"State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte " was one of the Texas demonrat sinators who run oft to New Mexico.
Posted on 09/28/2004 4:17:27 PM PDT by SwinneySwitch
AUSTIN — The Republican opponent of State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte has accused the San Antonio Democrat of misusing around $100,000 in state postage and printing funds by sending two office newsletters to voters this year.
Jim Valdez complained today to the Travis County district attorney's office, saying one newsletter was sent less than 60 days before the March Democratic primary in violation of Senate procedures. The other, he said, includes illegal electioneering by listing a "town hall" meeting for District 26 residents after early voting begins next month.
Van de Putte said she was "just a senator doing her job."
Gregg Cox, head of the district attorney's public integrity unit, said that given the timing of the complaint, five weeks before the Nov. 2 election, "we'll probably sit on it until after the election."
A senator may not send a newsletter within 60 days before an election in which they have an opponent, according to guidelines approved by a Senate panel on which Van de Putte sits.
Van de Putte's first newsletter was mailed Jan. 20 and 21, records show, about 50 days before the March 9 primary in which she defeated Johnny Rodriguez.
In a letter to Valdez, the Senate secretary blames printing and preparation lags that she states were not Van de Putte's "responsibility."
The guidelines also limit senators to one newsletter a year.
Van de Putte's second newsletter was mailed Sept. 1 — timed, the senator said, to match the start of the 2005 fiscal year in keeping with the once-a-year restriction.
Valdez questioned the newsletter's mention of a "town hall" meeting on Oct. 20, after early voting begins, with instructions to call Van de Putte's office for details.
"It is quite clear that her intentions are campaign oriented," his complaint states.
Van de Putte, who hosted "town hall" meetings last spring, said: "The key is for all elected officials to remain accessible. If Mr. Valdez had ever held public office, he would know you're supposed to meet with people."
Valdez, a former member of the South San Antonio School District board, said: "The truth will prevail."
-----------------------wselby@express-news.net
Unless we find a Republican to indict in the meantime!
Democrats misusing funds!! Say it ain't so.
"State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte "
This is a joke, right? Is this aka Leticia Washington?
""State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte "
This is a joke, right? Is this aka Leticia Washington?"
No, that's her name. She was one of the visible leaders of the Ardmore and Albuquerque roadtrips when the Texas Senate democrats tried to avoid quorum for the redistricting issue.
For that reason alone I want to see her out.
"State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte " was one of the Texas demonrat sinators who run oft to New Mexico.
Van de Putte Ping!
ain't she cute?
EXCUSE ME? Listen you, when there's people taking the streets because you condone corruption, DO NOT wring your hands wondering how it could've happened.
How 'bout me & some friends decide to disrespect the rule of law??? You wanna sit on that for awhile?
Republican challenger accuses Democratic senator of misusing funds
Saying that a democrat misuses funds is akin to saying that the sun rises in the east, isn't it.
In other words, "democrat" and "thief" are synomons, aren't they.
SAy either one and people understand what you are saying.
double-clickin' mad I am...sorry!
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