Free Republic

AMARILLO, Texas (AP) A former tough-on-drugs district attorney was sentenced Wednesday to five years in federal prison on drug-related charges. ``I recognize that I used very poor judgment in everything I've done. What makes it onerous is that I was a public official,'' said Rick Roach, 55. Roach campaigned hard against drugs in 2000 when he ran for district attorney in charge of five Texas Panhandle counties. He was re-elected in 2004 and was 11 days into his second four-year term when he was arrested at the courthouse for carrying two guns in his briefcase. Roach admitted he was addicted...

Pampa lawmaker seeks to put gay marriage ban in constitution ASSOCIATED PRESS AUSTIN (AP) - A proposed constitutional ban of same-sex marriages in Texas could also prevent gays and lesbians from private contract privileges, including end-of-life decisions and children's guardianship issues, gay-rights activists told lawmakers Monday. Gay marriage and civil unions already are illegal in Texas, but some private arrangements are recognized under Texas law. Republican Rep. Warren Chisum of Pampa has filed a proposed change to the constitution that would define marriage as "only a union of one man and one woman" in Texas. He said it wasn't his...