Texas political fundraising looks recession-proof

Or it was a year ago, anyway.

At least that’s the claim by Texans for Public Justice in their press release announcing a comprehensive study of the financing of the state's 2008 elections.  The release says Texas politicians raised 25% more money in 2008 than in 2006.  Money in PoliTex gives a rundown of major sources of funds (including names of the top individual and PAC donors) and the funds raised and still on hand for many Texas officeholders.

Comments

[L Van Dame]

Nothing sickens me more than knowing that my representatives are bought and paid for, We the People be damned! Well, if our politicians are for sale, then I think the terms of sale should be apparent. In other words, what will a donation of $1,000 buy our PAC? How about $10,000? $100,000 ought to get us a meeting in person with our rep on demand. And more ensures a vote our way? The TSCPA PAC should find out and let the members know.

[Bob Owen]

I read in a novel this weekend that in Afghanistan you can't buy a politician, you can only rent one. While that joke and many others like it make fun of our politicians, and I'm sure there are corrupt ones around, my personal experience in being involved closely with state legislators for over ten years is that most of them are honest, hardworking individuals who are trying to do the right thing for Texas.

The reality is that it costs a lot of money to run for public office (in the hundreds of thousands even for a state representative) and very few individuals have the money to do so on their own. Candidates have to raise money in order to run. My experience is that most candidates very much appreciate TSCPA's PAC support even though it is quite modest by comparison of other PACs. I've been able to get in to see any legislator or his or her staff anytime I've needed to do so. They have been willing to let me make my points and give me an honest response.

My experience also demonstrates that most legislators’ votes are not for sale. They are appreciative of those that help them with their elections, either through personal efforts or funds, and they are willing to listen to those people, but in the end their voting decision is not based on who gave them how much.

TSCPA PAC contributions are not to buy votes, but to help elect candidates that TSCPA believes will support a strong public accounting profession that protects the public. Good candidates need funds just like bad ones. We hope we can tell the difference. If the TSCPA-PAC has more funds available, we can provide more help to worthy candidates.