Posted on 12/01/2003 8:22:07 PM PST by GOPcapitalist
HOUSTON One indication of businessman Bill White's confidence he'll be Houston's next mayor -- White said his employer, the WEDGE Investment Group, has already picked his replacement as the company's CEO.
But White's opponent is issuing a tough attack by mentioning White's name in the same breath as a Mideast group linked to terrorism.
The last days of Houston's campaign for mayor the front-running campaign is under attack.
"These are interesting relationships," says mayoral candidate Orlando Sanchez. "We just want to know the answers."
Ever since he announced he was running for mayor, Bill White's opponents have quietly raised questions about his connection to his boss, Lebanese investor Issam Fares, the founder of Houston-based Wedge Group. A secretly backed Web site even tried to draw a link between White, Fares and international terrorism.
"It's clear that he's involved in a personal and financial relationship, making money for a gentleman who believes that Hezbollah is not a terrorist organization," says Sanchez. "And clearly, there's evidence that they are."
"Mr. Sanchez today made a desperate, last-minute, negative attack," says White. "Because he's falling behind in the polls."
White responded by releasing a videotape of former president Bush praising White's boss. "But with Issam Fares here," he says. "I feel blessed by being with a very good close friend."
And with a little research through campaign finance reports, 11 News discovered Fares also gave $100,000 to George W. Bush's 2000 election campaign.
Even if Sanchez had the money to buy a lot of TV commercials and get this message out, it isn't clear just how much it would help him. Even in Meyerland, with its concentration of Jewish voters all too familiar with the history of Hezbollah, opinions are mixed.
"I would think it was not true," says one person. "I wouldn't believe it."
"I'd be extremely upset, extremely," adds another. "I would find that quite disheartening."
"Well, if it's his boss' opinion," continues a third. "I guess he wouldn't have to have the same opinion."
Sanchez's opponent has a lot more money for TV commercials. So he's hoping the media will pick up stories like this and give him more exposure between now and Election Day.
Both mayoral candidates will appear in a live televised debate this Wednesday at 7:00 on Channel 11. The debate is sponsored by KHOU and the Houston Chronicle.
I have read and thought about your post. It happens that I know 3 of the 5 people you mention and am aware of a 4th. I agree with you that they are worthless "talent" and will drain a campaign. The conservatives in Houston have been ill organized for years and are hurt by the fact that the local business community, our natural ally, sides with the "line your pockets" crowd.
I frankly think the bigger problem is that the big city dweller is a liberal voter and we may never again control city hall on a regular bases. People like me, grow tired of the city for many reasons and move to the suburbs, leaving those who depend on the government, singles, college students, and the working poor, behind. Liberal voters all.
Along the same lines, there was a wonderful, on air, argument between Dan Patrick and Alan Blakemore, over the Burt Keller race Tuesday afternoon. I dislike Blakemore the way you dislike Patrick and my first thought was of you! ;-)
LOL! I'm actually not sure who I'd side with in that one myself! Blakemore is a bottom-feeding political prostitute if there ever was one. In fact, he's about the only thing worse than Dave Walden that Sanchez could have ever hired.
They showed it on Channel 11 News on Monday night.
Knowing Bill White and his cronies, the picture could have been Photo-Shopped. Wouldn't surprise me one bit.
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