Who Is The Texas Grinch?

Will Cornyn Keep $10,000 From Larry Craig?

Here's a List of Senate Candidates and their contributions from Larry Craig's "Alliance For The West" PAC in the 2oo2 election cycle. [opensecrets]

Alexander, Lamar (R-TN) $5,000
Allard, Wayne (R-CO) $10,000
Chambliss, Saxby (R-GA) $10,000
Coleman, Norm (R-MN) $10,000
Collins, Susan M (R-ME) $1,000
Cornyn, John (R-TX) $10,000
Dole, Elizabeth (R-NC) $10,000
Enzi, Mike (R-WY) $5,000
Ganske, Greg (R-IA) $10,000
Graham, Lindsey (R-SC) $10,000
Hutchinson, Tim (R-AR) $5,000
Smith, Gordon H (R-OR) $2,500
Sununu, John E (R-NH) $5,000
Talent, James M (R-MO) $6,845
Terrell, Suzanne (R-LA) $1,000
Thune, John (R-SD) $10,000

Total to Republican Senate Candidates: $111,345

Craig only made contributions to Republicans (apparently, Democrats can't support the west?), but has made sizable contributions across the country. Norm Coleman redonated Craig's money to a local charity. Susan Collins did the same thing. Pete Domenici (different election cycle, not on the list above) donated his as well.

So what happened to the $10,000 John Cornyn received from Craig? There's been no comments from the Junior Senator's office yet. I'll be waiting.

If You Make $20,616, You're Not Poor

According to official poverty numbers, a family of four that makes $20,616 is not officially in poverty, while at $20,615 you are. Either way, a new report by an Austin think tank Center for Public Priority Policies says a household actually needs up to twice that to survive, $29,982 in the Brownsville area, to $45,770 in the Fort Worth area ($43,029 in Houston, $53,000 without health insurance).

If we do the math, minimum wage in Texas (the federal minimum as well) is $5.85 per hour. If both parents work full time, that's $11.70 per hour. Working approximately 2000 hours a year will yield $23,400 - most definitely not enough to live on, and many government programs fall off after reaching that $20,615 threshold, so those in the midrange, between $20K and $43K don't qualify for much assistance, but still can't make the cost of living.

"We've got a lot of hardworking people who don't make enough money to make ends meet," said senior researcher Frances Deviney.

What to do? (The Houston Chronicle) With the value of wages declining in real buying power and fewer employers offering benefits, the government should step in, Deviney said. Revising poverty standards and increasing access to the Children's Health Insurance Program and food stamps would be a good start, she said, along with enhanced job training and support for community colleges.

Great idea Frances! If you recall from this morning's post, Cornyn doesn't stand on very stable ground when it comes to children's health insurance. He's voted against the Children's Health Insurance Program..ps.. Since Cornyn isn't doing enough, let the rest of Congress know you support CHIP: Sign the SEIU petition

As for job training and community colleges, Rick is well known as a relentless champion of public education. His own higher education started in a junior college and ended at Harvard. Before being elected to the legislature he was a school teacher — and as well as an Adjunct General in the Texas Army National Guard. [fdl]

See poverty specifics about your city:
Dallas and Fort Worth most expensive Texas metros - BizJournals
Austin is 3rd most expensive Texas city - News 8 Austin
San Antonio ranked fifth most expensive Texas metro - BizJournals
Study: Even those above poverty level can’t pay for basic needs - Brownsville Herald

Hypocrisy Report: Cornyn Touts Clinic Funding, Claims to Support Firefighters

There's so many to choose from. Since his is a new segment, I'm tell you a little about what it's all about. Dictionary.com gives me several definitions of hypocrisy: "a pretense of having some desirable or publicly approved attitude. " or "An act or instance of such falseness."

So this is the segment where we'll examine how Cornyn's mouth and votes commonly do not coincide. Um.. maybe a "one step forward, twenty-two steps back" sort of progress, if you know what I mean.

This week, we have two winners. Cornyn on Healthcare, and Cornyn on Firefighters.

So on with the Hypicrisy... #1: Cornyn touts funding clinics, while underfunding children:

From the Kilgore News Herald: "U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced Monday North East Texas Public Health District in Tyler will receive $600,000 in federal funding and has gained Federally Qualified Health Clinic Status (FQHC). The funding and FQHC designation, which come through the U.S."

I'm sure the North East Texas Public Health District is a quality clinic, and I've been to Tyler several times, and it's a lovely town, so I have nothing against them. What I do hold a grudge on is that our Junior Senator John Cornyn touts this accomplishment while voting against the Senate Children's Health Insurance Program reauthorization Bill. This bill covers six million children nationally, 585,000 of whom are in Texas. Cornyn also voted against SCHIP expansion that would have expanded it by $35 billion in the next five years, including an expansion of over 3 million additional kids.

"John Cornyn has turned his back on thousands of Texas children who have no where else to turn for health care," DSCC spokesman Matthew Miller said. "His vote was wrong, plain and simple, and the people of Texas will hold him accountable for it."

#2: Cornyn claims support for firefighter funding, votes against the same funding!
(from a Texas Democratic Party Press Release, covered at South Texas Chisme)
Cornyn Claims to Support Funding for Firefighters: In his op-ed in The Countywide [pdf], Cornyn praised the State’s “spirit of volunteerism,” which he said is exemplified by firefighters. He specifically mentioned the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program that helps first responders to be “prepared and up to date.”

This Wednesday, Republican John Cornyn attempted once again to paper over his failed record in the U.S. Senate with a newspaper opinion piece offering hollow praise for America ’s first responders. Cornyn, who has been a staunch supporter of the Bush Administration’s failed policies, specifically highlights the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program and how it has benefited Texas ’ first responders. But what Cornyn fails to mention is the fact that he actually voted AGAINST increased funding for that very same program.

“John Cornyn says that first responders ‘earn our respect and gratitude every day,’ but his rhetoric doesn’t match his record,” said Texas Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie. “Instead of putting words on paper, Cornyn should put his votes where his mouth is and stand up for Texas ’ first responders.”

Cornyn Voted AGAINST Increased Funding for Firefighters: During consideration of the 2005 Homeland Security spending bill, Cornyn sided with his Republican leaders in the Senate and rejected a proposal to increase funding for firefighter assistance grants by $150 million. The increase in funding would have provided protective gear for up to 200,000 firefighters, more than 650 new fire trucks, 400 new rescue vehicles or more than 33,000 new breathing masks. [Vote #175, 9/14/04; CQ, 9/14/04; Mikulski Press Release, 9/14/04]

“John Cornyn can write an article for every newspaper in Texas, but his empty rhetoric does nothing to provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to protect themselves or the people of Texas,” said Richie. “Cornyn keeps talking out of both sides of his mouth, hoping that Texas voters will believe what he says at home and ignore what he does in Washington .”

This Week's "Cornyn as Bush's Mouthpiece" Quote..

On the issue of who sounds most like George W. Bush when it comes to Alberto Gonzales... The Award goes to...

Drum roll please... Junior Texas Senator John Cornyn

Here's this week's game... Can you guess who said what? Grab a piece of paper and let's play.. write down 'B' for Bush, and 'C' for Cornyn.

1. "Alberto Gonzales...is a decent and honorable man"
2. "Al Gonzales is a man of...decency and principle"

3. "has played a role in shaping our policies in the war on terror"
4. "has served his country at a difficult time when we are engaged in a global war on terror

5. "After months of unfair treatment..."
6. "worn down by the criticism"

7. "the ferocity of relentless partisan attacks..."
8. "...was dragged through the mud for political reasons."

9. "I think it’s a sad day"
10. "It's sad that we live..."

Key: CBBCBCCBCB
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/08/20070827.html
http://cornyn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ForPress.NewsReleases&ContentRecord_id=a84be280-802a-23ad-4fcd-2e01bafc0042&Region_id=&Issue_id=
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1672292
http://rawstory.com//news/2007/Sen._Cornyn_on_Gonzales_Critics_hounded_0827.html

2008 will be a great election for Democrats in the Senate.

(I love it when Howie smiles..)

"2008 will be a great election for Democrats in the Senate." That's according to The New Republic: "In Texas, Republican incumbent John Cornyn is unpopular, and state representative and Lt. Col. Rick Noriega could pose problems for him."

That follows suit with the MSNBC: "Senate prospects seem brighter for Democrats: Craig incident adds to GOP woes with 22 seats to defend in 2008...it now looks possible that in next year’s elections the Democrats just might attain the 60 seats they need to foil Republican filibusters. "

Over at Booman, they're adding up the Democratic seats, and agree that we may be able to pull a fillabuster-proof majority in the Senate in 08, "I haven't even mentioned the most unpopular senator of all...John Cornyn of Texas. He is facing two formidable candidates in attorney Mikal Watts and State Senator (sic) Rick Noriega. This race is insurance on that 62 mark."

Kos has another article considering Texas a contestable race, raking us a "2nd-Tier" race, meaning that we're not quite a shoo-in by any means. That just means we need to work harder!

Skulnik over at kos also agrees, ranking the Texas race as #8 of 34 most likely seats to change party affiliation, placing our race in the top quarter.

If I recall in "mainstream journalism", three sources makes a credible story, and all of these guys seem to agree that the Texas race will play a major role in the direction our Senate will be headed. It's amazing that all over the Internets, Rick Noriega is getting noticed, kicking ass and taking names!

UPDATE: CBS News jumps on the bandwagon, "It is very likely that Republicans will pick up no more than one seat, while Democrats may pick up as many as seven seats."

Cornyn... Mmm Mmm Good?

Maybe Cornyn wants to make sure those folks down in Louisiana are having quality non-perishables, because a day after the two year anniversary of Katrina, John Cornyn tours the Campbells Soup Factory in Paris, Texas. It's the least he could do after voting against New Orleans neighbors ten times.

"Campbell Soup Company does more than just produce a delicious chicken noodle or cream of mushroom. Campbell's is making a positive difference for the local economy in Paris and the surrounding community."

Good job John. Drink it up, don't strain yourself on lifting that soup spoon, if that's the most work we can expect out of you!

GAO Says Iraq Falls Short on Benchmarks

A forthcoming report says that, contrary to Junior Senator John Cornyn's statements last Sunday on This Week, a Government Accountability Office (we still have accountability in government?) found that the troop surge is not working. Iraq has only met three of 18 congressionally mandated benchmarks for progress, and that the President's troop surge plan, supported by Cornyn, is not effective.

Here's Cornyn making sure that we don't push the Iraqis too hard: "But I don't think it's in our best interest to put so much pressure on the new Iraqi government that it absolutely collapses."

Instead, we are putting absolutely no pressure, while spending billions of dollars and thousands of lives to do what?


Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid:

“It is clear that every objective expert keeps providing the American public with the same facts: that the president’s flawed Iraq strategy is failing to deliver what it needs to — a political solution for Iraq. The forthcoming GAO report offers a clear assessment that a new direction in Iraq must begin immediately, before more American lives are lost and more taxpayer dollars wasted."

Republican Backed Border Wall May Cut Off Two US College Campuses

According to the Valley Newsline, a Republican-backed wall might only slow down illegal immigrants by as much as five minutes, but would cut off two American college campuses from the mainland. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff seems quite determined to build the wall, and intends on building as soon as this fall. As the Federal Government already owns some land easements in the border region, the Feds would have built on currently owned Federally owned property, cutting off two American college campuses, and the local Mexican Colsulate.



Dr. Antonio N. Zavaleta, Dean of UTBTSC about being seperated by the wall:

"It's inconcievable. I just can't believe that a campus of an American University would be cut off and would be placed on the Mexican side of this wall or this barrier which is intended to be a limitation whether it is good or bad. What that means is they better start working on a budget to have border guards placed at the wall with a gate every single day because over 1,000 people a day come to campus."

Zavaleta proposes that the levee be moved to the south side of the campus to provide more protection to downtown Brownsville, and provide dams to be able to control floods. "It seems to make a lot more sense to invest in infrastructure that protects the communites than building barriers," says Zavaleta.

UPDATE: Cornyn says he is not for the wall, using a lot of prepositions - almost a Green Eggs and Hammy kinda approach. Dr. Seuss would be proud! "No one is suggesting that we're willing to have a 2,000-mile wall placed on our southern border. For one thing, people can come over walls, they can come under walls and they can come through walls if they're not maintained, " said U.S. Sen. Cornyn in a statement according to KFOX.

This is in stark contrast to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who prefers to c0mpare immigration to The Cat in the Hat. From Wikipedia:

In the 110th Congres Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid compared the impasse over a bill to reform immigration with the mess created by the Cat in "The Cat in the Hat." He read lines of the book from the Senate floor, quoting "'That is good,' said the fish. 'He's gone away, yes. But your mother will come. She will find this big mess.'"[5] He then carried forward his analogy hoping the impasse would be straightened out for "If you go back and read Dr. Seuss, the cat manages to clean up the mess."[6] Reid's hopes did not come about for as one analyst put it "the Cat in the Hat did not have to contend with cloture."[5]

John Cornyn Endorses Rick Noriega?

No. Not quite, but check out this quote from Cornyn on Monday, while feeling up a medical dummy (a mannequin used for training, not a dig at Cornyn's SCHIP vote, but we'll save that one for later.) So... the quote, from the Herald Democrat:

“At Washington DC, people seem to think the rest of the world is waiting on them to think of good ideas and solutions to problems and the fact of the matter is, it’s just the opposite,” Cornyn said. “Most good ideas and initiatives and solutions take place on the local level by people stepping up and doing what they need to do."

I couldn't have said it better John. It sounds like a plan to me! It's almost exactly like you say, John. "local...people setpping up," like two years ago when Rick took command after Hurricane Katrina, while you sat in Washington and voted against supporting our neighbors time and again? Let's get some good guys with some fresh ideas and solutions to our problems like Rick Noriega, and get rid of your stale, idealess hiney. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Cornyn Questions Gonzales' Credentials

Cornyn in an interview with The Austin American Statesman (8/20/07):

I look at the jobs he's held and I wonder what has prepared him for being the head of the Department of Justice and 110,000 employees in a highly partisan and difficult political environment.

When we were talking on the phone, I said, "Al, if you do nothing else, make sure that all of the information gets out there early and as complete a fashion as possible."

Gonzales not taking Cornyn's advice:



And from The New York Times Monday, Cornyn sticking with Gonzales until the end.

Senator John Cornyn, one of the attorney general's staunchest supporters, called today a "sad day." In a telephone interview with CNN a short while ago, the Texas Republican took issue with how Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, was "exalting" in Mr. Gonzales' resignation, calling it part of the "hyperpartisan" atmosphere in Washington today. Mr. Cornyn insisted there was no evidence of political machinations behind the firings of federal prosecutors, and said it was the "drip, drip, drip" of partisan politics that wore Mr.Gonzales down.

More from Kos.

Junior Senator John Cornyn FAILS on Katrina Policy

Hurricane Katrina left 1,800 dead in five states two years ago today, and the rebuilding both emotionally and structurally has been trudging along ever since. A lot of people still ask why it's taking so long, why there's still FEMA trailers in people's yards, and where the money all went. On this second anniversary of this horrible incident, it's time to take a look into this issue.
Photos from ABC News.

We all know that Rick Noriega stepped up and led the Katrina Task Force at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Let's take a look at how our Junior Senator, John Cornyn has helped: He's voted against aid for Hurricane Katrina victims 10 times!
(h/t to StopCornyn)

CORNYN’S PART OF PROBLEM ON KATRINA FACT SHEET

Against Tax Benefits for Hurricane Areas
__________________________________________________________
On Nov. 17, 2005, the Senate REJECTED (44-55) the Conrad amendment (#2,602) to S 2020, which provided tax benefits for areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. (Roll Call 330, 2005)
John Cornyn: NAY

Against Ind. Commission to Examine Katrina Response
__________________________________________________________
On Sep. 14, 2005, the Senate FAILED (44-54) to suspend the rules and establish a commission to examine the government’s response to Hurricane Katrina. (Roll Call 229, 2005)
John Cornyn: NAY

Against Exmaning Hurricane Repsonse in 2006
__________________________________________________________
On Feb. 2, 2006, the Senate FAILED (44-53) to waive points of order on the Clinton amendment (#2,716) to HR 4297, which established a congressional commission to examine the Federal, State, and local response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Region of the United States especially in the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and other areas impacted in the aftermath and make immediate corrective measures to improve such responses in the future. (Roll Call 6, 2006)
John Cornyn: NAY

Against Financial Relief for Katrina Victims
__________________________________________________________
On Sep. 15, 2005, the Senate FAILED (43-52) to suspend the rules on the Lieberman amendment (#1,678) to HR 2862, which provided financial relief for individuals and entities affected by Hurricane Katrina. (Roll Call 234, 2005)
John Cornyn: NAY

Against $2.1 Billion for Katrina-COPS
__________________________________________________________
On Sep. 13, 2005, the Senate REJECTED (41-56) the Biden amendment (41-56) to HR 2862, which provided $2.1 billion to COPS programs in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. (Roll Call 226, 2005)
John Cornyn: NAY

Against Vouchers for Katrina Victims
__________________________________________________________
On Nov. 3, 2005, the Senate FAILED (31-68) to waive points of order on the Ensign amendment (#2,404) to S 1932, which provided assistance for elementary and secondary schools and students, and institutions of higher education, affected by Hurricane Katrina. (Roll Call 284, 2005)
John Cornyn: NAY

Against Building Better Levees
__________________________________________________________
On May 15, 2007, the Senate FAILED (51-42) to pass the Kerry amendment (#1,094) to HR 1495, which required federal engineers to weigh climate change in planning water projects. (Roll Call 166, 2007)
John Cornyn: NAY

Against Investigating Iraq, Katrina Profiteering
__________________________________________________________
On Oct. 19, 2005, the Senate FAILED (44-54) to suspend the rules on the Dorgan amendment (#2,078) to HR 3058, which established a committee to investigate Iraq and Katrina contracts. (Roll Call 259, 2005)
John Cornyn: NAY

Against $20 Million for Katrina Volunteers
__________________________________________________________
On May 4, 2006, the Senate REJECTED (39-59) the Thune amendment (#3,704) to HR 4939, which provided $20 million for the Department of Veterans Affairs for Medical Facilities. (Roll Call 111, 2006)

Thune would offset the increase by eliminating funds for AmeriCorps to support Katrina relief volunteers, calling the agency “mismanaged” and noting it has already received almost $900 million this fiscal year. Cochran led the opposition, arguing the AmeriCorps volunteers in his state of Mississippi have helped to clothe, feed and house more than 1 million people. (National Journal’s CongressDaily, May 4, 2006)
John Cornyn: AYE

Against Tax Benefits for Hurricane Areas
__________________________________________________________
On Nov. 17, 2005, the Senate REJECTED (44-55) the Conrad amendment (#2,602) to S 2020, which provided tax benefits for areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. (Roll Call 330, 2005)
John Cornyn: NAY

Republicans Cross Party Lines to Join Rick Noriega

Massachusetts Governor and Republican Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney announced the formation of a Hispanic Steering Committee, according to Texas Politics. It included key Republican and Hispanic figures, six of them from Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio.

One of the members, former Republican National Hispanic Assembly Chairman Massey Villarreal "caused a stir" by announcing he will not support U.S. Sen. John Cornyn for re-election.

A native of Corpus Christi, Villarreal is one of the top Hispanic Republicans in the country. Bush referred to him as his "friend y Tejano" in a speech in March. Named one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the United States by Hispanic Business Magazine in 2002, Villarreal served as national Hispanic vice-chairman of the Bush/Cheney for President Campaign. Villarreal served as chairman of the board of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly for four terms.

Villarreal told the Rio Grande Guardian that Cornyn's positions on immigration harmed the Hispanic community and that he would support Democrat Rick Noriega for Senate.

From The Rio Grande Guardian, Villarreal speaks about Republican talking points:

“We are law abiding, we love this country, but if some of the Republican bigots had their way, they would make sure my father went back. They have no compassion. My Dad would be headed back and that’s just wrong.”

“I would like to see Congressman Culberson take a job on a landscaping truck to see what immigrants do for our community,” Villarreal said, referring to U.S. Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston.

“There are those rightwing Republicans who don’t represent our interest, don’t represent our vision,” he said. “I’m sorry their constituents elect them because they don’t represent the interests of the whole community.”

“I have decided to support Rick Noriega for U.S. Senate as a Democrat. I just don’t think John Cornyn hears my community,” Villarreal said.

So it appears that even with Cornyn's dismal approval ratings, he's even losing support from Republicans. See Texas Much More PURPLE Than Most People Expect...

BREAKING NEWS! Statements from John Cornyn and Rick Noriega on Alberto Gonzales

"Alberto Gonzales, the highest ranking Hispanic to serve in a President's Administration, is a decent and honorable man...His resignation marks another casualty of the hyper-partisan atmosphere in Washington that does not serve the best interests of the American People"
John Cornyn

"It's about time. Our country's interest should come first. This appears to be a political decision. Hopefully this can put an end to the politicization of the Justice Department."
Rick Noriega

Weekend News Roundup

And boy, what a weekend it was..!

Getting back from National Guard Training Thursday to an additional $25K worth of support from you guys, his press release came Friday from the Campaign, and covered at kos:

Over Three Decades of Texas Leadership Come Together in Support of Rick Noriega’s U.S. Senate Exploratory Bid

(Houston, TX) — U.S. Senate candidate Rick Noriega will announce his support from current and former Texas leaders spanning more than three decades. Governor Dolph Briscoe, Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby and State Senator Rodney Ellis, who briefly served as Lt. Governor, will join Houston’s Paul Hobby in calling for Rick Noriega’s leadership in the United States Senate.

Rick went to a meeting of the SDEC (State Democratic Executive Committee) in Austin on Saturday to the same amazing reception he's received at ActBlue (thanks to you of course). Here's how he was received, from Hal at Half Empty:

Each candidate stood up as they were introduced. Mikal Watts and Emil Reichstadt each got what my source called “polite applause”. But when Rick Noriega was introduced the applause, shouts, foot stomps and hoots nearly blew the roof off. Sue Schechter, Noriega’s campaign manager was visiting with my source minutes later, and my source tells me that [campaign manager] Sue was almost speechless with surprise.

What became clear at that moment, and it should be no surprise but it was, was that Rick Noriega is the frontrunner Democratic candidate, not the disadvantaged progressive grassroots underdog as he is being painted. Rick Noriega is not just the people’s choice for the Democratic nominee to take on John Cornyn in November.

He is the choice of a broad spectrum of Democrats from Lefty to Centrist.

Rick Noriega: Frontrunner.

Sunday, Virginia Freshman Senator, Vietnam Veteran, and Armed Services Committee member Jim Webb squared off against our own Junior Senator John Cornyn. Webb was articulate with his facts and figures, while Cornyn recited talking points from his constituent: President Bush. PS. I couldn't stop thinking about how Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream used a play within a play? Well Cornyn was joining from Austin (appearantly not on an HD enabled camera), and was a talkinghead within a talkinghead. Good job Corny. Anyways, On This Week with George Stephanopoulos:

"Senator Warner is a great patriot and a student of history, and he's clearly sending a signal to the Iraqis that our patience is not unlimited, and that's correct," said Cornyn, a fellow member of Senate Armed Services Committee. "But I don't think it's in our best interest to put so much pressure on the new Iraqi government that it absolutely collapses."

"We don't want to allow that to happen, because it would make us less safe here at home," he said.

From Todd Hill at BOR:

Not in our best interests to put pressure on the Iraqi government? They are in RECESS for the month of August while our brave men and women in uniform slog through 120 degree heat in desert terrain. They are doing it because men like Cornyn rubberstamped a neocon debacle of the first order out of Party loyalty and not American national security interests. His rubberstamp has made our country more vulnerable and less safe in a post 9/11 world.

Cornyn refuses Bush for Campaign Appearances

According to The Carpetbagger Report, Texas Junior Senator John Cornyn was answering questions this week, when someone sprung one on whether he would be making campaign appearances with G.W. Of course, one of Lieberman's downfalls was his continual appearances with Bush (only in photography and memory, but still harmed him either way), but I digress.

The Austin American Statesman asked Cornyn, “Will you ask the president to appear with you on the campaign trail?” the paper asked.

Cornyn answered, “I will probably ask the president to help me do some fundraising, but probably not on the campaign trail, we’ve talked about his poll numbers.”

Apparently, Cornyn has not noticed his own dismal approval ratings. Although higher than Bush's 30-to-60 approval to disapproval rate, Cornyn's rating is still...well, not the greatest.



Cornyn himself has not had above a 50% approval rating since 2005, and according to SurveyUSA, currently stands at about a 42% Approval/43% Disapproval rate. Hutchison, on the other hand, stands at a 58% Approval/ 34% Disapproval rate. Cornyn places in the bottom 10% of all Senators by approval rating (in 2005), placing him with the likes of Conrad Burns, Jon Corzine, and Rick Santorum, none of whom are currently serving.

Apparently John McCain isn't the only one who has had enough of John Cornyn," DSCC spokesman Matthew Miller said. "This poll shows Texans look at John Cornyn like the neighbor who shows up uninvited at a backyard BBQ. No one invited him, they don't know why he's there, and they can't wait for him to leave."

Texas hits 30, and 400.

On Wednesday of this his week, Texas hit two historical milestones.

They're both records: 30, and 400.

Can you guess what those numbers mean?

For the Texas Rangers, they're the first team since 1898 to score 30 runs in a game. Thats 110 years worth of record there.

"This is something freaky. You won't see anything like this again for a long, long time. I am glad I was on this end of it," said Marlon Byrd, who hit one of two Texas grand slams.


Now what about the 400?

That would be the 400th execution in Texas since 1982, when it resumed the death penalty. About 25 years of record. Johnny Conner was pronounced dead at 6:20 pm, eight minutes after he was injected with the lethal concoction in Huntsville this Wednesday. (Coverage from the Brisbane Times in Australia)



Texas has logged 58% of the judicial killings this year, far exceeding all other states combined. Of the other states, 12 refused to restore capital punishment in 1976; four did but have not executed anyone; and 14 states have had fewer than five executions.

Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) said Tuesday, “I believe the death penalty ought to be an option for juries,” and earlier this year, (Congressional Quarterly) . “In Texas we believe in having a fair trial and then the hanging.”

But opposition to Texas executions is coming from all the way across the Atlantic Ocean. The 27-nation European Union called Texas to put a moratorium on executions, which state leaders quickly rejected.

“It’s none of their business,” said Cornyn. Governor Rick Perry’s office echoed the Senator. “Texans long ago decided that the death penalty is a just and appropriate punishment for the most horrible crimes committed against our citizens,” said Perry spokesman Robert Black. “While we respect our friends in Europe, and appreciate their interest in our laws, Texans are doing just fine governing Texas.”

So THATS where Bush gets his idea, that as long as his wife and the dog have his back, we'll be in Iraq. It's that "I don't care whether it even works, or makes sense, but we're going to do it anyways" attitude that he picked up in the Governor's Mansion... Anyways, go Rangers!

Noriega, Watts, Cornyn website comparison...

So there really a lot that you can tell from a candidate from their website. Just by how it's maintained, how it's designed, you can see what's really important to the candidate. I.E. When, on the day of the primary, Joe Lieberman claimed his website was hacked by bloggers. (more from kos). Of course, after the investigation, the State Attorney General's office, and even supposedly the FBI found no involvement from outside sources.

Even Republican Mark Kennedy's website claimed to have had a "security breach," although their contribution page was still up and running. From ConnecticutBob , "The best part is, if you click on the link to Kennedy's website above and quickly hit the Stop button, it catches it before it redirects from the original webpage. I captured the code below, and there is an obvious line edited into it from their web designer, which says this: '...remove refresh when kennedy wants to get site back'!"

So let's take a look at the three frontrunners for the Texas 08 Senate election, starting with John Cornyn (http://www.johncornyn.com/). There's a great picture of Cornyn and Bush schmoozing it up. In fact, he'll be supporting the Bush "the troop surge is working, even though I'm going to compare Iraq to Vietnam" rhetoric... See it this Sunday on This Week with George Stephanopoulos.

Next to Mikal Watts' website at (http://www.wattsforsenate.com/). Fairly well designed, nice colors, but the bulk of the website is Mike's video talking about... himself. He really likes noting that he graduated school early.

More from Stuart Rothenberg:

The first half of the four-minute, 15 second video is straightforward enough. Watts introduces himself and talks about his education, his parents, his own family and his interest in public service. He's a trial lawyer, so it's not surprising that he's poised, articulate and polished.

The second half of the video probably is the silliest, most transparent attempt to deliver a message I have ever seen.

Watts wants us to know that he is a "fighter" and a "leader," and he apparently thinks that viewers of his video are a little dense. You'd either have to be in a coma or not understand English to miss Watts' message. The Democratic hopeful uses a form of the word "fight" 11 times in the last two minutes and 15 seconds of the video. And he uses a form of the word "leader" another eight times during that same period.

In one section of the video lasting 37 seconds, Watts uses the word "fighter" six times -- an average of once every 6.17 seconds:

"I have been a fighter my entire career, fighting for the rights of average, working families here in Texas. And I have proven that I will stay in that fight and give it my all until we win. Texans are looking for a Senator who is a leader, who will fight for them. Someone who will fight for families here in Texas rather than special interests there in Washington. I am certain that as we travel around the state and see more and more good Texans, that my message of real leadership and real change in Washington is a message that is going to hit home here in Texas. I am confident that Texans will join me in this fight."

There are plenty of attributes that voters want in their candidates. They certainly want leaders and, at least now, forces for change. I certainly wouldn't criticize Watts or any candidate for mentioning them. It's the way he talks about them that is so aggravating. It sounds as if he thinks he's the first guy to run on those buzzwords.

Now to Rick's website. (http://www.ricknoriega.com/) It isn't quite as polished as the other two, but it has a message. It shows Rick serving our country in Afghanistan, and being sworn in for his 5th term while on active duty outside Kabul. "I wanted my 'family' here in Afghanistan to swear me in," said Noriega. Shortly afterward, he emailed his docunments to Austin, where his wife was able to serve in his absence.

His website shows his dedication to us, his future constitutents, and shows that through his history of service for us in Houston, for Hurricane Katrina, and as he served in Afghanistan. Rick truly is a regular guy, and his website truly reflects that!

AP Says Money is Not an Issue for Watts

According to the Associated Press:

Whatever challenges Democrat Mikal Watts faces as a Texas senatorial hopeful, money isn‘t one of them.

Nor will he need to hitch a ride to make his campaign stops.

A San Antonio-based trial lawyer, Watts announced recently he might run against Sen. John Cornyn. Out came the personal checkbook, and $3.8 million in personal loans and contributions later, he had as much money in his campaign account as the incumbent.

Watts also filed a financial disclosure statement recently that showed he owns two airplanes, a 1976 Westwind jet and a 1979 Cheyenne turboprop.

Body Mishandled by Mexican Authorities, Cornyn's Office Remains Silent

Last Friday morning, the body of El Paso resident Ernest V. Arroyo was discovered in a shallow pool in the Rio Grande. As the El Paso Fire Department officials were suiting up for the retrieval, Juarez firefighters grabbed the body and pulled it past the understood boundary onto Mexican soil. When the body was discovered, Consulate officials called to relay the information, but shortly afterward, funeral homes began calling.

Anthony Arroyo, The Victim's Brother:

"Right away (the funeral home) demanded a $400 down payment," Arroyo said. "Before all was said and done, the funeral director wanted another $2,100. They went as far as coming to the United States picking up the check and cashing it before they would let us see the body."

Mexican authorities noted that they do not charge fees to claim a body, but that the funeral homes may charge transportation fees for those services. After the frustration with dealing with the Mexican officials, the brother contacted several of his elected officials including U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and his state senator in Houston, Mario Gallegos about the issue, and only heard back from Gallegos.

The Victim's body was returned to the family Monday, but had been autopsied without authorization from the family. They were reaching out to their officials for assistance, as the family was not familiar with international procedures concerning retreival of bodies, yet was shrugged off by many of his officials including Cornyn.

"It is upsetting the way that my family has been treated," Arroyo said. "I understand that there are lots of things going on and we are just a small problem in a big world but it is upsetting to know that if this had been handled properly, we would have never had to go through any of this."