Anatomy of a Tweet

This past Saturday I checked my mailbox and I found a mailer that included skeletons and it was an attack mailer on Ben Hall.  I don’t have a problem with this because that is the name of the game.  I thought the skeletons were kind of creative it being 17 days from trick or treat and the skeletons referenced Ben Hall’s closet.

I checked the disclaimer and it said Houston Turnout Project.  I could not find them on the City’s political action committee list or with the Texas Ethics Commission so I put them in the google run and found a not so fresh website.  On one page was a generic message to vote in the 2009 elections and on another was touting the H-Town Mayor running for Mayor before she became a Mayor back in 2009.  I just made the assumption that this was one of those so called independent expenditures not so aligned – wink-wink – with The Mayor’s campaign.  According to the website, it certainly didn’t look like the IE had been doing a whole lot of turning out voters since 2009.

Here is what I tweeted:

@anniseparker to @Benhallforall: “Dem bones, Dem bones, Dem dry bones!”. pic.twitter.com/sLwYxY26yF

The “Dem bones” was a reference to the song “the foot bone connected to the ankle bone” tune to kind of inject a little humor into the mailer and tweet.

If Commentary had seen or heard of Houston Turnout Project activity over the past four years, my tweet probably would have looked different.

Name the Red Sox with the most dingers in a season?

Let’s get back to my Saturday night tweet.  The Chron and a few others retweeted my tweet and called it a negative mailer and it brought a quick denial and pushback from The Mayor’s Campaign.  They said to check out the disclaimer.  The Chron immediately tweeted a correction and Commentary kind of clarified a correction via tweet.

I guess the Mayor’s Campaign had to point out the disclaimer on the attack. Of course all they have done on TV is go negative so stay tuned.

The Chron E-Board as expected endorsed The Mayor yesterday.  They also had a lengthy piece on her.

I would hope that Dems would have enough sense to make sure The Kinkhole isn’t on next year’s ticket.

Some of the Texans players were not happy with some fans booing Matt Schaub when he went down yesterday.  I don’t want to defend the fans that booed but you have to expect this when a whole frenzy is created over a football team and just about everyone in H-Town contributes to the frenzy.

In 2006, Big Papi hit 54 dingers and is the top Red Sox of course for most dingers in a season.

Big Papi hit a game tying grand salami last night as the Red Sox went on to beat the Tigers in Game 2 of the ALCS at Fenway.  It was a Salty and Papi night.

The only thing to say about the Texans is scoreboard.  I wonder when the ‘Stros report to training camp?

 

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A Rice Take

Here is from the Rice University website:

 Mark P. Jones, Ph.D., is the fellow in political science at the Baker Institute and the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies at Rice University. He also currently serves as the chair of Rice’s Department of Political Science. His research focuses on the effect of electoral laws and other political institutions on governance, representation and voting.

 Dr. Jones had an Op-Ed in yesterday’s Chron on the Voter ID law and here is how it ended:

Upon reflection, SB 14 appears to have less to do with safeguarding elections and more to do with appeasing portions of the Republican party base and potentially, if the law is eventually enforced, reducing the vote share of Democratic Party candidates in many races across Texas by perhaps a few percentage points.

 Here is the entire Op-Ed.

  A good read, don’t you think?

 Thanks to my pal Robert Miller, Commentary had the honor of sitting with Dr. Jones on a panel on the 2012 elections a few months ago.  I think Dr. Jones is the one that came up with the terms “movement” and “establishment” conservatives. 

 Holy futility!  Sadly, the ‘Stros are on pace for another 100 plus loss season!  Name the last team to suffer back-to-back 100 plus loss seasons?

 Check out the Chron story by Chris Moran and Ericka Mellon this past weekend on bonds, bonds, everywhere here.

 Peggy Fikac has one of those “what if” columns today about the Lite Guv considering an option of resigning if he wins in 15 days.  That would let Lone Star State voters pick the next Lite Guv in November.  Check out Fikac’s column here.

 The Lite Guv’ s handlers say they haven’t even given that idea much thought.  They better not be if you know what I mean!

 Early Voting in person starts next week and it is kind of quiet in my ‘hood these days.

 The Nationals of course had back-to-back 100 plus loss seasons in 2008 (103) AND 2009 (102).

 There is already buzz about the ‘Stros Skipper being replaced after the season.  He’ll probably be a goner but he really wasn’t given the players to do a good job.  Two years ago we traded Roy O. and The Big Puma.  Last year we said adios to Michael Bourn, Jeff Keppinger, and Hunter Pence. Numero 45 was dealt away a couple of weeks ago.  Jason Castro and Jed Lowrie are now on the DL. 

 What do I know?  I know we’re a paltry 9-35 on the road with the next four in San Diego!

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Temper Tantrum

It looks like City Controller Ron Green is throwing a little temper tantrum because The Mayor won’t show him the bond numbers.  Here is from Chron.com:

 Green, the city’s second-highest elected official, said he has repeatedly asked for and been denied information on the measures.

“If it’s that secretive, it can’t possibly be good for the city,” Green said. ”Until such time as I get more information, I’m not supporting any bond referendum that the city puts forward.”

Oh, brother!  Settle down and wait to see the numbers like everybody else this morning then you can pronounce them good or evil.  Don’t worry – the world won’t come to an end.  And also from Chron.com:

 Green said he has heard that the package of bond measures will total approximately $400 million.

“I still believe we need to go out for more bond authorization. I think $400 million is not adequate to meet the needs of the city,” Green said.  “If you’re going to ask somebody to vote for bond referendums, you need to be realistic about what it’s going to take to meet a major CIP (capital improvement project) initiative.”

The city should take advantage of low interest rates and ask for $600 million to $800 million, even if that requires a tax increase, Green said.

In 2006, then-Mayor Bill White also did not consult with then-Controller Parker before rolling out a series of bond measures, according to Parker’s office.

If you ask me and thanks for asking, the City Controller is looking and sounding a little silly.  BTW:  The Mayor will unveil the bond program this morning at City Council.

 Here is the rest of the story.

 Last night the NL All Stars had 10 base hits and the AL All Stars had 6 base hits.  Name the league division that had the most base hits?

 One of the best lines of the 2012 Campaign comes from Vice-President Joe Biden yesterday before the National Council of La Raza:

 “Mitt Romney wants you to show your papers, but he won’t show us his,” Biden said. “So many questions…”

Keep hammering! 

 FLASH!!!!!  Chris Moran of the Chron just put this out:

 Mayor Annise Parker is unveiling a $410 million package of proposed bond measures for the November ballot that will not require a tax increase.

She proposes five bond measures. The purposes and amounts:

1. Public safety: $144 million

2. Health, sanitation and general government: $63 million

3. Affordable housing: $15 million

4. Library: $28 million

5. Parks: $160 million

“I realize many Houstonians are still recovering from the economic downturn,” Parker said in a press release. “That is why it was important to me to present a plan that does not require a tax increase. It is also the smallest bond proposal in more than 30 years. It is a fiscally responsible approach that will create jobs and improve public safety, infrastructure and quality of life.”

Let the games begin!

 A couple of days ago I got an Alan Rosen for Precinct 1 Constable mail piece and his campaign went door-to-door in my ‘hood last week.

 In my book, if you shell out a couple of hundred bucks to attend the dinger derby, you are entitled to boo players.  The other night KC fans booed Yankee Robinson Cano because he’s a Yankee and he didn’t let KC All Star Billy Butler participate in the dinger derby.  Cano was the AL derby dinger captain that picked his fellow dinger derby participants.  When Cano came up to bat during the dinger derby he was booed mercilessly and he ended up not getting a single dinger.   A few prominent baseball columnists called out the KC fans for booing Cano.  SHUT UP!!  KC fans have every right to boo.  I’m glad they did because it made the dinger derby slightly less boring.

 Well it looks the NL Pennant Champ will have World Serious home field advantage in October.   I know.  Some so called “purists” don’t like that the league that wins the All Star Game gets home field Serious advantage.  It makes the game a lot more interesting. 

 What is a baseball “purist” anyway?  They don’t like the DH?  They want to go back to day games?  They don’t like the Wild Card?  They don’t like the Kiss Kam?  Oh, well.

 The NL Central of course led all other divisions last night with five base hits (Braun 2, Furcal, Holliday, and McCutchcen.

 My favorite moment of last night was watching Chipper Jones get a base hit in his final All Star at-bat. 

 A few more days off then the roadie begins in San Fran on Friday.

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In State Rep. 144, Ybarra Wins Key Endorsement – My Dad!

Commentary isn’t involved in the State Rep. 144 Dem Party Primary.  I do like Pasadena City Council Member Ornaldo Ybarra – heck, he’s the only candidate in that race that has ever talked to me.  CM Ybarra worked with me on an issue last year on behalf of a client and that’s how I got to know him.  I consider him one of the young leaders of the Democratic Party.  If he’s not successful this go around, he certainly will be successful the next go around.

My parents drop by my shop once or twice a week these days and we talk politics, family, ‘Stros, and issues.  We also catch up on the latest gossip.  A part of Baytown that includes my parents’ precinct is now a part of Dist. 144.  My parents have asked me about the candidates in 144 and I’ve told them that I know CM Ybarra, I’ve never met Kevin Risner, and I really don’t know HCC Trustee Mary Ann Perez.

This past Saturday Ybarra shot me an email that included the following:

“Your father (Tony Campos) called me the other day and had a good talk, he said to use his name as endorsement.”

Knowing my Dad and knowing that he likes to back up his endorsement, he’s going to spend the next couple of weeks calling or visiting all of his friends and family asking them to vote for CM Ybarra.  My Dad’s retired and he doesn’t have anything better to do.  Every little bit helps in a low turnout election.

Hey, my Dad’s the fella that sued the City of Baytown and won, so now Baytown has single member council districts.  He knows a little bit about politics and getting folks to the polls.

This MLBer has won two Cy Young Awards, has been on eight All Star teams, has won 20 or more games three different seasons, is on track to the Hall of Fame, and was picked in the First Round (17^th overall) of the 1995 MLB Amateur Player.  Who am I talking about?

Roll call!  Here are the mail pieces that have hit here at my place this primary season:  DA candidate Zack Fertitta (2), SBOE 6 candidate Traci Jensen, Pct. 1 Constable candidate Jaime Tellez, Jr., 215^th Court Judge Steve Kirkland (2), Pct. 1 Constable candidate Alan Rosen (2), Pct. 1 Constable candidate Quincy Whitaker, and Pct. 1 constable candidate Cindy Vara-Leija.

Early Voting begins today and are you ready?  I’m thinking the campaign activity in some constable and state rep races will probably mean the Latino vote turnout will increase some over its 2010 Dem Primary turnout in Harris County.  We will see.

Future Hall of Famer Roy Halladay of course has won two Cy Young Awards, has been on eight All Star teams, has won 20 games in three different seasons, and was picked by Toronto in the first round of the 1995 MLB Draft.  Halladay is celebrating his 35^th BD today.

We should have won yesterday as we now play two in Philly before coming home.

 

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Way to Go, Mr. President!

The President is now on board on same sex marriage.  Better late than never if you ask me.

I was watching CNN’s coverage of The President’s decision yesterday and they asked GOP consultant Alex Castellanos about The President.  Castellanos couldn’t criticize because he also supports same sex marriage.  It is only a matter of time (a couple of decades) before the rest of the GOP gets with the times!

Numero 45 hit a ninth inning triple last night.  That’s the 19^th career three- bagger for Numero 45 who first came up to the MLB in 1999.  How many seasons has Numero 45 gone without a triple. 

The Chron E-Board let me know that they will only endorse in Harris County Constable, Precinct 1 because they handle mental health warrants and in the SBOE races, but at a later date.

The Chron E-Board endorsed Judge Steve Kirkland today.  Here is part of the endorsement:

An unintended consequence of (Elaine) Palmer’s candidacy to the county Democratic Party, well explained by Chronicle columnist Patricia Kilday Hart ("A little mystery over primary opposition to judge," Page B1, April 19), is the clear potential it has brought for creation of a schism between the party’s crucial black and GLBT voting blocs. This would be destructive to Democrats well beyond a single contested primary race for a civil court bench.

Either way, we conclude, Palmer is the apparently unwitting partner to potentially damaging mischief to both Kirkland and the local Democratic Party.

And so we offer our emphatic endorsement of Steven Kirkland in the May 29 Democratic primary. We strongly encourage the party’s voters to support this highly qualified, deserving candidate.

And:

Particularly given the evidence of chicanery aimed his way, Kirkland deserves Democratic voters’ spirited support.

Here is the entire endorsement.

The night before last, Josh Hamilton of the Rangers smacked four dingers against B’More.  Hamilton became the 16^th player to smack four in one game in MLB history.  Last month, Philip Humber of the White Sox, threw a perfect game against the Mariners, becoming the 21^st pitcher in MLB history to be perfect.

What is the more impressive feat in the MLB, the perfect game or the four dinger game?

With the perfect game, the pitcher has to face 27 batters, throw 100 plus pitches, and make sure not a single hitter gets a base hit or gets on base.

With the four dinger game, the batter needs to get up to the plate at least four times, and get a pitch he can smack over the fence – four times?

Honestly, I don’t know which one is harder to accomplish. Statistically speaking, the four dingers are harder because in MLB history more batters have come up to bat four times than pitchers starting games. 

They are both very impressive but the perfect game is more glamorous.

Numero 45 has gone three seasons without hitting a triple of course (2004, 2005, and 2008).  His best triple year was last season when he hit four.

We lost in extra innings last night and are now 14-17, take today off, then head to Pittsburgh.

 

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Tom and the Dinner

On Monday Commentary mentioned Tom Brokaw’s problem with the annual White House Correspondents Dinner.   Apparently too many celebrities are crashing the dinner. 

Yesterday Brokaw continued his criticism.  Here is from a Huffington Post piece today:

"I do feel strongly that it’s gone way too far," he said. He added that the dinner, which has drawn more and more Hollywood celebrities ever year, gives off a "let them eat cake" air to the rest of the country, and seemed to say that "we’re more interested in celebrities than we are in the concerns of real folks who are out there."

It was, he said, "just the worst kind of symbolism," as well as an "exercise simply in hedonism."

Brokaw finished by saying that he refuses to attend the event anymore. Playing off of what he said was an old Native American belief that a photograph will steal one’s soul, he said, "If you go it’ll steal your soul."

I don’t have a problem with Brokaw’s takes on this but he needs to check out his employer first.   Two of NBC’s best journalists, “The Today Show’s” Natalie Morales and former White House correspondent Savannah Guthrie were assigned red carpet duty last January for NBC’s coverage of the celebrity infested hedonistic Golden Globe Awards.  I didn’t hear a peep from Brokaw on this.

Check out the entire Huffington Post piece here.

I think Brokaw is chasing the wrong boogeyman.

Who holds the MLB record for most base hits in a season?

Late this summer, Democrats will be holding their National Convention in North Carolina.  I don’t know about that.

I don’t feel sorry for Indiana GOP Senator Richard Lugar this morning.  He deserved it.  That’s what he gets for towing the party line.

Ichiro Suzuki of the Mariners of course holds the MLB record for most base hits in a season with 262 in 2004.

The ‘Stros got back on track last night and are now 14-16.

 

 

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Head Scratcher

Commentary doesn’t know what to make of GOP State Senators Dan Patrick of H-Town and John Carona of Dallas and their email spat that has gone public. 
Just in case you haven’t heard, here is the Chron story.
Why would Patrick want the story to go public?  I definitely think we need to stay tuned.

Carlos “The Big Z” Zambrano dominated the ‘Stros last night giving up only three base hits in a 4-0 win.  Of course, everybody knows that back on September 14, 2008 in the Ike Games held in Milwaukee, The Big Z threw a no-no against the ‘Stros.  How many ‘Stros batted the night The Big Z threw his no-no? 

In Harris County, if you are running for Constable, Justice of the Peace, State Board of Education, and a few other races, you won’t get screened by the Chron E-Board.  That’s the way it goes these days.

NY Giants QB Eli Manning was definitely must see TV when he guest hosted “SNL” this past weekend.  I don’t think I’ve seen a better performance by a professional athlete on “SNL.”  Sorry Sir Charles!

Commentary doesn’t think the Lone Star Project likes Domingo Garcia.  Here is a part of what he put out the other day:

Domingo Garcia’s thin skin and temper were on display following the decision by the Dallas Morning News to reject Garcia and, instead, recommend Representative Marc Veasey for the Democratic nomination in new Congressional District 33.

In an email sent to his supporters late yesterday afternoon, Garcia seemed so desperate to blunt the damage of the DMN recommendation that he made matters worse. He not only improperly used the Democratic National Committee logo and made a series of statements that simply do not stand up to scrutiny, he also misspelled President Barack Obama’s name.

Rather than give his supporters comfort, Garcia likely reinforced the opinion of the Dallas Morning News that Domingo Garcia simply does not have the temperament or the judgment needed to represent a racially and geographically diverse district like CD33.

I don’t know the Lone Star Project and I know he didn’t mean this but it kind of gives the impression that the old stereotype of Latino fellas being hot tempered exists within Domingo.  Oh, well!  Commentary doesn’t have a dog in this hunt.  Of course, the voters of CD 33 will be the ultimate deciders.

Back on September 14, 2008 at the Ike Games, 28 ‘Stros came up to the batters’ box to face The Big Z of course.  Michael Bourn walked and then got rubbed out on a double play and Hunter Pence was hit by a pitch.

We’ve gone from winning five in a row to losing two in a row and 4 ½ back. 

 

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Meeting Joe Martinez

Joe Martinez, Democratic Party Primary candidate for Harris County Constable, Precinct 2 has a problem.  It is a problem that some candidates just have to live with.  He keeps getting his campaign signs (yard signs and the big ones) stolen or ripped up because some of his opponents think he’s doing a real good job engaging the voters of Precinct 2.   Joe Martinez is Commentary’s client.

There are 10 candidates running for this open position.  Understandably many of the Democratic elected officials are on the sidelines.  Not so for H-Town CM James Rodriguez.  Rodriguez, who lives in Precinct 2, says this:

“I urge the Democrats in Constable Precinct 2 to join me in supporting Joe Martinez.  I’ve known Joe for a number of years and have always admired his dedication to his profession and to community service.”

Of the candidates running for this position, Joe does have the most years of experience working in a constable’s office.  Joe has ideas on what he’ll do to make the office work better.   I have nothing against the incumbent, my pal Gary Freeman, but every office can be improved.

I’m not going to say or reveal much about Joe’s campaign other than to say that Joe and his crew certainly know what has to be done between now and May 14 and May 29.  Joe knows how to focus.

Joe Martinez has also been endorsed by the Coalition of Police and Sheriffs, Local 911 (C.O.P.S), Democracy for Houston, Harris County Tejano Democrats, Houston Area Stonewall Democrats, Houston GLBT Political Caucus, International Union of Police Associations (I.U.P.A.), Mexican American Bar Association of Houston, and Momentum PAC.

I hope more folks will consider supporting Joe Martinez.  He’ll be a great Constable.

‘Stro second baseman Jose Altuve turned 22 yesterday.  Altuve is currently in the MLB Top 10 in three offensive categories – name the three categories?  

Like I said last Friday, Commentary got interviewed by Huffington Post.  Here is part of the piece on politicians and Cinco de Mayo:

I have to give it to President Obama. He’s actually been pretty smart about this stuff,” said Marc Campos, president of Campos Communications in Houston, referring to the annual White House Cinco de Mayo reception and the president’s Rose Garden push for immigration reform on Thursday. “But you just know some politician is going to show up somewhere this weekend in a guayabera (a type of shirt) or a sombrero at some party with the fajitas and the guacamole and no knowledge whatsoever of what the people in that room are really concerned about. That’s, unfortunately, how it’s often done.”

Campos, a Mexican American who has worked as a political strategist for dozens of for Democratic candidates since the 1970s, has seen so many politicians try to appeal to Latino voters with cultural celebrations and food that friends this week called him to joke that that they wished the White House reception included the bacon-wrapped shrimp that are a standard of Washington parties. Instead, pork and fish tacos, pico de gallo, sopes and various mole-marinated meats were on the menu.

In 2000, Campos did “truth-squad” research on George W. Bush’s accomplishments in Texas. And, he served as a deputy campaign director for the Democratic Party’s get out the vote effort the last time a Democrat carried Texas. The candidate was Jimmy Carter and the year, 1972. (Actually it was 1976).

Here is the entire HuffPo piece.

Speaking of the Latino vote, Politico had a lengthy piece yesterday on the Latino vote in the 2012 race for Prez.  Here are parts:

He (Romney) called Arizona’s immigration law a national model, and said he would veto a “Dream Act” that provides a pathway to citizenship for children of illegal immigrants if they serve in the military or go to college. He advocates “self-deportation” — essentially making life so difficult for undocumented residents that they see little option except to leave the country.

“He (Romney) hasn’t begun an aggressive, national campaign for Hispanics,” said Ana Navarro, a Republican strategist in Miami. “He needs to introduce himself, define himself beyond the narrow narrative coming out of the primary and at the same time go after Obama hard, both on immigration and economic failures.”

I disagree.  I think Latinos have already been introduced to Romney.   Sadly GOP strategists think we’ve been on siesta or something like that.  Latinos have been watching the immigrant bashing going on over in the GOP Prez primary.

And:

The Obama campaign is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars advertising on Spanish language TV stations in Colorado, Nevada and Florida.

But neither the Romney campaign nor the conservative political groups paying for pro-Romney ads has bought any time on Spanish networks.

And:

“Hispanics are shopping around,” said Jennifer Korn, executive director of the Hispanic Leadership Network and Hispanic outreach director for the 2004 Bush-Cheney campaign.

What are we supposed to be shopping for – a Mitt wearing a sombrero?

Here is the entire politico piece.

I was watching “Meet the Press” yesterday and one of my favorites, Tom Brokaw, was on and he kind of mildly chastised the White House Correspondents dinner.  Here is from a web piece about his remarks:

Veteran NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw on Sunday said Washington’s annual White House Correspondents’ dinner has become a symbol of a press that is increasingly out of touch. ”If there’s ever an event that separates the press from the people they’re supposed to be serving, symbolically, it is that one. It is time to rethink it,” he said on NBC’s Meet the Press.

“Look I think George Clooney is a great guy, I’d like to meet Charlize Theron, but I don’t think the big press event in Washington should be that kind of glittering event, where the whole talk is about Cristal champagne, taking over the Italian embassy, who had the best party, who got to meet the most people. That’s another separation between what we’re supposed to be doing and what the people expect us to be doing, and I think that the Washington press corps has to look at that, and by the way I’m a charter member of the White House Correspondents Association, I was there early on and often enjoyed it, but it’s gone beyond what it needs to be.”

It is what it is.  White House correspondents and many of Washington and national news reporters, anchors, and columnists are celebrities themselves – Tom Brokaw included.  They show up on Leno, Letterman, Colbert, Stewart, Maher, Fallon, Kimmel, and Conan. They also interview celebrities like Clooney, DeNiro, Theron, Pitt, Jolie, Penn, Bono, and countless others that give their time and money to humanitarian efforts. Sorry Tom, but we’re never going back to the good old days.

Goober Pyle is no longer with us.  That’s too bad.  George Lindsey left us yesterday.  I always cracked up when Gomer would ask Goober to do his Cary Grant impression and Goober would rattle off “Judy, Judy, Judy!”

‘Stro Jose Altuve is 9^th in batting average (.352), 4^th in base hits (38), and tied for 2^nd in triples (3) of course.

We’re 13-15 and Dante is already asking if he can go with me to the World Serious – huh!  What does he know? 

 

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Meeting Traci Jensen

First of all, before I talk about Traci Jensen, let me say that I got called last night by an automated poll.  They wanted to know who I would vote for in the Harris County Democratic Primary races for sheriff, DA, Judge Kirkland – Palmer, and Dem Chair Lane Lewis – Douglas. I was also asked about the direction of Harris County.  I wonder what’s up with this poll.

Earlier this year, my good friend HISD Trustee Anna Eastman asked me to meet with Traci Jensen candidate for State Board of Education (SBOE), District 6.   Traci and I visited at length about her background, her experiences and knowledge about the SBOE, curriculum issues, politics, and the challenges of campaigning in a district roughly covering half of Harris County and twice the size in population of a congressional district.  I came away from the meeting very impressed with her grasp of the issues.   She knows what’s happening in the classrooms.

We decided to work together.   I’ve watched her campaign, go before numerous screening committees, and grow as a candidate.    Her campaign is starting to get noticed and picking up support.  Here is what a few key Democratic leaders are saying about Traci:

“I am supporting Traci because of her common sense approach to education and commitment to a rich, deep curriculum for Texas students.  Traci is also willing to advocate for evidence based, medically accurate sex education a critical factor in reducing the high teen pregnancy rates throughout the state, but particularly in Harris County.  Her experience as an educator and as a current parent of a public school student will offer a new perspective to the State Board of Education.” – Anna Eastman, HISD Trustee.

“The State Board of Education needs strong and knowledgeable leaders like Traci Jensen.  I hope you will join me in supporting her candidacy.” – State Senator John Whitmire.

“Traci Jensen respects and embraces the richness of our community’s diversity.   She’ll make a valuable member of the State Board of Education.” – Noel Freeman, President, Houston GLBT Caucus.

“Texas has gone from the leader of public education to an embarrassing punch line on late night TV talk shows.  Traci Jensen will work to end the divisive rhetoric and put ALL Texas school children ahead of politics and ideology.” – Houston City Council Member James Rodriguez.

Traci has also been endorsed by Alief Federation of Teachers, Harris County AFL-CIO, Houston GLBT Political Caucus, Houston Federation of Teachers, Houston Young Stonewall Democrats, Katy Democrats, and Area 5 Democrats.

I’ve learned a lot from Traci in the time we’ve been working together.  With 25 days remaining before the May 29 Election Day and 10 days before Early Voting begins, the campaign will continue the daunting task of reaching out to voters from Montrose to Tomball and from the near Northside to Katy.  Hey, but who’s complaining! 

You’ll be hearing about a couple of receptions for Traci that will be held next weekend and the following Monday. Go to www.jensen4stateboard.com  to learn more about Traci.

What was accomplished in MLB 37 years ago today?  Hint:  It involved a ‘Stro.

Speaking of, H-Town CM James Rodriguez and his son Jake went to The Yard Wednesday afternoon.  James’ Milby High classmate, Adrian Johnson (AJ), is now a MLB umpire and was calling first base Wednesday.  Before the game, he brought James and Jake on to the field and James got to visit with one of his old bosses, Mets skipper Terry Collins.  Collins was skipper of the ‘Stros during part of James’ batboy days – cool. 

Yesterday, Commentary was interviewed by Huffington Post about candidates campaigning and appealing to the Latino vote through Cinco de Mayo events.  I don’t think the story has been posted yet.  What do I know?

Bob Watson of the ‘Stros scored the 1,000,000^th run in MLB history of course at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on May 4, 1975, the day after CM Rodriguez was born.

The Big Puma, Carlos Beltran, and San Luis visit The Yard this weekend with Belted Pink Bags, Los Astros lids, and Pink Yoga Mats getting handed out to the early arrivers.  See ya there!

 

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What’s John Arnold Gonna Do?

Happy Birthday today to H-Town CM James Rodriguez!

Local billionaire John Arnold is getting out of the energy trading business to “pursue other interests” according to today’s Chron.   I wonder what he’s going to do now.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with John on a couple of political campaigns.  He and his wife Laura are definitely players in H-Town.  Here is some from today’s Chron:

They became interested in Barry Scheck’s Innocence Project, for example, and helped bring him to Houston to explain the organization’s needs. Not long thereafter, they paid for research into testing ways to reduce false identification in criminal cases.

And:

In the small world of the Houston ultra-wealthy, the Arnolds cut a different profile. They are not on the political right – they have donated significant amounts to the Obama campaign and Democratic National Committee – and they do not seemed concerned about preservation of their wealth. They have signed the Giving Pledge, an effort promoted by billionaires Warren Buffet and Bill Gates to get wealthy Americans to commit to giving away most of their money before they die.

Whatever interests they decided to pursue, you can bet they’ll be good at it.  Maybe they will decide to take over the local Dem Party.
Here is the entire Chron piece.

Last night, Commentary was with my client, Traci Jensen, candidate for State Board of Education, District 6 in the Democratic Party Primary at a LULAC forum for candidates.  One of our opponents, Patty Quintana-Nilsson, said she would work to do away with the bilingual education program.  I don’t know about that.

Who had a better won-loss pitching record as a ‘Stro, The Rocket or Andy Pettitte?

My pal Bill King has a good piece today ‘splaining the GMPs or general mobility payments.  That’s the money that Houston METRO hands out to their municipalities every year.  We’re going to be talking about GMPs a lot this year so it would probably be a good idea to read Bill’s column in today’s Chron. 
Here it is.

Last night’s “Rock Center” was must see TV.  The entire hour was about events surrounding the Situation Room and the take down of bin Laden. 

Rolling Stone released their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and The Beatles snagged four of the Top 10 slots:  Sgt. Peppers (1), Revolver (3), Rubber Soul (5), and The White Album (10).  I definitely don’t have a problem with that.

The Rocket (38-18) of course had a better won-loss record than Andy Pettitte (37-27) during their three year stay with the ‘Stros (2004-2006).  Of course The Rocket probably has Rolling Stone’s Album Numero Uno because the feds allege he had a little help from his friends.

‘Stro third baseman Chris Johnson had two dingers and 6 RBIs yesterday.   Albert Pujols only has 5 RBIs for the season.  The ‘Stros swept the Mets yesterday and are now 11-14.  We have the day off then San Luis comes in for three.

 

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