Putting a lid on Leininger (RINO alert and barf alert)

Austin Chronicle ^ | May 4, 2006 | Amy Smith

[hocndoc]

Last week, three of the targeted lawmakers – New Braunfels Rep. Carter Casteel (who lost), Lubbock Rep. Delwin Jones and Longview Rep. Tommy Merritt (who both won) – were among several lawmakers and reform advocates who joined the press conference to support adding the bill to the governor's special-session call. In addition to Strama, Austin Democratic Reps. Elliott Naishtat and Donna Howard spoke in favor of the legislation.

Casteel, whose vocal opposition to school vouchers during the 2005 debate made her an instant darling of teachers' groups and lefty Capitol bloggers, talked about being a target of Leininger's money. "I don't know whether to be complimented or offended to be known as the 'Million Dollar Baby,'" she said of her primary loss to Leininger-financed Nathan Macias. "One of the things that money can buy can be lies. As a former educator, it causes me great concern that children growing up think that you may lie and slander and libel another person so that you can be victorious in a campaign."

Texas is one of 13 states without spending caps on individual campaign donations, which allows deep-pocketed "shareholders" in the Lege and other statewide offices to have virtual free-for-alls during election cycles.

[hocndoc]

Just as Carter fought for the cloning and killing of human embryos, she is once again backing a bill that goes directly against the Platform of the Republican Party of Texas.

I'm one of the ones she's saying "lied" about her.

At the request of pro-life activists in her district, I went around with my power point presentation on what somatic cell nuclear transer really is, using multiple references. She walked out of one meeting when I asked her if she would promise not to sponsor any more such bills.

And then, last week, she refused to introduce me at the House, going against long tradition. So, I was introduced to the House of Representatives by the nurse practitioner, instead of a member of the House. http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/legislature/entries/2006/04/24/casteel_passes_on_introducing_a_doc.html

Did I mention that she lost by 53 votes out of 20,000? One of the largest percentage of voter turnout in any district race.

I'd rather be an instrumental ideologue than a sour grapes RINO!

[crghill]

I've had a hard time deciding all the issues in the race. Carter is a friend of mine who helped my wife and I adopt a baby. That said, would you please get in a freepmail discussion with me. I've got some deep water questions for you. Thanks!

[hocndoc]

I'm glad that she has helped you and I'm proud for your family.
But, the election for the Republican candidate is over. She lost.

And I'm one the people she's calling a liar. (I rarely call names. But, the repeated use of "lies" was the last straw for me.)

[crghill]

I freepmailed you. I understand your being upset. The public realm is an emotionally charged one and while everyone outside politics says, "don't take it personal", I'm wise enough to know that it's always personal.

[hocndoc]

Ping! A "be careful in politics" ping - double meaning intended.

[hocndoc]

Some how, the link to the Austin American Statesman article got lost.

[DrewsDad]

Nice work Hocndoc!!!

Winning by 53 votes and "very instrumental in supporting my opponent.” You made a big difference and I thank you.

The race that I worked hard for didn't turn out as well.

[MHGinTN]

Casteel ... said of her primary loss to Leininger-financed Nathan Macias: "One of the things that money can buy can be lies. As a former educator, it causes me great concern that children growing up think that you may lie and slander and libel another person so that you can be victorious in a campaign." Typical democrat style misdirection (regardless of her party aff.); she would never say this of a democrat using such tactics running for high office.