A review of the ethics commission report filed by a liberal school administrator group (the deceptively named “Parent PAC”) revealed that the group has only made two political contributions in 2014. On January 14, the group cut $5000 checks to Andy Cargile, the Republican challenger to taxpayer champion Jonathan Stickland, and to Celia Israel, a liberal Democrat in Austin.

Israel made the runoff against a Republican opponent in a special election for House District 50. Both Israel and Cargile have made their “support for public education” centerpieces of their campaigns.

However, only one candidate has been open in their campaign about being a liberal.

Israel has been open about being a lesbian in her campaign and has courted the support of gay and lesbian activists and pro-abortion PACs. She “calls out” Governor Rick Perry for his efforts to “block the Affordable Care Act” on her website.  She even attacks higher education reform, calling reform efforts a “right-wing campaign.”

But that’s not all. Celia Israel is very clear about what she wants to do to “support public education.” She has openly endorsed a state income tax.

Cargile, on the other hand, has called himself a conservative while failing to take firm positions on any substantive issues.

So the questions must be asked. What does Parent PAC know about Andy Cargile that he is hiding from his voters? Why does Parent PAC support Andy Cargile while also endorsing a state income tax?

 It seems Cargile has a lot of explaining to do about the company he keeps if he expects to win Republican votes in March.

Tony McDonald

Tony McDonald serves as General Counsel to Texas Scorecard. A licensed and practicing attorney, Tony specializes in the areas of civil litigation, legislative lawyering, and non-profit regulatory compliance. Tony resides in Austin with his wife and daughter and attends St. Paul Lutheran Church.

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