It Wasn’t Too Long Ago That Perry Called Hutchison A “True Champion For Texas”. Now, In An Election-Year, He Changes His Mind.

“Once again, Rick Perry is changing his mind in an election-year and launching attack ads against Kay Bailey Hutchison despite having praised her as a ‘true champion for Texas.’ However, no amount of negative ads will cover-up Perry’s record of cronyism in office that led to proposing the Trans-Texas Corridor and mandating the HPV vaccine for sixth-grade girls,” said Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman.

Austin, TX – Today, Rick Perry released yet another negative ad attacking Kay in hopes that voters will forget his record of supporting TARP, hiring Washington lobbyists with Texas taxpayer dollars, and doubling the state debt. The ad highlights footage from 1993, but it’s telling that while Kay was talking about cutting spending and reducing taxes – in 1993, Perry was praising HillaryCare, improperly billing taxpayers and abusing tax loopholes. Check out the facts below:

Comments Come A Day After Rick Perry Cites Glenn Beck At Rally

Premiere Radio Networks’ “The Glenn Beck Program”
February 8, 2010

On His Radio Show Today, Glenn Beck Asks Why Sarah Palin Is Campaigning For Rick Perry:

Glenn Beck: “There are more and more people that are starting to look at the progressive history that get it. And that’s the thing I don’t understand about Sarah Palin, because she does get it. She gets it. But then she’s standing with people like John McCain and Rick Perry. Now maybe, maybe it’s because you can’t be an island, but I’d rather be an island than stand with people who are progressives.”

Beck Takes Issue With Perry’s Stands On Border Security And The HPV Vaccine:

Pat Gray: “In campaign mode, there’s nobody better. But when it comes time to govern, he moves back to the left, or you know, to the center at least – center, center-leftish, in there somewhere – and he’s nowhere near the conservative he is right now. I mean right now, if this was Rick Perry during his entire term, I’d absolutely be wholeheartedly in favor of Rick Perry.”

Beck: “I am – man, I’d vote for the guy for president. But then I’ve seen what he’s done on the border.”

Gray: “Yep. And with the HPV virus vaccine, where he wanted to mandate that for all women over 9 years old, or 11 years old, whatever it was. And then there was the – I won’t go into it. But it was a problem. It was a major issue.”

Beck: “So there is Rick Perry in a nutshell. Congratulations on that.” 

“Despite his election-year rhetoric, Rick Perry’s culture of cronyism in Austin is undermining Texas’ border security. Under Perry’s watch, millions in border security funds have been wasted on boondoggles, been diverted for personal travel and been mismanaged on the border. When it comes to securing our border, Texans can trust Kay Bailey Hutchison to get the job done through commonsense initiatives,” said Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman.

Austin, TX – Today, in Irving, we’ll hear Rick Perry talk about the importance of securing Texas’ border, but in reality he has put the interests of his cronies and campaign ahead of Texans’ safety. Whether it’s shelling out millions of taxpayer funds for a “boondoggle” border camera program, siphoning off DPS funds for extravagant travel while cutting the border security budget, or doctoring border crime figures for a campaign talking point, Rick Perry’s culture of cronyism in Austin is hurting Texans’ border safety. In contrast, Kay Bailey Hutchison has a strong record of fighting for Texas’ border needs and has introduced a commonsense plan to secure our border. Check out the facts below:

“Rick Perry’s talk of tough choices skips over his record of proposing the Trans-Texas Corridor, mandating the HPV vaccine for sixth-grade girls and making decisions based on cronyism. When it comes to making the tough calls, Texans can trust Rick Perry to put his political allies first and Texas second,” said Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman.

Austin, TX – Today, Rick Perry released his latest ad where he continues to dodge the facts about his record and put a conservative spin on years of ballooning state spending, raising taxes on Texas businesses, and padding state coffers with Obama stimulus dollars. Perry is hoping voters forget about the culture of cronyism he brought to Austin that has failed to provide Texans will real solutions on education, transportation, and border security. Check out the facts below:

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison released its newest web video, “Life of Luxury.” Throughout his time in government, Rick Perry’s travel has cost taxpayers almost half a million dollars. Last year alone, Perry spent over $115,000 on taxpayer-funded trips, including a bachelor party in Las Vegas and a stay at a “swanky” hotel in Israel for a night at a “scotch and cigar bar.”

Perry’s history of living high off the hog at taxpayer expense goes back years; in 1992, then-Agriculture Commissioner Perry enjoyed a three-night stay at the Greenbrier Resort, where he charged Texas taxpayers for spa therapeutic services, tennis & golf dining, and a limo service to the airport. The Perry record: living a life of luxury on the taxpayers’ dime.

WATCH THE WEB VIDEO HERE

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison released its newest web video, “Courageous Women.” Rick Perry has presided over a decade of cronyism where his top contributors and staffers-turned-lobbyists have seen their interests prevail ahead of the needs of Texans. Perry’s culture of cronyism in Austin – which brought us the Trans-Texas Corridor and the HPV mandate -- won’t change until we have a new governor. In Alaska, Sarah Palin faced a similar situation.
 
In Going Rogue, Palin recounts her gubernatorial campaign pledge to “shine a bright spotlight on ethics reform” and “clean up the favor factory” in the state capital. She campaigned on a promised to make her “decisions on principle and sound ideas, not cronyism or political expediency.” That is Kay Bailey Hutchison’s pledge to Texans in this campaign.
 
“As governor, Kay Bailey Hutchison will clean-up Rick Perry’s cronyism in Austin that has led to the Trans-Texas Corridor and the mandate that all sixth-grade girls get the HPV vaccine. We welcome Sarah Palin to Texas and hope she conveys her message to Rick Perry that cronyism doesn’t work,” said Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman.
 
WATCH THE WEB VIDEO HERE

Austin, TX – Rick Perry said former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is his “type of committed conservative,” but is Rick Perry really Palin’s type of governor? In Going Rogue, Palin recounts her gubernatorial campaign pledge to “shine a bright spotlight on ethics reform” and “clean up the favor factory” in the state capital. In contrast, Rick Perry has placed a “shroud of secrecy” over his administration and entrenched Austin in pay to play politics. Check out the facts below:

GOING ROGUE LESSON #2 FOR RICK PERRY

In Going Rogue, Sarah Palin “Promised To Shine A Bright Spotlight On Ethics Reform And To Clean Up The Favor Factory Known As The Capitol Building”:
 
Former Gov. Sarah Palin: “We promised to shine a bright spotlight on ethics reform and to clean up the favor factory known as the Capitol Building.” (Sarah Palin, Going Rogue, 2009, p. 112)

• Click Here To Listen

Austin, TX – Rick Perry said former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is his “type of committed conservative,” but is Rick Perry really Palin’s type of governor? In Going Rogue, Palin recounts concerns she had over a regulator soliciting donations from those industry players he was supposed to be regulating, calling it “a conflict of interest.” In contrast, Rick Perry has “no problem” with his regulators soliciting Perry campaign contributions from those they regulate. Check out the facts below:

GOING ROGUE LESSON #1 FOR RICK PERRY

In Going Rogue, Sarah Palin Recognized The “Conflict Of Interest” Of A Regulator Soliciting Funds From “Players We Were To Be Regulating”:
 
Former Gov. Sarah Palin: “[Randy] Ruedrich was the key fund-raiser for the GOP and naturally solicited party dollars from the oil and gas industry players we were to be regulating, something that should have immediately been pegged as a conflict of interest.” (Sarah Palin, Going Rogue, 2009, p. 95)

• Click Here To Listen

Austin, TX – Today, on the 99th anniversary of his birthday, Kay Bailey Hutchison – who has been endorsed by former President George H.W. Bush and Secretary James A. Baker III – issued the following statement honoring President Reagan:
 
“At a critical time in our history, President Reagan provided our nation with steadfast leadership. With an unwavering belief in the unlimited potential of the American people, he restored our country’s greatness as a beacon of hope and freedom around the world. He never accepted the status quo and never lamented about what could have been but strove for what we could be. He was always looking forward with a positive vision for the future.
 
“President Reagan had an impact on our country that we still feel to this day. On this, the 99th anniversary of his birthday, we remember his life and his legacy which has shaped our nation.”

Austin, TX – In an interview posted today, Rick Perry said he had “every confidence” that the people he has hired and appointed “have performed ethically.” Perry told a reporter, “if not, you would’ve probably written about it.” Well Perry is right about one thing – the reporter and others have written about Perry’s aides and cronies acting unethically, and the numerous instances have filled the headlines of Texas newspapers. Check out Perry’s quote and the headlines below:

PERRY RHETORIC: Rick Perry Says If His Appointees Had Acted Unethically, It Would Have Been Written About:

Rick Perry: “I don’t make any apologies for having some very capable men and women who have come and gone from state government. I have every confidence that they have performed ethically. If not, you would’ve probably written about it.” (R.G. Ratcliffe, “Gov. Rick Perry Issues Interview -- Podcast,” Houston Chronicle’s “Texas Politics” Blog, http://blogs.chron.com, 2/5/10)

PERRY REALITY: Has Rick Perry Neglected To Read The Newspaper As Governor? Questions About The Ethics Of His Hires And Appointments Have Repeatedly Made Headlines:

Houston Chronicle Headline: “Toomey Lobbying For Industry He Once Touted” (R.G. Ratcliffe, “Toomey Lobbying For Industry He Once Touted,” Houston Chronicle, 1/14/05)

Records Show That Perry Has Billed Taxpayers Hundreds Of Thousands Of Dollars For Home And Travel

Austin, TX – Rick Perry’s election-year hypocrisy knows no bounds. Throughout his time in government, Rick Perry has billed taxpayers to travel the world for what have often amounted to little more than vacations. There was $12,000 billed to taxpayers for a bachelor party in Las Vegas and $32,000 in taxpayer funds spent to travel to political meetings in New York City. And in August 2009, Perry spent more than $70,000 in taxpayer money to travel to Israel. Since 2004, Texas taxpayers have been billed nearly $400,000 for Rick Perry’s travel. Rick Perry is living a life of luxury and cronyism at taxpayer expense.

Read the full record on our new SlickRickPerry.com section

Key Findings:

•    Since 2004, Texas taxpayers have been billed nearly $400,000 for Rick Perry’s travel.

•    Rick Perry often travels on the tabs of those who have business before state government.

•    According to public records, Rick Perry has personally charged Texas taxpayers $109,785.64 for travel costs between September 1989 and July 2001.

•    Taxpayers paid $1,300 for Rick Perry to enjoy spa therapeutic services, fine dining and limo service at a premier resort in West Virginia.

•    While a state legislator, Rick Perry “billed the state more to fly aboard a private airplane than any other legislator.

•    In 1993, Rick Perry was forced to reimburse taxpayersafter being caught in the act of improperly asking taxpayers to pay for travel on his personal airplane.

“Each day brings another example of Rick Perry’s cronyism in state government and how it hurts Texas. While Perry was running up taxpayer charges to jet across the country for a bachelor party, campaign fundraisers and vacations, DPS was planning to cut its budget for border security. Texans can’t trust a governor who would rather enjoy a night out on the town at a ‘scotch and cigar bar’ than ensure that DPS has needed funds for security at the border,” said Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman.

Austin, TX – This morning, The Texas Tribune reported that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proposing to cut over $10 million in border security funds in order to meet the state’s anticipated budget shortfall. While these are tough budget times, maybe the DPS budget would’ve been in better shape if Rick Perry hadn’t spent over $100,000 in DPS funds last year on a bachelor party in Las Vegas, a vacation in Israel, and meetings with campaign donors in New York. While Perry is traipsing the globe on the taxpayers’ dime, Texans back home are being forced to contend with a less secure border because of DPS cutbacks. Check out the facts below:

Austin, TX – Today, The Texas Tribune reported that Rick Perry’s TxDOT has repeatedly frustrated state lawmakers, who have called the agency intractable, defensive, secretive and broken. And TxDOT’s leadership is to blame, with the “politically charged” Texas Transportation Commission serving as “a mouthpiece for Gov. Rick Perry” instead of for the people of Texas.  In fact, one of the transportation commissioners mirrored Rick Perry’s debate performance last Friday and defended the Trans-Texas Corridor to The Texas Tribune. TxDOT’s arrogance seems to know no bounds, and Texas drivers are paying the price. Check out the facts below:

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison launched its latest television ad, “New One.” Rick Perry has presided over a decade of cronyism where his top contributors and staffers-turned-lobbyists have seen their interests prevail ahead of the needs of Texans. Perry’s culture of cronyism in Austin – which brought us the Trans-Texas Corridor and the HPV mandate -- won’t change until we have a new governor. The ad will begin airing today. The script and viewing link are below.

WATCH THE AD HERE

Says Perry neglected state dropout rate that costs Texas economy billions

El Paso, TX – At an event in El Paso, Kay Bailey Hutchison today touted her plan to improve education in Texas and tackle the current dropout rate that costs the state’s economy billions of dollars per year. Transportation and education are fundamental to our continued economic success. They have gone unaddressed during Rick Perry’s tenure.

“This election is about the future of our Texas. We must look ahead and implement policies that will ensure Texas remains the greatest state in the nation. That is why I am running for governor so that the Texas of tomorrow is as strong as the Texas of today,” said Hutchison. “I have a plan to improve education and tackle the immoral 30 percent dropout rate that costs our economy $9 billion a year. If we do not improve the dropout rate, we will not continue to attract business and create jobs.”

E-Mails From 2007 Show A Governor’s Office Working For Merck, Not Texans

Austin, TX – During Friday night’s debate, Rick Perry defended his order that all sixth-grade girls in Texas be vaccinated against HPV. Perry has claimed he was erring “on the side of life” with the HPV mandate, but from internal emails obtained by open records request, it looks like Perry was really erring on the side of Merck and their lobbyists. On this the third anniversary of Rick Perry’s HPV Executive Order, check out the internal Perry emails below and click here to see a comprehensive compilation of the Perry HPV emails:

Can Texans Afford Rick Perry In Office When The HPV Moratorium Runs Out?

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay launched a new online clock counting down the time until the Legislature’s moratorium on Rick Perry’s HPV mandate runs out on January 11, 2011. Three years ago today, Rick Perry ordered all sixth-grade girls in Texas to get the HPV vaccine shot. This mandate was driven by lobbyists and Perry allies who would profit from sale of the vaccine. Thankfully, in 2007, Republicans in the Legislature stood up to the governor and stopped the order. But the moratorium runs out in 2011 and at the last debate, Perry stood by his vaccination plans, refusing to back away. The clock is ticking.

DALLAS, TX – Today, Kay Bailey Hutchison addressed the Dallas County Republican Women’s monthly meeting on the anniversary of Rick Perry’s executive order mandating that all sixth-grade girls receive the HPV vaccination. Hutchison criticized Rick Perry’s remarks in Friday’s debate that he didn’t think the executive order was a mistake and called for new leadership in Austin that will put Texans first.

“Three years ago today, Rick Perry ordered all sixth-grade girls in Texas to get the HPV vaccine shot. This mandate was driven by lobbyists and special interests in Austin. It was no coincidence that a former Perry Chief-of-Staff was a lobbyist for the company that manufactured the vaccine,” said Hutchison.

The executive order mandate for HPV vaccinations was driven by lobbyists. Republicans in the Legislature stopped the order. But the moratorium runs out in 2011 and at the last debate, Perry stood by his plan to mandate HPV vaccinations on sixth-grade girls.

Austin, TX – Today, with the Perry campaign unveiling their latest television ad, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison released its newest web video, “Perry Pop-Up: Border.” Not surprisingly, the Perry ad is nothing more than election-year attempt by Rick Perry to cover-up his total failure to secure our border during his nine years as governor. While Perry’s ad claims that “folks from Washington” want to take photo-ops on the border, it is Rick Perry who headed south for the border to tape a TV commercial. As the web video highlights, the ad claims that Rick Perry secured the border without ever saying how. Just another example of Perry’s election-year rhetoric not matching his record.

WATCH THE WEB VIDEO HERE

San Marcos, TX – Speaking to the Texas Farm Bureau’s 2010 Leadership Conference, Kay Bailey Hutchison expressed concern for landowners and the future of the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) following Governor Perry’s defense of his proposed 600,000 acre land grab in the second Republican Primary debate.

“As you know, we had a debate last Friday. For those of you who did have a chance to see it, the Governor made a pretty bold statement. He said that the Trans-Texas Corridor was not a mistake,” said Hutchison. “Today, I have a message for the Governor. It was a mistake to propose taking nearly 600,000 acres of our land. It was a mistake to try to run over our private property rights. It was a mistake to waste $131 million in taxpayer money on roads that were never built.”

Hutchison pointed out the culture of corruption that has become prevalent in Austin and offered a plan to clean up government and give it back to Texans and killing the Trans-Texas Corridor once-and-for-all.

“The Governor says the TTC is dead. But the TTC mentality of tolls, taxes and back-room deals that put lobbyists and campaign contributors first and Texans second, still exists to this day. The TTC is still on the books, the Governor stands behind the toll road only mentality and the only way to ensure that your voice is heard in the Governor’s Office is to hire a Perry insider or make a campaign contribution,” continued Hutchison, whose campaign for governor has been endorsed by the Texas Farm Bureau.

Texans For Kay Releases New Web Video

Austin, TX – During Friday night’s debate, Texans were probably surprised to hear that Rick Perry doesn’t think his Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) “was a mistake at all.” The TTC would take nearly 600,000 acres of private property, displace close to a million Texans, and has already cost Texas taxpayers $131 million with no roads to show for it. Yet, Perry still thinks this is in Texans’ best interests. Rick Perry has yet to offer a plan on how to address the state’s transportation needs, but maybe that’s because he thinks the TTC is still the solution. Check out the facts below and click here to watch a new web video covering Perry’s TTC defense at the debate:

FACT: Rick Perry Continues To Stand By His Trans-Texas Corridor Despite Widespread Opposition:

At Last Friday’s Debate, Rick Perry Said He Didn’t Think The Trans-Texas Corridor “Was A Mistake At All.” John McKay: “Now, Governor, the Trans Texas Corridor, your idea, you’ve been taking some hits on that all during the campaign. … But was it a mistake?” Perry: “Oh I don’t think it was a mistake at all to have a vision of how to move people and produce safely and expeditiously in the State of Texas. Unfortunately, for too many years we had legislature and governors that kicked the can down the road, if you will, and Texas highways became congested. So we had to come up with some concepts and some ideas of how to move people effectively and efficiently, and we’ve done that in Texas – more highway miles built in Texas than any other state in that last ten years.” (Texas Republican Primary Gubernatorial Debate, Dallas, TX, 1/29/10)

Austin, TX – In last night’s debate, Rick Perry repeatedly ignored the facts and tried to mislead Texas voters on job creation, toll road conversion, the Texas Enterprise Fund, highway funding, and providing in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. Perry’s claims have been called “not wholly correct,” “wrong on the facts,” and “just plain false.” Check out the facts below:

FACT CHECK #1: Rick Perry’s Claim About Amended Enterprise Fund Contracts Is “False”:

Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Perry’s Claim That His Office Amended Enterprise Fund Contracts Just Last Week Was “False,” The  “Governor’s Office Had Been Amending Contracts Over A Period Of At Least Two Years.” “Claim: During an exchange over faltering contracts with the Texas Enterprise Fund, Perry said, ‘Just last week, we amended those contracts.’ Background: In 2003, the legislature created the Texas Enterprise Fund, a pot of money under Perry’s discretion to attract new industry and job to the state. True or false? False. The Governor’s Office announced on Tuesday that Enterprise Fund contracts with 11 companies were amended. The release did not specify when the projects were amended. A report from Texans for Public Justice released the next day said that the governor’s office had been amending contracts over a period of at least two years as multiple companies were not able to meet the job targets they originally promised.” (Aman Batheja, “Debate Fact Check: Texas Enterprise Fund,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s “PoliTex” Blog, http://startelegram.typepad.com, 1/29/10)

Hutchison Showed “Passion And Fight”:

Austin American-Statesman’s Alberta Phillips: Hutchison Showed “Passion And Fight.” “Hutchison is showing some passion and fight in answering questions about Texas Trans Corridor.” (“Join Us For A GOP Debate Live Chat Tonight,” Austin American-Statesman’s “Postcards” Blog, www.statesman.com, 1/29/10)
 
The Dallas Morning News: Hutchison “Went After Perry For Using His Power To Politicize Universities, A Point On Which He's Clearly Vulnerable.” “She also went after Perry for using his power to politicize universities, a point on which he's clearly vulnerable.” (Editorial, “GOP Front-Runners Still Need To Make Case,” The Dallas Morning News, 1/30/10)
 
Quorum Report’s Harvey Kronberg: Hutchison “Was Measured And Her Answers Were Mostly Crisp And Confident.” (Harvey Kronberg, “Despite Some Seriously Weak Moments, Perry Has A Good Night,” Quorum Report, 1/29/10)

Austin, TX – Rick Perry once famously compared himself to a “mother bear when it comes to campaigns.” We’re still not sure what that means, but after tonight, we’re thinking he was referring to his tendency to lash out at those around him at the slightest provocation. On five separate occasions during the debate, when posed a direct question, Perry turned it around by passing the buck and attacking a second party. Check out the five Perry pressure points hit in tonight’s debate:

PERRY PASSING THE BUCK #1: When Asked About His Support Of The Trans-Texas Corridor, Perry Attacked The Texas Legislatures And Past Texas Governors.  John McKay: “Now, Governor, the Trans Texas Corridor, your idea, you’ve been taking some hits on that all during the campaign. For all intents and purposes people have said that this really is dead. But was it a mistake?” Perry: “Oh I don’t think it was a mistake at all to have a vision of how to move people and produce safely and expeditiously in the State of Texas. Unfortunately, for too many years we had legislature and governors that kicked the can down the road, if you will, and Texas highways became congested. So we had to come up with some concepts and some ideas of how to move people effectively and efficiently, and we’ve done that in Texas – more highway miles built in Texas than any other state in that last ten years.” (Texas Republican Primary Gubernatorial Debate, Dallas, TX, 1/29/10)

This Ad Will Pass Every Fact Check Because It Doesn’t Name One Thing He Has Done To Secure The Border

“Every election-year, Rick Perry heads south for the border but he never actually leads and his ad fails to name one thing he has done to secure the border,” said Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman. “The ad’s hypocrisy is only made more apparent as it attacks politicians taking photo-ops on the border while featuring footage of Rick Perry getting his photo taken on the border.”

Austin, TX – Rick Perry’s new television ad is nothing more than an election-year attempt to cover up Perry’s total failure to secure our border during his nine years as governor. While Perry’s ad claims that “folks from Washington” want to take photo-ops on the border, Perry’s the one posing for the cameras, while Kay Bailey Hutchison delivers results for Texas. Check out the facts below:

PERRY MYTH VS. PERRY REALITY: Perry Claims He Has Secured The Texas Border, But In Reality Perry’s Border Security Efforts Have Not Made Texans Safer:

PERRY FICTION: Perry’s Ad Claims Perry “Has Helped Secure This Texas Border.” (Texans for Rick Perry, “Border,” Ad, 1/29/10)

FACT: Perry Says He Delivered A Drop In Border Crime, But “Uniform Crime Reports ... Indicate That Crime Rates In 20 Border Counties Increased By About 2 Percent On Average From 2005 Through 2008.” “Gov. Rick Perry has said repeatedly that state-led border security efforts have produced a 65 percent drop in crime. ... Perry spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger said the 65 percent figure represents crime numbers in unincorporated areas of the border from the summer of 2005 to the summer of 2007, accounting for about 93 percent of the Texas-Mexico border region. The number, she said, comes from the Texas Border Security Council Report from September 2008. But uniform crime reports that police agencies submit to the Texas Department of Public Safety and FBI indicate that crime rates in 20 border counties increased by about 2 percent on average from 2005 through 2008.” (Brandi Grissom, “Broken Border, Part Five: Safer?” The Texas Tribune, 11/12/09)

Austin, TX – In the last debate, Rick Perry repeatedly stretched the facts, and got called out on it here, here, and here. We expect tonight to be no different. So in anticipation of Perry’s misleading rhetoric, we offer the Top Ten Perry Myths you can expect to hear in the debate:

PERRY MYTH VS. PERRY REALITY: Perry Claims Texas Has Seen Significant  Job Growth Under His Administration, But Texas Lost Nearly 300,000 Jobs In The Past Year – Second Only To California:

PERRY MYTH #1: Texas Has Seen Significant Job Growth On Perry’s Watch.

PERRY REALITY: Under Rick Perry, Texas Has Lost 276,000 Jobs Since December 2008. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Regional And State Employment And Unemployment Summary,” Press Release, 1/22/10)

Austin, TX – Today, The Longview News-Journal is reporting that Rick Perry supposedly no longer supports toll roads. This might be Perry’s biggest election-year change yet, and it should come as no surprise that it’s happening right before the debate and only one month out from the primary. Rick Perry’s election-year rhetoric knows no bounds. He will tell anyone, anything in order to win. But he can’t hide from his record of repeatedly pushing for toll roads this past year, including calling a special session to reauthorize his tolling authority. Check out the facts below along with a statement from the Hutchison campaign:

“Rick Perry’s supposed one-day opposition to toll roads is nothing more than a desperate attempt to cover-up his ten-year record of building new toll roads and trying to toll existing roads in Texas. Whether its border security, spending, the stimulus, private property rights, parental rights, bailouts, contribution limits and now toll roads, Rick Perry would rather flip-flop than tell Texans the truth about his positions and live up to his ten-year record of failing to prepare Texas for the future,” said Joe Pounder, Hutchison spokesman.

“Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison took aim Thursday at Gov. Rick Perry’s oversight of the Texas Enterprise Fund, saying he has kept the public in the dark about the fund’s activities. She called for an immediate independent audit of the job creation program.”

Hutchison Jabs Perry Over Texas Enterprise Fund
By Kelley Shannon
The Associated Press
January 28, 2010

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison took aim Thursday at Gov. Rick Perry’s oversight of the Texas Enterprise Fund, saying he has kept the public in the dark about the fund’s activities. She called for an immediate independent audit of the job creation program.

Hutchison’s comments came two days after Perry revealed that some enterprise fund contracts were canceled and others changed to make them more favorable to participating companies. Perry’s office made the disclosures after questioning by The Associated Press and as the nonprofit Texans for Public Justice was about to release a report on problems with the fund.

“Whenever and wherever taxpayer funds are being spent, the public has a right to know where their money is going and shouldn’t have to learn about it only because the governor’s office is trying to cover up damaging news in an election year,” Hutchison said in an e-mail statement to the AP. “Today, I’m calling for an immediate and independent audit of the Texas Enterprise Fund.”

“The Texas Enterprise Fund paid $51 million to three companies to maintain existing employment, Texans for Public Justice said. And not all jobs were earmarked for Americans, let alone Texans. Portugal-based Martifer Energy Systems, which received nearly $1 million, disclosed in May that 11 of 21 employees for a fund-subsidized plant in San Angelo were awaiting U.S. work visas, the group said. A $4,305 penalty was imposed, the group reported.” – Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
Watchdog Group Says Texas Governor’s Job Creation Figures Are Exaggerated
By Barry Shlachter
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
January 28, 2010
 
A Texas watchdog group issued a scathing analysis Wednesday of Gov. Rick Perry’s much-ballyhooed jobs program, saying the governor exaggerated its success and noting that a third of the 54,000 jobs he said have been created since 2003 are actually unfulfilled employment pledges.
 
The Texas Enterprise Fund paid $51 million to three companies to maintain existing employment, Texans for Public Justice said.
 
And not all jobs were earmarked for Americans, let alone Texans.
 
Portugal-based Martifer Energy Systems, which received nearly $1 million, disclosed in May that 11 of 21 employees for a fund-subsidized plant in San Angelo were awaiting U.S. work visas, the group said. A $4,305 penalty was imposed, the group reported.

“If you’ll look at this map, you’ll see my blueprint for the Trans-Texas Corridor. Trans-Texas corridor is not merely an extension of the current system, but the beginning of a whole new way of planning and building a transportation system.” – Rick Perry, January 28, 2002
 
Austin, TX – Eight years ago today, Rick Perry unveiled the now-infamous Trans-Texas Corridor. At the time, Perry said the Trans-Texas Corridor was “the beginning of a whole new way of planning and building a transportation system,” and he was right. Rick Perry has “turned Texas transportation on its head” and moved the state to a system “heavily dependent on tolls and private road operators,” as well as government land grabs. Check out the birthday invite below, click here to watch Perry unveil the TTC back in 2002, and read the facts below:

Austin, TX – Today, Dick Armey campaigned with Kay Bailey Hutchison in Brownwood, Lubbock and Amarillo.  The former Majority Leader, who represented Texas' 26th district, was a leading figure in the 1994 Republican Revolution and the Contract with America. He currently serves as the Chairman of FreedomWorks and is a leader in the TEA Party movement.

In their campaign stops today, Dick Armey said that Kay Bailey Hutchison is the person we need in the Governor’s Office to keep Texas strong. He cited her record as an effective leader who always fights for Texas and gets results, stating, "Kay's fought tirelessly for Texas, and as our next Governor, we can trust her to clean up Austin, and take on the challenges facing our state with the conservative, results-oriented approach, for which she is known."

“Now Who Was The Intern That Came Up With That Idea?”

KVII’s “ProNews 7 Sunday At 10”
Amarillo, TX
January 24, 2010

Full Transcript:

KVII’s Mitch Roberts: “Well according to a Dallas Morning News report, Governor Rick Perry's campaign is paying people to recruit voters. Some of the people have criminal histories, and one, a felony drug conviction. ProNews 7’s Billy Loftin joins us now to explain what it means politically for the Perry campaign. Billy?”

KVII’s Billy Loftin: “Thanks Mitch. Governor Rick Perry's campaign may be taking an unexpected financial hit. His incentive program, which pays people to recruit voters, has become an expensive venture. To date, Perry’s campaign has paid $360,000 to nearly 300 part-time recruiters called ‘Perry Headquarters.’ The initial recruiters get paid $20 for every headquarter, plus another $20 for every 11 voters they sign up. But will paying to recruit voters end up backfiring on Perry?”

West Texas A&M Political Science Professor Dr. Dave Rausch: “Why do you have to pay them? Paying people for political stuff, I've always found to be kind of – it's maybe not corruption, but it's the appearance of corruption that you're trying to bribe people to voting. I think we're probably going to look back, and I think the Perry campaign, if they lose for example, are going to go back and say, ‘now who was the intern that came up with that idea?’”

New Report Exposes Perry Effort That Relies On Convicted Felons To Buy Votes

Austin – Today, the Hutchison campaign released the following statement on this morning’s report in the Dallas Morning News that the Perry campaign’s ACORN-style “grassroots” program is a failure, spiraling out-of-control and shelling out campaign cash to convicted felons in an attempt to buy votes:
 
“From playing politics with University Regents and using government regulators as fundraisers to mandating vaccinations on sixth-grade girls because of lobbyist ties, you would think that Rick Perry’s administration had sunk as low as it could. Now, the discovery that he is hiring drug dealers and other felons to harvest votes shows that this could be the most unethical administration in Texas state history,” said Jennifer Baker, Hutchison Communications Director.
 
As the Dallas Morning News reports, the Perry campaign’s Home HQ program is putting convicted felons on its payroll in an attempt to buy votes. This tactic is ripped straight from the ACORN playbook that Republicans have long decried. Now, the Perry campaign is embracing these ACORN-tactics. Texans should be on guard against giving their personal information to a Perry campaign staffer.
 
Unlike Rick Perry, Kay Bailey Hutchison has built a strong grassroots network made up of volunteers from across the state.

As a Democrat, Rick Perry proposed one of the strictest campaign contribution limits in American history, but broke those limits at least 1,007 times in 2009 alone.

Austin, TX – Today, proving yet again that they will never let election-year hypocrisy get in their way, the Perry campaign launched another negative attack that contradicts Rick Perry’s record. While Perry’s hypocrisy on taxes, spending, stimulus, border security, private property rights and parental rights are all well known, his hypocrisy on campaign finance limits is not.

However, as the Austin American-Statesman reported today, in 1987 as a Democrat in the Texas House, Rick Perry proposed one of the strictest campaign contribution limits in American history. Under legislation (HB 2159)  written by Rick Perry, a gubernatorial candidate in an election-year would not be able to accept more than $2,500 per contributor. Perry’s legislation was sweeping in scope. Among many items, the legislation limited campaign contributions, PAC contributions, campaign loans, fundraising tactics and donations to PACs.

Hutchison Announces “Sportsmen For Kay” Coalition

Austin, TX – Today, the National Rifle Association (NRA) commended Kay Bailey Hutchison for her unwavering support of Second Amendment Rights as her campaign for Governor formally announced the “Sportsman for Kay” coalition. This coalition brings together sportsmen from all across Texas who support Kay Bailey Hutchison because of her strong conservative record of supporting the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms.

“As Senator, you have demonstrated a proven commitment to our Second Amendment rights by voting against all anti-gun bills and amendments that have been considered; cosponsoring and voting for pro-gun bills and amendments. On behalf of the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) and more than 300,000 NRA members in Texas, I want to express our sincere appreciation for your active leadership and consistent support for the Second Amendment,” said Chris Cox, Chairman of the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF). “Your ‘A+’ rating from the NRA-PVF reflects your strong support for our Right to Keep and Bear Arms.”  For the full letter click HERE.

HOUSTON, TX – Today, at their home in Houston, President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush endorsed Kay Bailey Hutchison in her campaign for Texas governor.

“Barbara and I are taking this unusual step of endorsing in this primary because of our unbridled belief in Kay. She is strong. She has proven her steadfast commitment to the issues and values that unite Texas Republicans. And we are proud to stand with her today,” said former President Bush.

The Bushes, who do not have a history of endorsing in Republican primaries. offered their enthusiastic support of Kay Bailey Hutchison. Citing the need for a strong leader in the governor’s office to lead Texas forward, they emphasized their focus on the future and the need to confront tough, complex issues that have gone unaddressed.

“Kay is a respected national leader on many of the same issues that Texas is confronting today. These are tough, complex issues, but we have every confidence that Kay can get positive action after years of drift and delay,” said former President Bush. “This election is about the future, not the past – and we have no doubt that Kay has the right vision and values to help Texas build an even better tomorrow.”

Austin, TX – Today, Rick Perry is in Fort Worth to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Barack Obama’s swearing-in as president. It’s appropriate that Perry is celebrating this occasion – if you take a close look, our governor’s personal history and ideology mirrors our president’s in a surprising number of ways. Here are the 15 parallels between Rick Perry’s political career and Barack Obama’s:

PERRY PARALLEL #1: Perry And Obama Both Started Their Careers As Democrat State Legislators:

     OBAMA: Barack Obama “Started His Political Career” As A Democrat State Legislator. “Today, it's Democratic candidate Barack Obama’s turn. Senator Obama started his political career in the Illinois State Legislature, winning a sit there in 1996.” (Rachel Martin, “The Take On Obama In Illinois,” NPR, 12/7/07)

     PERRY: Rick Perry “Began His Political Career As A Democratic State Legislator.” “A former Air Force pilot, Mr. Perry began his political career as a Democratic state legislator from West Texas. Switching parties in 1989, he won a race for agriculture commissioner.” (James C. McKinley Jr., “Race For Governor's Post Turns Texas Republicans Against Each Other,” The New York Times, 8/15/09)

“Don’t assume that Washington’s footprint is growing here, too. In the past year, the state added just 400 federal government jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s not a federal takeover of anything. In contrast, Texas’ state government added 30,100 jobs, and local governments added 57,700 — totals that include all the new teaching posts at preschools, K-12 and public colleges. … Our politicians like to slam the growth in government, but Texas is a leader in the field right now.” – Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Politicians Like To Slam Government, But It’s Been Texas’ Big Job Creator For The Past Year
By Mitchell Schnurman
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
January 20, 2010

A Twitter report on last week’s Republican gubernatorial debate might have read something like this: Candidates say jobs good, government bad, Texas great.

Gov. Rick Perry spent much of the hour bragging about Texas’ job creation. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison countered that the state actually lost jobs in 2009. And activist Debra Medina pointed out that government accounted for the gains Perry was citing.

“That’s not economic prosperity,” Medina said. “That’s a greater burden.”

No one challenged her conclusion, not when government-bashing is a reliable GOP applause line. All three criticized the feds, ranging from Perry’s swipe at the Postal Service to Medina’s suggestion of doing away with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Austin, TX – Tonight, with Democrats issuing ambiguous statements regarding the seating of Senator-elect Scott Brown, Kay Bailey Hutchison issued the following statement saying that there should be no further debate on healthcare until the newest Republican Senator is sworn-in:

"It is imperative that the Democrats seat Senator-elect Brown immediately. There should be no delay in seating our newest Republican Senator and until that is done, there should be no further debate of the Democrats' proposal to socialize medicine. The American people have spoken. It is time that Harry Reid, President Obama and the Democrats listen."

Austin, TX – Tonight, Kay Bailey Hutchison issued the following statement in response to Scott Brown’s victory in the Massachusetts Senate race:
 
“This historic win sends a clear message to President Obama and the Democrats in Congress. The American people, no matter whether they come from Texas or Massachusetts, are angry with the Democrats' proposal for a government takeover of our healthcare system and the out of control spending we've seen in the last year.  I look forward to working with Senator-elect Brown to put an end to the Democrats' push toward socialized medicine."

“Today, Rick Perry is touting an online course program he left unfunded for nearly two years. It’s unfortunate that it takes an election-year and leadership from Kay Bailey Hutchison to get Rick Perry to demonstrate a commitment to education in Texas,” said Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman.

Austin, TX – Kay Bailey Hutchison has rolled out six substantive policy proposals, and today Rick Perry is trying to play catch up by announcing plans to expand the Texas Virtual School Network. But what Perry neglected to mention during today’s event was that the program he’s touting was left unfunded on his watch. Check out the facts below:

HOUSTON, TX – Addressing the Greater Houston Pachyderm Club today, former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker, III endorsed Kay Bailey Hutchison in her bid for Texas governor. 

Citing a vision for the future and a clear plan to keep Texas strong, Baker said, “I have known Kay for many years and she is the leader Texans need to keep our state strong. No one has, and no one will fight harder for Texas than Kay Bailey Hutchison. She has the record and the vision to lead this state into the future, and that is why I am endorsing her bid to be the Lone Star State’s first female Republican governor.” 

Baker, a native Houstonian, has served in senior government positions under three U.S. presidents including Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. He is a leader in the Republican Party nationally and here at home in Texas.

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison launched its latest television ad, “Fence.”  Hutchison is proud and honored to have the support of her longtime friend, Texas baseball legend Nolan Ryan. Hutchison and Ryan agree that Texas needs a governor who is committed to protecting Texans’ private property rights, lowering taxes, and securing our border. The ad will begin airing today. The script and viewing link are below.

WATCH THE AD HERE

“Kay Bailey Hutchison’s call to end the cronyism in Austin has Rick Perry’s cronies crying foul. Unfortunately for Texans, Perry’s attacks are meant to protect a status quo that puts political benefit ahead of doing what’s right for Texas. Kay Bailey Hutchison knows we cannot build a stronger Texas for the future until we end the cronyism today,” said Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman.

Austin, TX – Yesterday, Kay Bailey Hutchison unveiled her plan to end the cronyism and abuses of political power that have grown rampant under Rick Perry. Apparently, it hit a nerve with the Perry administration, and Perry’s TABC Chair Jose Cuevas in the Texas Tribune today is now defending the practice of soliciting donations from those he regulates – a practice that would be illegal under a Hutchison administration. Check out the facts below:

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison released its latest web video, “Perry’s Debate Adjectives.” The reviews are in for Rick Perry’s debate performance and it will be remembered for not what he said, but how he said it. His debate comments are being called “insulting”, “defensive”, “fake”, “artificial”, “smarmy”, “aloof”, “condescending” and “testy”. He seemed “rattled” according to some and even “snapped” at the moderator. The split screen was not nice to Rick Perry and he may just have turned off any votes he was hoping to gain.

WATCH THE WEB VIDEO HERE

Austin, TX – Today, Kay Bailey Hutchison unveiled her government reform plan to end the cronyism in Austin and abuses of political power that have grown rampant under Rick Perry. Perry pledged ethics reform and a stringent revolving door policy when he was sworn in as governor, but this was just another example of Perry putting rhetoric ahead of results. Check out the facts below:

Dallas, TX - Today, at campaign stops in Dallas, San Antonio, Lubbock and Amarillo, Kay laid out a detailed government reform proposal aimed at ending the cronyism in Austin. Hutchison pledged that her administration will adhere to a higher standard, and she will push for statutory changes to end the appearance of conflicts of interest. As governor, Hutchison will advocate reforms that protect Texans from the abuse of power by any future governor.

“For nine years, we have watched the current governor treat Texas as his personal playground. Friends and allies find their way onto key boards and commissions, despite limited qualifications and little public support. Time and again, political pressure is brought to bear on state officials to put the governor’s interests above what is in the best interest of Texans. This conduct is wrong and it should end,” said Hutchison. “I believe that it is time to pull back the curtains on the backrooms of the governor’s office and let the sun shine on the state’s higher office once again.”

Austin, TX – Last night, NBC-DFW reported that Rick Perry’s TxDOT has found a “mileage meter” that could be plugged into cars and used to tax Texas drivers by the mile.  Looks like Rick Perry may have figured out he plans to “raise some dollars” for transportation. Check out the facts below and watch the story.

Full Text…

“U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's campaign latest ad takes to the air today. They are calling it ‘Cha-Ching.’ The ad continues to hit her rival, Gov. Rick Perry, on transportation — specifically the issue of tolling roads for the benefit of foreign companies. On conversions of a state roads to a toll roads, Texas Department of Transportation (TXDoT) spokesman Christopher Lippincott had this to say : ‘It has never occurred. The Texas Transportation Commission rejected the concept formally in May 2008.’ ‘Can we do it legally? Sure,’ he says. ‘Have we? No. Will we? We have no plans to do so, and the Commission has told us they’re not interested.’” (Reeve Hamilton, “Ads Inifinitum: Hutchison's ‘Cha-Ching,’” Texas Tribune, 1/15/10)

“Fake, Artificial, Overly Political, Smarmy Is A Word Some People Have Been Using About The Approach The Governor Took.” –  Southern Methodist University Political Science Professor Cal Jillson

Full Text…

“Perry got the most laughs from the live audience, and before the debate was waving and winking to people in the crowd. But on television he came off to some viewers as too animated and aggressive, even snippy. ‘Fake, artificial, overly political, smarmy is a word some people have been using about the approach the governor took,’ [Southern Methodist University Political Science Professor Cal] Jillson said, citing news interviews at debate-watching parties.” (Kelley Shannon, “AP Analysis: Debate Heavy On Fireworks,” The Associated Press, 1/15/10)

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison launched its latest television ad, “Cha-Ching.” Since Rick Perry has failed to lay out any transportation plan for the future and his last transportation plan was written by a lobbyist for a foreign company who used to work for him, “Cha-Ching” reminds Texans what Perry’s plans have been in the past. His record of aggressively pushing toll roads, taking Texans’ land, and arranging a sweetheart road deal with a foreign-owned company is what Texans can expect of Rick Perry on transportation. Rick Perry offers no solutions but a failed record of tolls, taxes and cronyism. The ad will begin airing today. The script and viewing link are below.

WATCH THE AD HERE

Hutchison Gave A “Strong” And “Energized” Performance, And Was “The Clear Winner” In The Debate:

WFAA’s Brad Watson: Hutchison Gave An “Energized Performance.” Brad Watson: “Now, no one made any serious gaffes tonight, and Gov. Perry, who’s been ahead in polls appeared very confident, but Sen. Hutchison will find out in polls in the next couple of weeks whether she gets a bounce over her energized performance tonight.” (WFAA’s “News 8 Update,” 1/14/10)

KDFW’s Shaun Rabb: “Kay Bailey Hutchison Did Not Back Down, She Was Very Strong.” “And so that's kind of the tone of the entire evening here, Governor Perry was aggressive and he was very energetic but Kay Bailey Hutchison did not back down, she was very strong and Debra Medina was able to get her message out there.” (KDFW’s “Fox 4 News At 10,” 1/14/10)

Austin, TX – U.S. Rep Ted Poe issued the following statement on tonight’s debate at the University of North Texas

“I am a firm believer that Texas must secure its border. Kay Bailey Hutchison has a series of concrete proposals to do just that; secure our border. Tonight Kay Bailey Hutchison showed us that she has vision, a plan and the leadership skills to be a Governor who will fight to ensure that Texas remains the greatest state in the union.”  U.S. Rep Ted Poe.

For more on Kay Bailey Hutchison’s border policy, please click here.

Perry: arrogant, unprepared, lacked a command of the facts

Denton, TX – Kay Bailey Hutchison scored a decisive victory in the first debate of the 2010 Texas gubernatorial campaign. Hutchison laid out a clear plan for Texas’ future and made a compelling change for new leadership in Austin.
 
“This election is about the future of our Texas. We must look ahead and implement policies that will ensure Texas remains the greatest state in the nation," said Hutchison.”That is why I am running for governor so that we have a Texas as strong in 2025 as we did in 2005.”

Hutchison said that the two pillars to continued economic success, education and transportation have not been addressed in the last nine years and if Texas is to continue to remain strong they must be fixed. She pledged to address the dropout rate that costs the Texas economy $9 billion a year and fix the transportation system that has devolved into an utter mess on Rick Perry’s watch.

DEBATE RECAP:
Rick Perry’s Debate Rhetoric Doesn’t Match His Record

Austin, TX – Tonight, Texas voters heard more of Rick Perry’s election-year rhetoric and misleading facts. Here’s a recap of where Rick Perry tried to rewrite history in tonight’s debate. Check out the facts below:

“Rick Perry’s election-year hypocrisy knows no bounds. Texans know that Rick Perry was for the bailout before he was against it,” said Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman.


Austin, TX – Rick Perry’s election-year rhetoric is back again in the Perry campaign’s latest attack ad. This time, Rick Perry criticizes the economic recovery package that he urged Congress to pass. Check out the facts below:

Austin, TX – Ahead of tonight’s debate, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison launched its “Debate Central” blog. The blog, which will be the center for live-response setting the record straight and refuting Rick Perry’s false negative attacks, will update regularly during tonight’s 7 p.m. (CST) Republican Gubernatorial debate between Kay Bailey Hutchison, Debra Medina and Rick Perry.

To access the blog, please visit: http://texans.forkay.com/Debate Central

Austin, TX – Texas voters have heard months of Rick Perry’s election-year rhetoric, claiming to be a hardliner on border security, a budget-cutting fiscal conservative, and a believer in small government. But before tonight’s debate, here’s a reminder of where Perry has really been on those issues, in his own words.  Check out the facts below:

Austin, TX – Rick Perry tends to operate, as one TV station put it, “without all the facts.” From denying he ever lobbied for TARP to claiming the Trans-Texas Corridor is dead, Rick Perry has attempted throughout the campaign to deceive voters and re-write history. We expect tonight to be no different. So in that spirit, we offer the Top Ten Perry Myths you can expect to hear in the debate:

Perry Campaign Airs Stealth Attack Ad

Austin, TX – Today, with the Perry campaign unveiling their latest negative attack ad without releasing it to the media, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison released its newest web video, “Perry TARP-Flop.” Not surprisingly, the Perry attack ad forgets Perry’s own history of supporting the economic recovery legislation that passed in October 2008. In the hours before the critical vote, Perry joined a Democrat Governor to push for the bill. However, in an election-year and a Republican primary, Perry says he’s against it. Only John Kerry would find this “I supported it before I was against it” statement believable.

WATCH THE WEB VIDEO HERE

Campaign Heads Into Final Stretch With Over $12.3 Million Cash On Hand

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison has announced that the campaign received more than $20.8 million during the gubernatorial primary, putting the campaign in a strong financial position leading into the final months of the primary campaign.  The campaign’s Texas Ethics Commission report will show that Hutchison’s gubernatorial campaign has more than $12.3 million cash on hand (COH).  And despite postponing a large number of fundraisers due to Hutchison’s commitment to the fight against President Obama’s government takeover of healthcare, Kay Bailey Hutchison received over $6 million in the second half of 2009.  

“The financial backing Kay Bailey Hutchison has received from across our great state demonstrates a broad base of support for her positive vision for Texas' future and our campaign,” stated John Nau, Texans for Kay Finance Chairman.

“Rick Perry’s election-year grandstanding on the border has wasted millions on failed programs that are more about winning votes than making Texans safer. After nine-years, Texans can trust Rick Perry to talk tough on border security in an election-year but fail to produce any results,” said Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman.

Austin, TX – Today, Kay Bailey Hutchison unveiled her plan on border security, which will enhance Texas’ ability to curb drug and human trafficking, gang activity, and the threat of terrorists crossing our borders. Rick Perry, in contrast, has given Texans years of rhetoric but no results. Perry has wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on his signature border camera “boondoggle,” presided over an increase in border violence, and not taken advantage of effective border security tools. Check out the facts below:

Longview, TX –Today, at campaign stops in Longview, Houston and Beaumont, Kay Bailey Hutchison detailed her Border Security plan. As Governor, she will continue to champion border security measures that curb drug and human trafficking, gang activity, and the threat of terrorists crossing our borders by building on her strong record of results. In the United States Senate, Hutchison quadrupled the number of Border Patrol Agents along our borders, supported the construction of a fence, opposed funding for sanctuary cities, and provided direct aid to local sheriffs and police to fight drug activity on the border.

“Strengthening our border security will be one of my top priorities as Governor.  By implementing common sense solutions, we can further protect Texans against drug and human trafficking, gang activity, and the threat of terrorists crossing our border," said Hutchison.

“[T]he specific claims are a major exaggeration of what he has actually been able to do in office.” – The Dallas Morning News
 
Heat Index: A Fact Check Of Perry’s Claim On Taxes, Spending
By Christy Hoppe
The Dallas Morning News’ “Trail Blazers” Blog
January 9, 2010
 
THE CLAIM: In a new TV ad, various Texans thank the governor for his efforts to keep taxes and state spending low. Prominently touted is a claim that “Perry has vetoed over $3 billion in spending.”
 
THE FACTS: On cutting taxes, Perry is taking credit for only half the equation. He could also take credit for increasing taxes more than any other governor in state history.

San Antonio, TX – At a campaign event today in San Antonio, Kay Bailey Hutchison called on Texas state agencies to prepare for the coming budget crisis by cutting spending now. Experts predict that the state will face a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall in the next biennium.  It is imperative that state agencies start doing all they can now to save money and cut spending.

At the event in San Antonio, Kay Bailey Hutchison stated, "Lt. Governor Dewhurst is correct. State agencies should start looking for ways to cut spending now in their current budget. We cannot afford to wait. Governor Perry should have already done this. When I am elected governor, I will immediately direct state agencies to cut spending."

Just today, the State Comptroller released numbers showing that Texas collected 11.6 percent less in sales tax revenue in December. Texas state agencies must start cutting spending now in preparation for the 2011 Legislative Session.

“Rick Perry will say and do anything to win an election, including purposely misleading Texans. Rick Perry’s claim today that stimulus dollars only went to one-time expenses is contradicted by three separate Texas groups who agree that Perry took billions that will go to recurring programs. How can Texans trust Rick Perry if he won’t tell them the truth?” said Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman. ”

Austin, TX – In Houston today, Rick Perry claimed that none of the stimulus money he took went to recurring expenses, only one-time programs. That claim is contradicted by the Legislative Budget Board, the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association and the Texas Public Policy Foundation. It’s clear that Rick Perry’s election-year rhetoric doesn’t include telling Texans the truth. Check out the facts below:

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison released its latest web video, “Perry Repeating.” Yesterday, Rick Perry touted a “new” proposal for a constitutional amendment to limit spending. However, in 2006, Rick Perry made this exact same proposal and never implemented it. He made the same “new” proposal also in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Each time, Rick Perry failed to show any leadership. If Rick Perry failed to fulfill his campaign promise in 2006, why should voters trust him in 2010?

WATCH THE WEB VIDEO HERE

“Rick Perry’s latest distorted ad would be more convincing if he didn’t have a nine-year record of increasing spending by 86 percent, expanding state government employees by 30,000 and using the Obama stimulus to pay for it,” said Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman. “Kay Bailey Hutchison knows Texas is the greatest state in the nation but thinks it’s due to the hard-work of each and every Texan, in spite of Rick Perry.”

Austin, TX – Rick Perry’s latest television ad is full of election-year rhetoric. Election-year Rick wants Texas voters to believe he’s been a fiscal conservative, but his record of raising taxes on small businesses, ramping up budget spending, and getting “bailed out” by Obama stimulus dollars demonstrates otherwise. Check out the facts below:

“It’s been 25 years since he was first elected as a Democrat to the Texas House but Rick Perry has finally followed Kay Bailey Hutchison’s leadership in endorsing a balanced budget amendment. Unfortunately, Perry’s election-year rhetoric doesn’t match his record of taking Texas on a nine-year spending spree, doubling the state debt, expanding the bureaucracy and making the state’s budget reliant on Obama stimulus dollars,” said Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman.

Austin, TX – Today, Rick Perry plans to tell Texans about his ‘new’ plan for a federal balanced budget amendment, but Perry is late to the game on this issue. Hutchison has a long record of supporting a balanced budget amendment, while Rick Perry’s record shows years of growing the state budget with a heavier reliance on federal dollars. Today, the Texas budget is more reliant on federal funds than ever. Check out the facts below:

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison launched its latest television ad, “Hook’em Road Signs.” The ad will run during the BCS National Championship game between the University of Texas Longhorns and University of Alabama Crimson Tide.

Because Rick Perry has failed to propose any transportation plan for the future, the ad highlights his record of pushing for more toll roads and even the conversion of existing highways into toll roads. On transportation, Rick Perry offers no solutions but a failed record of tolls, taxes and a Corridor. The ad will air tomorrow. The script and viewing link are below.

WATCH THE AD HERE

Austin, TX – In the news last night, Rick Perry’s interest in taxing motorists by the mile continues to anger Texas drivers, who feel they “pay enough in taxes already.”  KSAT reports that TxDOT has already released a “primer” on the vehicle mileage tax. Check out the facts below:

Texas Drivers Are Responding Angrily To Rick Perry’s Plan For A Vehicle Mileage Tax:

Last Night, KSAT Reported On Local Backlash To Perry’s Study Of The Vehicle Mileage Tax. “Texas A&M University's Transportation Institute has suggested a state tax on every mile you drive as a way to replenish the highway fund. The idea, however, is not sitting well with local drivers. ‘I just think we pay enough in taxes already,’ driver Jeff Reed said. ‘They just need to be more responsible the way they spend it.’  … ‘They need to keep it the way it is,’ driver Marie Mansfield said. ‘I mean, if they're going to do that, taxing me by the mileage, then how are people going to get back and forth to work if they work downtown, like I do. ... That's not right.’” (Stephanie Serna, “Study Proposes Taxing Mileage,” KSAT, 1/5/10)

Texas Transportation Institute’s Ginger Goodin Said The Vehicle Mileage Tax Could Be Collected By Placing “Some Kind Of Unit … In Your Car That Will Be Counting The Miles, Transmitting The Charge To A Billing Center.” “How a vehicle miles traveled tax would be determined is something researchers are still looking into. ‘You can go as simple as just doing an odometer reading at your vehicle inspection all the way up to some kind of unit that's in your car that will be counting the miles, transmitting the charge to a billing center,’ Texas Transportation Institute research engineer Ginger Goodin said.”  (Stephanie Serna, “Study Proposes Taxing Mileage,” KSAT, 1/5/10)

•    Watch The KSAT Report Here

•    KSAT Links To TxDOT’s “Primer On The Vehicle Miles Traveled Tax,” Which TxDOT Released In December 2009

Today, Rick Perry is making the same budget reform proposal he made in 2006 but never implemented or pursued after re-election.

“Rick Perry is trying to pull a fast one on Texans by recycling a budget reform proposal he first made in 2006 but then never implemented or cared to pursue. Texans are tired of politicians like Rick Perry who say one thing in an election-year but then increases spending, doubles the state debt and expands the size of government. If Rick Perry failed to fulfill his campaign promise in 2006, how can he expect Texans to trust him in 2010 when he makes the exact same promise?” said Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman.

Austin, TX – In 2006, Rick Perry made an election-year five-point budget reform proposal. He failed to implement four of them, including to “impose a real spending limit on state government” by tying the cap to population growth and inflation. Today, in another election-year, Rick Perry is again proposing to cap spending by limiting spending increases to population growth and inflation. If Rick Perry failed to fulfill his campaign promise in 2006, why should voters trust him in 2010? Check out the facts below:

“Once again, Rick Perry’s election-year rhetoric doesn’t match his record. For nine years, Rick Perry promised fiscal restraint but instead ran up spending, doubled the state debt, increased the size of government, expanded the Governor’s Office and relied on the Obama stimulus to balance the last budget. Perry’s election-year promises are five budgets and nine years too late,” said Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman. “Today’s proposals once again confirm that Rick Perry will say and do anything to get elected. Texans need to look at Perry’s record and not his rhetoric.”


Austin, TX – Today, Rick Perry says he will control state spending, but with a record of increasing spending, exploding bureaucracy, and doubling the state debt, Texans should think twice before buying Perry’s election-year rhetoric. Check out the facts below:

FISCAL FACT #1: Rick Perry has presided over an explosion in government spending. Under Perry, the state’s budget has increased nearly 86%, with general revenue spending increasing by $20 billion.

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison Communications Director Jen Baker issued the following statement after KERA invited Debra Medina to participate in the January 14th debate:

“We have always welcomed Debra Medina’s participation in the debate, and we look forward to discussing Rick Perry’s failed record of toll roads, land grabs, mandated HPV vaccinations and border security shortfalls.”

Austin, TX – In the news yesterday, Rick Perry’s interest in a vehicle mileage tax prompted local backlash from across the state.  One state representative blasted the tax as “a real privacy issue” that “smacks that big brother label on the system,” while another said “there’s no way any other tax should be on the agenda” until the mismanagement at TxDOT is reigned in. Texans remember when Rick Perry wanted to take their property. Now, he is aiming for their privacy. Kay Bailey Hutchison is on the record opposing this idea as it is a clear invasion of privacy, and would place an unfair burden on rural drivers. Check out the facts below:

Rick Perry’s Push For A Vehicle Mileage Tax Is Prompting Local Backlash:

KVII Reports That TxDOT’s Vehicle Mileage Tax Could Result In The State Placing “An Electronic Device On Your Car” To Tax Texans By Miles Driven. “The Texas Department of Transportation is beginning to explore a vehicle miles driven tax, instead of raising the gasoline tax. The gas tax hasn't seen an increase since 1991, and now with the highway funds looking slim, officials are trying to find new means, in your pocket. But how would your miles be collected? The state could place an electronic device on your car to count them, or place readers at gas stations that take your miles between fill ups.”  (Meredith Keller, “Mileage Tax?” KVII News, 1/4/10)

Houston, TX – Today, Bill Bailey, Constable for Harris County Precinct 8, joined Kay Bailey Hutchison at a campaign event to endorse her candidacy for governor. Constable Bailey has served in his position for nearly 27 years working to keep the people of Precinct 8 in Harris County safe.

Citing Hutchison’s record of fighting for Texas, Constable Bailey said, “I’m proud to support Kay Bailey Hutchison in her campaign to be our state’s next governor. I’ve known Kay for years and her record and vision are exactly what we need in Austin today. From supporting our law enforcement men and women to fighting for Harris County in the United States Senate, Texans can trust that Kay will tackle the challenges confronting our state so that we remain strong into the future.”

Thanking Constable Bailey for his statement and support, Kay Bailey Hutchison said, “Constable Bailey’s leadership and voice have made Harris County and Texas great places to live. As one of Harris County’s most respected leaders, I am so glad to have his support and look forward to working with him as governor.”

Austin, TX – On MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” today, Erick Erickson of RedState.com and a major Rick Perry supporter lambasted Republicans, like Rick Perry, who were lobbied by Merck and then mandated that sixth-grade girls get the HPV vaccine. Check out the video here.

Perry Supporter Erick Erickson On MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” (1/5/10):

Erickson: “What I agree with Brooks on in this is that Republicans, for some reason, I guess that they've made this intellectual shortcut – that's both dishonest and a little dumb – that business equals good. And that's not true. Business does not equal good, small business, good. Big business goes with the guy who will shut down their competition. And that's the way it's always been. And so you've got conservatives out there who now realize, you know, this is good – take, for example, Georgia where I am, you've got Merck going around the country lobbying, hiring Ralph Reed and others to say, ‘you must take the HPV vaccine.’ Well Merck has a monopoly of the HPV vaccine. So they sell it as, ‘We're a business doing good by getting sixth grade girls vaccinated – by the way, we have a monopoly.’ And you have these Republicans say, ‘Oh, it's good business, it's good health.’ No it's not. It's a monopoly.” (MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” 1/5/10)

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison launched its latest television ad, “Road Signs.” Because Rick Perry has failed to propose any transportation plan for the future, the ad highlights his record of pushing for more toll roads and even the conversion of existing highways into toll roads. On transportation, Rick Perry offers no solutions but a failed record of tolls, taxes and a Corridor. The ad will begin airing today. The script and viewing link are below.
 
WATCH THE AD HERE.

Kay Bailey Hutchison
“The Rush Limbaugh Show”
December 31, 2009
 
Hutchison: We Will Get To The Bottom Of The Attempted Terrorist Attack In Detroit:
 
Guest Host Walter Williams: “Are we doing enough in the protection of the American citizens when they travel on our airplanes?”
 
Hutchison: “Walter, that is such a relevant question and on everyone’s minds now. And clearly, there’s a problem. And for a person on the terrorist watch list to just get on an airplane without a delay or a complete body search is just astounding to all of us. And we are going to have a hearing, certainly, in the Senate Commerce Committee, which has oversight of the transportation security agency. And we’re going to try to find out from the Secretary of the Department, Janet Napolitano, just what in the world is going on and why the information either didn’t get to the right people; or if it did, and wasn’t acted on, that would be egregious as well. So we’re going to try to get to the bottom of it and talk to our homeland security people.”

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison released its latest web video, “Guess Who On Transportation?” If Texans had to guess, they would believe it was the Democrat who was pushing even more toll roads, higher gasoline taxes, land grabs and a vehicle mileage tax. However, in this race, they would be wrong because that would be Rick Perry and his record on transportation. Time after time, Rick Perry’s record doesn’t match his election-year rhetoric.

WATCH THE WEB VIDEO HERE.

Austin, TX – The arrogance of Rick Perry’s Texas Department of Transportation has been on full display over the last two weeks. Just on Monday, the San Antonio Express-News reported that TxDOT is looking to – in the words of Rick Perry – “raise some dollars” by taxing every mile Texans drive. Last week, the Dallas Morning News reported that TxDOT found a way to bypass the Legislature’s objections and exploit a “loophole” to create more private toll roads. And on the Sunday before Christmas, the Deputy Director of TxDOT defended Perry’s Trans-Texas Corridor as “the right thing to do.”  Check out the facts below:

PERRY’S OUT OF CONTROL TxDOT

TxDOT Isn’t Hiding Its Plans To Raise Taxes And Continues To Pursue The Vehicle Mileage Tax:

On Monday, The San Antonio Express-News Reported That The Texas Transportation Commission Is Studying The Feasibility Of Taxing Texas Drivers By The Number Of Miles They Drive Per Year. “If you don't like gasoline taxes, here's an alternative: a tax on the number of miles you drive in a year. The Texas Transportation Commission has directed a fresh study of the idea, and it's not alone. There are pilot projects in other states and nationally to gauge how such a tax would work.”  (Peggy Fikac, “Miles-Traveled Tax Being Scrutinized,” San Antonio Express-News, 12/28/09)

Austin, TX – Does Rick Perry know what is happening at TxDOT? If the “fact sheet” his campaign released late last night is any indication, he does not. Rick Perry’s own “facts” about TxDOT are either wrong, full of potholes or demand a level of trust that no Texan is willing to give TxDOT today. Check out the facts below:

Perry Pothole #1:

Election-Year Rhetoric: Rick Perry rebuts Kay Bailey Hutchison’s transportation claims citing the “current practices” of TxDOT.

Fact: Rick Perry maybe the only Texan to have faith in TxDOT’s “current practices.” This faith comes even after an independent commission charged with reviewing state government called TxDOT “a mess” and “out of control.”

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison released its latest web video, the “Perry Transportation Tax Plan.” When it comes to building roads and getting traffic moving in Texas, Rick Perry has pursued a simple plan of more taxes, more tolls and a Corridor built by confiscating nearly 600,000 acres of private property. In his own words, all Rick Perry is proposing for the next four years is billions in new taxes and a bigger, even more inefficient Texas Department of Transportation.

WATCH THE WEB VIDEO HERE.

Tyler, TX – Today, Kay Bailey Hutchison outlined her plan for putting Texas transportation back on the road to success through a new long-term vision of a multimodal, efficient, and modern transportation system.  Hutchison pledged to protect Texas taxpayers by reforming TxDOT and ending the Trans-Texas Corridor once and for all.  She stated that her first priority would be to restore trust in the Texas Department of Transportation and increase the agency’s commitment to bottom-up transportation planning in order to effectively solve long-range problems facing the state. 

“Texans are tired of the traffic and congestion in our cities.  They are frustrated with the arrogance and inefficiencies of the leadership at the Texas Department of Transportation that have failed to produce results,” said Hutchison. “One of my top priorities as Governor will be to clean up TxDOT and solve the transportation problems that have plagued Texas for the last decade.”

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison released its latest web video, “While Some Talk, Kay Fights”. On Christmas Eve, Hutchison voted against the Democrats’ government-run health care bill. However, Thursday’s vote was just the first chapter and the fight goes on. So far in the debate, Hutchison has sponsored conservative alternative legislation, cast 34 votes against the Democrats’ bill, proposed 12 amendments, offered a Motion to return the bill to Committee, fought for a Point of Order questioning the bill’s constitutionality, wrote the Texas Attorney General asking him to investigate the constitutionality of the legislation and went to the Senate Floor 21 times to raise critical questions about the Democrats’ bill.

While Kay Bailey Hutchison was fighting, Rick Perry was doing a lot of talking. And during the health care debate, Rick Perry wasn’t attacking ObamaCare but making false, negative charges against Hutchison. And what did Rick Perry ultimately do to fight government-run health care? He wrote one letter. When it comes to defeating the Democrats’ bill, Rick Perry is cheerleading from the sidelines.

WATCH THE WEB VIDEO HERE.

“And, therefore, Madam President, I make a Constitutional Point of Order against the substitute amendments on the grounds that it violates the 10th Amendment of the Constitution.”  - Kay Bailey Hutchison

Kay Bailey Hutchison
Remarks On The Floor
United States Senate
December 23, 2009
 
Hutchison: “Madam President, we truly are in uncharted waters. This bill has been written by the Majority under a veil of secrecy, and we are expected to vote on its final passage less than two days before families across the country will be sitting down for holiday celebrations.
 
“Over the last weeks, my colleagues and I have spoken about some of the things that we know to be problematic, ranging from unsustainable cuts to Medicare that will result in catastrophic reductions in care – make no mistake about that – to oppressive new taxes on individuals, medical devices, prescription drugs, and insurance companies that will clearly raise costs to consumers and stifle innovation and taxes on small businesses at a time when we know our economy is on the brink. We are in a recession. We are asking business to hire people and yet we are forcing burdens on them, taxes on them that would have the opposite effect.  It would cause them not to take a chance to hire someone that will have the result of new mandates that go beyond all of the expenses of an employee today. So we've talked about that for the last three weeks.

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison released its latest web video, “Guess Who On HillaryCare?” If Texans had to guess, they would believe it was the Democrat who had written to Hillary Clinton in 1993 commending her efforts to socialize medicine while offering up “any assistance” she needed. However, in this race, they would be wrong because that would be Rick Perry’s record and Rick Perry’s 1993 letter to Hillary Clinton. Time after time, Rick Perry’s record doesn’t match his election-year rhetoric.
 
WATCH THE WEB VIDEO HERE.
 
READ RICK PERRY’S 1993 LETTER HERE.

Texans For Kay Releases New Web Video

Austin, TX – In the spirit of the holiday season, we continue the “12 Days Of Perry Cronyism.” On the twelfth and last day of Perry Cronyism, Rick Perry finally faced up to a recurring question about the link between campaign contributions and his policy decisions like the Trans-Texas Corridor and the HPV executive order. Even Rick Perry admits there has always been a question of ethics and cronyism surrounding him.
 
Watch the latest 12 Days of Perry Cronyism video here.

Kay Bailey Hutchison
Remarks On The Floor
United States Senate
December 22, 2009
 
Hutchison: “Mr. President, today we are taking another step toward passing a bill that has not seen the light of day for very long. It is a bill that is going to change health care policy in this country forever if it is finally coming to enactment. It will take effect in 2014. And the reason that we are talking about this bill and trying to let people know what is in it is because we hope that there is still a chance that this bill will not become law.

Texans For Kay Releases New Web Video

Austin, TX – In the spirit of the holiday season, we continue the “12 Days Of Perry Cronyism.” On the eleventh day of Perry Cronyism, Rick Perry broke his promise to Texans that he made nine years ago today to lead an “open and honest” government. Instead, he has been one of Texas’ most secretive governors in modern history. Under Perry, the Governor’s Office won’t even say if the Governor of Texas is in Texas. Perry’s secretiveness has led to key decisions made behind closed doors with charges of cronyism to follow.

Watch the latest 12 Days of Perry Cronyism video here.

“Texans are paying a severe price for the failures of Rick Perry’s Texas Youth Commission. Rick Perry owes every Texan an explanation for not closing a dangerous TYC loophole that allows violent juvenile criminals back onto the streets. Texans should not have to worry that their state government is letting violent offenders out to commit new crimes.”  – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman

Austin, TX – This weekend, The Associated Press reported that a loophole in state law has allowed Rick Perry’s Texas Youth Commission (TYC) to release “more than 200 offenders because of mental health issues in the last five years.” According to the report, “more than one-fifth went on to commit new crimes, some of them violent.” This is intolerable and Rick Perry’s failure to act has had severe consequences. Check out The Associated Press report below:

Loophole Lets Mentally Ill Texas Juveniles Go Free
By Danny Robbins
The Associated Press
December 20, 2009

A 16-year-old former juvenile detainee is accused of stabbing a high school teacher to death with a butcher knife. Another teen was convicted of killing a roofer during a 30-minute robbery spree.

Both were released by the Texas Youth Commission because the agency wasn’t equipped to treat their mental illnesses and had to let them go under the law.

Kay Bailey Hutchison
“Bill Bennett’s Morning In America”
December 21, 2009

Hutchison: Democrats Are Having Middle Of The Night Votes Because This Bill “Is The Worst Piece Of Legislation That I’ve Seen”:

Ernie Istook: “One of the many people who had a very long weekend was Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison from Texas, who was one of the senators still voting there at one o’clock this morning. She joins us now, and Senator, one, thanks of course for being here after having such a long night of it, but maybe I ought to start off with asking you about this contention that is coming from Sen. Harry Reid and others, that the reason that we had a middle of the night vote, and the reason that they’re planning a Christmas Eve vote is because Republicans are being intransigent and you’re failing to roll over and play dead and just let them rush this through. What do you say to that?”

Hutchison: “Well Ernie, that is laughable. I mean, on the floor we were laughing when Harry suggested that maybe it was our fault that we were there at 1:00 AM. Of course, the reason that he’s doing that is to run the clock at the exact minute that he can, so that he will be able to have the votes before Christmas. And he was setting this timetable before we even had this 800 page amendment, and it’s really jamming it through, because they’re on a deadline that’s of their own making. And this is the worst piece of legislation that I’ve seen since I was in the United States Senate.”

“According to the youth commission, 206 juvenile offenders have been released in the last five years due to mental illness. Of those, 43 have been re-incarcerated. Most were returned to custody for burglary or robbery, but some were convicted of more serious offenses, including two for arson and two for sex crimes involving children. Among the offenders who have been discharged is Jeremy Miera, 21, who is serving a lifetime prison sentence for the fatal shooting of a 45-year-old roofer in May 2006.” – The Associated Press

Loophole Lets Mentally Ill Texas Juveniles Go Free
By Danny Robbins
The Associated Press
December 20, 2009
 
A 16-year-old former juvenile detainee is accused of stabbing a high school teacher to death with a butcher knife. Another teen was convicted of killing a roofer during a 30-minute robbery spree.
 
Both were released by the Texas Youth Commission because the agency wasn’t equipped to treat their mental illnesses and had to let them go under the law.
 
The cases highlight what some juvenile justice experts say is a loophole in the way Texas treats underage offenders with severe psychiatric issues. Data obtained by The Associated Press reveal that the commission has released more than 200 offenders because of mental health issues in the last five years and that more than one-fifth went on to commit new crimes, some of them violent.

Texans For Kay Releases New Web Video

Austin, TX – In the spirit of the holiday season, we continue the “12 Days Of Perry Cronyism.” On the tenth day of Perry Cronyism, Rick Perry was compiling a record of “keeping score” and “punishing adversaries.” After nearly ten years in office, “no one is going to tell the governor no,” because he has a record of “keeping score” and creating “an unwelcome climate of retribution” in Austin. And this year, two Texas Tech regents found out that there were consequences for supporting someone other than Rick Perry in the Republican primary.

Watch the latest 12 Days of Perry Cronyism video here.

Texans For Kay Releases New Web Video

Austin, TX – In the spirit of the holiday season, we continue the “12 Days Of Perry Cronyism.” On the ninth day of Perry Cronyism, Rick Perry picked up the phone to pressure University of Texas regents on selecting a new Chancellor after his office publicly said he wasn’t involved. In December 2008, Rick Perry’s spokeswoman said, “The Governor’s office was not involved” in pressuring UT Regents for one candidate over another. However, in September 2009, the Austin American-Statesman reported that three UT Regents said he was involved and “privately encouraged them to back another candidate for the job.” To hide his cronyism, Rick Perry said one thing publicly but did another thing privately.

Watch the latest 12 Days of Perry Cronyism video here.

Texans For Kay Releases New Web Video On Five-Year Anniversary Of Cintra Contract

Austin, TX – In the spirit of the holiday season, we continue the “12 Days Of Perry Cronyism.” On the eighth day of Perry Cronyism, Rick Perry gave a key adviser the Cintra contract. Five years ago today – December 16, 2004 – Rick Perry hailed the awarding of the first Trans-Texas Corridor contract to Cintra, a Spanish-based company. The contract was “for construction of the first segment of the Trans Texas Corridor from Mexico to Oklahoma.” For Rick Perry, this would be one of his biggest days as governor.

However, as it would come out days later, Perry’s Legislative Director at the time the contract was awarded had worked for Cintra and met with TxDOT numerous times. And after leaving the Governor’s office, this adviser went back to work for Cintra.

Watch the latest 12 Days of Perry Cronyism video here.

“There is no question Kay Bailey Hutchison has a strong record of fighting for the military and veterans in Texas. The results of her effort are evident throughout Texas from all the new construction on our Texas military installations to the increased access to veterans' services to the enhanced benefits provided to our military personnel and their families. If Texas is to move forward, we need a governor who delivers results. As governor, Hutchison will, just as she always does.” – Ross Perot

Hutchison Delivers For Texas Veterans
By Ross Perot
The Dallas Morning News
December 16, 2009

Texas is home to more than 1.7 million veterans. They are brave and courageous men and women who have sacrificed mightily for America. Our military heroes and their families are the guardians at the gate of freedom for all of us, and we have a responsibility to keep our promises to those who have worn the uniform of this great country.

Some public servants are all talk. Others actually do the work and deliver. I've worked personally with one of our workhorses, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, and there is no doubt our veterans are well-served by her efforts. One particular issue we've championed together is the issue of Gulf War Syndrome.

The Gulf War ended nearly two decades ago, but for many of our veterans who served during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the consequences of war are still very real.

Senator Hutchison listened to folks who were passionate about this cause. She refused to accept the official explanation that those affected were all victims of stress, and she aggressively pursued research to provide better answers. As a result, $15 million was directed toward research, and the VA established a Gulf War Research Committee to direct additional research into the causes and treatment of Gulf War Syndrome.

Five Years Ago Today, Rick Perry Awarded The Trans-Texas Corridor Contract To The Spanish- Firm Cintra

“Today is a birthday Rick Perry and Texans would rather forget. Five years ago today, Rick Perry awarded the first Trans-Texas Corridor contract to the Spanish-firm Cintra. In five years, Rick Perry’s Trans-Texas Corridor wasted millions, threatened a million property owners and proposed allowing a foreign company to collect tolls on Texas’ roads.”  – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman

Austin, TX – On this day five years ago, Rick Perry hailed the awarding of the first Trans-Texas Corridor contract to Cintra. Today, five years later, Rick Perry would rather forget that day, the millions he wasted and the outcry from Texans all across the state who opposed his plan. Check out the facts below:

Austin, TX – Today, in a web video to supporters, Kay Bailey Hutchison unveiled her plans for a Taxpayer Empowerment Act, which will create awareness, provide fairness and increase transparency when Texans protest their property tax appraisals.

“Too many Texans don’t understand their rights and the tools at their disposal to challenge high property tax appraisals. All Texans should have an open, fair and simple way to dispute property taxes they think are too high,” said Hutchison. “And that is why I will pursue a Taxpayer Empowerment Act when I am governor.”

To view the web video announcement, click here.
To view the Taxpayer Empowerment Act plan, click here.

Texans For Kay Releases New Web Video

Austin, TX – In the spirit of the holiday season, we continue the “12 Days Of Perry Cronyism.”  On the seventh day of Perry Cronyism, Rick Perry gave University Regent positions to his major contributors. According to the Austin American-Statesman, about half of all the current University Regents in Texas have given at least $1,000 to Perry’s campaigns over the years. Eighteen regents have contributed at least $50,000 to Rick Perry and 13 have contributed at least $100,000. Two donors even wrote big checks to Rick Perry in June 2009 and then were appointed regents in August 2009. Rick Perry has figured out that cronyism pays and it pays to appoint big donors to regents.

Watch the latest 12 Days of Perry Cronyism video here.

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison released its latest web video, “Guess Who?” If Texans had to guess, they would believe it was the Democrat who had the record of increasing taxes by $1 billion, expanding the size of government, failing to address the problem of sanctuary cities for illegal immigrants, proposing big government land grabs and ordering from Austin that sixth graders get the HPV vaccine. However, in this race, they would be wrong because that would be Rick Perry’s record. Time after time, Rick Perry’s record doesn’t match his election-year rhetoric.

WATCH THE WEB VIDEO HERE.

“[T]he number of full-time-equivalent workers in Perry’s office jumped 11 percent during the fiscal year, according to the state auditor’s Web site. The governor’s office did not respond to a question about the reasons for the increase.” – Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Texas Hired Equivalent Of Nearly 9,000 Workers In Fiscal 2009
By Darren Barbee
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
December 12, 2009

During a recession that has claimed 1 million Texas jobs, state agencies and public universities added the equivalent of nearly 9,000 workers in a year, according to a report by the state auditor’s office.

The report also says 11 state agencies and 22 higher education institutions exceeded the caps on the number of full-time-equivalent employees authorized by the Legislature. That happened even though the Legislative Budget Board urged state agencies this year to look for ways to cut budgets by 2.5 percent.

The office of Gov. Rick Perry, was just under its cap of workers, with 272.09 employees of the 273.5 authorized for fiscal 2009, according to the auditor’s office.

But the number of full-time-equivalent workers in Perry’s office jumped 11 percent during the fiscal year, according to the state auditor’s Web site. The governor’s office did not respond to a question about the reasons for the increase. Perry’s office had 245.43 FTEs during the same period the year before.

Texans For Kay Releases New Web Video

Austin, TX – In the spirit of the holiday season, we continue the “12 Days Of Perry Cronyism.”  On the sixth day of Perry Cronyism, Rick Perry gave to his former Chief-of-Staff turned Merck lobbyist an executive order that would have led to a “blockbuster” increase in sales for Merck’s HPV vaccine.

On February 2, 2007, Rick Perry issued his executive order mandating that all sixth-grade girls in Texas get the HPV vaccine against a sexually transmitted disease. Charges of cronyism followed. In the days and weeks after the order, it was reported that Merck’s chief lobbyist in Texas was Mike Toomey, Rick Perry’s former Chief-of-Staff. Toomey had met three times with the Governor’s office and his client – Merck – had contributed to Perry’s re-election campaign. As one prominent conservative activist said at the time, “We have too many coincidences. I think that the voters of Texas would find that very hard to swallow.”

Watch the latest 12 Days of Perry Cronyism video here.

Security At Vegas Bachelor Party, Hold Fake Bill Signing Ceremonies, Conduct A Fake Press Conference This Week Ahead Of A Long-Standing Fundraiser, Market The Failed Trans-Texas Corridor, Promote The HPV Vaccine And Operate Border Camera “Boondoggle”

“For nine years, Rick Perry has wasted taxpayer money on failed adventures and ethically-questionable events. Perry should immediately reimburse Texas taxpayers for the millions he spent on trying to force the HPV vaccine upon sixth-graders and the Trans-Texas Corridor upon property owners. After nine years, Rick Perry’s bill is long past due.”  – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman

Austin, TX – Rick Perry’s election-year hypocrisy continues. Today, Rick Perry is trying to claim that he has been a good steward of the taxpayer money. But in nine years, he has wasted millions on foreign travel for his leisure, fake signing ceremonies for bills he already signed, fake press conferences ahead of long-planned fundraisers, a campaign to get the Trans-Texas Corridor approved and an executive order to force sixth-graders to get the HPV vaccine. Check out Rick Perry’s Campaign bill:

Texans For Kay Releases New Web Video

Austin, TX – In the spirit of the holiday season, we continue the “12 Days Of Perry Cronyism.”  On the fifth day of Perry Cronyism, Rick Perry gave to voters a glimpse at the lengths he will go to cover-up his attendance at a controversial fundraiser. Yesterday, Rick Perry finally held his fundraiser that was co-hosted in part by TABC Chief Jose Cuevas – a Perry appointee – who had solicited donations from those he regulates. Rick Perry once called this kind of shake down “reprehensible.” And yesterday, he went to great lengths to try to cover his tracks.

Watch the latest 12 Days of Perry Cronyism video here.

And for previous Perry Cronyism videos, click HERE for the first day, HERE for the second day, HERE for the third day and HERE for the fourth day.

“Rick Perry once thought it was ‘reprehensible’ for regulators to solicit campaign cash from those they regulate. Today, he thinks it’s perfectly acceptable. Apparently, Rick Perry will say and do anything to try to win an election – even if it means partaking in the same cronyism he once called ‘reprehensible.’”  – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman

Austin, TX – Rick Perry’s election-year hypocrisy continues. In 1990, Rick Perry called his opponent “reprehensible” for shaking down the people he regulated. Today, Rick Perry held a campaign fundraiser in Austin and collected campaign checks solicited by one of his own regulators from the people he regulates. Check out the facts below:

Today, Rick Perry Held A Fundraiser With TABC Chief Jose Cuevas – A Perry Appointee – Who Solicited Donations For Perry’s Campaign From Those He Regulates:

Perry-Appointed Chair Of The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission “Is Soliciting Contributions For The Governor's Re-Election Campaign From The Owners Of Bars And Restaurants He Regulates.” “Gov. Rick Perry's appointee as chairman of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is soliciting contributions for the governor's re-election campaign from the owners of bars and restaurants he regulates. In an e-mail to hundreds of restaurants that serve alcohol, José Cuevas seeks donations of $1,000 to $5,000 for a Perry fundraiser next month at an Austin steakhouse. Cuevas, a Midland restaurateur, was appointed by Perry to the commission in 2004 and was named chairman last year.” (Wayne Slater, “TABC Chief, A Perry Appointee, Solicits Donations For Governor,” The Dallas Morning News, 10/22/09)

Austin, TX – Today, at an event in Austin, Rick Perry was asked to respond to The Associated Press report about accusations that campaign cash was demanded of a prospective candidate to the Texas Supreme Court. His answer is telling for what he didn’t say and what he didn’t deny. When pressed, Rick Perry could only say, “I don’t have any idea” despite the charges being made against his Chief-of-Staff and a longtime friend and political ally. Watch the video here.

Texans For Kay Releases New Web Video

Austin, TX – In the spirit of the holiday season, we continue the “12 Days Of Perry Cronyism.”  On the fourth day of Perry Cronyism, Rick Perry gave to Texas a new appointments controversy. As reported by The Associated Press yesterday, there were supposedly demands of a political contribution in exchange for the consideration of someone for a Texas Supreme Court seat. Money for a political appointment? In Chicago, an investigation would be demanded. In Austin after a decade of Rick Perry, it’s just the normal cronyism.

Watch today’s 12 Days of Perry Cronyism video here.

And for previous Perry Cronyism videos, click HERE for the first day, HERE for the second day and HERE for the third day.

“Rick Perry’s election-year concern about individual freedom rings hollow with Texans who know his record of requiring sixth grade girls to get the HPV vaccine and proposing plans to confiscate nearly 600,000 acres of private property. The same Rick Perry who professes to be concerned with the federal government exerting power over people’s lives had no problem doing it from the Governor’s office.” – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman

Austin, TX – Rick Perry’s election-year hypocrisy continues. Trying to win a Republican primary, he says he’s for individual liberty. But this is the same Rick Perry who proposed requiring sixth-grade girls to receive the HPV vaccine and wanted to confiscate nearly 600,000 acres of land. Check out the facts below:

Today, Rick Perry Says He’s Concerned President Obama Exerting “Power Over People’s Lives And The Decisions That Free People Historically Have Made”:

Rick Perry: Cap-And-Trade Is “About Power Over People’s Lives And The Decisions That Free People Historically Have Made.” PERRY: “And Michael, it’s also about the power over the business community. When you have a cap and trade legislation that basically puts as many people out of work and takes over that big a sector, if you will, of our economy; it’s about – you’re absolutely correct when you talk about – it’s about power over people’s lives and the decisions that free people historically have made.” (“Dan Patrick Show,” 12/9/09)

Veterans Cite Kay’s Steadfast Support For Military And Returning Service Members

Austin, TX – Today, the Hutchison campaign formally announced its “Veterans for Kay” coalition. This coalition joins distinguished servicemen and women from all across Texas who support Kay Bailey Hutchison because of her strong record on behalf of the military and those citizens who so courageously serve their country.

Retired Army General Joe Robles, Chairman of Veterans for Kay, said the coalition supports Hutchison because of her efforts to support Texas’ military bases and expand access to veterans’ services.

“No one has done more than Kay has to ensure that men and women returning from serving their country are taken care of,” said Robles, who has served in active duty posts in Korea, Vietnam, Germany and the Middle East. “Thanks to Kay, Texas is one of the best states for caring for our veterans, and we know when she becomes governor, they will continue to receive the best care this state can offer.”

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Campaign Manager Terry Sullivan issued the following statement regarding January’s KERA debate:

“We welcome Debra Medina's participation in January's scheduled debate and hope she will be a part of all future debates. Rick Perry should stop stonewalling and immediately drop his opposition to Debra Medina's involvement. Kay Bailey Hutchison looks forward to January’s debate and sharing her vision for keeping Texas strong by creating jobs, strengthening education, fixing transportation, securing the border and keeping taxes low.”

Kay Bailey Hutchison
“The Fred Thompson Show”
December 8, 2009

Hutchison: “It’s A Great Concern Of Ours What They’re Cooking Up In That Secret Meeting”:

Fred Thompson: “We’re all interested in what’s going to happen with regard to the healthcare legislation of course, Kay. It looks like the Democrats first of all are strictly caucusing among themselves, and secondly, are leading people to believe that they’re getting close to the 60 votes. What do you think?

Hutchison: “You know Fred, I think that you’re right on. First of all, the President came to the Capitol Hill and was meeting with the Democratic caucus about, probably, 25 feet from where Republicans were on the floor talking to the American people about the healthcare bill. But we were not invited. The President nor the Democratic members are talking to us at all about what should be in a plan that’s going to affect every American’s life. And so we are left out. Now we do hear that they are closing in on 60 votes and they’re changing the name of the public option. We’re not sure exactly how it’s going to be paid for, and so it’s a great concern of ours what they’re cooking up in that secret meeting.”

Kay Bailey Hutchison
Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom”
December 8, 2009

Hutchison: The Public Option Should Be Off The Table:

Fox News’ Bill Hemmer: “Government-run insurance – the public option – is that dying a slow death in the Senate at the moment?”

Hutchison: “Well, I hope so. I hope the public option is off the table. But what I fear is that it’s going to be a public option in some other clothing. And we’ve got to see what is in the details. Is this going to be a publicly subsidized new option? How much is it going to cost? How is it going to be paid for?”

Hemmer: “Well some are saying the deadline is today. Will we know by the end of the day whether or not the public option on the Senate side is alive or dead?”

Hutchison: “Well. I do think the Democrats are scurrying to get the support of 60 members. They’ve been working with the Democrats exclusively, really, and they’re trying to get 60 votes to shut down the debate. I don’t know what their proposal is going to be, but I certainly hope that we will look at what the cost is, who’s going to pay for it, are there going to be taxes and mandates, is there going to be an expansion of Medicare and Medicaid? You’ve got one that is about to break the federal government, one that is about to break the state governments, and are we going to expand those and make it worse? So I think we’ve got to see.”

“Rick Perry’s election-year hypocrisy continues. Despite proposing to seize nearly 600,000 acres of land and vetoing conservative eminent domain reform, Rick Perry says he’s for protecting private property in an election-year. It’s clear that Rick Perry will say and do anything to cover-up for his poor record on private property rights.” – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman

Austin, TX – Rick Perry’s election-year hypocrisy continues. Trying to win a Republican primary, Rick Perry says he’s for private property rights in an attempt to cover-up for his record of proposing to seize nearly 600,000 acres of land and vetoing eminent domain reform. Check out the facts below:

Rick Perry Failed To Protect Private Property Rights And Proposed The Trans-Texas Corridor Which Would Have Resulted In The Government Seizure Of Farmland:

Perry “Has Been At Odds with Farmers And Ranchers” Over Eminent Domain Issues And The Trans-Texas Corridor. “Perry, a farmer himself and former state Agricultural Commissioner, has been at odds with farmers and ranchers across the state over the past few years over eminent domain issues, and over his support for the controversial Trans-Texas Corridor.” (“Hutchison To Be Endorsed By Farmers Organization,” CBS 11, 10/2/09)

Kay Bailey Hutchison details the policies she will implement to protect private property in Texas

Ft. Worth, TX – Today, Kay Bailey Hutchison outlined her commitment to protecting Texans’ property rights in a speech taped for the Texas Farm Bureau Annual Conference. As Governor, Hutchison will protect our land from the creeping expansion of eminent domain and from being taken for private profit.  Among her first acts as Governor will be to issue an “emergency declaration” so the Legislature may consider the policy measures detailed in her Private Property Protection Plan in the first 60 days of the session.

“As governor, I will make reforming our state’s Eminent Domain laws a priority, and I will designate that issue an emergency item during the 82nd legislative session,” said Hutchison. “I will urge lawmakers to more narrowly define ‘public use’ and ‘economic development’, and to include consideration of diminished access to property when calculating a fair level of compensation. I will also see to it that a landowner or their heirs can re-purchase condemned property for the original purchase price whenever a planned project is cancelled or extensively delayed.”

“Now, more than ever, it’s time for a leader who gets results”

Austin, TX – Today, Kay Bailey Hutchison officially filed to be a candidate for governor. The Republican primary is March 2, 2010. Hutchison said as governor she will implement commonsense solutions to secure our borders and deal with illegal immigration, improve education, fix the transportation system which has been grossly mismanaged, make health care more affordable, and implement ethics reform to end the current cronyism and mismanagement of state government. With her filing, Hutchison released the following statement:

“I am running for governor because I know that the real challenges facing our state cannot be fixed from Washington. And I believe now more than ever that we need a serious leader who will always put Texas first and fight everyday to improve the lives of all Texans by:

“Senator Hutchison Delivers For The Valley”
By Lt. General Marc Cisneros, U.S. Army (retired)
Rio Grande Guardian
December 3, 2009

A recent column in the Rio Grande Guardian by one of my fellow patriots highlighted the frustration that exists in not having a full VA hospital in the Valley. 

I share the frustration of the author; however, I believe we should give credit where credit is due, particularly when our elected officials have delivered for our area.

The Valley has always had a tireless advocate in our senior Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, and I was disappointed the author failed to mention her many accomplishments on behalf of our area veterans.  

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Campaign Manager Terry Sullivan issued the following statement regarding Rick Perry’s filing for re-election:

“Today, Rick Perry filed for office saying, ‘This is a governor that did what he said he would do.’ Really? For nine years, Texans hoped Rick Perry would do the right thing and yet time and time again, he has betrayed their trust with decisions driven by cronyism and political self-interest. Instead of keeping government from getting in between parents and their children, Rick Perry issued the HPV executive order. Instead of looking out for Texas’ colleges and universities, Rick Perry forced university regents to resign because they didn't support his re-election campaign. Instead of getting traffic moving again, Rick Perry allows TxDOT to waste taxpayer money on everything but roads.

In New York Times Interview, Perry And His Campaign Attack President Bush, Phil Gramm And Dick Armey

“Rick Perry’s election-year hypocrisy continues. The Texans that Rick Perry once praised are now thrown under the bus in hopes of winning a Republican primary. It’s clear that Rick Perry will say anything, do anything and attack anyone to win a primary and will sacrifice his principles in the process.” – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman

Austin, TX – Rick Perry’s election-year hypocrisy continues. Today, in The New York Times, Rick Perry and his campaign go after President George W. Bush, Phil Gramm and Dick Armey. However, it wasn’t too long ago that Rick Perry called President Bush “one of the great presidents in American history”, thought Phil Gramm would be the “perfect candidate for president” and labeled Dick Armey “a real leader for the state.” Check out the facts below:

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison launched its latest television ad, “Texas Tough.” The ad highlights Hutchison’s conservative record of fighting for Texas and her proven record of results. The ad will begin airing today. The script and viewing link are below.

WATCH THE AD HERE.

Script For "Texas Tough" (TV:30):

ANNCR: “Kay Bailey Hutchison is a conservative as tough as Texas.
 
“She led the charge against a state income tax.
 
“Authored the Texas sales tax deduction.
 
“Created the national Amber Alert.
 
“Fought Obama’s stimulus spending.

“Introduced the plan to jam prisoner cell phones.
 
“And quadrupled agents to secure our border.

“It’s time for a conservative governor who doesn’t just talk tough but delivers.

“Kay Bailey Hutchison for Governor.”

Will prohibit political appointees from soliciting campaign contributions from those they regulate

Austin, TX – Today, Kay Bailey Hutchison pledged to clean up the pay for play politics that have become pervasive in the Perry Administration and announced a good government policy that would take effect immediately in her administration. 

“When I am elected governor, we will put an end to cronyism that has become Standard Operating Procedure in the Perry Administration,” said Hutchison.

Hutchison administration political appointees will be prohibited from soliciting campaign contributions from the people they regulate, even in their personal capacity. Additionally, it will be the policy of the Governor’s Office that political appointees will be prohibited from lobbying political action committees or associations for endorsements when that association’s industry falls within the appointee’s scope of responsibility.

Kay Bailey Hutchison Highlights Innovative Approach To Strengthening Education In Texas

San Antonio, TX – Today, at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) in San Antonio, Kay Bailey Hutchison outlined her priorities for strengthening Texas education, including her support for expanding educational opportunities through single-sex classrooms. By applying conservative principles, innovative approaches and fiscal accountability, Hutchison will guide the Texas education system to prepare our children for the 21st century economy. Read more about the plan Hutchison outlined here.

Speaking at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Kay Bailey Hutchison said, “I am deeply impressed with the innovative approach to learning here at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy.  Leveraging public and private funding, this school is preparing young women in advanced academic work in the empowering environment fostered by single-sex campuses.”

As Governor, Hutchison will support innovative approaches to strengthening education in Texas like single-sex classrooms. She will lead the effort to duplicate statewide the success the Young Women’s Leadership Academy has had in San Antonio. In the United States Senate, Hutchison championed greater flexibility for schools nationwide to offer single-sex classes and programs.  Studies have demonstrated that girls and boys in single-sex environments are academically more successful and academically focused than their coeducational counterparts. 

Austin, TX – Today, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison issued the following statement about the Texas Youth Commission:

“For years, Rick Perry’s mismanagement of the Texas Youth Commission has cast a cloud over our great state and today’s news is sadly to be expected. Now is the time for Rick Perry to demonstrate leadership. It is clear that the Ombudsman cannot pursue her work when she is currently barred from touring the very Youth Commission lockups she is charged with overseeing. The Governor should ask her to step aside and immediately name a replacement. It’s time to send a message that we are serious about ending the controversies at the Texas Youth Commission.”

President Of Texas Taxpayers And Research Association On Rick Perry’s Use Of Stimulus Funds

“Truth be told, directly very little of the stimulus money was really spent on any one-time items.” – Dale Craymer, President Of The Texas Taxpayers And Research Association (Abby Rapoport, “Stymied By Stimulus?” Texas Tribune, 11/30/09)

In February 2009, The Governor’s Office Said Rick Perry Would Only Support Using Stimulus Funds For One-Time Expenses:

Perry’s Office In February 2009: “The Governor Only Wants Those [Stimulus] Funds That Can Be Used For One-Time Expenditures And Don’t Obligate The State To Ongoing Costs.” “[P]erry wants to use the stimulus money only for one-time expenses. … ‘We have begun the process today of accepting the funds,’ Perry spokeswoman Allison Castle said. ‘However, the governor only wants those funds that can be used for one-time expenditures that don't obligate the state to ongoing costs long after the federal funding has dried up.’”  (Jason Embry, “Perry Seeks 'Fair Share' Of Aid,” Austin American-Statesman, 2/19/09)

“Rick Perry’s election-year hypocrisy continues. Apparently, Rick Perry had no problem requesting earmarks and paying lobbyists to get them before he had to run for re-election in a Republican primary. Just like changing his positions on property rights, business taxes, stimulus dollars and the ability of parents to make decisions affecting their children, Rick Perry was for earmarks before he was supposedly against them.” – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman

Austin, TX – Rick Perry’s election-year hypocrisy continues. Today, The Dallas Morning News reports that they obtained several letters from Rick Perry to Kay Bailey Hutchison “asking for federal funding on specific projects.” One letter highlighted in today’s print edition of the newspaper includes a personal handwritten note from Perry thanking Hutchison for obtaining funding for a specific project. Confronted with this conversion, the Perry campaign is now on record conceding that “it is also important to return Texas taxpayers’ money back to the state.” That comes just a day after the Perry campaign attacked Kay Bailey Hutchison for doing exactly that while serving in the Senate.

Kay Bailey Hutchison Highlights Innovative Approach To Strengthening Education In Texas

Houston, TX – Today, at the Advanced Virtual Academy (AVA) in the Houston ISD, Kay Bailey Hutchison outlined her priorities for strengthening Texas education and meeting the challenge of the dropout crisis, including her support for programs that offer at-risk youth flexibility in scheduling classes.  By applying conservative principles, innovative approaches and fiscal accountability, Hutchison will guide the Texas education system to prepare our children for the 21st century economy. Read more about the plan Hutchison outlined here.

As Governor, Hutchison will meet the challenge of the dropout crisis head on and ensure that we are shaping our education system around the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Today’s at-risk youth face family and job pressures to an unprecedented degree. Many at-risk students want to continue their education, but feel they must attend to what they believe are more immediate responsibilities.

As part of her plan for tackling the dropout crisis, Hutchison will help school districts offer greater flexibility in scheduling classes, including the use of internet-based alternatives.

WFAA’s “Inside Texas Politics”
November 29, 2009

Hutchison: Republicans Are Fighting Disastrous Democrat Policies:

Hutchison: “I’m fighting everything that the Obama administration is doing from overspending, from the stimulus packages, from the healthcare takeover to cap and trade; I am fighting that. What I meant was the majority in Congress are doing things that are wrong for this economy. And I think Secretary Geithner is doing the wrong things in leading the effort, and I think the President is where the buck stops.”

Watch Hutchison here.

“For too long, Rick Perry’s education policy has been to spend billions without getting the results that Texans demand. After nine years, all Rick Perry can produce is a list of proposals and programs but no results. As governor, Kay Bailey Hutchison will strengthen our education system with a plan that is financially accountable to the taxpayers.” – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay spokesman

Austin, TX – Today, Rick Perry is trying to tout a list of state education programs he says are tackling the challenges in Texas’ education system. But beneath words like “proposed” and “focused” is a reality that what Rick Perry has is a list of programs but not results. This afternoon, Kay Bailey Hutchison proposed a series of initiatives that will put results first and politics second (http://texans.forkay.com/pages/educationpolicy). Check out the facts below:

“Senator Hutchison’s plan for the future of Texas education is sensible and forward-looking.  She appreciates the critical importance of quality teachers, and her plan for drawing our best and brightest to the teaching profession will make a huge difference in children’s lives.  It is the right “next step” in the development of Texas education.” – Dr. Rod Paige, Former U.S. Secretary of Education, Dean of the College of Education at Texas Southern University, Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District, the nation’s seventh largest district. 

“Senator Hutchison’s plan to restore local control to the schools, and develop 21st century classrooms around the highest quality teachers, is exactly what Texas will need for another century of accomplishment.  When it comes to education, Texas can teach the nation, and Kay Bailey Hutchison is the right leader at the right time.” – Dr Charles Patterson, Retired Superintendent- Killeen Independent School District.

Outlines Four Principles That Will Guide Her Administration In Education

Dallas, TX – Today, Kay Bailey Hutchison outlined her priorities for the future of Texas education. Education is key to our state’s future and the strength of our economy. By applying conservative principles and fiscal accountability, Hutchison will guide the Texas education system to prepare our children for the 21st century economy. With a call for more innovation, more efficiency and more accountability, Hutchison proposed the following education plan:

Kay Bailey Hutchison’s Four Guiding Principles On Education:

• We Must Make Better Use Of Technology So We Can Develop The Classroom Of The 21st Century.
  

• We Must Steer Our Best And Brightest Into The Teaching Profession.

• We Must Engage The Dropout Crisis Head On And Prepare Students For The 21st Century Workforce By Encouraging All Students To Graduate From High School And Go On To Higher Learning Either At A University, College, Community College Or Career College.

• We Must Help Local School Districts Become More Efficient In Their Pursuit Of Student Achievement.

Austin, TX – Today, Kay Bailey Hutchison delivered the following remarks AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY outlining her vision for strengthening education in Texas:

“I am running for Governor because education is the key to our future.  I believe for the Texas economy to be the best in the nation, our education system must be the best in the nation.  And I believe that we can strengthen our education system in Texas by applying conservative principles, preparing our students for the 21st century economy, and getting the most quality through careful management of the taxpayers’ dollars.
 
“Providing our children with the best educational opportunities possible is a critical function of Texas state government.  It’s an obligation I took seriously when I served in the Texas House of Representatives, and I still do, as U.S. Senator.  An educated population is the most critical component of our economic well being.

“However, in recent years, education has often not received the attention it deserves.  Dropout rates remain high, and those who do graduate are often unprepared for either post-secondary education or the workforce.  There is too little use of technology, and an over-reliance on standardized testing. 

“In short:  we need more innovation, more efficiency, and more accountability.

In New Interview, Perry Promises A Higher “Gasoline Tax” To Fund Roads

“When we should be focused on creating jobs and keeping our state’s economy strong, Rick Perry is openly promising higher gas taxes. That’s less money in Texans’ pockets and more money for TxDOT to waste on Perry pet projects that lead to millions spent on environmental studies for roads that are never built.” – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay Spokesman


Austin, TX – Last week in Dallas, Rick Perry answered a question about transportation priorities by saying we must “come to a stronger realization that we’re going to have to expand our ability to raise some dollars to build roads.” Last night, Texans found out that that includes “the gasoline tax.” With 2.9 million Texans about to hit the road for the Thanksgiving holiday, higher gasoline taxes would hurt Texans’ finances and the Texas economy. Check out the facts below:

Kay Bailey Hutchison
NBC’s “Today Show”
November 23, 2009

Hutchison: We Must Stop The Government Takeover Of Our Healthcare System:

Hutchison: “We will try to offer alternatives that could work, that can bring more people into the insurance coverage that we all want them to have at an affordable price. But the government takeover at a cost of $2.5 trillion over the ten years starting in 2014 is going to add to our debt, it’s going to add to cost and it is going to take away the choices that people have in health care. What we need is small business health plans. That's a very small part of the bill that's on the floor. If you took that out, that in itself could pass with some modifications and start the process of allowing our small businesses to offer health care to their employees.”

Stop Playing Politics With National Security
By Kay Bailey Hutchison
The Dallas Morning News
November 23, 2009

Two recent events right here in Texas provide a stark reminder that the war on terror has not ended. On Nov. 5, Nidal Malik Hasan, an apparent jihadist terrorist, coldly gunned down 13 soldiers and one unborn child in a murderous rampage at Fort Hood. On Sept. 24, another accused terrorist, Hosam Smadi, was arrested for plotting to blow up a Dallas skyscraper.

Despite these horrific incidents, too many people remain complacent and fail to recognize the true nature of the threats we face as a country.

The Obama administration's recent decision to transfer Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, and four other alleged 9/11 conspirators to federal criminal court is a glaring example of today's complacency. Just a few months ago, the U.S. Senate voted 87-7 in favor of a resolution that terrorists should be tried by military commissions.

Indeed, in a 2006 speech, then-Sen. Barack Obama insisted that Mohammed would get a "full military trial" and that was how it should be. Now President Obama is reversing his position.

Kay Bailey Hutchison
NBC’s “Meet The Press”
November 22, 2009
 
Hutchison: Government Takeover Of Healthcare Would Be “A Disaster For Our Country”:
 
NBC’s David Gregory: “Senator Hutchison, is this a pyrrhic victory for the Democrats, a procedural victory, but not ultimate victory on healthcare reform?”
 
Hutchison: “Well I certainly hope not. I think this bill is a disaster for our country. President Obama said that it would be under $900 billion; it is not. President Obama said it would not add to the deficit; it will. President Obama said that no one would lose the healthcare that they have, and they will. This is a terrible bill. What I would hope is that we could start all over with Republican input, which was not in this bill, and try to do something for the American people that will bring down costs, will not cut Medicare, and especially will give more access to people for affordable healthcare.”
 
Watch Hutchison here.

Perry Launches Dishonest Radio Ad

“The first ads of the gubernatorial campaign show the candidates’ true colors. Kay Bailey Hutchison describes how she will attack socialized medicine for Texas and Rick Perry shows how he will attack Kay Bailey Hutchison for himself. It’s a recurring theme over both of their tenures in office.  No one has a better record of fighting for Texas values than Kay. And no one has a better record of fighting for Rick Perry's political survival better than Rick.” – Terry Sullivan, Texans for Kay Campaign Manager

Austin, TX – Today, the Perry campaign launched their second negative ad in just two days. Unfortunately for the Perry campaign, their ad makes numerous false and dishonest claims. Check out the full fact check below:

“Today marks the one year anniversary of Rick Perry’s border camera ‘boondoggle’ that has led to large profits for the company operating the program but little border security for Texans. One year ago, Rick Perry promised results but all Texas taxpayers have gotten is more wasted spending.” – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay Spokesman

Austin, TX – On this day in 2008, Rick Perry’s border camera program went online. Since then, Texans have paid a $4 million bill with little to show in the way of security. Rick Perry is good at spending money but bad at producing results. Check out the facts below:

On This Day In 2008, Rick Perry Launched His Border Camera “Boondoggle”:

November 20, 2008: Rick Perry’s Border Web Camera Program Is Officially Launched. “The Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition has launched a new network of Internet cameras aimed at the Mexican border in the latest effort to bolster local border security efforts with live video steaming. Using a $2 million state grant, the TBSC turned on the 10 cameras Thursday afternoon.” (“Texas Border Sheriffs Launch Border Camera Program,” The Associated Press, 11/20/08)

Perry Campaign Ad Filled With Numerous Dishonest Claims

“The first ads of the gubernatorial campaign show the candidates' true colors. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison describes how she will attack socialized medicine for Texas and Rick Perry shows how he will attack Kay Bailey Hutchison for himself. It’s a recurring theme over both of their tenures in office.  No one has a better record of fighting for Texas values than Kay. And no one has a better record of fighting for Rick Perry's political survival better than Rick.” – Terry Sullivan, Texans for Kay Campaign Manager

Austin, TX – Tonight, while the Hutchison campaign was releasing an ad attacking ObamaCare, Rick Perry was releasing the first negative ad of this campaign specifically picturing Kay Bailey Hutchison. Unfortunately for the Perry campaign, their ad makes numerous false and dishonest claims. Check out the full fact check below:

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison launched its first television ad, “Fighter.” The ad features Kay Bailey Hutchison speaking directly to Texans about fighting against President Obama’s proposed government takeover of healthcare. Kay Bailey Hutchison is committed to fighting for Texas both as a candidate for government and as a United States Senator battling ObamaCare and cap-and-trade legislation. The ad will begin airing tomorrow. The script and viewing link are below.

WATCH THE AD HERE

Perry Campaign Claims Tax Deduction Hutchison Passed In 2004 Didn’t Exist Until 2009. Then Why Did Rick Perry Claim The Sales Tax Deduction For The Past Three Years?

“If the Perry campaign is right and the sales tax deduction didn’t exist until 2009, how was Rick Perry able to deduct sales taxes then in 2006, 2007 and 2008? It must be because Kay Bailey Hutchison led the fight to pass a sales tax deduction for Texans in 2004. – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay Spokesman

Austin, TX – The Perry campaign has been caught red-handed making up facts and sending out false press releases. To suit their own purposes, the Perry campaign is telling Texans that the state sales tax deduction is something new in 2009 done by Harry Reid. That’s false according to Rick Perry’s own tax returns. In 2006, 2007 and 2008, Rick Perry deducted sales taxes from his federal income taxes. How was that possible? Because the state sales tax deduction was passed in 2004 due to Kay Bailey Hutchison’s leadership. Either Perry staffers haven’t been filling out their taxes right or they are misleading Texans. Check out the facts below:

Rick Perry’s 2008 Tax Return, Page 46, Sales Tax Deduction Worksheet

Rick Perry’s 2007 Tax Return, Page 44, Sales Tax Deduction Worksheet

Rick Perry’s 2006 Tax Return, Page 39, Sales Tax Deduction Worksheet

Perry Campaign Caught Changing History

“It’s unfortunate that Rick Perry and his campaign continue to peddle falsehoods and half-truths to Texans. For years, Texans have benefited from the state sales tax deduction on their federal income taxes that Kay Bailey Hutchison fought for in the United States Congress. Either Rick Perry is getting cheated on his taxes or he’s purposely misleading Texans.” – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay Spokesman


Austin, TX – There the Perry campaign goes again making up their own facts and sending out false press releases. To suit their own purposes, the Perry campaign is telling Texans that the state sales tax deduction is something new in 2009 done by Harry Reid. That’s false. The Reid amendment was to this year’s budget resolution, is not law and yet, Texans will be getting a sales tax deduction on their federal taxes in 2009 as they have since 2004. Why? Because the state sales tax deduction was passed in 2004 due to Kay Bailey Hutchison’s leadership. Either Perry staffers haven’t been filling out their taxes right or they are telling Texans half-truths. Check out the facts below:

The Real Facts About Kay Bailey Hutchison’s Long Leadership On Getting The State Sales Tax Deduction Passed:

In 2004, Hutchison Worked With Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX) To Include The State Sales Tax Deduction In The 2004 Tax Relief Bill.  “State sales taxes will be deductible for the next two years for Texans and residents of six other states who itemize their federal income tax returns under a bill signed Friday by President Bush.  U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady and DeLay have promoted the deduction, which allows residents to either keep all of their sales receipts for a year and itemize them, look at an average sales table for income and make a deduction based on that amount or do a combination of the two.” (Pam Easton, “Texans Get Sales Tax Deduction On Federal Tax Filings,” The Associated Press, 10/24/04)

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay Bailey Hutchison launched its first radio ad, “Just Look.” The ad highlights Kay Bailey Hutchison’s strong conservative record of fighting for Texas and against the liberals in Washington who are pushing for socialized medicine, cap-and-trade and wasteful spending. In the United States Senate, Hutchison fought for critical tax relief for Texans, fought for more Border Patrol agents and fought against wasteful spending. The ad will begin airing tomorrow. The script and listening link are below.

LISTEN TO THE AD HERE.

Perry Campaign Attacks Cheney For Repeating Perry’s Own Praise Of Hutchison’s Leadership

 
“Rick Perry’s campaign should apologize to Rick Perry for sending out a press release that directly contradicts his own praise for Kay Bailey Hutchison and her record of fighting for Texas. Despite his campaign’s distortions, it’s pretty clear that Rick Perry agrees with Dick Cheney that Kay Bailey Hutchison is a ‘true champion for Texas’ that ‘led’ the fight against a state income tax and increased Texas’ share of tax dollars.” – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay Spokesman
 
 
Austin, TX – This afternoon, the Perry campaign sent out a press release attacking Vice President Dick Cheney for praising Kay Bailey Hutchison and her leadership in fighting for Texas. However, the Perry campaign oddly attacks the former Vice President for things that Rick Perry has said almost word-for-word about Kay Bailey Hutchison’s record of fighting for Texas. It’s too bad that the Perry campaign would directly contradict their own boss:
 
Both Cheney And Perry Agree That Kay Bailey Hutchison “Led The Fight/Charge” Against A State Income Tax:
 
Yesterday, Vice President Cheney Said That Hutchison “Led The Fight To Kill The State Income Tax.” VP CHENEY: “She fought to ensure that state government lived within its means. As the architect of the cap to Texas’ debt limit, when Texas was faced with a budget shortfall and some legislators were proposing an income tax, Kay stood with the taxpayers and led the fight to kill the state income tax.” (Vice President Dick Cheney, Remarks, Houston, TX, 11/17/09)

Kay Bailey Hutchison
MSNBC’s “News Live”
November 18, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdxWaHYGZFA
 
Hutchison: The American People Deserve To Know What Is In The Democrat Health Care Bill:
 
MSNBC’s Tamron Hall: “Let me ask you, do you support Senator Coburn's idea of having this read, the entire 2,000 pages on the Senate floor?”
 
Hutchison: “Yes, I do. I do think that we must get everything out to the American people. Since they're announcing it today for the first time at five o’clock, we need to know what is in that bill. I think we should have 72 hours, put it on the internet so that we know what we're voting on. But if we don't have that, for heaven's sakes we ought to read it publicly.”

Kay Bailey Hutchison
WBAP’s “The Mark Davis Show”
November 18, 2009
 
Hutchison Says She Will Fight To Stop The Democrats’ Attempt To Ram Through A Government Takeover Of Healthcare:
 
Hutchison: “Mark, the first thing we need to do is get the dad-gum bill! You know, we still haven’t seen a Senate bill. And Harry Reid is talking about a vote as early as this Friday, and we haven’t seen the bill; we, the people who are going to vote on it, much less the public that is going to weigh in with their representatives. This is what’s unbelievable. And so, of course, Senator Coburn is saying, ‘Let’s read this bill in full.’ I support him fully in that, and we need to slow down before we pass something so massive – which of course I’m going to try to keep from being passed.

Perry Campaign Caught In Conflicting Answers

“When it comes to gas taxes, Rick Perry is trying to have it both ways. One day, Perry’s spokesman says he opposes tax increases and the next, we find out that he has long supported indexing the gas tax to inflation which is a ‘plain and simple’ tax increase. How can Texans trust Rick Perry if he won’t even be honest about where he stands on raising their gas taxes?” – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay Spokesman
 
 
Austin, TX – This week in Dallas, Rick Perry answered a question about transportation priorities by saying we must “come to a stronger realization that we’re going to have to expand our ability to raise some dollars to build roads.” Does that mean higher gas taxes? One day, Rick Perry and his campaign say he opposes gas tax increases. Then last night, The Dallas Morning News reports that Rick Perry said he would have signed a bill to index the gas tax to inflation which “would be a gas tax increase, plain and simple.” Check out the facts below:
 
This Week In Dallas, Rick Perry Promised “To Expand Our Ability To Raise Some Dollars To Build The Roads”:
 
Rick Perry: “So Hopefully When We Come Back In 2011, Both The Citizens And Their Elected Officials Will Come To A Stronger Realization That We’re Going To Have To Expand Our Ability To Raise Some Dollars.” PERRY: “One of the problems is that we do not have the dollars that we need to build all the transportation infrastructure needs that we have. So hopefully when we come back in 2011, both the citizens and their elected officials will come to a stronger realization that we’re going to have to expand our ability to raise some dollars to build the roads so that you don’t have the strangulation in places along the 1-35 corridor.” (Rick Perry, Remarks At Conrad High School, Dallas, TX, 11/16/09)

“Texas has no stronger or more effective advocate than Kay Bailey Hutchison. Anybody who’s ever worked with Kay, been around her for more than a few minutes, knows that Texas is her number one priority. She’s a fighter for Texas. She’s gotten results.” – Vice President Dick Cheney
 
Houston, TX – Today, in front of a large crowd in Houston, Vice President Dick Cheney announced his endorsement of Kay Bailey Hutchison to be the next Governor of Texas. Calling Hutchison the “real deal” and “a fighter for Texas,” Vice President Cheney said, “I’m proud to announce my support for Kay Bailey Hutchison, the next governor of the State of Texas.”
 
Thanking the Vice President for his support, Hutchison said, “I will build Texas for the next 20 years. I want the greatness to be there for our children. We have grown up in the greatest state in America. Our children deserve the same. We can do no less.”

Hutchison Campaign Releases New Web Video

“When Rick Perry says he’s going ‘to raise some dollars’ for roads, Texans can trust that it’s a commitment he’ll keep to build more toll roads, raise taxes and look at higher gas taxes. Instead of making it more costly for Texas drivers to go to and from work, Rick Perry should end the rampant mismanagement at TxDOT that is wasting billions on everything but roads. As governor, Kay Bailey Hutchison will end the cronyism, reform TxDOT and return to our tradition of free, quality highways and roads.” – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay Spokesman


Austin, TX – Yesterday, in Dallas, Rick Perry answered a question about transportation priorities by saying we must “come to a stronger realization that we’re going to have to expand our ability to raise some dollars to build roads.” Does that mean more toll roads? Higher taxes? Higher gas taxes? Check out the facts below and our new web video here.

Yesterday, In Dallas, Rick Perry Promised “To Expand Our Ability To Raise Some Dollars To Build The Roads”:

Rick Perry: “So Hopefully When We Come Back In 2011, Both The Citizens And Their Elected Officials Will Come To A Stronger Realization That We’re Going To Have To Expand Our Ability To Raise Some Dollars.” PERRY: “One of the problems is that we do not have the dollars that we need to build all the transportation infrastructure needs that we have. So hopefully when we come back in 2011, both the citizens and their elected officials will come to a stronger realization that we’re going to have to expand our ability to raise some dollars to build the roads so that you don’t have the strangulation in places along the 1-35 corridor.” (Rick Perry, Remarks At Conrad High School, Dallas, TX, 11/16/09)

"Touting an education record that fails the test, what Rick Perry won't tell Texans is that under his watch the dropout rate is costing our state’s economy up to $9 billion each year and the shortage of math and science teachers has ‘grown dramatically worse.’ Kay Bailey Hutchison will improve our education system and has fought for Texas by working to expand math and science education and make our state a leader in academic research.”  – Joe Pounder, Texans for Kay Spokesman

Austin, TX – Today, Rick Perry is in Dallas touting an education record that too often fails the test for Texas students. When it comes to preparing our children for the jobs of tomorrow and ensuring that our economy remains strong into the future, Texans are looking for a leader like Kay Bailey Hutchison who just doesn’t talk about improving education but gets results:

Under Perry, The “Longtime Shortage Of Teachers” In Math And Science Has “Grown Dramatically Worse” And Student Test Scores Have Remained Stagnant:

A 2009 Study By UT-Austin Researchers Found That Texas’ Longtime Shortage Of Teachers In Math And Science Has “Grown Dramatically Worse And Will Continue To Do So.” “Just as Texas is phasing in new high school graduation requirements that call for more math and science, a new study released Monday indicates that a longtime shortage of teachers in those subjects has grown dramatically worse and will continue to do so. The report from researchers at the University of Texas at Austin also found that the shortage has increasingly meant that less-qualified teachers are used, particularly at schools with lower-income students.” (Terrence Stutz, “Texas Teacher Shortage In Math, Science Worsens,” The Dallas Morning News, 2/10/09)

The National Assessment Of Educational Progress Found That Texas Students’ Proficiency In Math Has Been Stagnant Over The Last Two Years.  “Eighth- and fourth-grade students in Texas, like those in much of the rest of the nation, didn't show improvement on a national mathematics test, according to results released Wednesday. … Texas' scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the nation's report card, were flat for both grades.” (Laura Heinauer, “Texas, Nation Fail To See Gains On Nationwide Math Test,” Austin American-Statesman, 10/15/09)

“Along with Senator Cornyn and Congressman Neugebauer, there are many Abilenians in addition to the Military Affairs Committee who provide support and encouragement to our Dyess neighbors. Our partner for the last 13 years in this endeavor has been Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.”

Hutchison Visits Dyess AFB
Dr. Jim Webster
Abilene Reporter-News
November 15, 2009
 
Tomorrow at 9 a.m. the Military Affairs Committee of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce is delighted to welcome Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison to Dyess Air Force Base for the ground breaking of a multipurpose C-130J Maintenance Hangar and a new combined Armed Forces Reserve Center. These are some of the newer construction projects which Senator Hutchison has helped Dyess to obtain as either the Chairman or Ranking Minority Leader of the Senate Subcommittee on Military Construction. Since 1996 she has been instrumental in obtaining funding of over $300 million for Dyess Air Force Base. She has understood that to keep Dyess a viable and growing Air Force Base and safe from Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) that the mission of Dyess and its infrastructure must be enhanced. She has been involved in projects that relate directly to the mission of the B-1’s and the C-130’s. For example, the Realistic Bomber Training Initiative has not only been funded, but she helped to build the case among our neighbors to the west and within the Air Force as to the importance of this close vital training area. It meant building a regional engine repair and test cell capability on Dyess and insuring that it remained on the base. She also was instrumental in providing a new B-1 Squadron Operations Facility as well as a new C-130 Squadron Operations building. Because of her support we will begin to upgrade our C-130 aircraft to the new C-130J Model in April of 2010. Thus the new C-130 Maintenance Hangar for which we will have the ground breaking tomorrow, which will also provide maintenance for the B-1’s.

“Once Again Putting Texas First”:

Senator John Cornyn (R-TX): “I applaud Sen. Hutchison for once again putting Texas first and remaining in the Senate this year. Her experience and leadership will be critical as we continue to stand against the Democrats' out-of-control spending spree and government-run health care proposals.” (Richard Dunham, “Cornyn Statement On Hutchison Delaying Resignation,” Houston Chronicle’s “Texas on the Potomac” Blog, http://blogs.chron.com, 11/13/09)

“Proud To Have Her Standing With Me”:

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY): “Throughout her career, Senator Hutchison has always put her state of Texas first.  I applaud the decision Kay has made, and am proud to have her standing with me in the U.S. Senate in our fight against more spending, more debt, higher premiums, higher taxes and cutting seniors' Medicare in the Democrats' health care plan.  Her experience and skill will prove invaluable during this difficult fight.” (Todd J. Gillman, “For Hutchison, Political Cover From GOP Senate Leaders Cornyn And McConnell,” The Dallas Morning News’ “Trail Blazers” Blog, trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com, 11/13/09)

Fighting For Texas, She Will Not Resign Until ObamaCare And Cap-And-Trade Debates Are Over

Austin, TX – Today, Kay Bailey Hutchison delivered the following remarks as prepared for delivery to the Texas Federation of Republican Women Convention announcing her intention to fight for Texas as both a candidate for governor and as Texas’ Senior Senator battling the ObamaCare and cap-and-trade legislation that will only devastate our state:

“Good morning. It’s great to be here today with so many wonderful TFRW friends. I see a lot of new ones too.

“I wouldn’t be here today without the support, hard work and leadership of Republican women’s clubs throughout Texas.

“I have a lot to say today – so hang on.

“I have been honored to serve our state for a good part of my life. It’s a privilege I cherish. 

“Together, we have fought to make Texas the envy of our country. I am proud to have fought for polices that kept us strong. As State Treasurer, I fought to ensure our government lived within its means by putting forth a plan to cap the Texas debt limit. 

“Facing a budget deficit, a group of state leaders proposed a state income tax. I knew it was the wrong idea and led the effort to defeat it.

“Twenty years later, our citizens are better off because we don’t have an income tax.

Hutchison Campaign Releases New Web Video

Austin, TX – For the last several years, Rick Perry has told Texans that he has reduced crime along the border by some 65%. However, a Texas Tribune survey of hard data from the Texas Department of Public Safety out today shows “that crime rates in 20 border counties increased by about 2 percent on average from 2005 through 2008.”

“It’s clear that Texans can’t trust Rick Perry when he gets his numbers upside down. While Rick Perry is trying to manipulate the facts in order to win an election, Kay Bailey Hutchison is fighting for Texas and getting more resources for the Border Patrol and supporting programs like 287(g) which is leading to results in Harris County,” said Joe Pounder, Hutchison campaign Deputy Communications Director.

Camera Program Fails To Produce Results For Texans But Company Profits

Austin, TX – When it comes to border security, Rick Perry grandstands but fails to deliver with results. While Kay Bailey Hutchison increased funding for border security efforts, quadrupled the number of Border Patrol agents, opposes sanctuary city policies and supports construction of a border fence, Rick Perry has pumped $4 million into a border program that has netted just 11 arrests, will require even more taxpayer money in the future and is now being called a “boondoggle.”

Today, Texans for Kay Deputy Communications Director Joe Pounder released the following statement:

“Rick Perry’s border program has been a ‘boon’ for the company pocketing profits but a ‘boondoggle’ for Texas’ taxpayers. With no results, web traffic down and costs skyrocketing, Texans are being forced to pay a high price for Rick Perry’s border grandstanding. Because of her strong record of working to strengthen our border security, Kay Bailey Hutchison is the only leader Texans can trust.”

Austin, TX – Today, in Corpus Christi, Kay Bailey Hutchison responded to Saturday’s passage of a government-run health care bill in the U.S. House of Representatives and pledged to do everything possible to stop it in the Senate. She unequivocally stated her opposition to any form of a public option.

“On Saturday, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats turned away from the wishes of the American people for more affordable health care and embraced a government-run system that limits our freedoms and burdens future generations with higher taxes, more government mandates and less choice,” Hutchison said.

Hutchison praised the Republican members of the Texas delegation for unanimously opposing the bill, which would result in a government takeover of our healthcare system and a tax hike for all Texans. “Today and every day, they are fighting for Texas and are working to do what’s right for their constituents.”

“It’s a terrible bill and we will do everything we can to stop it.”

Kay Bailey Hutchison
Fox News’ “America’s News HQ”
November 8, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrHmH_BZY8A
 
Hutchison Discusses The Importance Of Stopping A Government Takeover Of Healthcare:
 
Fox News’ Julie Banderas: “Alright, so the House has spoken and now it is up to you in the Senate. So how far is the Senate from passing a bill, or will Republicans just try to filibuster this legislation altogether?”
 
Hutchison: “Oh Julie, we will do everything to try to slow this bill down so that the American people can see what’s really in it – the tax increases, the mandates, the taking away the choice that people have. Once we have that single-payer system, it’s going to take over the private insurance and people are not going to have the choices that they have today. It’s a terrible bill and we will do everything we can to stop it.”

Austin, TX – Kay Bailey Hutchison released the following statement welcoming Representative Hopson to the Republican Party:

“I welcome Representative Chuck Hopson into the Republican Party and look forward to working with him on the issues facing our country and state.  Chuck is a friend, and I know he shares our conservative principles and believes in limited government, individual liberty, low taxes, and fiscal restraint.  He has been a leader on issues concerning family values, border security, private property protection, and gun rights, and I look forward to having him in our party.

Austin, TX – Tonight, Kay Bailey Hutchison issued the following statement in response to the passage of critical propositions in Texas and sweeping Republican gubernatorial victories:
 
“Today is a good day for Republicans in Texas and across this country. The voters have spoken loud and clear and have rejected the policies being rammed through Congress by President Obama and the Democrats – a government takeover of our health care system, unprecedented debt, and higher taxes on families, workers and businesses.
 
“When we remain true to our conservative principles, we will win. I hope the Democrats in Congress listen to the voters and stop trying to force the government takeover of health care.

Austin, TX – Today, the Hutchison campaign formally announced its “Physicians for Kay” coalition, a group of physicians and members of the medical community who support Hutchison’s candidacy for governor.

Dr. Craig Callewart, “Physicians for Kay” statewide chairman and a member of the TEXPAC Board of Directors, noted that support for Hutchison’s candidacy in the medical community is widespread, and based on her record of pushing for conservative reform in the health care system.

“As a TEXPAC Board member who was present at the endorsement meeting, I can attest to the broad support that Kay Bailey Hutchison enjoys within TMA and with physicians across Texas,” Callewart said.  “To galvanize Kay’s widespread support from the medical community in Texas, I will be leading the ‘Physicians for Kay ‘coalition in her campaign for Governor.”

Thanking the physicians for their support, Hutchison said, “It is an honor to have the solid support of physicians and members of the medical community. I look forward to working with these leaders from the medical community as governor to improve health care and the doctor-physician relationship."

“As a co-chair of the ‘Physicians for Kay’ coalition I will be working to mobilize the support Kay has within the medical community,” said Dr. Tom Duncan of Lufkin who is also a member of the TEXPAC Board of Directors.  “Kay has always been a friend of medicine and I know that as the next governor of Texas, she will continue to work toward improving healthcare and strengthening the doctor-patient relationship as the next governor of Texas.”

Austin, TX – Today, the Hutchison campaign formally announced the “Aggies for Kay” coalition. Recognizing Kay as one of the most effective and hard working leaders in Texas, the distinguished group of former students, prominent Aggies  and dedicated supporters of A&M said the decision to support Hutchison was made with careful thought and with an eye to the future Texas.

“Under Kay Bailey Hutchison’s leadership in the U.S. Senate, Texas has moved to the forefront of national prominence in higher education research, and we need her as our next governor to keep building on that momentum,” said Bill Flores, an ‘Aggies for Kay’ spokesman. “The state’s long term economic viability rests firmly on the shoulders of our public education, and we believe this is the most critical issue in the race for Governor.”

Hutchison campaigns for passage of Proposition 11 with Farm Bureau in Houston

Austin, TX – Today, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Texas Farm Bureau Board Member Tom Paben campaigned together in support of Proposition 11 on the last day of early voting in Houston. Proposition 11, which will appear on the November 3rd ballot in Texas, will address the abuses of eminent domain left open by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2005 Kelo Decision.

“Private property rights are fundamental to Texans. When this basic right is threatened, the drive to protect it should unite us,” said Hutchison. “I urge Texans to join me in supporting the passage of Proposition 11, which will stop the government from taking private property from an individual to give it to another for his or her personal, economic gain.”

Video From Today Shows Rick Perry Standing In Austin With More Than 90% Of The Ranger Force

Austin, TX – In September, Rick Perry made a lot of press for announcing that he was deploying the Texas Rangers to the border. He lamented that the Rangers would have to be “pulled away from some of the work that they’re doing” in the state to go to the border.

Yet, almost two months after his announcement, Rick Perry today stood with more than 90% of the Texas Ranger force in Austin, not the border, for “B-roll”. Check out the video HERE.

So was Rick Perry’s September border security announcement fake? Have no Texas Rangers actually been deployed and have they been taken away from their duties for a “photo opportunity”? 

“If the Texas Rangers are standing with Rick Perry in Austin today, then who did he deploy to the border last month? To Rick Perry, border security is nothing more than a ‘photo opportunity’. Because of Kay Bailey Hutchison’s efforts, thousands of new Border Patrol agents are standing on the border today and that’s a result Texans can trust,” said Joe Pounder, Deputy Communications Director.

Austin, TX – Today, Kay Bailey Hutchison issued the following on the election of Cathie Adams as the new Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas:
 
“I want to congratulate Cathie Adams on her election as Chair of the Republican Party of Texas. I hope to work with her in building the Republican Party in Texas.”

CNBC’s “The Kudlow Report”
October 23, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfreF4tgDrY
 
Hutchison: A Government Takeover Of Health Care Would Be A “Tragic Mistake”:
 
CNBC’s Larry Kudlow: “As our own Steve Handlesman said, this government insurance plan looks like it’s back from the dead. Is that your reading?”
 
Hutchison: “You know Larry, that’s exactly what I was thinking. This is something that just doesn’t seem to go away. I thought the Democrats had gotten the message from the American people that they do not want a government takeover of their health care. But I did see that they had a meeting at the White House yesterday and it seems to be coming back. Maybe they’re just feeling their oats, and they want to strong-arm this through. They do have the majority of the House and Senate, and I think it is a tragic mistake, but they appear to be on the cusp of doing it.”

Austin, TX – Tonight, on CNBC, Rick Perry arrogantly claimed that his 2006 tax increase on businesses was actually a tax cut for businesses. He expressly says that in 2006 he cut taxes on businesses. Somehow, all the employers left paying Rick Perry’s new 2006 Gross Margins Tax probably don’t think they got a tax cut.
 
POLITICAL RHETORIC: Rick Perry Claims His 2006 Business Tax Increase Was Really A Business Tax Cut:
 
On CNBC’s “The Kudlow Report”, Rick Perry Tries To Falsely Claim His 2006 Gross Margins Tax Was Actually A Business Tax Cut. CNBC’S LARRY KUDLOW: “You do have corporate revenue taxes as far as I know.” And they have been raised. And I think they…” RICK PERRY: “Oh we do in the state of Texas. Actually, they have not. No they have not. They have not been raised. As a matter of fact, we lowered them in 2006. It was a four and a half percent rate on our franchise tax and we moved it down to one percent so I hate to disagree with you there.” (CNBC’s “The Kudlow Report,” 10/22/09)

“The 2005 Kelo ruling was an alarm bell for private property advocates nationwide. But for Texans, the Trans-Texas Corridor plan, much touted by Gov. Rick Perry, was the wake-up call.” – Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Proposition 11: Private Property Rights Sacred
Editorial
Corpus Christi Caller-Times
October 22, 2009

Property rights in Texas are about as sacred as the right to own a firearm — and maybe, in some quarters, even more sacrosanct. That right to hold property has been, in many Texans’ minds, under fire since a Supreme Court decision. But the threat to property rights seemed to come even closer with the now-defunct Trans-Texas Corridor plan.

That desire by Texans to underscore the right to hold property is the impetus for Proposition 11 on the Nov. 3 constitutional amendments ballot. Early voting began Monday.

The proposition would prohibit state government from taking private property and handing it over to a private developer with the aim of increasing the local tax base. That’s exactly what happened in Connecticut when the city of New London condemned private property to make way for a private development under the argument that the public good was better served by the higher tax revenue from the development than that from private residences. The 2005 Kelo ruling was an alarm bell for private property advocates nationwide. But for Texans, the Trans-Texas Corridor plan, much touted by Gov. Rick Perry, was the wake-up call.

Rick Perry Once Said it Was “Reprehensible” For Regulators To Solicit Campaign Cash From Those They Regulate. Today, He Says He Has No Problem With It.

Austin, TX – This morning, The Dallas Morning News reports that the Perry-appointed head of the Alcoholic Beverage Commission is soliciting campaign contributions for Rick Perry from the same people he is charged with regulating. This is a classic “shakedown” for campaign cash and the exact same type of “shakedown” that Rick Perry called “reprehensible” in 1990.

“After nearly a decade of being governor, Rick Perry has even lost touch with his own values in a desperate effort to hang on to power,” said Joe Pounder, Deputy Communications Director.

This Morning, The Dallas Morning News Reports That The Perry-Appointed Head Of The Alcoholic Beverage Commission Is Soliciting Contributions For Perry From Those He Regulates:

Dallas Morning News: Perry-Appointed Chair Of The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission “Is Soliciting Contributions For The Governor's Re-Election Campaign From The Owners Of Bars And Restaurants He Regulates.” “Gov. Rick Perry's appointee as chairman of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is soliciting contributions for the governor's re-election campaign from the owners of bars and restaurants he regulates. In an e-mail to hundreds of restaurants that serve alcohol, José Cuevas seeks donations of $1,000 to $5,000 for a Perry fundraiser next month at an Austin steakhouse. Cuevas, a Midland restaurateur, was appointed by Perry to the commission in 2004 and was named chairman last year.” (Wayne Slater, “TABC Chief, A Perry Appointee, Solicits Donations For Governor,” The Dallas Morning News, 10/22/09)

Democrats’ Hidden Gas Tax
Extra $1 Per Gallon At The Pump Will Mean All Pain, No Gain
By Kay Bailey Hutchison And Christopher S. Bond
The Washington Times
October 21, 2009

There’s something the Democratic lawmakers who are pushing cap-and-trade legislation don’t want the public to know. The controversial climate-change legislation winding its way through Congress will impose a massive new national gas tax on the American people. We discovered this by analyzing what the Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade bill would do to gas prices and what Americans spend on gasoline, diesel and jet fuels. We found that cap-and-trade legislation will levy a $3.6 trillion gas-tax increase that will impact every American and important segments of our economy.

The goal of this climate-change legislation is actually to increase the price of traditional forms of carbon-based energy such as coal, gas and oil so that consumers will respond by using less of it. Some lawmakers call this “setting the price on carbon.” Economists refer to this kind of policy as a price signal. But the bottom line is that the price of energy will go up. Ultimately, all Americans will pay directly or indirectly for the higher fuel prices the cap-and-trade legislation will cause.

Americans travel more than 200 million vehicle miles each month, and annually we spend nearly $1.2 trillion on gasoline and oil. The average household spends 5 percent of its annual budget on fuel. For many, gasoline is a mandatory expense. And this legislation disproportionately hits middle and lower income households that tend to have longer commutes to work and must drive in order to work. These families will be hit especially hard by the projected $1 per gallon increase for the additional gas tax the cap-and-trade legislation will bring.

Also Says Hutchison “Wasteful” To Support Funds For Children’s Hospitals In Texas

Austin, TX – Last week, Rick Perry and his campaign attacked Kay Bailey Hutchison saying that the nearly $7 billion she secured for military construction in Texas was “wasteful.” While our troops and their families at Forts Bliss, Hood and Sam Houston certainly don’t view these funds as a waste, that hasn’t stopped Rick Perry’s campaign. Today, the Perry campaign is citing a group that calls all funding for Texas a “waste” including military funding and funding for children’s hospitals in Corpus Christi, Dallas, Ft. Worth and Houston.

“Only Rick Perry would say it’s ‘wasteful’ to ensure that our military men and women stationed at Texas bases have the support and resources that they need. Only Rick Perry would attack Kay Bailey Hutchison for securing funds for children’s hospitals in Texas. If Rick Perry believes renovated barracks or upgraded hospital facilities are ‘wasteful,’ he should tell Texans,’” said Joe Pounder, Deputy Communications Director.

“For the record, the Express-News Editorial Board supports the death penalty for society’s most egregious crimes. Perry’s questionable actions are doing more to discredit the impartial application of the state’s ultimate sanction than any death penalty opponent could.” – San Antonio Express-News

Editorial
San Antonio Express-News
October 20, 2009

By many accounts, Cameron Willingham was an unsavory character. He allegedly beat his wife. He had a criminal record of nonviolent felonies and misdemeanors.

Those aren’t capital crimes.

Willingham was put to death in 2004 for the murder of his three daughters by arson. Subsequent expert examinations of the forensic evidence — the only meaningful evidence that led to his conviction — has cast serious doubt on the integrity of the arson investigation.

But the person who is generating the most doubt about the Willingham case is Gov. Rick Perry. Perry’s duty as governor is to uphold the laws of the state of Texas. But his reshuffling of the Texas Forensic Science Commission is making it look as though his primary consideration is delaying or stopping a commission finding that might hurt his re-election effort.

The commission had been reviewing the case for two years. Last month, just as it was preparing to hold a public hearing to review expert testimony, Perry sacked the commission’s chairman and two other members. The new chairman canceled the hearing.

Perry’s self-serving actions don’t stop there. As the Houston Chronicle reported, the governor’s office is refusing to release information about how — or even if — Perry and his staff considered Willingham’s reprieve request. The request included an expert analysis that refuted the forensic findings. Perry’s predecessors, including George W. Bush, have made gubernatorial reviews of death penalty cases a matter of public record.

Hutchison campaigns for passage of Proposition 11 with Agriculture Commissioner, Farm Bureau and local officials

Austin, TX – Today, Kay Bailey Hutchison and Texas Farm Bureau President Kenneth Dierschke campaigned together in support of Proposition 11 in Dallas, Nacogdoches and Lufkin. Proposition 11, which will appear on the November 3rd ballot in Texas, will address the abuses of eminent domain left open by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2005 Kelo Decision.

“Private property rights are fundamental to Texans. When this basic right is threatened, the drive to protect it should unite us,” said Hutchison. “I urge Texans to join me in supporting the passage of Proposition 11, which will stop the government from taking private property from an individual to give it to another for his or her personal, economic gain.”

Hutchison and Dierschke were joined by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples in Nacogdoches and Lufkin, State Representative Wayne Christian in Nacogdoches, and State Representative Jim McReynolds in Lufkin.

“Government should never be allowed to take private property from one person to give to another. That is why I’m supporting Proposition 11 to limit government’s power of eminent domain and give private property rights teeth by placing safeguards in the Texas state constitution,” continued Hutchison.

Perry’s failure to address health care and education jeopardizing Texas

Austin, TX – The Texas Workforce Commission today released data showing that Texas lost nearly 45,000 jobs in September and the unemployment rate rose to 8.2 percent – 343,000 jobs have been lost since September 2008 and the Texas unemployment rate is at a 22 year high. The unemployment report comes on the heels of reports stating that Texas’ health care system has languished under Perry’s watch and student proficiency in math has been stagnant.

“While Rick Perry spends all his time on cover-ups and playing politics, Texans continue to lose jobs at a record place,” said Hutchison communications director Jennifer Baker.  “Texans need a Governor who is focused on getting results instead of protecting his own political ambitions with cover-ups and cronyism”

A new report issued by the Commonwealth Fund and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that Texas has the highest uninsured population in the nation and that the percentage of residents without health coverage could balloon from 27.5 percent to as much as one-third of the population in the next 10 years. Additionally, the National Assessment of Education Progress found that Texas students’ proficiency in math have remained stagnant despite the Governor’s campaign pledges to improve education.

For nearly ten years, Rick Perry has failed to address the issues of health care and education. Under his watch, Texas has one of the highest dropout rates in America and the highest number of uninsured. If this continues Texas will no longer be able to attract businesses and create jobs.

“Despite campaign promise to improve education and address the health care crisis, after nearly ten years Rick Perry has failed to produce results,” said Baker.  “Now more than ever Texans need a governor who will be focused on results instead of wielding his power to further his own political agenda.”

Perry Pressed About Excuse That It Was Just Time For New Appointments

Austin, TX – For more than two weeks, Rick Perry has claimed it was just normal protocol to fire members of the Texas Forensic Science Commission when their terms were up. Yesterday, Rick Perry was pressed on that point. He said “very, very rarely” does he permit holdover appointees. However, as of April 2007, holdovers made up 750 of Rick Perry’s 2,200 appointees. One out of three being a holdover is not rare. Indeed, an examination of the facts shows that it is anything but standard protocol for Rick Perry to replace appointees once their terms expire.

Yesterday, WFAA’s Brad Watson Caught Rick Perry In A Commission Cover-Up When He Said “He Replaces The Vast Majority Of His Appointees When Their Time Is Done”:

WFAA’s Brad Watson: “Perry says the appointees' terms were up, and that he replaces the vast majority of his appointees when their time is done. But not always. Perry kept on the late Ric Williamson as transportation chairman 10 months after his term expired.”

Watson (VIDEO): “But there have been times, sir, when you've left appointees like the late Chairman Williamson on the transportation commission.”
 
Rick Perry: “Very, very rarely is that the case.”

Watson: “But not unprecedented.”

Perry: “Well, you know, I always enjoy those of you in the media who find one thing and say, well, it's not forever and ever, no.”

Watch the report: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC_ysNXBtl8

Austin, TX – With today’s comments by the Governor’s office in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Deputy Communications Director Joe Pounder issued the following statement:

“As hard as Rick Perry’s office and his campaign may try to divert from the issue, this is not about one man or one case. The issue is Rick Perry’s heavy-handed politicization of a process and Commission established by the legislature to provide critical oversight. First, Rick Perry delayed the formation of the Texas Forensic Science Commission, then he tried to ensure it didn’t have funding and when all else failed, he fired everyone he could. The only thing Rick Perry’s actions have accomplished is giving liberals an argument to discredit the death penalty. Kay Bailey Hutchison is a steadfast supporter of the death penalty, voted to reinstate it when she served in the Texas House and believes we should never do anything to create a cloud of controversy over it with actions that look like a cover-up.”

“Only the governor knows whether his motives were political, but these recent episodes have produced a pungent smell of politicization. And the odor is nauseating.” – Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Perry pays lip service to freedom of information and sunshine in government, but the fact remains he is arguably the most secretive governor in modern-day state history. His refusal to release the files he reviewed before the execution of Cameron Todd Willingham is just the latest example in a long line of actions designed to keep the public in the dark about the governor’s travels, correspondence and how decisions are made.” – Longview News-Journal

“Matter of fact, I signed a letter with the Governor of West Virginia”…

Austin, TX – One year ago, Rick Perry joined with a Democrat Governor to write Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi in support of the financial stabilization package. Their letter came in the critical hours before Congress voted and their joint statement was touted by the Democrat leadership. The impact was clear and the headline was clear: “Perry, W.Va. Governor Team Up To Pass Bailout.” Today, on radio in Houston, Rick Perry was touting his letter and his call to ACT on the financial stabilization package.

In An Interview On KSEV 700 AM, Rick Perry Touts His Letter In Support Of TARP:

Perry: “Matter of fact, I signed a letter with the Governor of West Virginia, who’s a Democrat, when – September/October a year ago – when they were talking about, ‘Oh my goodness, the economy is tanking, and we’ve got to do something.’ And we signed a letter and basically said, you know, don’t get all frozen up in fear, act. I didn’t know we needed to write it out for them and say, stop spending all of the money and you know, cut the taxes. That’s the blueprint that worked. And still, we got people that voted for this bailout that was in hindsight now just an absolute giveaway, did not help the economy at all.”

Listen to it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o38-vVjnvsw

Austin – Today, the Perry campaign is once again proving that their facts can’t be trusted. The Perry campaign is arrogantly and falsely discounting Kay Bailey Hutchison’s leadership and record of accomplishment in supporting Texas’ universities and colleges, increasing access to higher education, providing for math and science education so we stay competitive, enacting new programs to recruit new teachers and expanding school choice. While Hutchison was earning praise for getting results, Rick Perry was pretty much dropping out of the education issue.

“A good education should have taught Rick Perry’s campaign that you can’t make up your facts. Unfortunately, under Rick Perry, all Texans have gotten is a record of broken promises. While Kay Bailey Hutchison was getting results and expanding education opportunity, Rick Perry was pressuring regents to resign because they made the wrong political contribution,” said Joe Pounder, Hutchison Deputy Communications Director.

NOTE In Response To Perry Campaign Release: On Rick Perry’s campaign website under “Issues,” the “Education” section (actually there is no “Education” section, just “higher education”) includes one sentence but zero policy proposals, nor any mention of his accomplishments – or lack thereof – related to education. Frankly, if you click on the section called “Higher Education,” all you get is today’s attack release.

Austin – Today, in Houston, Rick Perry will talk about his record of making promises on education but always failing to make the grade. Rick Perry said he would increase accountability but reports have found that Texas’ standards lag the nation. For more than a decade, Rick Perry said he would make education his number one priority but has failed to provide results.

“Rick Perry’s education record is one of political rhetoric but with few results to show. Frankly, the only education accountability Rick Perry is interested in is making sure that University Regents donate to his campaign. Texans can’t trust and our children can’t afford a governor who only talks education every four years,” said Joe Pounder, Hutchison Deputy Communications Director.

Kay Bailey Hutchison And Rep. Michael Burgess
WBAP Radio’s “The Mark Davis Show”
October 13, 2009
http://kaybaileyhutchison.blip.tv/file/2715041/

Hutchison Says This Race Is About Building A Texas That Will Be Strong For The Next 20 Years:

Hutchison: “The reason that I am taking this on, which is not the easy road, is that I am so concerned about Texas for the next 20 years. Looking to the future, I think the Republican Party is imploding. I think that we need leadership to have a Ronald Reagan outreach to people who believe in limited government, lower taxes, a responsible conservative government in Texas. We have to do it by building the Republican Party. We are two away from losing the Texas House of Representatives. We are losing the major urban areas in our state, which affect our judiciary, affect our county governments. And I was a Republican when there were 13 in the Texas House of Representatives. I’ve worked to build this party. When Governor Perry was a Democrat, I was a Republican fighting for Republican principles. And I’m not going to sit back and allow this to continue. I’m taking on the job that I think only I can do, honestly, of trying to get Texas back on track. We haven’t addressed the issues of education, transportation. Our TxDOT is so off base. They are so arrogant, they are dictatorial and they’re not doing the job. Education, we’re not doing the job.”

Austin, TX – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess announced his support for Kay Bailey Hutchison for governor of Texas.

Joining Texans for Kay, Burgess said, “Kay has been a leader for Texas in the U.S. Senate and will be even more effective as governor. Her vision for the future of this state is exactly what we need – strong stances against higher taxes and spending, a forward-looking plan for state transportation and firm protection of private property rights. Kay's record is one that clearly puts results ahead of politics, and that is the kind of leadership that those of us in North Texas and across the entire state need in our next governor.”

Kay Bailey Hutchison thanked Congressman Burgess for his statement and his leadership for those in North Texas by saying, “Congressman Burgess has been a strong voice for conservative principles in the U.S. House of Representatives. The people of the 26th District are proud of Dr. Burgess's leadership. His support is tremendously important to me, and I look forward to working with him as governor.”

The Dallas Morning News
Editorial
October 13, 2009

Gov. Rick Perry’s Saturday night massacre of the Texas Forensic Science Commission has extended into Sunday and beyond.

When the governor abruptly unseated three commission members, including the chairman, he derailed a hearing about a flawed arson investigation that led to an execution. Little more than a week later, the governor has replaced a fourth member of the forensic science panel.

Perry has insisted that this was standard operating procedure, all part of the regular cycle of appointments. But troubling comments from the deposed chairman suggest that the governor’s efforts to change the course of this inquiry began months ago.

The commission is examining the arson-murder case of Cameron Todd Willingham, who was sent to his death in 2004. Fire science experts have emphatically rebuked the arson investigation, but the governor has attempted to plug his ears and push aside accumulating evidence that Texas might have executed an innocent man on his watch.

“Unchecked Government” Talk Comes On The Same Day Former Commission Head Says Governor’s Office Pressured Him Over Investigation

Austin – Today, in Corpus Christi, Rick Perry said that our nation’s leaders need to re-read the Constitution, especially the part about checks and balances. However, Rick Perry’s talk of “unchecked government” comes after a month of headlines exposing his treating Texas like his own political playground. Whether it’s University Regents or the Texas Forensic Science Commission, it’s clear that Rick Perry’s talk of checks and balances is just more arrogant political rhetoric.

“Only Rick Perry would arrogantly warn about the dangers of ‘unchecked government’ as he and his aides force University Regents to resign, pressure appointees and try to cover-up a critical investigation. From University Regents to the Texas Forensic Science Commission, it’s clear that the only checks and balances that Rick Perry cares about are those of his campaign re-election fund,” said Joe Pounder, Hutchison Deputy Communications Director.

Austin, TX – On Friday, Rick Perry and his campaign attacked Kay Bailey Hutchison, saying she supported “wasteful” spending. However, included in the “wasteful” spending highlighted by Rick Perry is nearly $7 billion in funds for military construction projects in Texas that support our troops and their families at Forts Bliss, Hood and Sam Houston. These bases are critical to military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and are often the last stop for our troops before they head overseas. Since when has supporting our military men and women been “wasteful” and not reflective of “Texas values”?

“If Rick Perry truly believes it’s ‘wasteful’ to provide critical resources to Forts Bliss, Hood and Sam Houston, he owes Texans and the thousands of military families in this state an explanation. Since when has supporting our military men and women and creating jobs ever been a waste? Rick Perry may believe these funds are wasted on the military but Kay Bailey Hutchison will continue fighting whatever way she can for our troops,” – Joe Pounder, Deputy Communications Director

Austin, TX – Are Pelosi House Democrats taking their cues from Rick Perry? Yesterday, House Democrats stripped a Hutchison-backed provision out of the Homeland Security bill that would have funded critical border fencing. What’s striking is that House Democrats are actually standing with Rick Perry. For years, Perry has attacked the very idea of border fencing. Will Rick Perry applaud the House Democrats’ efforts to defeat this conservative amendment or will he commit another election-year conversion?
 
In Austin today, Kay Bailey Hutchison said about the Democrats’ action, “I agree with my colleague Senator Cornyn and others that it is very important we continue to put more Border Patrol agents on the border for our security, but also to ensure that we have the barriers that will be effective against the illegal drug trafficking, and human trafficking and the real violations of our border that we need to stop for the sovereignty of our country.”

On House Democrats siding with Rick Perry, the Hutchison campaign added:
 
“When it comes to securing our border, Rick Perry, Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats are reading off the same talking points. While Kay Bailey Hutchison was working to secure our border, Rick Perry was traveling across the state calling the very idea of a fence ‘silly’ and playing politics with his failed border camera program. Unfortunately, Texans aren’t laughing about Rick Perry and Nancy Pelosi seeing eye to eye in undermining efforts to secure our border,” – Joe Pounder, Deputy Communications Director

Kay Bailey Hutchison
Interview On Fox News’ “Your World”
October 8, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtSoSUfsTXY

Hutchison On The Campaign And Her Vision For Texas:

Hutchison: “I want to talk about why I’m running, what the differences are, the importance of rebuilding the Republican Party, putting Texas on sound footing financially, which we really aren’t, and then addressing the issues like education and transportation. I think there are many things that are not being done to prepare Texas for the next 25 years. We are the best state in America. We are a pro-business state that doesn’t have a state income tax. We have right to work laws, good tort reform laws. All of those things do attract people. But we have to have an educated workforce to keep attracting business, and right now we have the highest dropout rate in America. So I want to address those issues that I think have been languishing for the last 10 years.”

Hutchison On Rick Perry’s Use Of Federal Stimulus Funds To Balance The State Budget:

Hutchison: “It’s very important that we have a rainy day fund. But the reason we do is because of the stimulus money that was used to balance the budget, $12 billion. In fact, Texas was the biggest user for balancing the budget, of the stimulus funds. So I think that we just want to make sure that people know we’re going to be going into the next legislative session with a $12 billion deficit that is going to be, of course, a challenge to make-up. But I want to do it by cutting spending.”

Austin, TX – Yesterday, Rick Perry’s Department of Transportation announced that they had spent nearly $60 million on one project that became a “Road to Nowhere.” In total, TxDOT and Rick Perry have spent over $130 million on a Trans-Texas Corridor that has taken Texas taxpayers on a “Road to Nowhere.”

“Seven years ago, Rick Perry put Texas on a Road to Nowhere by proposing a project that nobody wanted but Rick Perry. Yesterday, Texans found out that the Road to Nowhere and Rick Perry’s arrogance cost them tens of millions and will cost still millions more that could have been spent relieving traffic congestion. The taxpayers of Texas can’t trust a governor who wants to take their land and waste their money,” said Joe Pounder, Deputy Communications Director.

Austin, TX – Today, Rick Perry’s Department of Transportation announced that they had spent nearly $60 million on one project that didn’t build one highway but did move some paperwork through the bureaucracy. Click here to view the Houston Chronicle article (“The Cost of Burying the Trans-Texas Corridor”) regarding the cost of just one part of Rick Perry’s failed Trans-Texas Corridor:

“With nearly $60 million down the drain for TTC-35 and nothing to show for it, Rick Perry’s failed Trans-Texas Corridor is a testament to nearly a decade spent in Austin arrogantly wasting the taxpayer money without providing any results. Texans shouldn’t be forced to pay a tax for Rick Perry’s arrogance in pushing a project that nobody wanted but Rick Perry,” – Joe Pounder, Deputy Communications Director

Commissioner Plainly States TxDOT Is “The Most Arrogant State Agency In The History Of The State Of Texas”

Austin, TX – Today’s Texas Department of Transportation press conference was a revealing look at Rick Perry’s mismanagement of state government. In between providing caveats and qualifiers to their statement that they are “killing” the Trans-Texas Corridor, TxDOT took time to tout their arrogance. After seeing the Texas Department of Transportation waste millions and threaten to confiscate nearly 600,000 acres of private property, Texans don’t think arrogance is anything to be proud of.  

Statement from the Hutchison campaign:

“Behind all of TxDOT’s caveats and qualifiers today is a very clear reality that the Trans-Texas Corridor will not be officially dead until Rick Perry is no longer governor and his political appointees are no longer running TxDOT. While TxDOT is touting their arrogance, Texans don’t think Rick Perry’s record of wasting millions is anything to be proud of,” – Joe Pounder, Deputy Communications Director

“The evidence that Perry is trying to delay or even quash a commission finding that could prove to be detrimental to his re-election effort is at least as sound as the evidence that sent Todd Willingham to the death chamber in Huntsville.” – San Antonio Express-News

“We hope the new forensic commission chairman swiftly acquaints himself with the Willingham case and pushes forward to a rescheduled hearing before the March primary. Otherwise, the inescapable conclusion will be that his appointment was just another example of the governor’s appointment politics.” – Houston Chronicle

“Gov. Rick Perry’s decision to remove three members of the Texas Forensic Science Commission just before a meeting on whether the state executed an innocent man convicted of the arson-related deaths of his three daughters simply doesn’t pass the smell test. Once again, it appears the governor has put his political interests ahead of what’s best for the state.” – Longview News-Journal

Austin, TX – In another election-driven, hyper-political move, Rick Perry’s Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is claiming that they will officially kill the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC), which would have required the government to seize nearly 600,000 acres of private land and leased our highways to a foreign company. However, this is not the first time TxDOT – the most arrogant agency in state government – has said they killed the TTC. It’s clear that this announcement is all for show, and as was reported just today, Rick Perry still supports the TTC.

Statement from the Hutchison campaign:

“The Trans-Texas Corridor will not be officially dead until Rick Perry is no longer governor and his political appointees are no longer running TxDOT. Texans can’t trust Rick Perry when it comes to protecting their land from the government, ceasing to lease our highways to foreign companies or ending the Trans-Texas Corridor,” – Joe Pounder, Deputy Communications Director

Austin, TX – While the Perry campaign derides Texas’ farmers and ranchers, Rick Perry’s record indicates that he is plotting retribution as well. As the Houston Chronicle, Quorum Report and Texas Monthly have all now highlighted, Rick Perry has developed a reputation and a record for seeking revenge against those who endorse his opponents. This is just more of the typical Perry politics that Texans can’t trust.

“Rick Perry’s threats of retribution and revenge won’t move Texas forward. Texans can’t trust a leader who is more focused on playing politics in Austin than getting results for Texas,” said Joe Pounder, Deputy Communications Director.

By Wayne Slater
The Dallas Morning News
October 6, 2009

AUSTIN — Kay Bailey Hutchison chose a downtown boot store Monday to declare herself the true friend of the farmer.

Aides arranged three wooden boxes as a podium, and Hutchison stood against backdrop of leather belts and Luccheses (alligator, calfskin, full-quill ostrich — price tag: $899 a pair).

On cue, a spokesman for the Texas Farm Bureau declared Hutchison, a senator from North Dallas, “the true champion of property rights” — not Rick Perry, a rancher’s son from Paint Creek.

There are few things more certain among Texas conservatives than the reverence for property rights.

And on Monday, Hutchison sought to claim the political high ground on the issue in her battle against Perry for the Republican nomination for governor in the March primary.

She brought with her the president of the Farm Bureau, which endorsed her.

“Senator Hutchison has been a leader in the U.S. Senate on agriculture and property rights issues,” said farm bureau President Kenneth Dierschke.

And Governor Perry? Not so much, he said.

Setting The Record Straight As Perry Tries To Cover-Up His Terrible Record Of Protecting Private Property Rights

Austin, TX -- The Perry campaign is at it again and making up facts to cover-up Perry’s poor record on private property rights.  Their claim that Kay Bailey Hutchison just voted against property rights has been extensively fact checked and found to be FALSE. Indeed, the Perry campaign cites one vote but fails to mention the vote right before “when Hutchison … cast an unambiguous vote for private property rights.” While Hutchison was protecting property rights in the Senate, Rick Perry was seeking to confiscate thousands of acres of farmland for the Trans-Texas Corridor. Check it out:

Texas Monthly’s Paul Burka: “Did Hutchison Vote Against Protecting Landowners? … No”, Hutchison “Previously Cast An Unambiguous Vote For Property Rights.” “UPDATED: Did Hutchison vote against protecting landowners? … Coburn’s amendment #2483 would have required that the funds in question be used solely for maintenance. Had it passed, the effect would have been to knock out new projects AND land acquisition. As I understand the Perry campaign’s argument, it is that amendment #2483 also protected property rights by prioritizing maintenance and repairs, thereby assuring that the money could not be used to purchase land. It seems a stretch to call a vote against the amendment an anti-property rights vote, when Hutchison had previously cast an unambiguous vote for property rights on amendment #2482 and the motivation for her vote against amendment #2483 was clearly to preserve projects for Texas. So I would say that the answer to the question posed in the headline is: No.” (Paul Burka, “UPDATED: Did Hutchison Vote Against Protecting Landowners?” Texas Monthly’s “Burka Blog,” http://www.texasmonthly.com/blogs/burkablog/?p=4860#more-4860, 9/29/09)

Cite issues of trust and leadership on important issues to farmers and ranchers

Waco, TX – The Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund (AGFUND), the largest grassroots organization in Texas, today endorsed Kay Bailey Hutchison in the Republican primary for Governor and praised her solid record of protecting private property rights.

"This is the most important race for governor in a long time.  For the future of Texas, we call for new leadership.  We call for new ideas and a new vision," said Kenneth Dierschke, AGFUND President. "Kay Bailey Hutchison is that leader. She has been a leader for Texas in the United States Senate and we trust her to be a Governor who will stand on principal and lead on issues like protecting private property rights."

Hutchison, who has been a leader on agriculture and property rights issues, accepted today's important endorsement at events in Waco, Lubbock, Ft. Worth and Austin.  "I am honored to have the support of Texas farmers and ranchers. I look forward to leading the fight to protect private propertyrights and to reform eminent domain when I'm Governor."

Laredo, TX – Today, Kay Bailey Hutchison spoke to the annual convention of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) in Laredo.
 
In her remarks, Hutchison honored the sacrifice that our state's law enforcement community makes on behalf of Texas families.  She also spoke about the pride she takes in working on the side of law enforcement in the United States Senate.
 
"We owe the men and women of public safety – and their families – all the support we can give them," states Hutchison.  "You also deserve a governor who will lead – who will make certain law enforcement gets what it needs, and deserves – and doesn’t merely start responding when a challenge appears in the year before an election.”

Austin, TX – Today, Rick Perry and his campaign are once again seeking to point the finger at someone else and cover-up for his administration’s failures. Rick Perry’s Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – the most arrogant agency in state government – lost federal transportation money because it failed to plan for a deadline it knew was years in the making. Instead of obligating and using the funds for needed transportation projects in the state, TxDOT held onto the money and its poor planning has cost millions.

“While Kay Bailey Hutchison was working to prevent this loss of funds and voted to do just that, Rick Perry has been too busy playing politics and not looking after our state’s transportation system. Rick Perry could have and should have directed TxDOT to plan ahead, which would have allowed the state to retain millions of its federal highway dollars. TxDOT should twitter less and plan more,” said Joe Pounder, Deputy Communications Director.

Austin, TX – Today, Kay Bailey Hutchison released the following statement regarding a judge’s decision that Texas’ definition of marriage is unconstitutional:
 
“I believe that marriage is between one man and one woman, period.  As a United States Senator, I have consistently voted to preserve the sanctity of marriage and as Governor I will continue to defend traditional marriage.  I applaud Attorney General Greg Abbott’s decision to appeal the court’s ruling and defend the traditional definition of marriage that was approved by Texas voters.”

By W. Gardner Selby
Austin American-Statesman
October 1, 2009

A politically critical day played out a year ago when Texas Gov. Rick Perry urged Congress to pass an economic recovery plan and then objected to approval of an economic recovery plan.

No one in Perry’s realm has since illuminated what changed between his morning “giddyap” and afternoon “whoa”— nor even conceded that he took a confusing turn.

And now what Perry said then could be vital to his re-election message of tagging his key challenger in the March GOP primary as Sen. Kay “Bailout” Hutchison.

Oct. 1, 2008, was a heck of a day for both of them.

That morning, Perry and West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin released a letter described in press accounts as part of a national push for a $700 billion bailout of Wall Street sought by President George W. Bush.

Austin, TX – In an anniversary he would like to forget, today marks one year since Rick Perry joined with a Democrat Governor to write Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi in support of the financial stabilization package. Their letter came in the critical hours before Congress voted and their joint statement was touted by the Democrat leadership. The impact was clear and the headline was clear: “Perry, W.Va. Governor Team Up To Pass Bailout.” No matter how much he would like to forget, the letter was a clear statement of support. Check it out here and the facts below: http://texasweekly.com/files/DGARGA%20Reid.pdf.

CNBC’s “The Kudlow Report”
September 30, 2009
Watch the YouTube Video here.

Hutchison On The Democrats’ Cap-And-Tax Bill:

Hutchison: “You know that this is going to send our American jobs overseas. What they're doing is they're going to tax the industries that produce our oil and natural gas, our basic resources for energy and our country and it's going to send the jobs overseas. The refinery capacity, the refiners are going to pay the taxes. Every person's electricity bill is going to go up. The cost of gasoline is going to go up. Every form of energy will go up. It is unilateral disarmament.

"And further, Larry, even the EPA administrator admitted that if America does this by ourselves, which is, of course, our law would do it by ourselves, it won't have any impact on the global carbon emissions problem. So we are taking away our own jobs, we are increasing the cost of electricity and energy for every American family, and it's not going to help the global environment because no other country’s going to have these kinds of standards.”

By Jennifer Dlouhy
Houston Chronicle’s “Texas on the Potomac” Blog
September 30, 2009

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison today decried what she called Democrats’ “cap-and-tax” plan for regulating greenhouse gas emissions blamed for climate change.

The House narrowly passed its own climate change bill in June, and today Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., officially unveiled their own plan for limiting carbon dioxide emissions.

The Kerry-Boxer bill would require a 20 percent reduction over 2005 levels of the carbon dioxide emissions blamed for climate change -- compared with a 17 percent cut mandated in a bill that narrowly passed the House in June and Obama’s call for a 14 percent reduction by 2020.

Austin – Today, in another election-year conversion, Rick Perry now supports criminal penalties for employers who knowingly violate employment laws by hiring illegal immigrations even though he opposed them in 2006. In other words, Rick Perry was against criminal penalties for employers before he was for them.

“Apparently, Rick Perry’s campaign rhetoric was hacked by his record. Texans deserve a governor they can trust won’t change their positions on critical issues like illegal immigration to suit an election,” said Joe Pounder, Hutchison Deputy Communications Director.

Questions True Strength Of Perry Campaign

Austin – Today, the Hutchison campaign released the following statement on this morning’s report in the Dallas Morning News that the Perry campaign has concocted a program to hand out campaign cash in exchange for support and votes: 

“Typical Rick Perry arrogance, when his failed record can’t earn him support, he’ll just buy it. This is just more of the disappointing politics we’ve come to expect from Rick Perry. From making policy for the benefit of his political contributors to pressuring Regents, Texans are ready for a governor who will earn votes with results and not buy support with campaign cash,” said Jennifer Baker, Hutchison Communications Director.

Kay Bailey Hutchison
KCRS Radio
September 28, 2009
http://blip.tv/file/2654382

Hutchison On How Cap And Trade Would Hurt Texans:

Hutchison: “But cap and trade is equally as important because the concept that, number one you would only penalize American production of energy, no other county is going to be putting a cap on emissions and so the effect on the global environment is going to be minimal which even the EPA administrator has said, and yet you’re going to increase the cost of every producer, every refiner and every American who uses energy. Every electricity bill is going to go up. Every gasoline gallon price is going to go up. And it’s not going to have an impact on the environment because no other country is going to have these restrictions.  So, it’s a completely flawed concept that will really hurt our industry and the estimates are that we will have a job loss because of course our producers are going to go overseas to do this where they have better regulatory environments and lower costs and they’re going to go overseas. So the estimates of the loss in Texas jobs is from 173,000 to 425,000 jobs, at a time when of course we already have the highest unemployment rate in our state that we’ve had in 20 years. So, it’s a very troubling bill and of course we’ll do everything we can to stop this unilateral disarmament on the subject of energy.”

Austin, TX – Once again proving that they will never let contradiction get in the way of a negative attack, Rick Perry’s campaign is claiming that because Kay Bailey Hutchison is fighting for Texas and bringing Texas tax dollars back to the state, she is not showing fiscal discipline. However, just a week ago, Rick Perry himself was attacking Hutchison for not bringing more tax dollars back to Texas. So, by his own standards, is Rick Perry not showing fiscal discipline? Check out Rick Perry’s contradictory statements below.

“Once again, Rick Perry isn’t letting the facts or hypocrisy get in his way of launching a negative political attack. While Kay Bailey Hutchison is delivering results for Texans, Rick Perry is sitting by and talking out of both sides of his mouth,” said Joe Pounder, Deputy Communications Director. “Texans benefit when their tax dollars come back to the state, and it’s clear that Rick Perry’s only problem is that Hutchison is the one getting the job done.”

Another Model For Health Care Reform
By Kay Bailey Hutchison
Austin American-Statesman
September 28, 2009

Americans love having options. From the food we eat to the cars we drive, we relish making our own choices based on our preferences and what is best for ourselves and our families. Health care should not be an exception. Yet the proposals put forward by the Obama administration and the Democratic congressional leadership would create a massive government plan for health care and crowd out the choices Americans expect.

A federal government takeover of our nation’s health care will limit, if not eliminate, an individual’s options in insurance and delivery. That does not mean “no” is the answer to reform, either. Texas leads the nation in the number of uninsured, which raises the premiums and property taxes for those who are covered. And many families who want insurance do not have access to affordable choices. Now is the time for other approaches. And states can play an important role.

Fortunately, there are promising market-driven, consumer-directed solutions to health reform that beg a closer look. One such innovation is the health exchange.

Kay Bailey Hutchison
Interview
KTRH Radio
September 25, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJwHHZegj4c

Hutchison On Yesterday’s Terror Arrest In Dallas:
 
Hutchison: “[A]nd I think it is great work on the part of the FBI to find this person, to put it all together. And you know, people seem to act like the threat is over because nothing has happened since 9/11. But the reason that we’re fighting in Afghanistan and the reason we’re trying to stabilize Iraq is so there can’t be exported terrorism. And we’re finding it in our country, and it’s something that we all have to be very vigilant to try to see and try to stop and wipe out.”

Austin, TX – As momentum grows across the state for Kay Bailey Hutchison’s campaign, Texans for Kay announced the addition of several key staff members to its political team. Together, they will work to expand Kay Bailey Hutchison’s already strong grassroots effort across the state. Also joining the campaign today as a Senior Adviser will be veteran political strategist Keats Norfleet.

“As the election approaches, the strength of our political team will help harness the growing momentum for Kay Bailey Hutchison across Texas. Each new member of our team brings years of experience in Texas politics and in their communities,” said Terry Sullivan, Texans for Kay Campaign Manager.

On the announcement that Keats Norfleet will be joining the campaign, Sullivan added, “Keats is a friend and I’m glad that he will be once again joining the Hutchison team. He will be a critical part of our campaign to put results ahead of politics in Texas.”

Austin, TX – Today, Rick Perry will deliver a self-labeled “State of the State Address” in Corpus Christi. While Rick Perry will be politically grandstanding, beneath the callous jokes and talking points are facts that he will conveniently forget to mention to his audience. Check out below the statements you won’t hear in Rick Perry’s “State of the State Address”:

RECESSION: You Hopefully Won’t Hear Rick Perry Joking About The Recession:

At A Houston Chamber Of Commerce Event, Rick Perry Got Laughs Joking About The Recession.  “Texas lost another 62,200 jobs last month and the unemployment rate has risen to 8 percent. That's up from 7.9 percent the month before. Texas is better off than the nation as a whole (9.7 percent unemployment), but clearly the state isn't immune from the national economic woes. Which is probably not a good time for Gov. Rick Perry to tell business leaders in Houston: Recession? What recession?” (Wayne Slater, “Rick Perry: Recession? What Recession?,” The Dallas Morning News’ “Trail Blazers” Blog, 9/18/09, http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com, Accessed 9/18/09)

“This fall, the U.S. Senate faces a legislative agenda marked with more massive and misguided proposals being pushed by the Administration and Democratic Leadership. One that everyone in the Midland community should pay close attention to is ‘Cap and Trade’ legislation. The proposal could level a deeper impact on our state’s economy and the financial well-being of Texas families than any bill in recent memory.” – Kay Bailey Hutchison

“‘Cap And Trade’ Legislation Would Disproportionately Impact Basin”
By Kay Bailey Hutchison
Midland Reporter-Telegram
September 20, 2009
 
This fall, the U.S. Senate faces a legislative agenda marked with more massive and misguided proposals being pushed by the Administration and Democratic Leadership. One that everyone in the Midland community should pay close attention to is “Cap and Trade” legislation. The proposal could level a deeper impact on our state’s economy and the financial well-being of Texas families than any bill in recent memory.

Austin, TX – Rick Perry’s meltdown continues this week with more inexplicable, hypocritical and misleading statements. Check them out below: 

“Rick Perry’s week long meltdown of hypocritical, misleading, contradictory and false statements continues. In his rush to launch cheap, negative political attacks, Rick Perry proves that he would rather campaign in fiction than debate with facts,” said Joe Pounder, Deputy Communications Director. “Texans deserve a governor who will give them the truth and not more Rick Perry politics.”

Austin, TX – Kay Bailey Hutchison issued the following statement regarding today’s Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee fundraiser with Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Austin, Texas:

“Nancy Pelosi is coming to the wrong place if she's trying to drum up support for Obama's government takeover of healthcare. The Texas grassroots movement in opposition to government run healthcare is unlike anything I’ve seen. The message is clear ‘don’t mess with Texans’ healthcare’. I urge Speaker Pelosi to listen to the people and stop pushing legislation through Congress that would have a disastrous effect on the quality of our healthcare and on the economy.”

“Some people credit conservative fiscal leadership by Perry, who vetoed $288.9 million in spending, and by lawmakers for balancing the budget. But records show that it was the much reviled federal stimulus money that saved the day. … But the budget would have had to be slashed – and perhaps as much as half the money in the Rainy Day account could have been sucked away – were it not for an infusion of about $12.1 billion in stimulus funds. That’s nearly 7 percent of the state budget.” – Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Texas Legislature Used Stimulus Funds To Help Balance Budget
By Darren Barbee
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
September 19, 2009

In recent months, Gov. Rick Perry has savaged the stimulus package, lambasted federal attempts at healthcare reform and hinted at secession because of federal tax-and-spend policies.
 
A Web site paid for by Perry’s re-election campaign says Washington’s "increasingly pervasive embrace of bailouts . . . must be stopped before it drowns us in debt and destroys our national tradition of self-reliance." The governor has also said that accepting federal stimulus money would burden the state with programs Texas couldn’t sustain.

Austin – The Texas Workforce Commission today released data showing that Texas lost more than 62,000 jobs in August, which is nearly 20,000 more job lost than any other state. The Texas unemployment rate has also climbed to 8 percent, a 22 year high.

“Despite Rick Perry’s broken promise not to raise taxes, Texas’ right to work status and lack of a state income tax keep it the best state in the nation to do business,” said Deputy Communications Director Joe Pounder. “However, the continued job losses are cause for concern. It’s time for a governor who is focused on getting results by helping create jobs in Texas instead of playing politics like Rick Perry.”

Criticizes Hutchison For Voting To Ban Toll Roads And Funding Traffic Congestion Relief

Austin – Once again, Rick Perry is putting political gamesmanship above the needs of Texas by criticizing Kay Bailey Hutchison for successfully fighting for the best interests of Texans in the United States Senate.  Today, Hutchison voted to ban toll roads and the double taxation of Texans on federally funded roads. This vote also increases the amount of federal tax dollars that come back to Texas for transportation needs, including much needed money to relieve traffic congestion.

Austin, TX – Yesterday and today, Rick Perry is touting “successes” in border security. Yet, his signature border initiative has “failed to meet nearly every law enforcement goal” set out for it. In its first full year of operation, Rick Perry’s camera initiative has led to 11 arrests for a cost of $2 million. That’s nearly $182,000 per arrest made.

Today, Texans for Kay Deputy Communications Directory Joe Pounder released the following statement:

“Judging by his record and the failure of his signature border initiative, it’s clear that Rick Perry cares more about TV cameras than border cameras. Texans deserve better than Rick Perry’s record of broken promises, failed programs and wasted millions.”

Kay Bailey Hutchison
Interview On Fox News Radio’s “Brian And The Judge”
September 15, 2009


Hutchison Says President Obama Needs To End “Czarist Washington”:

Fox News Radio’s Brian Kilmeade: “You joined us on ‘Fox and Friends’ about 24 hours ago and you pointed out something that’s been bugging a lot of people here for awhile; not the concept of having czars, but the fact that there’s 30 plus czars in this administration that we know nothing about. It bothers you. You want to see it changed.”

Hutchison: “Absolutely, you know it’s so important, especially when the President and Congress are all of the same party, that we know who are making policy. Sometimes you have, you know, the secretaries and the undersecretaries that come through Congress and you vet them, you find out what they’ve written about, what they’ve said. And then, all of a sudden, there’s someone parked in the White House, or even parked in an agency that has control over those deputy secretaries, and you’ve never gotten their background, you don’t know what they’ve written about, you don’t know what they’ve said about 9/11, or signed a petition somewhere that is part of a socialist organization – which of course, Van Jones had done. And those are the kinds of things that I think we must have, if we’re going to have the transparency in government that certainly President Obama promised, and also for there to be significant oversight by Congress.”

Austin, TX – Today brings even more grandstanding from Rick Perry on border security. While Perry’s border policies have failed to produce results for the people of Texas, Kay Bailey Hutchison has actually delivered on this issue.

Today, Texans for Kay Deputy Communications Directory Joe Pounder released the following statement:

“When it comes to securing our border, Texans deserve better than Rick Perry’s record of broken promises, failed programs and wasted millions. We need a governor who believes that border security is about more than just grandstanding for the cameras in an election year. With Kay Bailey Hutchison, Texans can trust that they’ll get results and not just more Perry politics.”

The Headlines…

Austin American-Statesman: “Governor's Meddling A Concern.”
(Editorial, “Governor's Meddling A Concern,” Austin American-Statesman, 9/13/09)

Dallas Morning News: “Perry's Treating Universities Like They Are His Playground.”
(Editorial, “Perry's Treating Universities Like They Are His Playground,” The Dallas Morning News, 9/13/09)

Houston Chronicle: “Primary Casualties.”
(Editorial, “Primary Casualties,” Houston Chronicle, 9/10/09)

San Antonio Express-News: “Perry's Meddling Hurting Higher Ed.”
(Editorial, “Perry's Meddling Hurting Higher Ed,” San Antonio Express-News, 9/11/09)

“Perry’s Treating Universities Like They Are His Playground”…

Dallas Morning News: “What Does The Republican Think Our Colleges Are, His Playground?” “It was bad enough when Rick Perry went to meddling in the affairs of Texas A&M. But now the governor's messing with three of Texas' university systems. What does the Republican think our colleges are, his playground?”  (Editorial, “Perry's Treating Universities Like They Are His Playground,” The Dallas Morning News, 9/13/09)

•    Dallas Morning News: “It's Clear That The Governor's Gone To Meddling.” “But there is a difference between appointing regents and interfering in the affairs of a school. Although Perry says he's only trying to get the best Texans to serve, it's clear that the governor's gone to meddling.” (Editorial, “Perry's Treating Universities Like They Are His Playground,” The Dallas Morning News, 9/13/09)

•    Dallas Morning News: “In The Tech Episode, He's Done So For His Own Political Advantage.” (Editorial, “Perry's Treating Universities Like They Are His Playground,” The Dallas Morning News, 9/13/09)

Kay Bailey Hutchison
Interview On Fox News’ “Fox & Friends”
September 14, 2009

Fox News’ Gretchen Carlson: “President Obama has appointed more than 30 czars since taking office in January. One of his advisers, Van Jones, resigned after controversy over statements he made and groups he was affiliated with. Now, many are saying that is proof the American people do not know enough about who’s running the government, and these czars need to be confirmed. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson of Texas is one of those and she joins me live from Dallas this morning. Good morning to you Senator.”

Kay Bailey Hutchison: “Good morning Gretchen.”

Carlson: “You wrote a very interesting op-ed about this exact topic – the czars – and what we don’t know about them. And one of the most interesting points in your article points to Van Jones and the fact that he in fact had to resign; but what does that mean about the other czars that we know nothing about? And your thoughts are?”

Hutchison:  “Well it’s really unprecedented that a president would have 32 in the first eight months of office. Other presidents have used czars when there is a particular crisis or an area that needs to be addressed, and the cabinet secretary or undersecretary who is confirmed by Congress doesn’t really have the time to focus on that, such as Katrina recovery, that sort of person. But 32 means that Congress does not have the ability to confirm or look into background, and that’s why the upheaval happened with Van Jones, because we did start learning things about what he had said and petitions that he had signed. And people became alarmed that he was so out of the mainstream, and we would have no ability to really have our role in advise and consent for key policy makers in the administration.”

“It was bad enough when Rick Perry went to meddling in the affairs of Texas A&M. But now the governor's messing with three of Texas' university systems. What does the Republican think our colleges are, his playground?” – Dallas Morning News

“Playing politics with regent appointments and attempting to micromanage higher education could prove disastrous. Texas has only two public Tier One universities. Seven other emerging universities are working hard to attain that coveted status. There is too much at stake here to allow an ambitious governor to use higher education in his political games.” – San Antonio Express-News

Austin, TX – Today, Communications Director Jennifer Baker issued the following questions to Rick Perry:

“Does Rick Perry demand and require the same level of ‘loyalty’ out of his Secretary of State appointee as he does out of his other political appointees? This week, as we’ve seen numerous university regents come forward to discuss Rick Perry’s bullying tactics, one must wonder if he has employed that strategy in his dealings with Secretary of State Hope Andrade. Has any Rick Perry surrogate pressured the Secretary of State in the same way they did Mark Griffin, Windy Sitton, and John Barnhill?”

Austin, TX – Today, Communications Director Jennifer Baker issued the following statement in response to Rick Perry launching yet another tiresome political ploy:

“Just because Rick Perry has successfully bullied some University regents into resigning doesn’t mean he can bully Kay Bailey Hutchison out of this race. If Rick Perry had spent the last nine years doing his job instead of playing political games, mismanaging the state and wasting billions of taxpayer dollars, Texans would not need a new governor to come in and clean up his mess.”

Austin, TX – Today brings more Rick Perry grandstanding and this time its on border security. While Rick Perry offers Texans failed policies and election-year campaign promise designed to score political points rather than produce actual results for the people of Texas, Kay Bailey Hutchison has actually delivered on this issue. Today in Houston, Rick Perry will discuss border security. Unfortunately, Rick Perry’s border security talk is empty rhetoric and broken promises.

Today, Texans for Kay Deputy Communications Director Joe Pounder released the following statement:

“Today’s announcement is yet another empty election-year promise from Rick Perry on border security. With his signature border initiative failing to produce any results, Texans need a governor they can trust to actually improve our security.”

“However, in the current campaign the incumbent is subordinating competent governance of public university systems to his own re-election efforts. In doing so he only strengthens the argument of Hutchison that a decade-plus tenure as governor fosters cronyism and misuse of official powers.” – The Houston Chronicle

Primary Casualties
Editorial
The Houston Chronicle
September 10, 2009

By constitutional design, the governor of Texas is a weak executive compared to those of other states. Other than the power of the veto, the most potent weapon in the governor's political arsenal is the power to appoint members of commissions and boards, including the prestigious regents of state universities.

The governor frequently picks associates and supporters who contribute heavily to his campaign coffers. The spectacle of the state's highest profile volunteer public service positions bartered for political gain is ethically unsavory, but legal.

Rick Perry is already the longest- serving governor in Texas history. In his drive to extend that tenure to three and a half terms, he's taking gubernatorial power to new levels and punishing some of his own appointees — those who have declared their support for his primary rival, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. Some of them did so before it became clear Perry would stand for re-election, and they're now paying the price for that decision.

Kay Bailey Hutchison
Interview On MSNBC
September 9, 2009
Watch it on YouTube.

Hutchison: The President Needs To Start Over…

Hutchison: “But if the President truly wants to bring America together and have Republicans sign on to this, he really does need to start all over with a new blueprint. I think there are Republicans, I’m certainly one, who believes that reform is needed, that we need more access to health care coverage for more people. But the way to get that is not the way they're approaching it, which is to have this big public government takeover, and to raise the costs on every taxpayer. And then with the plan that's just come out of the Finance Committee as a beginning product, you’re talking about a tax on every family and every individual in America. It’s just not going to sell.”

Austin, TX – Since news broke on Friday that Rick Perry was actively pressuring Texas Tech Regents who endorsed Kay Bailey Hutchison to resign, Perry has not held a single public event or taken questions from the media. In lieu of that and in the spirit of our state’s universities, here are six Blue Book essay questions for Rick Perry:

•    Did you or anyone in the Governor’s office ask your former chief of staff Brian Newby to pressure Mark Griffin to resign from the Texas Tech Board of Regents because he does not support your re-election? One-word answers are acceptable.

•    Did you or anyone in the Governor’s office ask Tech Regent Scott Dueser to tell former Tech Regent Windy Sitton “to cease and desist supporting Kay Bailey immediately or resign from the board”? One-word answers are acceptable.

Kay Bailey Hutchison
Interview On CNBC’s “Squawk Box”
September 9, 2009
Watch it on YouTube.

Hutchison On The New Taxes In ObamaCare…

Hutchison: “I don't see any signs that they are ready to say, ‘hey, let's start all over.’ This is not selling to the American people, and the more they find out, the worse it gets because the bill that was revealed just yesterday by the Senate Finance Committee –  although I know they're trying very hard – but it has a $3,800 fine every year for a person, for a family that doesn't take health insurance. And that's if you make over $66,000 a year for a family of four. So you're talking about, now, taxing more the insurance companies at the same time that you're saying, ‘But cut costs.’ You’re giving them a $6 billion tax, every American a $3,800 a year tax, and everything is cost and nothing seems to be addressing the issue of bringing down the cost and keeping the quality of health care.”

“Losing a leader like Mark Griffin is a loss for Texas Tech. I hope our sitting governor will continue focusing on the needs of the state, not retaliating against individuals who don't support his re-election campaign.” – KCBD’s Dan Jackson

“Consider This... What The Job Of The Governor ISN'T”
By Dan Jackson
KCBD-TV
September 8, 2009
Watch it on YouTube.

Governor Rick Perry let a whole lot of us West Texas folks down last week.

In case you missed it, news broke that Perry pressured TTU Regent Mark Griffin to resign. Griffin told NewsChannel 11 it was a direct result of his support for Perry's political opponent. "The indication was given to me that the governor desired loyal people on his team, and if I couldn't be loyal to him then maybe I should consider stepping down," Griffin said last week.

“Gov. Rick Perry rallied opposition to federal stimulus spending, but he now is the manager of one of the biggest pots of federal gold in Texas: crime grants to local law enforcement agencies. And those grants have become an integral part of Perry's political machine. … While Perry's office is the conduit for the federal money, the governor chooses which agencies receive the money and how it is spent. The political payoff has been great.” – Houston Chronicle’s R.G. Ratcliffe

Austin, TX – While Rick Perry was grandstanding and rejecting some stimulus funds in the spring, he was quietly taking billions more in one-time stimulus money from President Obama. Not only did Rick Perry use this one-time money to fulfill his constitutional obligation to balance the budget, but as the Houston Chronicle reports this morning, he is moving to get a “political payoff” from the stimulus funds. According to the Chronicle, stimulus funds are becoming “an integral part of Perry’s political machine.” Check out the whole article below:

“Perry Making Use Of Stimulus Boost”
By R.G. Ratcliffe
The Houston Chronicle
September 8, 2009
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6607280.html

AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry rallied opposition to federal stimulus spending, but he now is the manager of one of the biggest pots of federal gold in Texas: crime grants to local law enforcement agencies.

And those grants have become an integral part of Perry's political machine.

Austin, TX – Last week, two former Texas Tech regents stepped forward to say they were pressured by Rick Perry to resign because of their support for Kay Bailey Hutchison. This is just the latest example of Rick Perry using the state’s great colleges and universities as his own personal political playground. Instead of focusing on ways to improve higher education or curtail tuition increases, Rick Perry is more interested in exerting his political power over the state’s colleges and universities. As Kay Bailey Hutchison said in her announcement speech, “We can’t afford fourteen years of one person appointing every state board, agency and commission. It invites patronage. It tempts cronyism.”

Today, Texans for Kay Dep. Communications Director Joe Pounder released the following statement:

“The message is clear for every single dedicated public servant in Texas: Either pledge support for Rick Perry or risk losing your job. This latest Perry power grab would make any New York City machine politician jealous. Texans deserve a leader they can trust not to use state government like their own personal political playground. Tuition is skyrocketing but Rick Perry’s sole concern is how he can use Texas’ colleges and universities to raise campaign cash.”

Kay Bailey Hutchison
Radio Interview
KTSA-550 San Antonio
September 3, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Yn0Hw6Bagg

…

KTSA’s Kevin Wall: “The President, two big moves in the last couple of days. He is going to try and brainwash our kids on Tuesday with a speech to every public school student in the nation. And then on Wednesday, he’ll try and brainwash the rest of us I guess, the adults in the room, with a speech to a Joint Session of Congress and my question to you is what does he need to say on Wednesday in the Joint Session of Congress and what do you think he will say?”

Kay Bailey Hutchison:  “Well, I think that he is trying to revive a dying patient frankly. And if you say first what does he need to say? I think he needs to say we’re going to start all over. We do need reforms in health care. We know we can agree on that. So let’s see what everyone can come to the table and agree on as a principle. And a principle to me would be don’t dismantle the 85% of our health care system that works. Let’s address the 15% that don’t have access to health care coverage. And try to bring them into the great quality in our health care system. That’s what I’d like to hear him say. Now what will he say I don’t know.

Austin, TX – According to Rick Perry’s political logic, stimulus money with strings must be sent back to Washington. So he rejected half a billion in Unemployment Insurance money.  Perry made no attempt to cut the strings.  He just sent it back because he thought it was good politics.  But yesterday, it was reported that one-third of the stimulus funds Perry did accept come with strings. Strings that will lead to ongoing expenditures long after the one-time stimulus funding is gone. So while Rick Perry was grandstanding and loudly rejecting some stimulus funds, he was secretly using billions in federal dollars tied up in strings to plug a huge hole in the state budget.  So why the double standard?  Rick Perry should explain why some strings are bad, and some are just fine.  Or will Perry finally admit it was all just politics?

Today, Texans for Kay Press Secretary Jeff Sadosky released the following statement:

“Rick Perry was either confused about the strings attached to the billions he took from the stimulus, or he was being deliberately disingenuous and hypocritical for political gain. Either way, Rick Perry has left a legacy of billions in unfunded costs that a Governor Hutchison will have to clean up. Perry must explain to Texans why he’s played politics with the stimulus and why some strings are OK when others aren’t.”

“While some might look to government as the nation's economic engine, it's business that drives the economy.” – Kay Bailey Hutchison

“Hutchison To Hispanic Chamber: 'I Am Your Friend, Your Good Friend'”
By Elaine Ayala
San Antonio Express-News
August 27, 2009

U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who's running for Texas governor, probably has a lot of strategies brewing to kick Rick Perry out of office. But one of them has to be to win over the state's Latino voters.

An hour ago, she spoke to the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on the 15th anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement (Applause), where support of free trade agreements comes with membership.

Kay Bailey Hutchison
Radio Interview
KTSA-550 San Antonio
August 27, 2009

Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I think it would be a disaster for our country.  It would take away the quality of our health care, the choices, and it would tax employers at the worst time for employers to have huge fines and taxes, if they don’t offer health care to their employees. Also if they offer health care, but it’s not at the percentage level of 72 or 65 for their part of the coverage. Kaiser did a study and said that three out of five small businesses who offer health care would have to pay this tax, this huge tax, as if they didn’t pay. So you’re just going to drive people out of the private sector and into a big government system and I think the government takeover of health care will be terrible for everyone.”

Austin, TX – On June 19th, Rick Perry actually signed the legislation he will pretend to sign today.  And then he “ceremonially re-signed” it again yesterday in Houston.  Now his campaign has sent him to Dallas, to ceremonially re-sign the legislation again.  And while Rick Perry is putting on political events at the expense of the state, his office has yet to respond to calls for an accounting of what weeks’ worth of “ceremonial re-signings” are costing Texas taxpayers.

Austin, TX – Today, Kay Bailey Hutchison released the joint tax returns filed with her husband, Ray Hutchison, for the years 2000 through 2008. The release of her most recent tax returns, coupled with the 16 years of additional information available to the public in the annual financial disclosure reports filed with the United States Senate, is the most detailed financial accounting of any candidate running for Governor.

Austin, TX – On Wednesday, August 26, Kay Bailey Hutchison will visit Brazoria County to meet with her County Steering Committee.

Austin, TX – At the same time Rick Perry is talking about limited government, a new report finds that under his leadership Texas state government has expanded significantly. According to the Rockefeller Institute, Texas had a “relatively large growth in state government employment” over the last year under Rick Perry. And the state government expansion shows no sign of ending. For the last 10 months, Rick Perry has only added to the size of government. Texans can do better than just talking about limited government.

Austin, TX – At the same time Rick Perry is talking about limited government, a new report finds that under his leadership Texas state government has expanded significantly. According to the Rockefeller Institute, Texas had a “relatively large growth in state government employment” over the last year under Rick Perry. And the state government expansion shows no sign of ending. For the last 10 months, Rick Perry has only added to the size of government. Texans can do better than just talking about limited government. 

Austin, TX – Yesterday, Kay Bailey Hutchison wrapped up her successful 5-day, 19-city announcement tour that took her from La Marque to El Paso. All across Texas, she was greeted by enthusiastic supporters who responded to her conservative message with standing ovations. From the encouragement and support she received throughout the week, it’s clear that Texans are ready for new leadership in Austin.

Austin, TX – In an interview with The Wall Street Journalpublished today, Rick Perry was grandstanding but his political talking points missed the mark on facts and reality. Check out below Rick Perry’s Top 10 Fact Fumbles InThe Wall Street Journal:

Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay will submit an Open Records Request under the Texas Open Records Act requesting all documents pertaining to Rick Perry’s re-signing ceremonies for bills that already became law and the use of taxpayer money for travel to and from these events.  Kay Bailey Hutchison believes Texas taxpayers deserve an honest and transparent accounting of how their money is being spent to fund Rick Perry’s political campaign. Texans for Kay has called on Rick Perry to reimburse taxpayers the money he has needlessly spent on these ceremonial re-signings.

Eleven Events. Thirteen Pieces Of Legislation. Seven Cities. Zero Meaning.
 
Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay is calling on Rick Perry to reimburse taxpayers for money he has wasted on phony re-signing ceremonies. A day after staging a ceremonial bill re-signing in Dallas at taxpayer expense, Rick Perry is planning to hold two more re-signing ceremonies in Austin today.  He has already signed all of these bills into law, making these events nothing more than political theater.
 
Below is the text of a letter from Senior Communications Adviser Jennifer Baker being sent to Texas television stations regarding the phony re-signing ceremonies (full letter below).
 
Baker also released the following statement:
 
“Rick Perry should immediately reimburse the taxpayer money he has wasted on his phony re-signing ceremonies. While Texans are losing jobs and families are struggling to make ends meet, Rick Perry is spending taxpayer money to buy himself headlines. Texans deserve better than Rick Perry’s political grandstanding. When Kay Bailey Hutchison is governor, she will end these frivolous re-signing ceremonies."

Austin, TX – Officially announcing her historic campaign for governor, Kay Bailey Hutchison will deliver the following remarks as prepared for delivery in La Marque, Texas, at 8:00 a.m. CT:
 
“It is with pride and humility for history that I announce today that I am a candidate for Governor of Texas.
 
“Texas is like no other place on earth.  It started on March 2, 1836 when our forefathers declared an end to tyranny with the Texas Declaration of Independence.  Among the signers was my great, great grandfather, Charles S. Taylor.  The great men who signed that document put their lives on the line, and their fate in the hands of God.  Why did they do it?  Because they yearned for freedom and they believed in Texas.  Today, 173 years later, I’m running for Governor because I believe in Texas.  And I know we can do better.

Austin, TX – On the eve of Kay Bailey Hutchison’s official gubernatorial announcement, Texans for Kay released a new web video outlining the case for new leadership in Austin. The challenges facing Texas require a Governor who will put results ahead of politics. On Monday, Kay Bailey Hutchison, a leader with a proven, conservative record of results, will announce that she is running to be the next Governor because Texans deserve leadership that will finally get the job done. Please see below for the script and link to video.
 
To watch the video, please see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4sQxj1FnF4

Austin, TX – Today, in remarks to the 12thAnnual Transportation & Infrastructure Summit, Kay Bailey Hutchison reiterated her opposition to the Trans-Texas Corridor and addressed the numerous transportation challenges facing Texas, including Rick Perry’s Department of Transportation which is forcing every Texan to pay a price for their arrogance. Calling it a “tax on arrogance,” Hutchison focused on this week’s news that several counties will have to pay a total of $3.6 million to a Spanish firm for costs incurred after the company lost a bid from Rick Perry’s Texas Transportation Commission. Hutchison believes “Texans deserve better than this.” Please see the following remarks from today:

Texans For Kay Launches Perry Trans-Texas Corridor Clock
Do You Still Support The Trans-Texas Corridor?
 
Austin, TX – Today, Texans for Kay launched a new online clockcounting the time until Rick Perry, himself, answers the question: Do you still support the Trans-Texas Corridor? Last Thursday, Rick Perry dodged the question, refused to answer and only said that he supports “building transportation infrastructure.” However, for the thousands of Texans who faced the prospect of losing their homes at the hands of Rick Perry’s unprecedented, government land grab, the answer to this question from Rick Perry is critical. They are watching and we are counting the time.

Hutchison Works To Secure Prisons And Protect Public, Gets Results
 
Austin, TX –Yesterday, the U.S Senate’s Commerce Committee passed legislation introduced by Kay Bailey Hutchison that would allow correctional institutions in Texas to jam cell phone signals inside prison walls.  It would prevent prison inmates from using smuggled cellular phones by allowing states to petition to operate wireless jamming devices in particular correctional facilities.
 
“Cell phones in the hands of prisoners endanger law abiding citizens outside prison walls, and are a force multiplier inside the prison that puts guards at higher risk.  Prisoners are using contraband cell phones to coordinate murders, plot extortion schemes, and run drug trafficking, credit card fraud, and identity theft enterprises,” said Senator Hutchison. “Prisons are meant to stop the commission of crimes, but cell phones inside prisons mean business as usual for dangerous felons. With innocent lives on the line, Congress has a responsibility to make available all technologies that can prevent the illicit use of cell phones in prisons. America’s dedicated law enforcement and corrections professionals need this important capability and this legislation will help ensure criminals behind bars are no longer able to terrorize the public.”

Hutchison sends message to Austin: No to new tolls!

The Houston Chronicle

“Hutchison has become a champion of legislation to prohibit any conversion of existing highway lanes to toll-road status.”
 
By Rick Dunham
July 30, 2009

Message to Rick Perry: She hasn't quit yet.
 
One day after telling a radio reporter that she planned to resign her Senate seat in September or October to run for governor, Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison was busy at work -- in Washington -- on a sensitive political issue back home.