________________________________________________________________________________________

About Texas Shark Watch

by Janelle Shepard

Heightening awareness regarding political contributions has never been very interesting.  While I've had positive feedback from many in the grassroots and the state capitol, I've been surprised at the criticism from a few conservatives across the state who believe reporting on this topic is wrong.

Economic and social conservatives have achieved remarkable success in Texas.  Yet the trial lawyers' divide and conquer scheme threatens to undo all of that. 

I hope people will remember my only motive for publishing a report regarding trial lawyer political contributions:

A pro-litigation special interest group should NOT OWN BOTH political parties in Texas.

When researching the report, I saw the names of many friendly individuals who have fought for the right causes. It would not be a credible report if I left out those people I liked or those who had supported some of my favorite issues.  It was important to track the dollar contributions accurately and report the facts as found in the public data. 

Thus, the story is really about murky water.  Murky because we are just seeing the early stages of non-traditional donors into the Texas GOP.   Murky because many of the trial lawyers contributions are not producing the desired votes.  Murky because some of the legislators and candidates are unaware the money from certain PACs is really from trial lawyers.  Murky because many cannot see conservatives being preyed upon - or imagine declining numbers.

Texas Shark Watch will continue to simply look at the facts.  Hopefully the waters will become clearer and the discussions more focused.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Home

Archives