What the hell is wrong with you? Arizona GOP Chairman Kelli Ward

September 7, 2019

One of these days the Democratic nominee running for any position needs to turn to their Trump republican opponent and just say “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Really just look right at them and ask “WHAT THE fuck IS WRONG WITH YOU?” and just let it sink in.

Case in point, Arizona GOP Chairman, Kelli Ward. Mark Kelly, wife of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, is running for Senator of Arizona. As you remember Congressman Giffords was severely injured in a mass shooting that left 6 individuals dead including members of her staff. Gabby’s first questions, when she was able to talk, was to ask about her staff. Since then Gabby and Mark have become advocates for gun safety.

With that in mind, Kelli Ward, the Chair of the Arizona Republican Party and former candidate for Senator, thought it would be cute to send out a fundraising letter with the following:

“Support the Republican Party of Arizona today and, together, we’ll stop gun-grabber Mark Kelly dead in his tracks.”

It just makes you want to ask her “What the fuck is wrong with you?”. In fact someone already has done just that after Kelli went to twitter whining about being attacked for being a dick. Calling for her to resign is absolutely ridiculous. She is doing a fine job for the Democratic Party.


State Rep Dennis Paul. Stop supporting the NRA

September 5, 2019

State Representative Dennis Paul lives just a block from my house. I remember when he was running in the primary he was standing outside sporting a hat with a large NRA on it. He has represented the NRA well, voting to allow gun nuts to walk in the open with loaded assault weapons as if we are fighting a war in our neighborhood. Dennis is a nice guy, but he needs to drop his support of the NRA.

The Honorable Dennis Paul
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, Texas 78768
Representative Paul,

As you know I live a block from you in the Bay Knoll subdivision. Our community needs you to denounce your support of the NRA and take a stand to protect your community, my family, and our police officers.

At the very least you should demand a repeal of the the open carry laws that allows Texans to strut around in your neighborhood wearing military uniforms, bullet proof vests, and carrying loaded assault weapons with high capacity clips. This insanity must stop. As a child I was told never to brag about guns, never show off guns, and never pull out a gun unless I intend to use it.

The only person who would carry a loaded assault weapon in the open is the one that intends to use it and this person should be dealt with quickly by law enforcement. Allowing anyone to carry any type of weapon in the open does not protect me or my family. Instead it is a serious threat to the safety of my family. Open carry does not make my neighborhood safer. It makes my neighbors fear walking in the same street. It causes panic. This incredible insanity must stop. 

Also at the very least our laws concerning background checks should be reinforced not weaken. 7 human beings were killed in Odessa because our background checks failed. You need to demand that the loopholes must be closed so it is harder for killers to obtain weapons.

It’s time you disassociate yourself from the NRA, the gun lobby, and the extremists who openly carry military assault weapons in our neighborhoods and stand up for us. Its time to do something.


John R. Cobarruvias

TX State Rep Matt Schaefer stands with god on guns

September 1, 2019

The body of a 17 month old child isn’t even cold and another elected official has stood up to defend the gun nuts of Texas in a number of tweets. He claims god have Texans the right to own guns. The only thing god gave was the right for someone to call Schaefer a dick. Gun rights were given by man and man alone. God had absolutely nothing to do with this. Nothing. As was said in the past:

Newflash for you buds, God didn’t give you that right. So quick saying it. As you probably know the right to own a gun comes from the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution, written by a group of men. So what man giveth, man can surely taketh away. So quit your g—damn whining about how you have a god given right to own a gun. It’s about as intelligent as saying you have a god given right to own a chicken. (But not in the city limits)

Schaefer continued saying NO to background checks, or banning assault weapons, or red flag laws. Schaefer wants Texas to remain to be the wild, wild, west with guns on demand. He wants more guns in schools and more guns on the streets, even though if it costs the life of police officers, your family members, or a 17 month old child.

He bows to guns and not to god.


Tx Rep Brian Babin a no show at Town Hall meeting

August 28, 2019

Leave it to Brian Babin.

Babin is in one of the most gerrymandered districts in the country. He doesn’t have to campaign or even meet with his constituents. All he has to do is keep the (R) behind his name and he will be guaranteed another two years in office.

So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Babin hasn’t had one single downhill meeting since being elected. He occasionally has a telephone conference call that allows his constituents to listen to his extreme right wing lies without having to answer questions. Babin will never meet with his constituents because they would want answers on why he has not reeled in Trump’s racists and erratic behavior. They want answers on why he has abandoned republican principles like respect, fiscal responsibility, support of NASA/JSC, and international affairs especially with Russia and North Korea.

Babin is a coward.


Kathaleen Wall buying another seat in Congress?

August 26, 2019

Kathaleen Wall ran in the Republican primary for Congressional District 2 in 2016. She donated $800,000 to Gov Abbott who has endorsed her. She invested $6 Million of her own money into her own campaign, raising only $10,000 from others. And she lost, and lost bad. She came in 3rd place. Buying an election has become a campaign strategy for republicans much like Money Mayes Middleton who spent $2.5 Million of his own money to win a House seat.

Now Wall is trying to buy the primary for CD22, a seat abandoned by Congressman Pete Olson. Much like CD2 we should expect a huge amount of money to be spent on ads showing she is the best Trump supporter in the race, and the most loaded candidate with guns and money.

Kathaleen Walls stands with trump and is loaded. What could possibly go wrong with that strategy?


Harris County Democratic Party's statement on Bill King

August 24, 2019

Bill King was called out in Kingwood for mailers that listed Democratic Precinct chairs as endorsing his campaign. On Aug 7th he apologized and claimed he would resend a corrected version. Instead 3 week later he did it again this time in Clear Lake. The Republican Party has a problem with telling the truth. It might be a mistake the first time around, but the second time is a campaign strategy. Lie. Lie like trump.

The Harris County Democratic Party has issued the following statement:

Statement on Bill King’s Unauthorized use of Democratic
Precinct Chairs on Campaign Materials

The Harris County Democratic Party has been made aware that Bill King, Candidate for Houston Mayor, recently mailed a political advertisement that identified as supporters, among others, Democratic Precinct Chairs.

Our Precinct Chairs have unequivocally stated that at no time did they express support for Mr. King’s campaign or otherwise give their consent to be listed as supporters of his campaign.

“We take the concerns of our Precinct Chairs very seriously, we always have their backs,” said Lillie Schechter, HCDP Party Chair.

We stand behind these chairs in asking that all candidates conduct their campaigns with the utmost integrity and obtain consent before listing any HCDP Precinct Chair as a supporter.


Who's in and who's out in Houston City races

August 23, 2019

OK. So the filing period has ended and there are a couple of surprises. Not many.

Mayors race. Victoria Romero, Johnny Taylor and Roy Vasquez enters the race. I have absolutely no idea who they are.

Controller. Amparo Gasca is out (was never really in) and Orlando Sanchez is in. Orlando was the former Harris County Treasurer.

District E. Ryan Lee is out, although he was really never in. He was just saying he was. Sam Cleveland is still in,

Position 1. Larry Blackmon and Yolanda Flores joins the list.

Position 2. Mike Griffin and Jim Honey has joined.

Position 3. Goku Sankar is out (was he ever in?). Jose Gonzalez is in. Again I cant find any info on Jose.

Position 4. This is the big change. Amanda Edwards will not run. She is now running for US Senate. Bill Baldwin from the Heights is now in the race. Anthony Dolcefino has moved from District C to Position 4. Letitia Plummer has moved to 4. Javier Gonzales, James Joseph, Jennifer Laney, and Jason Rowe has joined.

Position 5. Eric Dick has joined the group. Jamaal Boone is out. Michelle Bonton has also joined.

NOTES: * Indicates the candidate entered the race after the date of the filing deadline. ** Indicates the candidate is using their own money to run and has not raised any money. The Raised/Spent figures are for the last reporting period ending in June.

CANDIDATE
COH
Raised
Spent
Loans
MAYOR
Sylvester Turner (inc)
$3,218,268
$1,698,596
$1,362,879
$0
Kendall Baker
$260
$15,810
$15,650
$15,650
Derrick Broze
$1,190
$1,379
$188
$0
Dwight Boykins
$69,783
$140,174
$93,219
$0
**Tony Buzbee
$5,140,725
$0
$1,814,754
$0
Anton Dowls
$0
$0
$0
$0
Naoufal Houjami
$154
$1,080
$356
$0
Bill King
$318,320
$684,842
$580,062
$100,000
*Sue Lovell
$0
$0
$0
$0
*Victoria Romero
$0
$0
$0
$0
Johnny Taylor
$0
$0
$0
$0
*Roy Vasquez
$0
$0
$0
$0
Demetria Smith
$0
$0
$0
$0
CONTROLLER
Chris Brown (inc)
$234,350
$66,611
$36,522
$75,000
*Orland Sanchez
$0
$0
$0
$0
District E
Dave Martin (inc)
$151,184
$49,450
$18,939
$0
Sam Cleveland
$0
$0
$0
$0
Position 1
Mike Knox (inc)
$41,171
$40,295
$45,555
$0
Michelle Bonton
$0
$0
$0
$0
Georgia Provost
$0
$0
$0
$0
Larry Blackmon
$0
$0
$0
$0
Yolanda Flores
$0
$0
$0
$0
Raj Salhotra
$178,536
$220,377
$30,340
$0
Position 2
David Robinson (inc)
$262,221
$88,616
$0
$0
Willie Davis
$807
$10,250
$3,051
$3,000
Emily Detoto
$439
$2,600
$2,660
$500
*Mike Griffin
$0
$0
$0
$0
Jim Honey
$0
$0
$0
$0
Position 3
Michael Kubosh (inc)
$122,870
$43,875
$20,319
$276,000
Janaeya Carmouche
$3,706
$8,950
$5,397
$1,000
Marcel McClinton
$8,675
$25,823
$21,739
$0
Jose Gonzalez
$0
$0
$0
$0
Position 4
Amanda Edwards (inc)
$192,791
$73,807
$42,179
$0
Christel Bastida
$750
$1,103
$51
$200
Tiko Hausman
$0
$0
$0
$0
Nick Hellyar
$20,501
$63,680
$34,446
$0
Ericka McCrutcheon
$2,875
$5,100
$11,625
$5,000
*Bill Baldwin
$0
$0
$0
$0
Anthony Dolcefino
$1,700
$2,836
$0
$0
Javier Gonzalez
$0
$0
$0
$0
James Joseph
$0
$0
$0
$0
Jennifer Laney
$0
$0
$0
$0
Letitia Plummer
$43,795
$64,519
$36,356
$0
Jason Rowe
$0
$0
$0
$0
Position 5
Sallie Alcorn
$252,366
$204,247
$75,393
$0
Brad Batteau
$0
$0
$0
$0
Catherine Flowers
$3,700
$13,543
$9,918
$75
Ralph Garcia
$0
$0
$0
$0
Marvin McNeese
$7,206
$23,100
$45,893
$30,000
Sonia Rivera
$0
$2,260
$3,895
$1,695
Ashton Woods
$0
$0
$0
$0
Eric Dick
$0
$0
$0
$0
Michelle Bonton
$0
$0
$0
$0

The Dishonest endorsement mailer(s) by Bill King

August 21, 2019

It just doesn’t get anymore dishonest than this and it’s not his first time either.

Bill King sent out a mailer in the Kingwood area listing some Democratic precinct chairs as endorsing him for Mayor. The office is a non partisan race and precinct chairs can endorse in this race. Unfortunately, some on his mailer did not endorse and would not endorse him and they called him out on it.

That was a couple of weeks ago. Obviously King has learned that dishonesty and lies championed by Trump can work so he did it again, this time in Clear Lake. Again some Democratic precinct chairs were listed as endorsing him, as well as a well known journalist who has not endorsed and cannot endorsement due to her profession. That person is not happy and shouldn’t be. I’m not sure if this is illegal, but it should be. Regardless it is a deliberate, dishonest attempt to sway voters.

Earlier in the year King, running his second campaign for mayor, used campaign literature that did not have the necessary disclosures. It’s almost like the man running against corruption can’t follow the law.-

Bill King ran for Mayor of Houston 4 years ago. You would think his campaign would know that the “Political Advertisement Paid for by” requirement applies to all candidates. King’s campaign was in the neighborhood putting out door hangers without the necessary disclosure requirement. King might want to review the following section of Title 15 Election Code:


When Trump calls you Pocahontas, or Fredo…

August 20, 2019

Trump, like an 8 year old, enjoys referring to others with cute, sometimes racist names. Calling Senator Warren Pocahontas, or VP Biden “Sleepy Joe” are just two examples of this childish behavior. I hope our candidates will learn how to handle these immature, racists comments during the 2020 campaign because he is going to continue to do it.

If it was me I would respond with the following when asked about his comments: 

What do you expect? Seriously, what do you expect from Trump? This is who he is. This is what he does. Nothing will change that. When he calls someone Pocahontas, or Fredo, or Pablo, he isn’t doing it to be cute. It’s racist. It is just simply racist and that is who he is. It is so incredibly sad that I have to say the President of the United States is a racist but he is. His name calling is beneath the dignity of an 8 year old but again, that is who he is. So what do you expect from him?

Calling a German American “Adolph”, or a Mexican American “Santa Anna”, or an Irish American “Mickey” or a Native American “Pocahontas” or “Chief”, would usually get your ass kicked. Lucky for Trump he has the secret service to protect him. Calling names like this is demeaning, ignorant, insulting, and racist.

That is who Trump is.


Trump and Republicans are not racist

August 2, 2019

When you have to say “I’m not a racist”…. From The Associated Press.

Photo by Reuters


Why do you have to be a dick about everything? Tx Congressman Randy Weber

July 31, 2019

This is a Facebook post from a United States Congressman from Galveston Texas. This is a so called “Christian” who thinks it is funny to mock children who have been separated from their parents or those who have fled their country seeking the help from Christians such as Weber. Instead of finding compassion or legal process they find a United States Congressman, an “honorable” Congressman making fun of them living in filth, sleeping on the floor, and wondering if they have met a devil instead of a Christian. Weber joins his president and others in the Republican Party as a member of the “Why do you have to be a dick about everything” Club.

Weber isn’t a Christian. He is a dick.


Raising Campaign Cash: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo

July 28, 2019
Picture from the Houston Chronicle

There are so many politicians who talk the talk. That is easy. And there are those who actually walk the walk. Case in point Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. From the Houston Chronicle:

New Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has announced that she will refuse political donations from county contractors, a stark departure from the past in which firms seeking business from the county showered Commissioners Court candidates and incumbents with cash.


Republican Commissioners Cagle and Raddick will not do the same, neither will the Democrats Garcia and Ellis. The republicans will never stop taking corporate money or money from the vendors doing business with their office. That is who they are. That is who they represent. The Democrats are moving in the right direction. No corporate PAC money is a great start. 
Judge Hidalgo is leading the way in Harris County. It’s time everyone on the Commission follows her lead.


Republican, Democrat, Independent? Bill King

July 26, 2019

As stated before, having a (R) behind your name when running for office is about as popular as herpes at a hot tub party. Based upon Bill King’s history of donations, voting history, and his endorsements, Bill King is a Republican (R).

Over the last few years King donated about $7000 to various republican organizations and individuals including Paul Bettencourt and the Coaltion for a Greater Houston which is no where to be found.  He donated $1500 to the Spring Branch Republicans, and $250 to the Kingwood Area Republican Women’s Club. It’s not a large amount of donations but it is in support of republicans.

He also donated to the Houston Realty Business Coalition which in 2018 endorsed every republican running in 2018. We expect that to continue in 2019. His voting record is very clear voting in the republican primary since 2006. King has also never been a friend of the LGBTQ community. So with all of that, it is pretty clear King is an (R) in a nonpartisan race.

At least he isn’t taking pictures and having fundraisers for Trump.


Tx Congressman Pete Olson, leaving with egg on his face

July 26, 2019

One of my previous post needs an update. Texas Congressman Pete Olson has decided to spend more time not defending the indefensible Donald Trump. Olson has tired of being expected to carry Trump’s jock strap since he was in a very safe deep red district. His opponent in 2018 changed that losing by only a couple of points. So as any coward would do, Pete Olson is quitting.


I can no longer take a back seat in Donald Trump’s golf cart and be expected to defend his positions on racism, the deficit, our growing debt, the disrespect for the press, mocking of the disabled, disrespect for women, minorities, and non-christians. This is not the Republican Party I proudly belong to. 


Ok. That isn’t what Pete said, but it should be. I’ve written about Pete’s great legacy before. Here is a clip of when I confronted Olson with some uncomfortable facts. 

Health care stunt
In his only town hall meeting held in LaMarque back in 2009, Olson was taped using a woman and her son as props in a failed attempt to warn about the Affordable Care Act. He described how the private insurance industry and private hospitals and private medical doctors turned down a treatment for her son. She eventually received the care (provided by government provided healthcare) but Olson went on to claim that under the government’s Affordable Care Act, she would have been turned down.

Someone (me) with a camera yelled “THE GOVERNMENT DIDN’T TURN HER DOWN! THE PRIVATE SECTOR DID!”. Olson looked like a deer caught in the head lights of a truck. His look of stupidity earned him a spot on Keith Olberman. 

Republican, Democrat, Independent? Tony Buzbee

July 23, 2019

UPDATE: I asked for a comment from Buzbee’s campaign. They have not responded. 

LOL.

According to the Texas Ethics Commission and the Federal Elections Commission Tony Buzbee hosted a fundraiser for Donald Trump in his home, he donated $250,000 to the Trump Victory Fund, donated $35,000 to Trump’s PAC, $165,000 to the RNC, donated $500,000 to Trump’s inaugurationdonated $110,000 to the Republican Party in 11 different states, and donated over $1,000,000 to various republican candidates including $308,000 to Greg Abbott and $80,000 to Rick Perry.

Tony Buzbee is a republican.

But as noted before, he is attempting to play both sides for fools:

On the Democratic side Buzbee helped the party wipe out the Republican judges in Harris County with his $90,000 donation to the Harris County Democratic Party not including the $20,000 to their Federal PAC in 2018. He also donated $176,178 to Democratic Judicial Candidates. Every one of them won.

At least Buzbee had the balls to come to a HCDP Executive Committee meeting asking for their votes. He was boo-ed and heckled on the way out. Then he bitched whined about it. Wonder if the Harris County Republican Party would welcome Buzbee after learning that he financed the wipeout of their judge in 2018.

Probably will. Fools.


Republican, Democrat, or Independent? Michael Kubosh

July 22, 2019

UPDATE: I received this following response from Kubosh:

“I am a non-partisan elected official that represents the entire City of Houston.

I go to events all over the City, hosted by independents, Republicans and Democrats. I decided years ago to not alienate myself from those I represent in the City of Houston. 

I am an independent and a populist. 
I will not vote in a Primary as long as I am a NON-PARTISAN OFFICE HOLDER.”

Original Post:
Houston City Council races are non-partisan. Candidates are not required to designate the party they associate with but it is easy to determine. In this election year having an (R) behind your name might not be the best campaign strategy since the Republican Party has become the party of increasing debt, $1 Trillion deficits, fiscal irresponsibility, racism, tariffs, etc, etc, etc They just suck.

Council Member Kubosh might have forgotten that voting records and campaign donations are public record so it is easy to determine which party you associate with. In Kubosh’s case, he is a Republican.

The Texas Ethics Commission shows he donated $39,369 to republicans and republican organizations. This includes $21,700 to the Harris County Republican Party and $5000 to the Spring Branch Republican Club. And his company Kubosh Bail Bonding donated another $7050. On the Federal level he donated $3000 to the Harris County Republican Party.

His voting record is also available for the public to see. Unfortunately Kubosh does not have much of a voting record which is pretty odd for an elected official in fact he should be questioned about this and I think I will…..

UPDATE: Kubosh has voted in the general elections. His primary election voting record is lacking but again donations are clear.


CORRECTION: Not Raising Campaign Cash: Tony Buzbee

July 20, 2019

I recently posted Raising Campaign Cash: Houston City Elections. Final. Thoughts stating Tony Buzbee has $5.1 Million cash on hand and raised $5.5 Million. That is not true and I have since corrected it.

Tony Buzbee did not raised any money, as in, zero dollars. The $5.5 Million came out of his own pocket.  Buzbee unlike the other candidates running for Mayor or any other office in Houston is wealthy. In his case, filthy wealthy. He has enough money to spare that he does not need to ask people to donate to his campaign because they believe in his stance or his support of Trump. He doesn’t have to spend half a day on the phone asking for donations. He doesn’t have to have fundraisers. He doesn’t have to prove he is a viable candidate for a very important office.

So, he raised $0 because he is filthy rich. I stand corrected.


Raising Campaign Cash: Houston City Council District C

July 19, 2019

I reported on Anthony Dolcefino and became interested in the other candidates in District C. Beside poor fundraising numbers, no fundraising, and a loan of $20,000 there is nothing grossly unusual. Abbie Kamin had a very strong showing of $175,490. The others raised so-so money.

Candidate COH Raised Spent Loans
Kendra Camarena $13,625 $13,638 $12 $0
Candelario Cervantez $1,908 $1,954 $46 $0
Anthony Dolcefino $2,800 $2,800 $0 $0
Rodney Hill $0 $0 $0 $0
Abbie Kamin $141,382 $175,490 $44,557 $0
Shelley Kennedy $6,677 $39,651 $40,600 $0
Greg Meyers $34,297 $25,722 $10,004 $20,000
Bob Nowak $4,488 $13,186 $8,697 $0
Daphne Scarbrough $22,195 $31,195 $5,849 $0
Mary Jane Smith $38,209 $58,906 $20,696 $0
Kevin Walker $0 $0 $0 $0
Amanda Kathryn Wolfe $19 $63 $43 $0

Spending Campaign Cash: Anthony Dolcefino

July 19, 2019
Even a Caveman can do it

UPDATE: Mr. Docefino has responded to my request to clarify his spending:

Website is free website builder, domain name I already owned, literature was in-kind after the June 30th deadline, FB ads have been bought in July, etc.
Yesterday I posted about Anthony Dolcefino’s fundraising numbers. Anthony is running for City Council District C. Anthony seems to be picking up where his father left off back in 2005 by attacking Mayor Turner.
 

Wayne Dolcefino was an investigative reporter (sic) for KTRK-TV. He had a boner for Sylvester Turner back in 1995 when Turner first ran for Mayor. Dolcefino was eventually sued and lost for a story about insurance fraud and a jury awarded $5.5 Million. 

Since 2008 I have been interested in what elected officials are spending their money on in my series called Spending Campaign Cash. Here is an entry for Anthony and it is strange. I have reached out to both Anthony and his treasurer for a response.

Anthony filed a paper report because he raised less than $20,000 and does not have access to an computer. He is listed as his own treasurer and he claims to have spent $0 during this period. This is strange because he has a website, a domain name, a facebook page, a twitter account. He has made online ads and he has campaign literature with the required disclaimer “PolAds paid for by Anthony Dolcefino Campaign, Linda Fowler Treasurer”.

According to the Texas Ethics Commission expenditures must be reported including what was purchased, how much was paid, who was paid, when it was paid among other things. Even if the website, domain name, and campaign literature were donated, that must be reported as an in-kind donation.

Look…I’m not an expert on the laws in Texas but I can read and it’s not real hard to understand. If you receive money, report it. If you spend money, report it. It really is that simple.

Even a caveman can do it.


Raising Campaign Cash: Anthony Dolcefino District C

July 18, 2019

I was looking at campaign finance reports for Houston City Council races that voters in District E would be interested in. You can view that here if you would like. I also became curious about a couple of other candidates, one being Anthony Dolcefino, the son of Wayne Dolcefino. From a previous post;

Wayne Dolcefino was an investigative reporter (sic) for KTRK-TV. He had a boner for Sylvester Turner back in 1995 when Turner first ran for Mayor. Dolcefino was eventually sued and lost for a story about insurance fraud and a jury awarded $5.5 Million. 

But back to campaign reports….I couldn’t find his reports online until today with the help of Shelby. He filed a paper copy. Based upon his totals I would have too. You can find his complete report (all 6 pages worth) here. I can summarize.

He has raised $2836 of which $1086 was in-kind donations provided by his father. He has recorded $0 spent even though he has put out a couple of political ads, printed door hangers, and has a website. all “Political advertising paid for by the Anthony Dolcefino Campaign.” His father only gave him $500. 


His affidavit claims he nor anyone associated with his campaign uses computers to keep track of his donations. 


He also delivered the hand written report by horse and carriage since no one has a car.


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