(TX Dem) Senators say some losing money, some missing family while away(at $159/night Marriott)

Fort Worth Startlegram/Les Miserables ^ | 7/30/03 | The usual liars at the AP

[Diddle E. Squat]

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Texas Democratic senators who fled to New Mexico to block a GOP-pushed redistricting bill said Wednesday their self-imposed exile carries financial and personal costs.

Each of the 11 senators is paying for his or her stay in Albuquerque, said Sen. Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio, chairwoman of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

The senators can use their own money or their campaign office holder accounts to pay for the trip. If they use their campaign accounts, their spending will be a matter of public record, Van de Putte said.

"I've got three kids in college. I will hold out as long as I can on personal funds, but I may have to use some campaign funds," she said.

Rooms at the Marriott Pyramid North, where the senators are staying, start at $159 per night. The Democrats have said they are prepared to stay for the duration of the current 30-day special legislative session if necessary to prevent a quorum and block redistricting.

"We had to be ready and have the support of our families, because while we're here, I'm not working in a pharmacy in San Antonio," Van de Putte said. "Each senator had to make that decision, but yes, it is a tremendous financial burden."

Sen. John Whitmire of Houston said the trip to New Mexico is "a tremendous inconvenience."

"We have health issues among us, we have new babies among us," Whitmire said. "We would prefer to be in our hometowns."

Sen. Eddie Lucio, D-Brownsville, who had a heart attack earlier this summer, said Wednesday he was on his way to an Albuquerque hospital to get his blood pressure checked and to talk to a cardiologist. Lucio said he feels good physically, but that he misses home.

"I miss my family," he said. "I miss my grandchildren."

Sen. Rodney Ellis of Houston has a newborn daughter. Sen. Mario Gallegos of Houston has a new grandchild.

Ellis said he hoped he could find a camp that his older children can attend in New Mexico so he will be able to see them while he's out of Texas.

Sen. Royce West of Dallas had signed up for a continuing legal education test offered only once a year. West said he paid $1,500 in advance for the test being offered Thursday and Friday in Washington, D.C., but that he is giving that up to stay in New Mexico.

[Diddle E. Squat]

They claim that they are paying for their hotel rooms themselves, claim to be facing great financial hardship, yet they choose an expensive hotel for a 30-day stay? Yeah, they sure are sacrificing and roughing it.

But of course the reality is that they will be reimbursed for this runaway either above or under the table.

[Diddle E. Squat]

OK Meek, do your ping...

[So Cal Rocket]

Well, BOO... Freeping... HOO

[boomop1]

They aren't losing sh**, they are being compensated you bet your arse on that.

[Grig]

Translation Time:

losing money = unable to collect bribes
missing family = can't afford another hooker or porn flic

[tiamat]

I notice they aren't staying at a "Super 8" or a "Motel 6", either.

Spoilt.

Tia

[abclily]

The logic of running away from your legislative responsibilities to another state escapes me. Can someone explain?

[BigBobber]

Hopefully, Texas law also allows docking their pay and benefits when they are out of state during session.

[oldtimer]

Don't you know that the slimey trial lawyers are taking care of their boys.

[LibKill]

The traitor dems are all cordially invited to kiss my @ss.

[Dane]

Rooms at the Marriott Pyramid North, where the senators are staying, start at $159 per night.

This has probably been in the planning since the special session was called. They probably got a group rate. The reporter should call up the Marriott and ask to talk to the group sales manager to see what the real rate is.

I highly doubt they are paying the rack rate, but what the hey it makes a good boo-hoo story for them and their symapathizers in the press.

[CyberAnt]

Where's the picture of that crying baby - that just seems to fit this situation.

[mtbopfuyn]

Van de Putte said, I will hold out as long as I can on personal funds, but I may have to use some campaign funds.

I guess she can use her campaign funds any way she wants but I don't think that's what it was donated for. She also claims they've agreed to give up their per diem but I'm not holding my breath I'm not going to be presented with the bill. Heck, I'm already not getting my money's worth by having all these RATS running out on their responsibilities and failing the Texas citizens. Any other employee would get their butts fired toot sweet if they pulled such.

[Recourse]

Good article. Got enough keywords?

[jagrmeister]

My job's getting a little tough...maybe I'll run away from it, perhaps cross state lines so they can't catch me. That's the Democrat way isn't it?

[KantianBurke]

LOL!!

[SwinneySwitch]

CHICKENDUMBS!!

[FlyVet]

I notice they aren't staying at a "Super 8" or a "Motel 6", either.

LOL, you read my mind perfectly.

[TheSpottedOwl]

My email to the Lt Governor of Texas:
Blasted Democrats running to New Mexico(subject)

Sir,
I've always had a lot of respect for Texas, but if you let those weasels get away with hiding in a motel in New Mexico, you'll lose everyone's respect.

I'm sure you have heard about the recall in progress in California. I'm a supporter in that recall, and so are most of the people I know. There has to be something you all can do to punish those lawbreakers and set an example. We're pissed off at Davis, and you can bet your constituents are pissed off at the little weasels running and hiding instead of doing their job. Tell me, are the taxpayers footing the bill for their hotel rooms and food/drinks????????? Kick their butts Texas style!!

Sorry about the rant...

xxxxx

They're all weasels! My aBlasted Democrats running to New Mexico

Sir,
I've always had a lot of respect for Texas, but if you let those weasels get away with hiding in a motel in New Mexico, you'll lose everyone's respect.

I'm sure you have heard about the recall in progress in California. I'm a supporter in that recall, and so are most of the people I know. There has to be something you all can do to punish those lawbreakers and set an example. We're pissed off at Davis, and you can bet your constituents are pissed off at the little weasels running and hiding instead of doing their job. Tell me, are the taxpayers footing the bill for their hotel rooms and food/drinks????????? Kick their butts Texas style!!

Sorry about the rant...

xxxx

[Hebrews 11:6]

Why not keep this going through, say, December 26th?