Karl-Thomas Returns to Texas- The 2,000 Mile Challenge

by: Karl-Thomas Musselman

Tue Oct 30, 2007 at 08:24 AM CST

Answering the call to serve.

The rumors are true- I'm moving back to Texas!

I am excited to announce that I have taken leave from ActBlue in order to join Rick Noriega's US Senate campaign as the Online Coordinator effective November 1.

Currently, I'm writing you from the Boston-Logan Airport where I will soon board a jetBlue flight to Austin (via JFK in New York) with my cat (Catfish). As you can see, she's handling it quite well. She wasn't much help with the $50 cab fare to get here (taxis are crazy expensive in Boston) but she seems just as eager as I to return to warmer Texas weather. And of course, to Rick Noriega's Senate campaign.

But Catfish and I would like to issue a fundraising challenge in support of Rick Noriega.

It's roughly 2,000 miles from Boston and Austin.

We'll be flying for about 6.5 hours, arriving in Texas at 5 pm.

Can you raise $1 for Rick Noriega for each mile of flight by the time we land?

$208 for Noriega gets us to New York.
$570 for Noriega gets us to Virginia.
$1,100 for Noriega gets us to Georgia.
$1,415 for Noriega gets us to Mississippi.
$2,000 for Noriega gets us home to Texas!

Give here: http://www.actblue.com/page/2000milechallenge

That's $2,000 by 5pm, just $300 an hour- and I'm even give you a head start! I won't be able to check in on the progress of this effort until we land in the Lone Star state so I'm putting my faith in you to support our presumptive Democratic nominee to defeat John Cornyn. I wouldn't be returning to Texas if I didn't think Rick Noriega represented a once in a decade opportunity to change Texas politics.

It's time to retire Junior Senator John Cornyn.
And you can do it for just $1 a mile.

Our eyes are upon you Texas. Will you, too, answer the call?

Cornyn Two-Faced on Dream Act

DREAM Act Vote Shows the Two Faces of John Cornyn

Texas' junior senator votes against college access bill after declaring his support to El Pasoans; Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison votes to continue debate on mainstream measure.

(Houston, TX) – Talking out of one side of his mouth when he visits the border, and another when he votes in Washington, Senator John Cornyn once again voted against the children and the future of Texas yesterday.

During an August visit to El Paso, the junior senator from Texas declared his support for the DREAM Act, the El Paso Times reported.¹ Yet, when faced with a vote yesterday, he failed to join 12 of his Republican colleagues – including Texas' senior Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison – in passing the bill.

"I applaud Senator Hutchison for doing the right thing while John Cornyn was backing away from his promise. The DREAM Act benefits those kids who know no other home, had no say in the matter when their parents brought them to America, and who did what we've asked of them by working hard," Noriega said.

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act would provide access to college for children brought to the United States illegally, and create a path to citizenship for such children so long as they were enrolled in school or the military.

"The DREAM Act is a statement that Texans believe in education. John Cornyn has chosen to reverse his position for political gain, opting instead to exploit the education of Hispanic children to use as a wedge issue," Noriega said.

State Representative Noriega passed a Texas version of the DREAM Act in 2001, which subsequently has allowed over 10,000 Texas children access to college and set them on the path to becoming educated, productive, and taxpaying Texans.

The federal DREAM Act, which fell short of the necessary 60 votes, 52-44, would have granted conditional legal status to those who entered the country before the age of 16, have lived in the United States more than five years, graduate high school, lack a criminal record, and demonstrate "good moral character." Conditional status would be lifted only after the completion of at least two years of higher education or military service, and citizenship could only be applied for after five years.

Last month, Senator Cornyn voted against a State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) bill, and subsequently opted not to override President Bush's veto.

"Once again, Senator Cornyn voted against the children of Texas and against the future. First, he voted against health insurance for children, and now he's voted against education. In Texas, we value children. We don't try to limit their opportunities based on political calculations," Noriega said.

# # #

Barbara Ann Radnofsky Comments about Watts' Withdrawal

On the announcement that Mr. Watts will withdraw from the U.S. Senate Race:

Congratulations are in order to Mr. Watts, to Representative Noriega, and to the people of Texas.

I respect Mr. Watts for his decision and effort to step forward and explore, and understand his family- oriented choice announced today.

I support Lt. Colonel Rick Noriega for U.S. Senate. Texas needs his leadership and service. His efforts will also lead the way for those of us who desire to serve the public in elective office.

The announcements today bode remarkably well for Democrats winning in November 2008, and beyond. This will help fundraising and merge the interests and needs of the diverse and expanding Texas Democratic Party. Folks are re-joining the Democrats. I've seen interest and support from Republicans and Independents attending the last eight fundraisers we've hosted this summer and fall. The Republican and Independent support for Democrats is increasing in intensity and generosity. And that is great.

Mikal Watts: A Better Democrat Than Joe Lieberman!

Mikal Watts knows what's important. He said in a statement, "For the last five months I have been exploring a race for the United States Senate because I believe that our junior senator, John Cornyn, has let Texas down and is more concerned with his cronies and friends in Washington than with what's best for Texas." And for this, he is truly a good Democrat.

Where Joe Lieberman not only lost the primary, but was so full of himself, he created the "Connecticut for Lieberman" banner to run under to continue his campaign, Mikal Watts sees the true light, that the current administration and our junior senator is wrong, and he is willing to put the people of Texas first. He knows a long primary will only cost dollars that could be used to defeat Cornyn, and is really supporting the entire Democratic ticket in this action. For that, I admire Mr. Watts for the courage and strength to graciously bow out of the race.

Cornyn <3's Petraeus

We saw it coming when Cornyn stood up for Petraeus on CNN last week, becoming BFF's, but as the Senate considers legislation that can determine the future direction of the Iraq War (i.e. Webb's Dwell Time Amendment), Cornyn will actually take the time to formally write up a Senate resolution... condemning a newspaper ad.

Our men and women, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters are stuck in a quagmire of a war overseas, and Cornyn wants to sit in his corner and have a pity party for himself.

Join Rick Noriega and me as we tell Cornyn to move on from MoveOn, and that there are more important things that we should be taking the time to consider in the Senate chambers.

Craig Makes Surprise Return to Capitol Hill, Cornyn Still Supporting!

Twelve days before his "intended" resignation, Larry Craig surprises many colleagues by ducking into a policy lunch, before joining the Republicans in the chamber.

"Senators and aides were caught off-guard by the embattled conservative’s appearance in a chamber where many had expected the stigma of a gay sex sting arrest to keep Craig away for good," according to The Hill.

Sen. John Cornyn (Texas), vice chairman of the GOP conference, has stayed mum on the scandal due to the Ethics Committee investigation he may have to help steer against Craig if the Idahoan hangs on to his seat. But Cornyn was supportive with a kind word for Craig on Tuesday, telling reporters that he told Craig, “My family and I are praying for you.”

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 .”

So Who All Reads This Blog Anyways??

Well, I was going over my lovely little SiteMeter account today, and saw these:
(Don't worry, I'm not "warrantless wiretapping" you or anything I don't even know who you are, just where you read the blog from..!)

Thanks to all my lovely readers!

senate.gov - US Senate!
house.gov - US House of Representatives
nasa.gov - A little "spacey" but I'll take it..!
state.tx.us - Texas State Capitol, and several of them
cityofhouston.net - Houston City Hall members
(see Melissa Noriega READS THIS BLOG!)

utdallas.edu - Students? Educators?
harvard.edu - The Ivy League!
rutgers.edu - More friends from the Northeast

nytimes.com - The freakin New York Times!

telepac.pt - Portugese readers!
tiscali.be - Belgian readers!
Also From the UK and Canada,

We've also logged readers from AR, CT, DC, GA, HI, IL, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, UT, TN, TX, VA, VT. We've even had quite a few from San Antonio and Corpus Christi. Thanks for reading Mr. Watts! ::waves::

"I Am Not Gay" Craig May Spell Fillibuster-Proof Senate after 2008

The wavering of the "I am not gay" Larry Craig Idaho seat adds to the 22 Republican seats that must be defend in the 2008 Election Cycle. Democrats now hold 51 seats, including Independent Bernie Sanders of Vermont and "Connecticut For Lieberman" Party Member Joe Lieberman. Of the 22 Republican seats to be upheld, six of them seem to be "in jeopardy," bringing the total possible Democratic seat count to 57 or 58 seats.

Booman:

So...how do we get 4-5 more senate seats?First...let me say that we are not there yet. We still need to do a little more recruitment.

Nebraska... Oklahoma...Kentucky...Idaho

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 Rick Noriega. This race is insurance on that 62 mark.

MSNBC:
The financial momentum also is with the Democrats.
As of the end of June, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which finds and funds Senate contenders had:
More than $31 million in receipts
More than $20 million in cash on hand

By contrast, the National Republican Senatorial Committee had only:
$15.8 million in receipts
$5.7 in cash on hand

Friends, 2008 is our year.

Cornyn Falls Short on Ethics (Bill)

A lobbying reform bill requiring that legislation including earmarks be made public 48 hours in advance of consideration on the internet in searachable format, the requestor, etc. (Specifics at The Open House Project). Cornyn joined 13 Senators voting against the legislation.

From The Houston Chronicle:

"John Cornyn had a chance to show leadership on a bipartisan issue today, but instead he sided with a tiny fringe that opposes ethics and lobbying reform," said Matthew Miller, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesman.

Having passed the House and Senate now, the Bill awaits signing by the President...