Big Jolly Politics

politics in Harris County and Texas

Campaign finance in a few races in Harris County

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A brief look at the campaign finance reports of three Texas House seats in Harris County.  I was surprised at the number of Republicans that are now paying for block walking. That used to be a Democratic Party thing.

HD-126 Open Seat

This is another race that Empower Texans and Texas Right to Life is trying to influence in a big way. In addition to the $12,800 you see on this report from Kevin Fulton, ET has previously given him $20,000 and TRL $15,000. Harless appears to be tapping into the network that his wife, the former representative of 126 built up. And Stanart is relying on the little fella to get her into a runoff, although Fulton might have blocked that by also paying him.

kevin fulton, sam harless, gail stanart

HD-134 Sarah Davis (inc) vs Susanna Dokupil

This race continues to be the highest profile House race in the area. Outsiders continue to dominate the funding of challenger Dokupil. Although Davis has a significant advantage in COH, that is meaningless when Gov. Abbott can drop any amount he wants at any time. Davis continues to dominate in the number of contributions from individuals within the district. The HPOU pickup is very nice for Davis.

 

sarah davis susanna dokupil

HD-150 Valoree Swanson (inc) vs James Wilson

I’m not sure that we should call this a contested race but the incumbent did have someone file against her, so that is the definition. Swanson’s COH advantage comes from earlier contributions from Empower Texans, Texas Right to Life, Texans for Lawsuit Reform and the Briscoe Cain campaign. She paid $28,000 to 90 Degree Agency, which to the best of my knowledge provides paid block walkers.  As a perennial candidate, Wilson’s path to victory has never been clear and he has a very uphill battle to climb.

valoree swanson james wilson

 

Rep. Valoree Swanson gets a primary challenger

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From the InBox:

james wilson logo

Press Release
December 12, 2017

James Wilson files for Republican Nomination in House District 150

James Wilson, a local insurance agent and former Regional Director for US Senator Phil Gramm, made his campaign official today by filing for a place on the ballot for Texas State Representative in House District 150. Mr. Wilson will be seeking the Republican Party nomination.

“Unlike others, this is not a position that I seek solely for myself. Friends and neighbors have encouraged me to run so that the citizens of HD 150 have a voice in the State House. The current representation has simply not been attentive to the needs of the district. After much prayer and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to welcome this challenge.

The campaign will be based on three basic tenets – Educate, Protect and Invest. It is high time our district has a representative that focuses on the issues that are important to the families who live here. The challenges of our school’s finances, our public safety and flood control must be addressed with practical, common sense, conservative solutions. Our neighbors will have a consistent, pragmatic and effective voice in the Texas House of Representatives.

To my family of supporters, I am deeply grateful for your trust. I ask you now for your prayers and helping hands in the battle ahead. Our opposition is funded by powerful outside lobbies and special interests. Together, as neighbors, we will prevail.”

About James Wilson

James Wilson is the President of Wilson Risk Management LLC, a licensed insurance brokerage and agency that specializes in commercial and personal insurance. He is an Eagle Scout and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He and his wife Paige live in Spring with their two children, James Andrew and Savannah Grace, both of whom attend public school in Klein ISD. They have been residents of House District 150 for over 12 years.

Political Advertising Paid For By Wilson For Texas And Authorized By James Wilson.

James Wilson takes on Paul Bettencourt

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From the inbox:

Wilson for Senate

James Wilson filing for ballot

*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***

WILSON FILES FOR TEXAS SENATE DISTRICT 7
PROMISES TO SERVE “FULL TERM OF OFFICE” IF ELECTED

Spring, TX (December 3, 2013) – James Wilson, a local insurance agent and former Regional Director for US Senator Phil Gramm, made his campaign official today by filing for a place on the ballot for Texas State Senator in Senate District 7.  Mr. Wilson will be seeking the Republican Party nomination, and made the following statement,

“Unlike others, this is not a position that I seek solely for myself.  People that I love and care about have asked me to stand for them.  Friends and neighbors have encouraged me to run so that we might choose our next Senator in an election, instead of begging for tickets to his coronation.  After much prayer and thoughtful consideration, I rise and welcome this challenge. 

I’ve spent the past several months talking with my friends and neighbors from Cy-Fair, Houston, Tomball, Memorial, and Spring.  Even though we may not agree on everything, we share many of the same questions and concerns.  How will we manage the challenges of our population growth?  How will we care for the vulnerable among us?  Protect our communities?  Improve our schools? Create higher wage jobs?  We’re hungry for fresh ideas.  We deserve honest and practical answers.  We’re searching for new leaders to inspire us, and we need someone who will fight for our conservative values.

My friends and neighbors know that I am a student of the Bible and our Constitution.   They know I am a strong supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights, with an A rating from the NRA.  They know I am an advocate for protecting our vulnerable citizens, our children, the elderly, the disabled, and the unborn.  They know that I am a fierce opponent of government fraud and abhor wasteful spending.  How do the people of Senate District 7 know these things?  It is because I live among them, not above them.

Most people are frustrated with politics today, myself included. People believe our political system is rigged, that they have no voice, and that they do not matter.  Elected officials once respected the sacred trust given to them by ‘We the People’.  Today I see our so-called leaders abusing this trust and breaking their oaths to the people who elected them. This current “good old boy” system where arrogant insiders decide our elections behind closed doors with their mailers and pay for play endorsements must end. People deserve real choices in their elected leaders, not self-serving career politicians. 

I am an outsider to these political machines, and have neither the influence to be “hand-picked” for a position nor the fortune to buy it.  I have nothing to offer you in exchange for your vote, except my promise of honest hard work and fierce loyalty to the people of this district.  If elected, I promise to serve the full term of office.  I won’t quit or break my sacred oath to you for any amount of money. 

To my family of supporters, I am deeply grateful for your trust.  I ask you now for your prayers and your strong hands to help us in the battle ahead.  Our opposition is mighty, but with faith like a mustard seed we shall prevail.  

Finally, to those who are undecided or have given up hope that anyone will ever listen to your concerns, I ask you to hear my words.  I care about you.  I share your values.   I ask you for your vote, your prayers, and your support.  In exchange, I promise you that if I am elected, I will fight for you, serve you with humility, and I will never forget that it is ‘We the People’ who truly hold the power.

Thank you, and may God bless us and our mighty state.”  

Wilson will appear on the ballot in the Republican Primary election to be held on March 4, 2014.  Early voting for this election will begin on February 18, 2014, and continue until February 28, 2014.

###

About James Wilson

James Wilson is the President of Wilson Risk Management LLC, a licensed insurance brokerage and agency that specializes in commercial and personal insurance.  He is an Eagle Scout and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.  He and his wife Paige, live in the unincorporated area of North Harris County with their two children, James Andrew (13) and Savannah Grace (11).

Contact 

James Wilson
24202 Doverwick Drive
Tomball, TX  77375
713-550-3482
[email protected]

James Wilson to challenge Rep. Debbie Riddle

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From the press release files:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 28, 2011
James Wilson, Phone 713-550-3482,
[email protected]
www.WilsonForTexas.com

WILSON FIRST TO FILE FOR DISTRICT 150 – PROMISES “JOBS, RESULTS, INTEGRITY, NOW

HOUSTON, TX – James Wilson, a local insurance agent and former Regional Director for US Senator Phil Gramm, made his campaign official today. Wilson was the first to file for a place on the ballot for Texas State Representative in House District 150. Wilson will be seeking the Republican Party nomination. Wilson made the following statement,

“Since announcing my candidacy in July of this year, my volunteers and I have knocked on the doors of hundreds of voters in our community. My positive message of ‘Jobs, Results, Integrity, Now’ has been welcomed with great enthusiasm. The people of District 150 have told me that they want more effectiveness and certainty in our state government. The overwhelming encouragement that I’ve received convinces me that the people of this district are eager for new leadership and a fresh approach.

I’ve spent the past five months listening closely to the questions and concerns of our community. Why can’t Texas properly fund public schools for our kids? Why hasn’t the state done more to encourage job creation and economic development? Why isn’t healthcare more affordable for me and my family? Texans deserve honest and practical answers. I’m running because Texas needs serious solutions to these real world problems, now.”

Wilson will be appearing on the ballot in the Republican Primary election to be held on March 6, 2012.

Political advertising paid for by Wilson For Texas and authorized by James Wilson. 

My guess is that Mr. Wilson doesn't have a chance because it is so hard to unseat an entrenched incumbent like Debbie Riddle. But…who knows? Maybe the people of HD150 are tired of rhetorical representation without results. After all, can you tell me one thing that Debbie Riddle has done during her time in office besides get on TV and radio screaming about 'them illegals'? Betcha can't.