TexBlog PAC fundraiser

The Star Telegram has a story about the TexBlog PAC, of which I am a board member.

The newly formed TexBlog Political Action Committee will hold its first fundraiser this month in Austin and has tapped five sitting Democratic House members to act as hosts.

"The goal is to get the progressive online community more involved in off-line events, where we can hopefully make a bigger impact on elections in Texas," said blogger Matt Glazer, editor of the Burnt Orange Report and one of the founders of the political action committee. "The reason we're focusing our attention on the Texas House, quite frankly, is that we think it can be flipped to the Democrats in the '08 elections."

Democratic loyalists say the party is well-positioned to pick up the seven seats it needs to win a majority in the 150-member chamber, which has been under Republican control since the 2002 elections. In 2006, Democrats made a net gain of six House seats, and in 2004, they picked up one. The significance of the one-seat gain in '04 was that it was the first time Democrats had increased their number in the House since the early 1970s.

State Rep. Jim Dunnam, who heads the House Democratic Caucus, is one of the hosts for the Sept. 24 fundraiser.

"I think the blogosphere is giving voice to what a lot of ordinary Texans are thinking, and that is that we need a change of leadership in Austin," said Dunnam, of Waco. "I think they are really helpful in spreading the message that it's Democrats who are going to be the agents of change in 2008."

The fundraiser will be held from 6 to 8 PM in Austin at the home of Kurt and Amy Clark Meachum. BOR has the details. If you think we're being a bit too optimistic about next year, consider this:

Just had a conversation with a Republican numbers cruncher. Half of Texas Republicans believe that the country is on the wrong track. The split before the 2004 election was 60-40 "right track." The NC's assessment: "You can't just put any presidential candidate at the top of the ticket and expect to carry the state. Republicans have their work cut out for them."

Maybe even Hillary Clinton won't be able to save them. I'd rather be where we are than where they are right now, that's all I know. In the meantime, if you'd like to help us out now, you can donate through ActBlue. We will have a Houston fundraiser sometime in October/November. I'll let you know as soon as the details have been worked out.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on September 13, 2007 to Show Business for Ugly People