NEWS
The Reign of Error has Ended.
8 Term State Representative G.E. Buddy West was soundly defeated tonight by retired District Judge Tryon Lewis. What’s even more breathtaking is that Judge lewis completely reversed the percentage of voters in 2 of the 3 counties that make up HD 81 (approx. 68% – 32%). In fact Judge Lewis skyrocketed his returns in Winkler County defeating the incumbent by a very healthy 83% – 17%.
Bryan Daniel Wins In HD52
Bryan Daniel won election in House District 52, seat made vacant by the retiring Mike Krusee in Williamson County. Daniel presented a clear message and was strongly supported by a coalition of conservatives. Congratulations!
Update: Legler Carries 144
Ken Legler beat Fred Roberts in the HD 144 race. Legler ran a strong campaign based on conservative solutions to pressing policy questions. Congratulations on a well run race!
Congratulations Ralph Sheffield!
In the hotly contested race to replace retiring representative Dianne Delisi, (Representative of Bell County and H.D. 55 for 9 terms) Ralph Sheffield has emerged victorious.
Mr. Sheffield captured a convincing share of the vote total to beat big taxing and spending Temple council woman Martha Tyroch.
Congratulations.
Lewis Locks Up HD 81
Congratulations to Tryon Lewis — retired state district judge — in House District 81’s primary runoff election. With all 47 precincts reporting Judge Lewis has captured 75 percent of the vote.
Michael and I, having just traveled to Odessa yesterday, could not be happier with that kind of support for the true fiscal conservative in HD 81.
Go Figure: Harris County Appraisals Balloon Again While Homes Sell for Less
The Harris County Appraisal District has just released its 2008 home values and KHOU reports “the Harris County Appraisal District says most homes there increased in value, even though the Houston Association of Realtors says they’re selling for 1.7 percent less.” This inequity demonstrates once against that most of the promised state property tax relief is being offset by higher appraisals.
Boycotting Left-Bucks
Apparently it’s okay to charge $4 for a mediocre cup of coffee, but the very free market system that allows it cannot be discussed or praised. David Boaz of the Cato Institute, writing in the Wall Street Journal, notes that Starbucks will let you personalize a gift card (for $5) with any phrase… But should a phrase have a hint of right-leaning politics, they grind it up.
Kay Cuts
So while Texas’ ranking senator may have voted against earmark reform, she has been out working to make permanent the tax cuts passed by Congress several years ago. That’s good news, even if it does paint a complicated picture of Kay Bailey Hutchison as taxpayers and voters look ahead to a possible 2010 gubernatorial match-up.
Lubbock Taxpayers to Roll Out Red Carpet for Visitors
The Lubbock City Council has just approved an engineering contract for a new $6.7 million visitors center in the city’s “Depot District.” Opponents had urged that the monies be used for streets, parks, or civic center renovations.
Enough (Tax) Money to Burn a Wet Mule
Rarely is a verbal response to a budget surplus seen that tickles my fancy, so when it happens, there are little tingles in my arm hair.
“Cut our taxes and give it back. Don’t just waste it on junk. Just like when they need more money they raise taxes, when they have extra they should give it back.”
– Upper Valley homeowner Farzad Malekzadeh
Amen brother.
Breaking Wind
A state study shows that hooking Texas’ major cities up to the new “wind farms” could exceed $6 billion — that’s more than $260 for every man, woman and child. The cheapest option would set still Texans back $3 billion.
Kay Marking
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn has a great commentary out addressing congress’ historic-low ratings. He lays the blame squarely on lawmakers’ inability to control themselves fiscally. He specifically highlights the failure of the U.S. Senate to pass earmark reform legislation. While he doesn’t say it, one obstacle is the other senator from Texas, Kay Bailey Hutchison.