrigue and suspense -- not) with two competing referenda on the City's November ballot may recall some discussion of TABOR.
TABOR, or the "Taxpayer Bill of Rights", was a Colorado initiative passed in 1992 designed to slowly but surely "starve the beast" of state government by ratcheting down its ability to collect revenue. Designed by anti-government rightwingers like Grover Norquist, TABOR was to be a prototype for a similar stealth movement across the country. Bill Chaloupka provides excellent background in a recent American Prospect piece.
Well TABOR worked all right. Colorado roads and schools fell into disrepair, as the state no longer had the money to provide even basic services. Ordinary folks, most of whom like low taxes, began to notice when the state couldn't even do the basics.
Locally, during last fall's election, supporters of Prop 2, a TABOResque measure designed to drown City government in the bathtub and embarass Mayor White, often used TABOR as a selling point, despite reports of its consequences and the Colorado Republican governor's efforts to "suspend" it. Mayor White's much more reasonable property tax cap, Prop 1, bested Prop 2, and that is that.
Well, yesterday Coloradoans had enough, and voted to relax TABOR's restrictions, dealing a real blow to Norquist and his gang and their naked desire to destroy government. It was a strange contest that pitted the Republican Governor Bill Owens against Norquist and his cronies. So much for his presidential ambitions.
At a time when the GOP is already foundering on the rocks of public opinion, this defeat is the latest in a string of reality checks for these guys who, after squeaking out a presidential reelection, claimed a huge mandate for their reckless, extremist policies.
Just another sign that huge opportunity exists for Democrats to gain ground by simply being reasonable and not being afraid to say so. We'll see if they seize it.
Posted by houtopia at 07:07 PM
November 01, 2005
DeLay/DeGeurin 1 - Earle 0
Today's news footage once again showed all smiles from Sugar Land Congressman and former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, as he entered and left an Austin courtroom hand in hand with his wife. While he was the picture of relaxed contentment at his October 20th booking (looks like he's had some work done!), we suspect the smiles were more genuine today.
Visiting Judge "Bud" Duncan of Bell County ruled today that Judge Bob Perkins, who had been slated to hear Travis County DA Ronnie Earle's case against DeLay, must be removed since he's contributed to Democrats in the past. Now begins the task of finding an "impartial" judge to hear DeLay's case. Good luck. Remember that Texas judges are chosen in partisan elections, meaning they regularly give and receive political contributions -- on both sides of the aisle.
Next of course, DeGuerin will push to have the case moved out of that "liberal hotbed", Travis County, to a more hospitable locale for the ultra-Republican DeLay.
The initial doings in the case don't suggest Mr. Earle has much on the Congressman -- we'll see. Frankly, Earle's reputation can't take another Kay Bailey Hutchison fiasco. He's at the end of his career, and will be remembered for this case, for better or worse. He just can't afford to have this one fizzle or blow up on him.
So we aren't holding our breath that Ronnie Earle will send Tom DeLay to jail -- hell, his case may not even go to trial. We're ready to be surprised.
The investigation to watch, however is in Washington, where the Justice Department continues looking into very serious allegations against Mr. DeLay, and where two of his associates, Jack Abramoff and Michael Scanlon, face serious legal jeopardy. Watch for one of those two to sing. Not to mention the House Ethics Committee will take up allegations against Brother Tom as well.
So while, Mr. DeLay may or may not escape serious legal liability in either Austin or Washington, it seems highly unlikely he can quickly resolve all these thorny matters. And that means he's in very serious political trouble, if nothing else. Every day that passes with someone else occupying the Majority Leader's office makes his return to power more difficult.
After all, his loss is someone else's gain, right? Washington is littered with corpses of those who's misfortune spawned another's success. So, Round 1 to Tom and his legal team. But this is a 20-round fight folks.
Posted by houtopia at 10:48 PM