Statement by Lone Star Project Director Matt Angle
"The inauguration of Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick, and the opening of the 84th Legislature is hard confirmation of the destructive, Washington-style political culture Rick Perry and one-party Republican control has brought to Texas.
Yesterday we featured incoming Republican State Senators whose election causes real concern for the well-being of Texas families. However, they aren't the only new additions to the Texas Capitol who will likely make things worse instead of better. We should be equally concerned about many of the new State House members. Like their Senate counterparts, the incoming class of House Republicans includes divisive ideologues with controversial pasts and policy ideas way out of line with mainstream Texans.
New members bring more partisanship & divisiveness
As Texans, we’re naturally optimistic - even about newly-elected public officials. We assume they bring character, fresh perspective and good intentions to their jobs. Don’t get your hopes up about the new group taking the oath in Austin this month. This year’s class of new legislators - more so than any other new class in our memory - brings with them divisive temperaments and rigid ideology.
Allegations against Farenthold could lead to sanctions for violating official code of conduct
Few would mistake Republican Blake Farenthold (TX CD27 – Corpus Christi) as a congressional "mover and shaker" or even a particularly serious Member of Congress. He cuts a comical figure, while often spouting typical divisive Tea Party Republican rhetoric.
Abbott piped up on Perry prosecution, but goes silent on Perry pardon
Twenty-four hours have passed since the Lone Star Project asked Governor Abbott whether or not he would initiate the pardon process if Rick Perry is ultimately convicted of the criminal charges currently pending against him.
"Rick Perry spent 14 years as Texas Governor and never invested a day or a dollar in the future of Texas. He used the great resources of our state and the hard work of Texans to benefit himself and his political supporters. Even today, he is using our State Capitol and the goodwill of Texans as tools to advance his political ambitions...
What would Perry say if he'd been given and accepted honest and responsible advice?
If Rick Perry’s communications team and policy advisors actually provided him with honest and responsible guidance in anticipation of his farewell address, their memo to him should be something along these lines:
Statement by Lone Star Project Director Matt Angle
"The inauguration of Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick, and the opening of the 84th Legislature is hard confirmation of the destructive, Washington-style political culture Rick Perry and one-party Republica
