Blue Dot Blues

• Paul Workman joins HD 47 primary

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  Paul Workman has filed paperwork with the Travis County Republican Party to run for state representative in HD 47.
  
  That brings us up to two candidates in Travis County, both in the same house district. Southwest Austin is a hotbed for Republican issues these days and this race [...]
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  Posted: December 08, 2009, 3:31pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Holly Turner files for HD 47

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  The first Republican candidate in Travis County has filed - Holly Turner, who announced for HD 47 last week, has officially entered the race as of 10:30am today. [...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 11:10am EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Holly Turner files for HD 48

  The first Republican candidate in Travis County has filed - Holly Turner, who announced for HD 47 last week, has officially entered the race as of 10:30am today. [...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 10:45am EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Day 2 - Bill White announcement coming

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  It was only a matter of time - former Houston mayor Bill White is set to make an announcement about his campaign today, and the Chron thinks it'll be he's running for governor.
  
  It's a crowded field on the Dem side, with Farouk Shami (I saw an ad' [...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 9:42am EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Yawn: Watson files for reelection

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  In the "no surprise there, but damn it anyway" category, State Sen. Kirk Watson has filed for reelection.
  
  Apparently, much to the chagrin of the lefty community in Travis County. [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 2:00pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Tarrant County Republican House primaries already jumping

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  All the spittin' and clawin' expected in Tarrant County got off to a rousing start this morning. Remember, this is the county that originally spawned the Texas Local Option Transportation Act during session. State Rep. Vicki Truitt was the House sponsor of the bill - she's from Southlake, which' [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 12:06pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Perry today, Hutchison Monday, House/Senate ongoing

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  Governor Perry has filed for reelection.
  
  The Star-Telegram's blog is reporting that Senator Hutchison will file to run for governor on Monday.
  
  The Texas Republican House Committee has a running tally of Republican House candidate filings. Check that out here.
  
  If you really want [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 11:46am EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Primary filing begins today!

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  Think we'll have any big surprises?
  
  If you are interested in running for office and have questions about filing, check out the Secretary of State's nifty Candidate Guide.
  
  I doubt I'll get any "breaking news" but I will have a post up later today that I will [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 11:17am EST
  by MJSamuelson

• So, what did I miss?

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  The trouble with a political blog hiatus during the run up to one of the most hectic primary seasons in a long while is missing out on all the good juicy bits of news. In an effort to catch up, here are some links to the big stories of the [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 10:03pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Inching out from under my rock.....

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  LOTS going on!! So much to write about!
  
  But. Before I start.
  
  To the anti-incumbent movement: I believe in challenging incumbents - as in, the ELECTED DEMOCRAT INCUMBENTS that run Travis County from the schoolhouse to the state house! Your local taxing entities have more power than freshmen [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 5:56pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Temporary Hiatus

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  This blog is on hiatus until December 1.
  My mother Lillian, who is suffering from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), is currently hospitalized after a second battle with pneumonia. Things are not going terribly well.
  I am on hiatus from blogging and politics while all of this is going on. I' [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 3:37pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• There were 14 murdered at Ft. Hood

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  Twelve military victims, one civilian. And one unborn child.
  I agree with Sen. Hutchison, who told National Review Online the following: "Private Velez's family lost two family members at the hands of Nidal Hasan. As a supporter of Laci and Conner's Law, the Unborn Victims of Violence" [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 11:37pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Daily Texan denied access to UT-Austin tuition meeting

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  It is mostly inevitable that the University of Texas will raise tuition at some point in the near future. So when the UT-Austin Tuition Policy Advisory Committee decides to hold a hearing, one would think that what is discussed in that meeting would be important enough for the Daily Texan [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 8:55pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Why do Communist crimes go unpunished?

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  A really great post up at Volokh Conspiracy by Ilya Somin answers the question of why the neglect of Communist crimes matters. Since this week we are remembering not just the 90th anniversary of Armistice but also the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall falling, I thought this would [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 3:38pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Nov. 11, 2009 - 90th anniversary of the end of the Great War

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  I suppose most people, despite [maybe] being taught this in their history classes in school, don't really remember that Veterans Day in the United States was born of Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day as it is known in many places.
  
  The eleventh day, at the eleventh hour....
  [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 2:58pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Thank you, veterans

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  This day is for my Dad, the Cold War veteran who tells stories about Russian submarines in the Mediterranean. For my Mom, the Vietnam and Cold War veteran, who got to work in the Pentagon, and who is now a disabled veteran suffering from ALS. For my father-in-law Warren, a [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 2:03pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Chuck Hopson - New Republican

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  I know it's been quiet here lately, but only because things offline have been very busy. There has been plenty going on in the state political realm.
  
  So. Big news last Friday. In the biggest party-switching news of the week, State Rep. Chuck Hopson declared his allegiance' [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 12:42pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Via BOR: Where you can give blood to help Ft. Hood victims

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  Breaking a blogger rule to get the word out to more people. Blood donors are needed to help Ft. Hood shooting victims, and you can go to the following places in the Austin area if you want to help.
  Thanks to Phillip at Burnt Orange Report for posting this [...]
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  Posted: November 05, 2009, 5:40pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• UPDATED: Shooting at Fort Hood leaves 12 dead, 31 injured

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  UPDATE 3:00pm: The Statesman has a Twitter account open for breaking updates. Follow @FtHoodShootings or check the hashtag #FtHood
  
  UPDATE 3:37pm: Live video news updates from Fort Hood
  
  UPDATE 3:47pm: Reports coming in: 9 dead and 27 injured. People can check Red Cross website [...]
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  Posted: November 05, 2009, 2:50pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• OT: The Yankees win #27!!

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  I haven't been this happy about a baseball game in a very, very long time.
  
  Thanks, boys. I know my mom appreciates it.' [...]
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  Posted: November 05, 2009, 11:50pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Levity from the Cap Metro sunset report

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  I count myself lucky that I don't have to read through sunset reports as part of my daily job, but I know people who do. I got clearance to share this tidbit y'all might find interesting:
  Capital Metro is explaining, in the report, which policies give them concern and will [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 6:54pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Majority of ISD tax increases passed Tuesday

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  Oh, now, come on, people! At least Lake Travis ISD voters rejected their tax increase. 26 districts passed tax increases yesterday - roughly 63% of school district tax increases that were on Tuesday's ballot. Which, admittedly, is down from a high of 93% in 2006. But with voter turnout' [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 6:22pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• NY-23: Why Hoffman's loss was not a win for moderates

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  I started seeing this meme hit Twitter and Facebook last night: NY-23 was a referendum on conservatism, and maybe now the Republican Party will learn to run moderates in northern races because we can't win otherwise.
  
  All due respect to the gentlemen who believe that, honestly. But I must' [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 2:03pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Aggies, rural counties against Prop 4

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  Despite the fact that Prop 4 will ultimately pass statewide, it is going down in Brazos County - the only county with a Tier One university to oppose Prop 4.
  Gig 'em. :-D
  The Houston Chronicle's Texas Politics blog is also reporting that Prop 4 is suffering in [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 9:31pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Beer/wine sales APPROVED in Hewitt, TX; liquor sales approved in Temple

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  Yeah, yeah, there are much bigger things going on. I know, but this is really interesting!!
  Hewitt, Texas residents are so far rejecting propositions approving propositions that would allow beer and wine sales in stores and restaurants. Hewitt is near Waco, for the geographically-disinclined among you.
  Meanwhile, in Temple, TX, [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 9:09pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Election results coming in; post updated

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  I'll try and keep updating this post as election results trickle in. Polls officially closed in Texas about two minutes ago. I'll also update with some of the results from across the nation, as they are relevant to the conservative movement.
  The first thing I want to link y'all to' [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 8:37pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Travis County early voting results are in

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  Travis County early voting results, on the 11 state constitutional propositions and local elections:
  
  Prop 1: 49.42% for, 50.58% against, 13,179 votes cast
  Prop 2: 60.65% for, 39.35% against, 13,185 votes cast
  Prop 3: 65.26% for, 34.74% against, 13,159 votes cast
  Prop 4: 55.66% for, 44.34% against, 13,179 votes [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 7:40pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Confirmed: Republicans pick up seats in Palo Pinto, Hardin, McCulloch Counties

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  Confirmed! Here's the press release from the Texas GOP.
  
  The national Democratic Party has left the locals, and they're flocking to the GOP. We are more than happy to welcome them with open arms.
  
  ETA: Beaumont Enterprise has more on the Hardin County swaps.[...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 3:19pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• House Ways & Means Chmn. against spending and revenue caps

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  "It is the ultimate act of arrogance to tell you how to spend your money."
  
  No, that's not a quote from Ron Paul, or even John McCain. It's from Democrat State Rep. Rene Oliveira, chairman of the House Ways and Means committee, the committee that handles all taxation in [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 2:22pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Party switching in Hardin and Palo Pinto Counties

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  This news is so huge, I'm almost afraid to post it.
  
  This morning, various sources indicated that as many as 73 Democrat elected officials across the state are going to announce today that they are switching parties. 73 new Republicans, all over Texas, at the local level.
  
  Confirmed' [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 1:18pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• The World Series and the Economy

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  Conor Dougherty from WSJ on the World Series and the economy:
  "If the Yankees win the World Series the economy will have a nice bounce back in 2010 but if the Phillies prevail it will be a long slog to recovery, according to a Real Time Economics analysis of" [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 9:45pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Dems celebrate anniversary of election - Republicans turn out to vote

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  Organizing for America is "celebrating" the anniversary of the 2008 election by hosting Election Day Reunions across the state. Meanwhile, Republicans in Travis County are turning out in force to actually, you know, vote in the current election. Travis 211 is reporting that 3"R" voters (three or more [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 9:06pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Dem primary field for governor narrows

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  Mark Thompson, a Democrat who had been seeking the party's gubernatorial nomination, has dropped out of the race and endorsed Hank Gilbert.
  This leaves Gilbert, Tom Schieffer, and Kinky Friedman (and possibly others) in the mix on the Democratic side.
  H/T Burnt Orange Report (say what you' [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 9:01pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• More recommendations on constitutional amendments

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  Kathy Haigler, SREC secretary, has compiled a list of conservative and Republican recommendations and endorsements on the Texas constitutional amendment proposals.
  
  Jason Moore, also on the SREC and head of Citizen Watchdogs out in Odessa, posted the .pdf file here.
  
  Of course, I'm most interested in Prop' [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 3:28pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Election Day is TOMORROW

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  Election Day in Texas is tomorrow, and just because we're not in the middle of incredibly high-profile and important congressional races and other things does not mean it doesn't matter if you turn up to the polls or not.
  
  Houstonians are ruling this election, folks, because of the expected [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 2:53pm EST
  by MJSamuelson

• Workman to challenge Bolton in HD 47

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  Today, Republican Paul Workman made official his intent to run against Democrat State Rep. Valinda Bolton in House District 47, in Travis County.Three announced Republicans in Travis County to date (two in HD 48, one in HD 47). Campaign season approaches. [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 6:34pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Masset: Prop 4 is a bad idea

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  Former RPT political director Royal Masset chimes in on Proposition 4 over at Quorum Report.To wit: This will just be another legal mandate hanging around the neck of future legislators.Early voting ended today and election day is Tuesday. On my way to Lewisville yesterday, I saw a big "vote yes" [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 6:28pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Presumed AG candidate announces re-election campaign for House

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  State Rep. Dan Branch, long rumored/assumed to be running for attorney general, announced his reelection campaign today. Jason Embry at the Statesman has more here.So, process story time. What does it all mean?Embry's got a "source close to the campaign" saying that this means Branch is definitely not running for [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 10:34pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Project 19 to kick off nationwide tour in Austin Tuesday

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  Project 19, a non-partisan group dedicated to educating women political leaders, will be in Austin to kick off a nationwide tour in honor of the 90th anniversary of ratification of the 19th Amendment.For those of you delinquent in your U.S. Constitution history, the 19th Amendment extended the vote to women, [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 4:58pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Texas Libertarians release positions on amendments

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  The Executive Committee of the Libertarian Party of Texas released a list of endorsements on the proposed Texas constitutional amendments today.The LPT recommends a "NO" vote on Props. 1, 4, 6, 8, and 10. They also recommend a "YES" vote on Prop. 2 and 7. They opted not to take [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 4:37pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• National Taxpayers Union weighs in on TX propositions

  Number of comments: 0
  The National Taxpayers Union has released a nationwide voter guide on ballot initiatives, including on the amendment propositions that Texans are deciding on even as I type.Check out the entire list here.For Texas, NTU is recommending a "NO" vote on Props 1 and 8, and a "YES" vote on Props [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 3:51pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Perceptions of Beauty

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  I highly recommend checking out this video from Dove, about perceptions of beauty.I've never been a huge fan of some of Dove's promotional material (the half-dressed women don't really do much for combating popular assumptions of beauty, and in fact reinforce ideas about female sexuality, in my opinion). But, the [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 3:25pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Wallbuilders makes recommendations for Nov. election

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  Wallbuilders has issued their recommendations on the constitutional amendment proposals. The full list can be found here.We can number them among the groups that have come out against Proposition 4. Just a reminder, I've linked to several different conservative groups' positions on the amendments and some individuals' stances in this' [...]
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  Posted: October 28, 2009, 11:58am EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Major fail: Lewisville ISD decline to define blogs as media

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  While there is no way I would consider myself a journalist in the traditional sense, as a political blogger who occasionally dabbles in news and not just opinionated punditry I find Lewisville ISD's recent decision to only define media as "print or broadcast" extraordinarily pedantic.WhosPlayin has more on this here.As [...]
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  Posted: October 26, 2009, 2:57pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Top Tier One universities fail core curricula test

  Number of comments: 1
  One of the loudest arguments we're hearing in favor of Proposition 4 is that if the state of Texas has more Tier One research universities, the quality of higher education will improve. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni has been working on a project, the results of which appear' [...]
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  Posted: October 26, 2009, 2:16pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Frightening abortion statistic from the CDC

  Number of comments: 3
  I don't often comment on social issues on this blog, largely because I feel like the people reading it don't need persuasion on them. There are a great many places on the internet and in the conservative community that will be happy to give you long diatribes about those issues, [...]
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  Posted: October 25, 2009, 3:09pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Lufkin legislator's concerns about Texas Tomorrow Fund are legit

  Number of comments: 0
  The Houston Chronicle reported this morning that State Rep. Jim McReynolds (D-Lufkin), is seeking an opinion from Atty. General Greg Abbott on the Texas Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board decision to change the payout on the Texas Tomorrow Fund.While voters are going to the polls to decide, among other things, [...]
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  Posted: October 25, 2009, 2:42pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• What effect has football had in American higher ed?

  Number of comments: 1
  This is pretty interesting - a couple of UT professors will debate next week on the question, "Is college football a positive influence in American universities?"Great question. I don't have a really good answer myself, not having anything other than anecdotal evidence to base an opinion on. But, I will' [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 8:25pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Young Conservatives of Texas questions UT-Dallas president's actions on Prop 4

  Number of comments: 0
  The University of Texas at Dallas, one of the schools that will presumptively benefit from Proposition 4 early on, came under scrutiny this week after university president Dr. David Daniel sent a message out to students and faculty supporting said proposition.Young Conservatives of Texas issued a press release stating their [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 7:25pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Update on Constitutional Amendment Endorsements

  Number of comments: 0
  Some more conservative/Republican endorsements in the constitutional amendment election have come out. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison is campaigning for Proposition 11.HD 52 Republican candidate Stephen Casey lists his voting recommendations. Add him to the list of folks against Prop 4.Texas Conservative Review has their recommendations listed on their site.To recap, [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 7:08pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Very light voter turnout so far in Travis County

  Number of comments: 0
  Hey you. Reading this blog. Yes, I mean you.Have you voted yet?11 proposed Texas constitutional amendments on the ballot.Early voting started Monday.All kinds of info on this blog, in the newspapers, all over the internet. No excuses. GO VOTE.559 voted in person on Monday in Travis County; 825 voted in [...]
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  Posted: October 20, 2009, 9:52pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Radio appearance today at 5:00pm

  Number of comments: 0
  I'll be on Jason Moore's show on KWEL 1070 AM (Midland/Odessa) around 5pm today to talk constitutional amendments (namely Prop 4).Check out http://www.kwel.com/ for the Listen Live link.' [...]
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  Posted: October 20, 2009, 4:14pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Disabled vet homestead exemption in Texas

  Number of comments: 0
  I noticed that a very popular search term that leads readers to Blue Dot Blues is "homestead exemption for disabled veterans." I'm sharing now the information my husband dug up regarding the issue.I am the daughter of a disabled veteran. I think it is extremely important that everyone have access' [...]
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  Posted: October 20, 2009, 1:28pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Nationwide, tuition costs are rising - and so is the tax burden

  Number of comments: 1
  The New York Times had an interesting piece up this morning about the rising cost of college tuition in the United States. Studies by the College Board show that, at just public universities, average tuition and fees at public two-year colleges are $2,544, up 7.3 percent from the previous year.This [...]
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  Posted: October 20, 2009, 12:46pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Meghan McCain - Why her pic was not cool

  Number of comments: 0
  Okay, yes, lame post title. Forgive me, blogfather. The point, though, is that Meghan McCain's now infamous Twitter pic of her bust and an Andy Warhol book was really, really not cool.Some bloggers have defended McCain, and while I think the point there is valid, I also think that the [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 9:52pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• The Howard Roark Effect

  Number of comments: 0
  Jennifer Burns: Howard Roark in New Delhi - The surprising popularity of a libertarian hero in India. H/T Cato @ LibertyNot only do Indians perform more Google searches for Rand than citizens of any country in the world except the United States, but Penguin Books India has sold an impressive [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 9:47pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Venable: Prop 11 protects private property

  Number of comments: 0
  Prop. 11 Provides Greater Private Property ProtectionBy Peggy VenableWe Texans value our property and private property rights are at the very core of a free society.That explains why the controversial Kelo decision of 2005 rocked the nation as property rights activists rolled up their sleeves to get greater protections written [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 5:58pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• State Rep Wayne Christian releases recommendations on amendments

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  State Rep. Wayne Christian (R-Center) has released his recommendations on the 11 proposed Texas Constitutional Amendments. Please see below.In brief, Rep. Christian (who is also president of the Texas Conservative Coalition) recommends the following:YES: Props. 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, and 11NO: Props. 1, 4, 8, and 9Proposition 1 [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 5:13pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Early Voting Oct 19 - Oct 30 - Travis County Locations

  Number of comments: 0
  CENTRAL / CENTRALTravis County Airport Blvd Offices5501 Airport BoulevardMon–Sat 7 am–7 pm, Sun Noon–6 pmLunes–Sab 7 am–7 pm, Dom Mediodía–6 pmFiesta Mart Central3909 North IH-35 @ Delwood Shopping CenterMon–Sat 7 am–7 pm, Sun Noon–6 pmLunes–Sab 7 am–7 pm, Dom Mediodía–6 pmNORTH / NORTEBen Hur Shriners Hall7811 Rockwood LaneMon–Sat 7 am–7 [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 4:36pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Heritage Alliance recommendations on amendments

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  Heritage Alliance has made their recommendations on the constitutional amendments.Check them out in detail here.In brief:FOR: 2, 5, 6, 7, 11AGAINST: 1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 [...]
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  Posted: October 18, 2009, 9:39pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Suicide blast in Iran kills 49

  Number of comments: 0
  Gateway Pundit has the full story. [...]
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  Posted: October 18, 2009, 4:58pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• A republic, if we can keep it

  Number of comments: 0
  I just told my husband that while I'm interested in the outcome of the UT/OU game (HOOK 'EM), I'm more immediately interested in the fact that, if Matt Yglesias and Ezra Klein and their ilk had their way, there wouldn't be a difference between Oklahoma and Texas. You see, I [...]
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  Posted: October 17, 2009, 11:15am EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• HD 48 primary grows

  Number of comments: 0
  The Statesman (and Capitol Inside) is reporting that Dan Neil, former University of Texas offensive lineman and Super Bowl-winning Denver Bronco, is throwing his hat into the ring to challenge State Rep. Donna Howard in HD 48.He filed treasurer paperwork with the Texas Ethics Commission on Oct. 7.Neil is also [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 10:25pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Texans for Fiscal Responsibility recommendations for constitutional amendments

  Number of comments: 0
  The complete list with explanations is here.In brief:YES: Props 2, 3, 5, 7, and 11NO: Props 1, 4, and 8NEUTRAL: Props 6 and 10 [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 8:54pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Bizarre position of the day: Denying trauma care to female vets

  Number of comments: 0
  So UrbanGrounds has a post up about a small-business owner in Taylor who is blatantly opposed to the creation of a trauma assistance center for female veterans being operated in her town.My reaction to this? Lady, you are so very wrong about this.We need to care for our veterans in [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 2:59pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• An argument in favor of Prop 11

  Number of comments: 1
  The ballot language for Prop. 11 reads:"The constitutional amendment to prohibit the taking, damaging, or destroying of private property for public use unless the action is for the ownership, use, and enjoyment of the property by the State, a political subdivision of the State, the public at large, or entities" [...]
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  Posted: October 13, 2009, 7:06pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• KBH on Mark Davis show

  Number of comments: 0
  Via Aman Batheja at the FWST's Poli-Tex blog (emphasis mine):[Mark] Davis asked if [Senator Hutchison] might stay in her seat until the end of the year."I can’t say anything right now because I don’t know," Hutchison said. "Every day in Washington, some new bad thing is coming up."Davis pushed further, [...]
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  Posted: October 13, 2009, 4:26pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• What is "Texans for Tier One"?

  Number of comments: 0
  Going through the Texas Ethics Commission filing for the "Texans for Tier One" PAC, one can learn quite a bit about the so-called "overwhelming support" for Proposition 4. $100,000 was loaned to the PAC - by it's principal contributor, William P. Hobby of Houston.The point is this: there is a [...]
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  Posted: October 13, 2009, 3:54pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Vote YES on Props 2 and 3

  Number of comments: 1
  There has been a lot of misleading information going around via email on Props 2 and 3, which deal with property taxes, and that information is extremely damaging to the efforts to fix our property appraisal system in the state of Texas.Prop 2 states "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature" [...]
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  Posted: October 13, 2009, 1:10pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Not For 4 video released

  Number of comments: 0
  Young Conservatives of Texas released this video today, on their stated opposition to Prop 4: [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 7:40pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Not too early to think about May elections

  Number of comments: 0
  Non-partisan offices, such as school district board, city council, M.U.D. board and others, are typically elected in Travis County on the May uniform election date.I'm working on a list of which offices are up for election in May 2010. If you have information about these, please let me know (comments' [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 3:11pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Process Story: KBH and the Great Unknowns

  Number of comments: 0
  So. I promised I wouldn't blog on this again until we had an official announcement about resignation from Senator Hutchison, because there is just too much wild speculation and rumor to be worth reporting on. But given the number of questions I get, daily, about what will happen when and' [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 10:00pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Austin Energy CEO to retire

  Number of comments: 0
  The Statesman is reporting that Austin Energy CEO Roger Duncan has announced his retirement.Wonder just how much the "nationwide search" to replace Duncan is going to cost?And, friendly reminder, Dr. Edwards with the Travis County Republican Party had an op-ed in today's paper about the failure of Austin's green energy [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 4:46pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Texas Association of Business releases 2009 legislative scorecard

  Number of comments: 0
  The full For the Record lawmaker scorecard can be found here. The Texas Association of Business scored legislators on their votes on a variety of issues, from mandatory pre-k to health insurance mandates, property tax reform to the study of state spending limits.How did Travis County's delegation do? About how [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 4:24pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Dr. Ronald Trowbridge: No on Prop 4

  Number of comments: 0
  More and more opposition to Proposition 4 is being voiced today. Dr. Ronald Trowbridge, a former vice president of Hillsdale College and a research fellow for Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, gives his two cents and more here. [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 3:10pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Prop 4: Harmful to education and a poor investment

  Number of comments: 0
  Proposition 4, if passed, will create a fund with the purpose of increasing the number of Tier‐1 research universities in Texas. Texas voters should know the facts about Prop 4.• University focus on research harms educational quality and increases tuition.The key to preparing the next generation of Texans for more [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 2:59pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Baucus bill includes a Mommy Tax, among others

  Number of comments: 0
  The health care boondoggle going down in Congress just keeps getting worse. Ed Morrissey at Hot Air did a little digging through the FDA's listing of items that would be taxed under Senator Baucus' debacle of a bill. Originally, the bill was going to include a tax on all medical' [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 1:08pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• TCRP chairman Edwards on Austin Energy

  Number of comments: 0
  Dr. Rosemary Edwards, chairman of the Travis County Republican Party, has an op-ed in today's Austin American-Statesman that you might find interesting.From the op-ed:Our leaders in Austin are pushing their own attempt to "save the world" with an aggressive energy plan to get 30 percent of our electricity from renewable [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 11:28am EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Young Conservatives of Texas oppose Prop 4

  Number of comments: 0
  Young Conservatives of Texas announced this morning that the group is opposing Proposition 4, the proposed Texas constitutional amendment that would create the National Research University Fund for tier 1 universities.From the press release:"Texas universities need to be reminded that the students are the customers, not the faculty. Texans would" [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 10:58am EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Has political ideology finally gone too far?

  Number of comments: 0
  Blue Dot Blues has passed the 800 post mark. I think I'll throw a party for post # 1000. Meanwhile, before I hit the sack, I wanted to change the tone this evening just a bit with a link to this incredible post at The Anchoress concerning the "conservative Bible"' [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 11:15pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Exploring the link between sexual violence and teen pregnancy

  Number of comments: 0
  There is an extremely interesting, and at the same time deeply unsettling, post at The Curvature about the Center for American Progress' paper on the link between sexual violence and teen pregnancy.From the study:Other research findings compare sexually abused pregnant teens to pregnant teens who have not suffered sexual abuse.' [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2009, 10:55pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Why You Should Vote NO on Prop 4

  Number of comments: 0
  I've held back on this because I wanted to give readers a chance to read the initial analysis of Proposition 4. There are a lot of arguments out there in favor of it (the Fort Worth Star-Telegram has their endorsement here). I think you need to know, Prop. 4 is' [...]
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  Posted: October 05, 2009, 9:59pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Information on Texas Constitutional Amendments

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  There are 11 state constitutional amendments on the November 3 ballot. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19. If you are voting by mail (absentee voting), the last day to submit your mail-in ballot is Tuesday, October 27.Information on where to early vote in Travis County can be found here. [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 5:06pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Texas Constitutional Amendment: Prop 1

  Number of comments: 0
  Proposition 1: Military Base Buffer ZonesProposition 1 will allow cities and counties to purchase open space land around military installations, with the intent of having these open spaces set aside as a buffer zone for the military to use the land for roads, utilities, and additional perimeter security.Military installations in [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 5:04pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Texas Constitutional Amendment: Prop 2

  Number of comments: 0
  ETA: I have come out in favor of Proposition 2. Please read both posts. Thanks - The Mgmt.Proposition 2: Appraisal ValuationsThe House Select Committee on Property Tax Relief and Appraisal Reform traveled around the state in 2008 to hear concerns from constituents. One problem that was identified across the entire [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 5:03pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Texas Constitutional Amendment: Prop 3

  Number of comments: 0
  Proposition 3: Uniform Appraisal StandardsIn the current property tax system, each county administers their own appraisals and protests of those appraisals go through the local Appraisal Review Board. There are many counties with small populations in which the appraisal system is difficult to administer.The Legislature is considering passing legislation that [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 5:02pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Texas Constitutional Amendment: Prop 4

  Number of comments: 0
  Proposition 4: Tier One University FundingTexas currently has three “Tier One” research universities, located at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Rice. Texas has seven additional universities that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board designates as emerging research universities. These seven universities are Texas Tech, University [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 5:02pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Texas Constitutional Amendment: Prop 5

  Number of comments: 0
  Proposition 5: Consolidated Appraisal Review BoardsUnder the Texas Constitution, each county is required to provide for a single “board of equalization,” known as an appraisal review board. The appraisal review board resolves disputes and hears from property owners who protest their annual property valuation for the purposes of levying property [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 5:00pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Texas Constitutional Amendment: Prop 6

  Number of comments: 0
  Proposition 6: Veterans’ Land Board BondsThe Texas Veterans’ Land Board is authorized to provide low-interest loans to veterans returning from active military action. Since 1946, the Veterans’ Land Program, under the administration of the Texas General Land Office, has issued a total of $4 billion in general obligation bonds to [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 4:59pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Texas Constitutional Amendment: Prop 7

  Number of comments: 0
  Proposition 7: Allowing State Guard Members to hold Civil OfficeThe Texas Constitution currently allows only these civil officials to hold multiple civil offices for which the official is paid:A Justice of the PeaceA County CommissionerA notary publicA postmasterAn officer or enlisted person in the National Guard, National Guard Reserve, Officers [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 4:58pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Texas Constitutional Amendment: Prop 8

  Number of comments: 0
  Proposition 8: Veterans’ HospitalsTexas has 1.7 million veterans living within our borders. The nine Veterans Affairs hospitals recorded over 50,000 in-patient visits last year only. The nine current hospitals are located in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, Dallas, Houston, Kerrville, San Antonio, Temple and Waco. There are no hospitals are in [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 4:58pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Texas Constitutional Amendment: Prop 9

  Number of comments: 0
  Proposition 9: Public BeachesThe Texas Open Beaches Act was passed by the Legislature in 1959. This Act grants the public free and unrestricted access to use any public beach along the Gulf of Mexico from the line of the low tide to the line of vegetation on shore. The Open [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 4:57pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Texas Constitutional Amendment: Prop 10

  Number of comments: 0
  Proposition 10: Emergency Service DistrictsEmergency Service Districts are political subdivisions created by local voters to provide ambulance service, rural fire control service, and other emergency medical services. The board of directors for Emergency Service Districts may levy a property tax up to a 10 cent per $100 valuation to fund [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 4:57pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Texas Constitutional Amendment: Prop 11

  Number of comments: 0
  Proposition 11: Public UseProposition 11 is arguably the most controversial and significant of the proposed constitutional amendments this year. In 2005, the United States Supreme Court handed down the Kelo v. City of New London, 545 U.S. 469, decision. Under this ruling, governments are allowed to take private property from [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 4:55pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Congressman Carter wants Rangel to step down

  Number of comments: 0
  Congressman John Carter (TX-31) did an exclusive interview for the Washington News Observer concerning ACORN and Congressman Charlie Rangel - and Carter says he might introduce a resolution asking Rangel to step down from his chairmanship.Courtesy of the WNO: [...]
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  Posted: October 01, 2009, 12:15pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• HD 4, HD 20 primaries start getting interesting

  Number of comments: 0
  The Ellis County Observer is reporting that Melissa Pehle-Hill will formally announce her Republican primary candidacy for state rep. in HD 4 (currently held by Republican Rep. Betty Brown) next week. No official word yet if former primary challenger Wade Gent plans to get in the fray. Quorum Report has [...]
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  Posted: September 30, 2009, 9:51pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Glenn Bass announces HD 48 candidacy

  Number of comments: 0
  From the press release:Travis County Republican and local business owner Glenn Bass filed documents today with the Texas Ethics Commission to allow him to start his campaign for Texas House of Representatives, District 48. A fiscal and economic conservative, Bass seeks to reduce the role of government. “I believe in [...]
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  Posted: September 29, 2009, 5:46pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Updated: Memorials for Brianna Becker

  Number of comments: 0
  ETA: VIGIL TONIGHT: From Elizabeth McClung: Today from 6-7 pm would have been Brianna’s first weekly hour to stand and pray during this fall 40 Days for Life. To honor Brianna, they are holding a candle-lit prayer vigil in the very place she has spent much of her time. You [...]
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  Posted: September 28, 2009, 2:04pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• Texas GOP chairman to join Perry campaign

  Number of comments: 1
  Texas GOP state chairman Tina Benkiser announced at Saturday's meeting of the State Republican Executive Committee that she will resign her post, effective October 5. She is taking on the role of senior advisor to the Rick Perry for Governor reelection campaign.The word spread quickly via Facebook and Twitter feeds, [...]
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  Posted: September 27, 2009, 7:15pm EDT
  by MJSamuelson

• We lost a star, and Heaven gained a saint

  Number of comments: 2
  The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. - Isaiah 57:1-2Much love, [...]
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  Posted: September 26, 2009, 9:17am EDT
  by MJSamuelson