Daily Archives: 07/08/2009

(Community Matters) Evidently I earlier tweaked another candidate’s sensitivities when I blogged about self-funding – wasn’t meant personally. I’m undeclared in the race for US Senate.

And, in answer to the question about Jack McDonald’s fundraising, I don’t think any of the reported total includes self funding – other than perhaps a contribution to open bank accounts. Obviously, he has the capacity to substantially self fund, and I expect he will do so – though he hasn’t to date. Posted from my blackberry

(Community Matters) David Brooks yesterday lamenting the decline of dignity.

When George Washington was a young man, he copied out a list of 110 “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.” Some of the rules in his list dealt with the niceties of going to a dinner party or meeting somebody on the street.

. . . . But the dignity code itself has been completely obliterated. The rules that guided Washington and generations of people after him are simply gone.

. . . . But it’s not right to end on a note of cultural pessimism because there is the fact of President Obama. Whatever policy differences people may have with him, we can all agree that he exemplifies reticence, dispassion and the other traits associated with dignity. The cultural effects of his presidency are not yet clear, but they may surpass his policy impact. He may revitalize the concept of dignity for a new generation and embody a new set of rules for self-mastery.

(Community Matters) Jack’s campaign is reporting breaking another record in his race for LBJ’s old seat

AUSTIN, Texas (July 7, 2009)—Momentum continues to build for Jack McDonald’s anticipated run for US Congress from the 10^th District of Texas, as the McDonald for Congress Exploratory Committee announced today that it has raised a record-setting $634,000 in the four months since the Committee was formed. McDonald, a successful self-made businessman, has yet to announce his candidacy officially or hold a single formal fundraiser.

McDonald has been setting fundraising records that are garnering national attention since he formed his Exploratory Committee in February 2009. McDonald raised $312,000 in the first quarter of 2009, more than any other Democratic Congressional challenger in the country. The campaign will report on July 15 that it has raised over $322,000 in the second quarter, which will likely keep McDonald at the top of the national fundraising list for the second consecutive quarter. McDonald will report over $550,000 in cash on hand as of June 30.In addition, in a June 5 article in the National Journal, the executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee referred to the 10^th District of Texas as a top 10 race in the nation for 2010.

“We’ve been listening, and Texans are telling us in no uncertain terms that they want leaders with real-world experience who will put aside partisan politics to focus on creating jobs, improving education and healthcare and keeping Texas competitive in the global economy,” said McDonald. “I am truly honored to have the support of Republicans, Independents and Democrats in the District who want independent, fiscally-responsible leaders who will do what’s right for the District, Texas and our country.”

“Jack’s momentum and strong fundraising success make this District a key pick-up opportunity for Democrats,” said DCCC Chairman, U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen. “Texans are looking for a leader with real-world experience who will work with both Democrats and Republicans to solve our country’s challenges.”

McDonald rose from humble roots to become a successful businessman, building and leading Perficient, a Texas-based, publicly-traded, global high-tech company with more than 1,200 employees. McDonald also serves as Vice Chairman of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the State of Texas Emerging Technology Fund for the 15-county Central Texas region and Chairman of the Board of PeopleFund.

### Incumbent Michael McCaul has responded clumsily to McDonald’s challenge, making several notable missteps. Most recently, McCaul alienated many centrist Republicans and Independents by featuring divisive radio host, Rush Limbaugh, at an elite fundraising event. Limbaugh works for McCaul’s father-in-law, Clear Channel Communications owner, Lowry Mays. The Limbaugh controversy came after McCaul was forced to repudiate press reports disclosing that he was trying to gather support for a Texas State Attorney General campaign. A May 28 story in the Austin American-Statesman reported that “Republicans monitoring his (McCaul’s) political health may feel antsy about McCaul’s chances of re-election.”

(Community Matters) Venture Capitalists Look for a Return to the ABC’s in the NYTimes.

(Community Matters) I’m not really keeping up with the Michael Jackson activities, but news of the new Harry Potter premiere in London is extraordinarily exciting!

(Community Matters) NYTimes article reports the Commodities Futures Trading Commission may limit energy futures contracts for financial (aka not commercial users) investors. Added context to Rolling Stone’s article on Goldman Sachs – though if I remember correctly, they have an operating entity which may allow commercial trading privileges.