Corrections (Houston Chronicle)

State Rep. Jessica Farrar, D-Houston

[snip]

2. Abortion: Instead of infringing upon the rights of women by reversing Roe v. Wade, I favor a sensible plan that is targeted toward the goal of having zero abortions in the state of Texas. This plan includes support for common-sense sexual education programs in schools that will reduce the number of teenage pregnancies. In addition, I strongly support family planning programs that will reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. For far too long, ideology has taken precedence before common sense.

Think her communications consultant told her to emphasize “sense?”

Farrar sounds like one of those phonies who would try to call herself pro-life after all those contortions. Whatever.

Homeowners confused, frustrated as property tax bills arrive (April Castros, Associated Press)

What was supposed to be one of Gov. Rick Perry’s greatest campaign assets may have turned into one of his worst liabilities.

Perry claims in a now-pulled ad that the last special session of the Legislature would mean the “average homeowner will receive a $2,000 tax cut.”

As Texas homeowners receive their bills this month, most will find their property taxes have gone up instead of down.

Whoops!

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Bell, the Mandate of the New Mainstream, visited with KTRH-740 talker Chris Baker on Monday.

The podcast/mp3 is available here for anybody who’s interested.

I haven’t listened to much talk radio this week, so I’m catching up with some of those helpful Clear Channel podcasts.

Next up: Michael Berry.

Strayhorn answers abortion question (Janet Elliott, Chron.com)

After saying she supports more funds for family planning and embryonic stem cell research, Strayhorn was asked about abortion.

“I believe in the sanctity of life and I recognize that there are very, very difficult situations where heartbreaking decisions have to be made,” she said.

She said those difficult situations definitely include pregnancies resulting from rape, incest and the life of the mother. OK, but what would she do if the Legislature passed a trigger law making abortion illegal in Texas should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade.

“I don’t play what-if games,” Strayhorn said. “I do not believe Roe v. Wade will be overturned.”

She added that she believes in a “state’s rights position,” but didn’t explain what that meant.

Chronicle Managing Editor John Wilburn then asked pointedly, “Do you believe individuals should be allowed to make those heart-breaking decisions without interference from government?”

And she answered, “Individuals and their doctors and their families must be the ones making those decisions.”

The three lightweight challengers aren’t going to get to Perry’s right on abortion, but it’s still a little surprising that veteran pol Strayhorn seems utterly incapable of giving a coherent answer (a problem that just killed her in the debate). It’s also a little surprising that none of these challengers seems inclined to try to get to Perry’s right on any issues. It’s not like the Republican base is all that inspired by him. But where else would they go?

I’m with Mr. Booth on this one. It’s an unexceptional group this time around.

Private citizens near no-show at tax hearing (Christine S. Diamond, Lufkin Daily News, via Lone Star Times)

The Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform has heard several “horror stories” about their frustrating experiences with Texas’ “stealth tax,” said task force chairman Thomas W. Pauken.

But not in Lufkin.

Pauken repeatedly expressed surprise at the lack of private citizens testifying during Thursday morning’s hearing.

Pitser Garrison Civic Center’s meeting room was well-attended by public officials, lawyers, school officials, chief appraisers

For whatever reason, I found myself watching the silly gubernatorial debate instead of being out doing something more interesting tonight.

It was more underwhelming than I expected (and my expectations were really low).

I like that Chris Bell led with his signature accomplishment (taking on Tom DeLay). That sort of set the tone for the whole lackluster affair.

It’s hard to believe that Texas can’t produce a better candidate than those four (and the excluded Libertarian candidate).

We lost a great lady and Texan yesterday.

While I disagreed with much of her political agenda, Ann Richards was one of those larger-than-life Texas figures who commanded respect. There was never any whining about “glass ceilings” from Ann Richards — like a good Texan, she just decided to overcome barriers that frustrate others. And ascend she did.

There are various accounts of her life from the state’s major newspapers today:

Dallas Morning News

Austin American-Statesman

Houston Chronicle

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

May she rest in peace.

Bell

Kinky backs Willie as Texas energy czar (Associated Press)

Independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman on Friday reiterated his top pick to implement his energy plan that emphasizes renewable sources: Willie Nelson.

Friedman said the country singer/songwriter and benefactor of biodiesel was a natural choice to lead a state energy department or commission, which he wants to create. He also said Nelson “would never have his hand in Texas’ pocket.”

“My plan is to appoint the best people I can find, get out of the way and let them work … people whose only agenda is to do the right thing for the people of Texas,” Friedman told the Fort Worth Rotary Club. “… I really believe that musicians can better run this state than politicians.”

I know plenty of smart people who continue to say they are going to vote for an idiot for governor, and seem to take pride in that fact (yeah yeah, insert joke about WHICH idiot here). Seemingly nothing Friedman does or says will dissuade them, so this probably won’t either.

It is something I don’t pretend to understand, even as disgusted as I am with some of our fine elected officials in Texas.

Perry’s big donors get state posts, business (AP)

Perry challenges Strayhorn’s ethics (R.G. Rafcliffe, Houston Chronicle)

Awesome.