Posted on 07/14/2013 6:52:21 PM PDT by Hojczyk
Abbott, fresh out of law school, was jogging through Houston's River Oaks neighborhood on July 14, 1984, when a 75-foot oak tree suddenly splintered at its base, striking him in the back and partially paralyzing him. Abbott sued the homeowner and a tree company that had worked in the area and collected millions.
He has since become a proponent of limiting civil litigation in Texas and capping the amount of damages that can be awarded. Opponents have called him a hypocrite, but Abbott has largely shrugged off such criticisms. He rarely speaks about his accident, but chose to Sunday.
"Piecing my life back together began with doctors piecing my vertebrae back together," he said, noting physicians inserted rods in his back. "Too often, you hear politicians talk about having a spine of steel. I actually have one."
Abbott has spent months solidifying his right flank, speaking to grass-roots organizations and tea party groups in hopes of making the governor's race a foregone conclusion. Abbott has also been cheered by many in his party for giving tea party firebrand and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz his start when he appointed him solicitor general in 2003.
Abbott promised Sunday to downsize government, set "real spending limits in Austin" and stroked social conservative fires by saying, "Our priorities are wrong when we live in a state that stops a valedictorian from mentioning God but doesn't stop drug cartels crossing our border."
But he's best known for using his office to sue the federal government 27 times during President Barack Obama's tenure, legal battles that have cost Texas at least $2.58 million. The results are decidedly mixed: Five wins, nine losses, nine pending and four where Texas dropped its complaint because of changing circumstances. His chief target was the Environmental Protection
(Excerpt) Read more at chron.com ...
So you just admitted you’re not going to research any of the other candidates? Isn’t that a “Chris Matthews?” You know, when Chris Matthews said he had “tingling feelings” about Obummer, and didn’t need to consider or research on other Democrats in the 2008 Primary.
How’s just fulfilling his job requirements as Texas AG worthy of your vote? Tom Pauken fulfilled and surpassed his requirements at Texas Workforce Commission chairman. But the difference is that Pauken didn’t engage in shotgun publicity stunts while touting his record. He did his job without fanfare. Why is that such a terrible thing?
Well that’s good to hear and you need to continue to make the case for him because others say he has a mixed track record.
What made me suspicious of him was on hearing he has Rove in his camp or vice-versa. Rove is a big amnesty proponent. All I can say is watch out.
But thanks for your view and I hope you will keep them coming.
I understand the suspicion, but, he’s had a huge positive impact on my life. In many states where the Atty General is refusing to protect traditional marriage and is just rolling over, Abbott has been suing the Obama administration. If we had 49 other Atty Generals, just like him, the country would be much better off.
“Why is that such a terrible thing?”
Let’s see. I’m a practicing Catholic. Abbott allows me to continue practicing my faith freely, something Obama is trying to take away from me.
This is a no-boner. I’m very thankful for what he’s done. He’s got the track record, and in my opinion - when you do something concrete to help me - this will be repaid. I owe quite a bit to Abbott personally. He’s earned my vote if he runs.
Calumny against fellow Conservatives isn’t helping your man’s case. I suggest he ask for a refund.
How would 49 other states be better off? Isn’t Holder still at his job? What has Abbott accomplished to hurt Obama? I’m not talking about his threats, I’m talking about results. Abbott’s all bark and no bite. I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds some lame excuse to avoid Pauken-Abbott Debates. He will still say he’s got a “spine of steel” but the chances of him debating Pauken are minimal. Abbott could prove me wrong, but I doubt it.
I suggest you review Abbott’s record before asking further questions and saving us all time.
Good to hear you’re a practicing Catholic. So is Pauken. don’t believe me, do a Google Search. He’s not a wishy washy Catholic either. He’s the real deal. Just type “Pauken Catholic” on Google and you’ll see what’s up. A man who has 7 children means he didn’t use birth control. He just let God decide.
That’s the first positive thing you’ve said to me about him.
Your sales pitch needs some work.
Anyways, Abbott’s earned my vote. You should debate with the uncertains.
Certainly have been doing some research on Abbott, there’s more to come. But I will let it drip by drip. It’s no fun unloading your gun all at once. Good to keep some ammunition for later.
It helps when you aim at the right target.
That’s why I’m not in politics. I’m like a bull in a china shop. And since I live in China, it’s both literal and figurative. However, if you want more positive info. about Pauken, go ahead and check out his Website and go to one of his speeches. As I said earlier, my bad habit is to act like a guard dog. Don’t judge my words, just go meet Pauken and judge for yourself.
This is Texas. We do things a bit differently here...
You got a point there. Nonetheless, when posting these comments I assume other Freepers might be reading it too. Don’t take it personal if you think I’m just shooting at you. I’m aiming my sight for the ‘Chris Matthews Syndrome’ Abbott supporters. I read a bio on Coach Lombardi. When he prepared the Packers for the next game, he practiced all week to attack the strength of the oppossing team. Abott’s stregth is his ‘cult of personailty.’
Yes indeed so true. In Texas, if you don’t go to the gun range, shoot a shotgun while holding a Bible in your hand at the same time, then you have no chance to get elected in the Lone Star State. However, it’s this unique flavor of Texas politics that makes it so interesting.
‘If you don’t go to the gun range, shoot a shotgun while holding a Bible in your hand at the same time, then you have no chance to get elected in the Lone Star State”
Damn straight!
Yes. I like him very much.
My daughter and son-in-law have been in meetings with him quite a few times. They both like him. They do not like all the GOP delegation in Austin.
I also particularly like Greg’s handling of the AG office.
When I was a young man, the son of our local family doctor was Asst AG for many administrations (back when TX was solidly Dem). His name was J C Davis. When he would visit his father he always came to my grandfather’s home too. It was quite an education to listen to his stories about the terrible things Lyndon was doing. He knew all the players in those days well. J C is dead, as is his brother Foster. Not sure about Gilmer. They were quite a family.
My grandfather was not involved in politics at all, but he knew most of what went on.
My family has owned/operated farms in Haskell County since 1889. Before that in Coryell Co.
I grew up 14 miles from Rick Perry. His family came to this county about 3 years before mine. Have never met Rick. Know his parents.
I moved away for 25 years but returned in 1995. Expect to stay.
I have grown really tired of the crap that Obozo has done. But each morning I look out my front door and tell myself, this is still Texas where I live. Then I feel better.
Thanks for your help. And for your assistance to the TX GOP. I have always been a Republican. My wife and I cast our first Presidential ballots for Richard Nixon.
Somebody’s got to teach Pauken this technique. I don’t know how either. Maybe you could be his teacher. Go ahead and name your gun range and hopefully Pauken can find some time in his busy schedule to learn from you.
Greg Abbott “afraid” to debate Pauken? I think you’ve been in China too long.
The AG is well loved in Texas - especially by Texas Freepers.
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