Free Republic

Campaign extortion claim is investigated 01/05/2003 By PETE SLOVER / The Dallas Morning News AUSTIN - Federal prosecutors are investigating whether a brother of former Texas Attorney General Dan Morales attempted to extort between $200,000 and $300,000 from Democratic candidate Tony Sanchez during the governor's race last fall. Music producer Michael Morales, 40, has been identified by federal agents as the person who called Mr. Sanchez's campaign manager and threatened to make public an allegation that Mr. Sanchez committed a felony while a law student in San Antonio more than 30 years ago, sources speaking on condition of anonymity...

Official raises concerns of voter fraud in Hidalgo County By Susan Martinez The Monitor PHARR — A study commissioned by the Hidalgo County Republican Party shows that about 16,000 dead or unqualified voters remain registered to vote in the county, dramatically increasing the opportunity for voter fraud in the November election, party officials said. Hidalgo County Republican Party Chairman Hollis Rutledge Jr. said the results of the study damage the integrity of the county’s voting system, and he questions the efficiency of the county officials responsible for maintaining accurate voter registration rolls. “I’m very disappointed by Hidalgo County’s failure to...

Farmers deal irks Sanchez Perry says rival is 'short on solutions' for state's insurance troubles 09/25/2002 From Staff and Wire Reports HOUSTON - A state proposal to settle a pricing dispute with Farmers Insurance roiled the governor's race Tuesday as Democrat Tony Sanchez said the offer shortchanges consumers. Mr. Sanchez, a Laredo businessman, said the proposed settlement between the insurance regulators and Farmers was "terrible and shameful" and excuses the company's treatment of its customers. Republican Gov. Rick Perry, also campaigning in Houston, said Mr. Sanchez "is short on solutions, long on criticism" and is avoiding joint appearances with...

East Texas voters undecided on Perry, Sanchez Candidates make inroads but still face challenges in key region 08/26/2002 By LEE HANCOCK / The Dallas Morning News MARSHALL, Texas - Royce Brown is a loyal Democratic Party man but says he's worried for his candidate Tony Sanchez for governor in these parts of East Texas. "Some folks have told me that I'm gonna vote for Sanchez in the primary, but we're not for a Hispanic-surname governor. Except most of them put it worse," said Mr. Brown, a lawyer. "Can we overcome that the prejudice of the name?" Wanda and Lowell...