As you know, the Harris County District Attorney’s race is the hottest local race on the November ballot. The Houston Chronicle’s Brian Rogers writes that current DA Devon Anderson has decided to skip further debates.
Producers of the KUHT show, “Red, White & Blue,” about Houston politics, had announced on Sept. 27 that a second debate between incumbent Republican District Attorney Devon Anderson and Democratic challenger Kim Ogg would be taped and aired on the local PBS station.
Three days after the announcement, however, Anderson cancelled, according to Gary Polland, a Republican who co-hosts the show with Democrat David Jones.
…
Officials with Anderson’s campaign said Wednesday that she has already debated Ogg.
“We did debate. All media was invited. KPRC streamed it live,” said Sara Kinney, a spokeswoman for Anderson’s campaign. “We never agreed to ‘Red White & Blue.’ There was no ‘abruptly cancelled’ anything.”
(click here to read the article on HoustonChronicle.com)
You can read Don Hooper’s recap of the KPRC debate here. You can watch it by clicking here.
I don’t blame Anderson for skipping further debates. Most of the people that watch them are people that have already made up their minds. The debates are mostly for partisan insiders hoping that (a) their candidate doesn’t screw up and (b) that the other candidate does. One debate is plenty for people that haven’t made up their minds to compare the candidates. After watching the debate online, I’d say that both candidates held their own for their respective campaigns. If you want criminal justice reform at the office, Kim Ogg probably appealed to you. If you want the office to continue to take a hard line on people with minor drug offenses, Anderson probably appealed to you.
Most voters are going to vote straight ticket, which at this point looks bad for Anderson. But don’t forget, the Republican managed to win the office in 2008 and 2012 even with President Obama on the ballot and Hillary Clinton isn’t Obama. Then again, Donald Trump isn’t John McCain or Mitt Romney. But HCRP Chair Paul Simpson has promised to win the county with a strong ground game and GOTV effort.
Add that to this endorsement and Anderson just might hang on:
“Devon Anderson believes that people who abuse animals represent a real threat to the community and deserve special prosecution,” said Representative Davis. “She understands the danger these people pose to this community. As the chief law enforcement officer in Texas’ most populous county, Devon Anderson is someone that we in the legislature look to for advice and direction on criminal justice issues. She is my go-to on public safety issues and that’s why I am voting to reelect Devon Anderson.”
That’s right, Anderson picked up the endorsement of the only pro-choice, liberal Republican in the Texas Legislature. Which, given Anderson’s protection of Planned Parenthood, makes sense. So Anderson loses the votes of those who abhor the selling of body parts ripped from little babies but gains the support of those who think that people who abuse animals represent the real threat to the community.
Shaking my head. Heck of an election year.
Mark says
I may not vote directly for Ogg, but I’ll do the next best thing by skipping they race and encouraging everyone I know to do the same.
Warren Fawcett says
Ogg is expected to receive nearly $500k from George Soros and 5 out of every 6 dollars in her campaign is coming from out of state, D.C. in particular.
David Jennings says
I approved your comment but will delete it if you don’t provide proof.
DJ
Warren Fawcett says
The Three Amigos on KSEV. and Gary Polland are the source.
David Jennings says
Sorry, not gonna cut it.
Warren Fawcett says
OK. I’ll see if I can get another source. But Bettencourt and Strusan don’t lie.
David Jennings says
Okay, I restored the original comment above after news reports confirmed your statement. DJ
Warren Fawcett says
David,
Do you want to reinstate my comment? Is the Chronicle a good enough source for you?
Here’s your proof:
http://www.chron.com/news/politics/article/Billionaire-Soros-makes-500-000-ad-buy-for-9970130.php
Are you comfortable with Soros’ contribution?
David Jennings says
I restored the comment. Comfortable with Soros’ contribution? As comfortable as anyone can be with huge amounts of money in politics. Doesn’t change my opinion of which candidate would be the best for Harris County.
DJ
Warren Fawcett says
Unbelievable.
Kevin W. says
Warren, I thought this quote supported the story quite well:
“Wayne Dolcefino, a spokesman for the Ogg campaign, welcomed the contribution…”
We are just going to have to accept that David and Don’s otherwise appealing content has a soft spot on this one. Ogg can do no wrong and Anderson is evil incarnate by the displayed standards here no matter what issue is raised. I understand they have some personal history that drives it all so I shrug my shoulders and will leave them be about it, anyone even mildly supportive of Anderson is considered persona non grata to be vilified and abused. It’s their blog to make these decisions as they see fit, the rest of us might as well write it off as a topic of discussion here.
David Jennings says
Kevin W., you guys are too funny. For some reason you just can’t imagine that I simply think that Kim Ogg would be a better DA than Devon Anderson. I’ve never said Ogg can do no wrong. In fact, I don’t like her support of Black Lives Matter. At all. But on the whole, I think Harris County needs a fresh vision in that office. As for personal history, I have met Ogg exactly, wait for it, one time. Well, unless you count nodding at her across the field of reporters at a press conference a couple years ago.
But thanks for reading the other stuff.
DJ
Kevin W. says
David, most of my remarks were observations of Don’s comments but unlike most of your coverage on other topics, the slant is clear. Don expressed various anecdotes of a personal nature, attacked Warren, and discounts anything said in favor of Ms. Anderson or against Ms. Ogg. I lumped the two of you together since there appears to be something more going on here than usual. Neither Warren or I appear to be ardent supporters of Ms. Anderson, merely having serious reservations about Ms. Ogg.
Please, as a courtesy, re-read the comments in the thread without regard to who wrote them and tell me what you think. Warren pointed out that cash strapped Ms. Ogg started a massive ad campaign despite having little cash on hand, other party loyalists telling him where she received the funding from, only to be bullied how the no name reporter got it wrong, the other sources are spin doctors, and on and on. The timing of the donation appears to have been made so it would avoid scrutiny, the newspaper article pointing out the donation was made after the latest deadline, all some are asking for is a bit more honest reporting. If Ms. Ogg is all you and Don seem to think she is, she can stand on her own merits without the need to attack the incumbent Republican.
David Jennings says
Warren Fawcett,
Agree, they don’t lie. But they have been known to spin a few things. 😉
It should be easy to prove that Ogg is receiving most of her funding from George Soros.
BTW, I didn’t even realize that the Three AM Egos were still on the air. Been a long time since I listened to KSEV. Thanks for the heads up.
DJ
Warren Fawcett says
I’ll keep digging. If nothing else, it should show up on her campaign finance report.
Amigos have been back on for quite awhile – at least a couple of yrs – 4-6 on Fridays.
David Jennings says
Yeah, I just looked at both of the candidate’s financial reports and nothing like you suggest shows up but that was back in July. The new ones should be released next week. I’ll be more than shocked if Soros gave her anything close to $500k but I’ve been shocked before.
Warren Fawcett says
I was listening in my truck, so I went back and listened to the rebroadcast.
The last report showed Ogg with $108k in cash and $70k in debt. Ogg’s campaign just did a $480k media buy. The money most likely did not come from Harris County. Eric Andell, the Democrat amigo, speculated that Soros was the source. I guess we’ll find out early next week.
David Jennings says
Warren, after reading the 30 day out report from Ogg, clearly she didn’t make a $480k media buy, clearly George Soros didn’t give her $500k and clearly most of her money isn’t coming from out of state. I have no idea how the three AM Egos could have gotten that so wrong. In fact, it looks like Ogg is struggling to raise cash, which is normal for a D in Harris County.
David Jennings says
As of today, I’m relying upon media reports about this $500k contribution. I’ll remain skeptical until I see it on a finance report somewhere.
Half of the money Ogg is reporting comes from the the pac that is funded by Steve Mostyn and is in-kind. No cash there for a media buy.
DJ
Don Hooper says
Warren,
What is it with you, every election cycle with Devon? Let’s review: Devon said she wanted to try cases and do away the the illegal Divert program. She tried one murder in 3 1/2 years on video. She expanded the illegal divert program to felonies. She arrested two pro-life activists and jailed a rape victim. This isn’t the half of it.
Warren let me tell you that politics is not your thing. You have lousy judgement in candidates. Focus on something else or maybe recognize that Big Jolly had it exactly right about the Anderson’s and we just might know exactly of what we write.
Warren Fawcett says
Don,
No need for the insult or personal attack. It’s this insider attitude that you and others put forth that resulted in Trump as our candidate. We the “great unwashed” want our voice heard. As for bad judgment in candidates, I guess that Gary Polland, Paul Bettencourt, and Ben Streusand don’t know anything either.
As for Ms. Anderson, I’m lukewarm for her, but I thoroughly despise Kim Ogg and Democrats. If you’re OK turning over the county (and eventually the state) to the Dems, so be it. I’m not.
Where did Ogg get all the money for her recent media buys? It seems that she’s on the air every 5 minutes now. Doesn’t that concern you?
Don Hooper says
Warren,
You are correct in calling me out and that was a personal attack. I apologize. My frustration is that two years ago when we had a chance to replace Devon Anderson Republicans did not do that. We now have to replace her now. If you go back and look at our articles two years ago you will see David Jennings and I both supported Ogg. We predicted almost eerily what Devon would do as
DA.
Devon’s damage to the pro-life movement has been long lasting. The Criminal Justice Center is not a place for politics. Devon Anderson should not be DA if she was a Democrat or Republican. If you cannot get justice there and the DA’s office is corrupted we live in banana republic. Anderson is far more liberal than her liberal husband. I submit her record as proof.
I invite you to go back and look at everything I ever wrote about Devon Anderson and tell me where I was wrong. One of the three people you mentioned commented recently that had we listened to me about Devon our local ticket would be entirety different.
As for Donald Trump I am supporter. If you have ever heard me speak you would know that I have known Donald Trump a very long time. I also believe he will win. Trump has always been a winner because of his hard work, intelligence, character, and tenacity. I say this from personal experience with him. I said he would win the primary the day he announced.
Watch Gary Polland’s interview with his long time friend Kim Ogg on the Red, White, and Blue on Sunday night. Tell me what you think of Devon’s appearance.
Again, I apologize for attacking you personally it was uncalled for.
Warren Fawcett says
Don,
Apology accepted.
Why wasn’t there a challenger in the primary? I would have voted against Anderson if there had been one. I will not vote for Ogg. At best, I might skip that race.
Do you think that Ogg would be pro-life? Ogg might not do the things that Anderson does that you don’t like. However, I am convinced that Ogg would do other things that you don’t like. It’s the devil that you know principle.
What about the out of state money coming in to her campaign?
My biggest concern is that an Ogg victory would give the Democrats more of a foothold in Harris County. If Texas turns blue, we’ve lost the country. That’s why I’m so “fixated” on Anderson v. Ogg. It’s a high profile county position.
As for Trump, I voted for him in the primary. I like that he shoots straight and is not a globalist or elitist. Unfortunately, the deck is stacked against him with a complicit media. It doesn’t matter what he did as a private citizen 1o-20-30 years ago. None of that is of consequence to me. On the other hand, Crooked Hillary’s stuff as a government official has an impact on my life and well being.
Kevin W. says
This is a case where I just have to bite the bullet and outright disagree with Don. Ms. Ogg is not going to embrace conservative values as a democrat catering to her core constituency any more now than she ever has. The suggestion that she is going to enforce the law flies in the face of her comments regarding drug cases of any kind, or that she is going to be more pro life than Ms. Anderson when her core support is made of up the anything goes crowd defies belief. Maybe Ogg’s support by some is coming from those that want a different Republican candidate in four years but that is why we have a primary system, I suggest Anderson haters simply field a better candidate we can rally behind rather than throwing the baby out with the bathwater, no pun intended.
Don Hooper says
Kevin,
I am not sure how Devon can do more damage. However, if you look at where we have been few Democrats could not have been worse. Devon has surrounded herself with a true basket of deplorables and prosecutorial misconduct is being taught to new prosecutors. When you defend prosecutorial misconduct you embrace it. I encourage you to read the DA’s office defense of Kelly Seigler. This is just one case. The cancer needs to be cut out of the office now. Devon has delivered on her promise to take the office back to the days of Chuck Rosenthal.
Kevin W. says
Don, I’d be snarky and tell you to expand your imagination but you seem to forget who has run as a democrat for DA. Ogg is a flip flop queen, and I’m not referring to her personal life, who has run as both Republican and democrat telling the public how she intends to make demands of everyone else in the criminal justice system and legislature. If it is true that she intends to re-indict Ms. Merritt and Mr. Daleiden as many claim she is campaigning about, that alone is enough to walk away from her. Before her was a guy that won the democrat primary who admitted he had no interest in the position, he was only running to advertise his ambulance chasing business.
Ogg has also made it crystal clear that she intends to stock the DA’s office with racial quotas to cater to her political party’s demands, no emphasis on the quality of person’s credentials so much as the color of their skin and/or gender. Picking her to get rid of a few problem children seems rather excessive even if you believe that she will not use the office to further the agenda of the local democratic party as many of us think she will. I wish you well but we will have to agree to disagree here, this perhaps another case of picking the lesser of two evils.
Don Hooper says
Kevin W.,
Again, Devon Anderson is very liberal. I personally have had the conversation with Kim about Daleiden and she in no way intends to re-indict David or Sandra. Now I would expect Devon to do that because she certainly left it open to do so. The Judge in the misdemeanor case dismissed the body parts case in such away both jeopardy and prejudice attached. The message was sent loud and clear by the Judge in that case Devon was nuts.
Devon Anderson is one of the Judges who committed judicial By-passes on a regular basis and was the go to Judge for Planned Parenthood, along with her husband. I think you would have an interesting discussion about abortion with Kim as I have when I watch her adopted son play with my son. Bruce Hotze was shocked to discover he went to St. Thomas. I believe it was Bruce or Jim Graham who told me Jack Ogg, Kim’s dad, was the last pro-life democrat senator in Texas.
A word about about the Divert program which both Devon and Mike Anderson campaigned against. It was a pre-trial diversion program that they both Anderson’s claimed was unconstitutional used for DWI’s by Pat Lykos. The Anderson’s expanded the program to most all misdemeanors and some felonies. I listened to some of the most uninformed Anderson supporters rail about this and they have no clue what Anderson has done.
The Anderson’s have run off most minorities from the DA’s office. I do believe the office needs to recruit minorities. This needs to be done for reasons more related to jury make up in the county. The office is struggling with retention issues and many good quality efficient prosecutors leaving. The office has become a national disgrace in just a few short years. Listen to Jenny’s mom describe how she could not get a hold of Devon Anderson or Belinda Hill over Christmas. Jenny’s mom was the rape victims mother who was just trying to get her daughter out of jail for Christmas. A rape victim! http://www.houstonmatters.org/show/2016/10/05/election-interview-with-da-candidate-kim-ogg-wednesdays-show-october-5-2016 Jenny’s mom callis in about the 25 minute mark.
Let’s talk about that for a second. It was horrible that Jenny was jailed for her testimony, but think about why it was done. If everyone has quit and you are left with little to work with and serious cases are walking out the door everyday what better way to get someone to testify exactly the way you want than to throw them in the Harris County jail. Who thinks that way? Devon Anderson thinks that way, Craig Goodheart thinks that way, and apparently many others because we now know around 40 people were being held for their testimony. Devon Anderson is dangerous and leaving her is bad for all Republicans.
I cannot imagine what she will do next term.
Kevin W. says
Don, I get it, you’re a personal friend of Ms. Ogg so your support is understandable. For many of us, the deal breaker is Daleiden and there are plenty of democrats going around making the re-indictment claim. If she truly has no intention of re-indicting,than maybe you can get her to post it on her website or call a press conference where she flat out states as much without reservation. Anything short of that and she’s not getting my vote or the votes of others that are on the fence. Thanks!
Don Hooper says
Kevin W,
Are you going to ask the same of Devon Anderson?
Kevin W. says
As she dismissed the cases in the first place, and no credible source has suggested she was going to reopen them, it had not occurred to me to consider that. If Ms. Ogg and her supporters want the benefits of telling democrats she is going to revisit a particular case, she can bear the consequences of openly taking a stand whether her opponent does likewise or not.
Don Hooper says
Stephen,
A Judge threw out one case. Another was dropped when the attorneys asked for the names of the grand jurors. Anderson did not dismiss that case with prejudice and Devon can refile it at anytime. Pretty sure the threat is Devon not Kim but what do I know.
Kevin W. says
As it stands, whichever one of them wins will be able to drag the two back into the process. One of them is said to be campaigning that she will do so when she wins the office but won’t clear it up when given the chance by those with valid concerns. If Steven, Mark, Warren, or others have additional points of view on the pair of candidates, it is up to them to express them.
Warren Fawcett says
Don and David,
The Chronicle, not a Conservative rag and an Ogg supporter, reports that Soros indeed contribute $500k to Ogg for a media buy.
Are ya’ll OK with that?
http://www.chron.com/news/politics/article/Billionaire-Soros-makes-500-000-ad-buy-for-9970130.php
Don Hooper says
It is not reflective of her campaign report written by a reporter no one has ever heard of before and quoting lying Allen Blakemore?
Warren Fawcett says
It was reported last week. David didn’t like the source. Now two sources confirm that she did get $500K from Soros. It will be on the campaign report sooner later. If not, Ogg’s as crooked as Hillary.
David Jennings says
Warren, see above.
DJ
mike says
740 AM just reported Soros giving campaigncash to Ogg.
You are frauds.
Frauds who live with your hands neatly covering your eyes.
David Jennings says
Frauds for being skeptical of a media report? Alrighty then Mr. Trump.
DJ
Don Hooper says
Mike,
So are you scared George Soros is going to have Kim Ogg indict a pro-life activist? I am trying to figure out why Don McGill gave Devn Anderson $450,000. The only connection to Devon is Chuck Rsenthal. Now that is scary and actually shows up in a campaign expense report.
Kevin Whited says
Apologies for momentarily derailing the interesting conversation in comments, but I have to say that in seeing so many “Kevin W” comments, I momentarily wondered if I left a bunch of comments and somehow blacked out/suffered amnesia. 😉
But no, judging by the time stamps and consulting my calendar, I don’t think that’s happened.
It does leave me curious as to the identity of this prolific BJP commenter who goes by the most excellent moniker, Kevin W however. Harris County is surely big enough for two KWs interested in local affairs *wink* but then again, it might be a little confusing for folks.
So to help that out, I’m the blogHOUSTON Kevin W who sometimes goes by PubliusTX. And I don’t comment on blogs or even post all that much anymore.
But I do read a lot, so please do carry on! Thanks for indulging me momentarily. 🙂
-Kevin Whited
Don Hooper says
I was going to try and explain this to some.
Thank You Kevin Whited!