I quit posting from work for the most part, but here is the article.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
This just in for anyone still exhaling dust from Austin's Why-in-September music festival: A local grand jury has charged several Republicans with laundering corporate funds to aid Texas House candidates in 2002.
Ronnie Earle, Travis County's Democratic district attorney, vows to proceed with vigor, while U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay of Sugar Land, forced to resign as House majority leader, charges foolish partisan persecution.
Earle, first elected district attorney nearly 30 years ago, may have cushioned personal risks by forgoing re-election plans — or has he?
"I never say never," Earle said Wednesday of what would be an unexpected 2008 campaign. "I've got other things on my mind right now than politics."
Maybe, though another Earle swirl could be building.
Earle's son, Jason Earle, seeks to succeed state Rep. Terry Keel, R-Austin, representing House District 47 in southwestern Travis County (Keel plans a run for the Court of Criminal Appeals). If Earle wins the Democratic nod next year, he could be a gigantic target for anyone upset at his dad.
Imagine GOP stalwarts sending $50 each to whomever Republicans nominate and Democrats rallying in response.
Outside money could fuel enough intensity to affect other candidates, such as Rep. Mark Strama, a Democrat from Austin seeking a second term, and former Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, running to succeed retiring Democratic state Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos.
Democratic consultant Kelly Fero said he no longer thinks national Republicans will open checkbooks for the Texas House race because DeLay has lost his verve.
Strama and Watson said any Earle swirl depends on voter sentiment; they don't sense sympathy for politicians facing charges of wrongdoing.
Republicans are incredulous. They suggest that the district attorney is exploiting his position to boost his son's chances and to help his daughter, Elisabeth Earle, who presides over County Court at Law No. 7. Their forecast: She's gearing to run for district attorney in 2008.
Ronnie Earle said his kids' political plans are not "part of my job." Elisabeth Earle said she's focused on re-election next year and hasn't contemplated 2008. And Jason Earle said he doesn't expect anyone outside the community to influence voters.
Ryan Bohls, aiding GOP House hopeful Bill Welch, said Ronnie Earle's actions could draw U.S. Republican donors to the local House race. Norm Newton of the Associated Republicans of Texas predicted the same from Democrats nationally.
"It wouldn't surprise me to see this race become one of the most expensive Texas House races in history," Newton said. "We are prepared to go ahead and play the game."
For the swirl to twirl, however, Jason Earle must hurdle other Democrats, including Valinda Bolton. Her consultant, former Rep. Glen Maxey, said the race shouldn't be a referendum on Ronnie Earle, whom he'd support if he sought the House seat.
"Bless his heart," said Earle the elder, who served in the House before his decades as district attorney.