The Texans for Public Justice have a report out detailing the campaign contributions in the governor's race. It's a very interesting read and here are some highlights:
Rick Perry is getting his funds exactly where you'd think. Bob Perry, James Leininger, AT&T and Wal-Mart.
Carole Keeton Strayhorn is doing pretty well in raising money for someone they keep saying has no shot. I don't know about you, but $12 million ain't too shabby. (By the way, the cartoon depiction on that link to her page cracked my ass up. She looks like a grinning white lady Fat Albert. HA!)
Richard "Kinky" Friedman got a lot of money from hair products people. WTF is that about? Plus, he's apparently selling a lot of crap on his web site. Great, eBay for Governor.
Chris Bell is getting a late momentum but lags tremendously in the fundraising game. The people in Houston seem to like him, though.
Kind of steps on free speech doesn't it?
I do like the idea of it, but practically it doesn't allow anyone - including NONspecial interest types - to contribute to the campaign of someone they think should win, does it?
Unless you count volunteering? Hm.
Ok so you asked for thoughts. I'm still thinking...
Strayhorn has my vote. She's the only one tough enough in the whole bunch to fight for real change and make it happen.
ohmygoshilovedfatalbert.
hey jim this isn't the I love DumbHorn thread.
N-E-WAY...
I don't really see how it steps on free speech. Talk with words, not dollars. If the state funds campaigns equally, then the issues are all that matters: the way it should be, no?
Anyone else in favor of public campaign financing? Removing private/corporate sponsorship of candidates would really even the playing field and take special interest out of the equation - or so it seems to me. Anybody have any thoughts?