April 29, 2008
Couple of tidbits on the race for Texas House District 78, which involves Republican Dee Margo against Democrat Joseph Moody.
The race was named by Mike Hailey's Capitol Inside as the top race in the state. The reasons are familiar -- a formerly safe Republican district thrown into play by Margo's defeat of Pat Haggerty.
Here's what Capitol Inside wrote about the race, and some statewide perspective:
"The HD 78 wasn't a high priority for the Democrats until Haggerty, a moderate who'd been an ally in key fights over the years, lost to Margo last month. But the El Paso area district has a higher percentage share of Democratic voters than any House district that the GOP currently holds - and Democrats think they have an excellent chance of picking it up with a young assistant prosecutor who's father is a popular state district judge as their nominee.
"The Democrats' success or failure in their quest to reclaim a Texas House majority this year may depend on their ability to ride the crest of a national tidal wave that sweeps Republicans out of the White House and plows through the states. But if the tsunami doesn't materialize, the Democrats have more to lose than to gain in the top 20 contests on Capitol Inside's Top Races to Watch list. That means the Democrats would have to win 17 of the 20 races that appear to have the most competitive potential before they could take back the House."
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Moody sent out this news release on Friday.
Margo Rejects Campaign Finance Limits Proposed by Moody
“I challenged Dee Margo to a campaign in which we would cap campaign contributions. Although I am disappointed that Mr. Margo has refused to limit his contributions, I will not fight this campaign with one arm tied behind my back. In order to make sure I have the resources to communicate my positive message of change for El Paso and to respond to Mr. Margo's special-interest-fueled campaign, Margo has forced me to remove my campaign contribution caps while also redoubling my grassroots fundraising campaign.
“I offered Mr. Margo the opportunity to run this race in the same manner as we did in Democratic Primary here in El Paso and how this race would be run in 37 other states that have campaign finance limits. Unfortunately, Mr. Margo rejected that offer and instead went to Austin for a high dollar fundraiser with Speaker Tom Craddick. Of the 1.2 million dollars Margo raised since 2006 over $700,000 would have violated the federal finance limits.
"I believe El Paso and all of Texas needs real comprehensive campaign finance reform to change the way things are done, and as your representative in the Texas House I will fight to best represent the interests of all of El Paso – not just a few wealthy donors.”
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Margo's response was fun. In a message to voters, he portrays himself as the victim of Moody's tough guys, and asks for donations several times (the underlined portions were links to Margo's site and fund-raising page):
"It didn’t take long. Joe Moody, my opponent, has already broken his first campaign promise.
"Joe publicly declared he would limit his campaign contributions to $2,300 per person. At the time, he said the voluntary decision represented a 'unique opportunity to regain the respect of El Paso voters and set a new standard of honesty and transparency for Texas.'
"Oh, really? Apparently his “new standard” for honesty came with a one-month expiration date. His $2,300 pledge is already a thing of the past.
"Will you help hold Joe accountable by joining my team today?
"I'm surprised and disappointed Joe would break his very first campaign promise.
"We've all felt let down from time to time when a candidate gets into office and immediately goes back on their word. But quite honestly this is the first time I’ve ever heard of a candidate seeking the public trust going back on his word six months before the election.
"I guess the promise of huge money from wealthy personal injury trial lawyers outside of El Paso was more appealing than a promise he made to El Paso voters.
"Make no mistake: now that Joe has reversed course on campaign contributions, he has opened the floodgates for special interest influence in the race.
"Liberal advocacy groups, lobbyists, radical activists and other deep-pocketed allies will pour money into El Paso from Austin and across the state. These groups are thirsty for a Democrat majority in the state legislature, and see an open seat in El Paso as a golden opportunity.
"To be competitive against this approaching tidal wave of outside groups, we must take action now. The election is less than 200 days away, and there’s no time to lose.
Will you make a secure online contribution today to stop these liberal special interests from hijacking your local representation?
It’s a shame when a candidate’s true colors are shown through false promises. But with your support, we will hold Joe Moody accountable and go toe-to-toe until the very end.
I look forward to sharing my plans to make El Paso an even better place to grow up, do business, and grow old. I hope you’ll join me in confronting those with different motives and different plans.
P.S. Joe Moody has already reversed course on his pledge to limit individual campaign contributions, opening the door to wealthy out-of-town lobbyists and trial lawyers. To be competitive, we must raise important resources now. Will you make a generous gift today?
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Speaking of money, there's this fund-raiser:
You are cordially invited to a Fundraiser for
Joseph Moody
Candidate for
State Representative District 78
Hosted by Lina Ortega and Mark Cioc
1201 Cincinnati Avenue
Thursday, May 8, 2008
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Suggested Donation Levels
$100.00 $250.00 $500.00 $1000.00 $2300.00
Political Ad paid for by Joseph Moody Campaign, Magdalena Morales-Moody, Treasurer, P.O. Box 920827, El Paso, TX 79902