MESA, Ariz. — Rivals heaped criticism on surprise front-runner Rick Santorum in a debate among U.S. Republican presidential candidates on Wednesday, hoping to stall his surge at a pivotal period in the 2012 campaign.
Mitt Romney and libertarian congressman Ron Paul tried to raise doubts about Santorum and questioned his fiscal conservative credentials based on his time in the U.S. Congress when he was an easy backer of government spending projects deemed wasteful by critics.
Paul, asked by CNN moderator John King why he had launched a campaign ad that labelled Santorum a "fake," responded: "Because he's a fake."
Romney, scrambling to make up for a deficit in the polls to Santorum, put the former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania on the defensive for backing a much-derided $400 million "bridge to nowhere" project in Alaska that was eventually abandoned.
Santorum fired back that Romney, as chief organizer of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, had sought similar government spending items known as "earmarks" and often deemed wasteful spending.
"When I was fighting for the Olympics, you were fighting for the 'bridge to nowhere,"' Romney told Santorum.
"You don't know what you're talking about," Santorum snapped back. He insisted that earmarks do enjoy public scrutiny and can be useful, although there has been a move among congressional Republicans to ban them.
Santorum needs to build on his momentum going into the Arizona and Michigan primaries on Feb. 28 and pave the way for Super Tuesday on March 6.
Santorum and Romney are in a close race in Michigan, according to opinion polls, with most recent surveys showing the two divided by four percentage points or fewer. A victory in Michigan is critical for Romney as he needs to prove he can win in the state where he was born.
An NBC/Marist poll on Wednesday had Romney at 37 per cent to Santorum at 35 per cent among likely primary voters in Michigan, a statistical dead heat.
The poll gave Romney a lead of 42 per cent to 27 per cent over Santorum in Arizona. A Time/CNN poll on Tuesday found Romney ahead by 36 per cent to 32 per cent there.
A Quinnipiac University poll also released on Wednesday showed Santorum up nine percentage points nationally against his Republican rivals, at 35 per cent compared to 26 per cent for Romney. It showed Gingrich with 14 per cent and Paul with 11 per cent.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Liberty PD Nabs Burglar
The Liberty Police Department has taken a Hurricane Katrina evacuee, arrested and charged with theft elsewhere on Feb. 13, into custody and charged him in connection with driving the getaway van in a Feb. 20 burglary of the Brookshire Brothers grocery store located at 2325 N. Main St. in Liberty. Meanwhile investigators have been following leads left in the van in the search for three other alleged burglars who fled the vehicle.
Ronald Wayne Harvey, 35, had been uncooperative, as of deadline, in helping investigators to identify and to locate the other three suspects who fled the vehicle that he was driving on Highway 90 near Crosby, where Harris County Sheriff’s Department deputies set up devices that snagged a tire and stopped the vehicle, according to Liberty Police Department Lt. Chip Fairchild. Harvey, held at Liberty County Jail, has been charged with burglary of a building and felony evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. Police have recovered 20 cartons of cigarettes and clothing.
The Liberty Police Department received a call from store security at about 2 a.m. Security noticed that three subjects — their heads, faces and hands covered — had broken into the store. They had tried unsuccessfully to enter the pharmacy.
“What [security] reported to us was that they had surveillance going on of people in the store at that time,” Fairchild said. “Officers responded; we had a less than two-minute response time. Upon getting to the store, three individuals were coming out of the store, jumping into a silver-colored van. As the officer approached the van, the subjects fled.”
Deputies were ready for them.
“They crossed FM 2100 on Highway 90 where Harris County had set up spikes in the roadway,” Fairchild said. “One of the tires was punctured. They exited at the first exit on Highway 90 at the San Jacinto River bridge. At that point, three subjects exited the vehicle. One subject, the driver of the vehicle, was apprehended when the vehicle stopped. The three subjects that fled were actually the three that had been in the store.”
Deputies and officers have continued to pursue the trio, which, according to the lieutenant apparently had been a “part of a group that has been burglarizing stores all over this part of Texas,” based on previous similar arrests.
Courtesy HCN Cleveland
Ronald Wayne Harvey, 35, had been uncooperative, as of deadline, in helping investigators to identify and to locate the other three suspects who fled the vehicle that he was driving on Highway 90 near Crosby, where Harris County Sheriff’s Department deputies set up devices that snagged a tire and stopped the vehicle, according to Liberty Police Department Lt. Chip Fairchild. Harvey, held at Liberty County Jail, has been charged with burglary of a building and felony evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. Police have recovered 20 cartons of cigarettes and clothing.
The Liberty Police Department received a call from store security at about 2 a.m. Security noticed that three subjects — their heads, faces and hands covered — had broken into the store. They had tried unsuccessfully to enter the pharmacy.
“What [security] reported to us was that they had surveillance going on of people in the store at that time,” Fairchild said. “Officers responded; we had a less than two-minute response time. Upon getting to the store, three individuals were coming out of the store, jumping into a silver-colored van. As the officer approached the van, the subjects fled.”
Deputies were ready for them.
“They crossed FM 2100 on Highway 90 where Harris County had set up spikes in the roadway,” Fairchild said. “One of the tires was punctured. They exited at the first exit on Highway 90 at the San Jacinto River bridge. At that point, three subjects exited the vehicle. One subject, the driver of the vehicle, was apprehended when the vehicle stopped. The three subjects that fled were actually the three that had been in the store.”
Deputies and officers have continued to pursue the trio, which, according to the lieutenant apparently had been a “part of a group that has been burglarizing stores all over this part of Texas,” based on previous similar arrests.
Courtesy HCN Cleveland
Sunday, February 19, 2012
BOBBY RADER SAYS THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT CAN DO BETTER
The first forum of the political primaries was conducted recently and candidate for sheriff Bobby Rader was there to make his case to the voters how a vote for him would be a vote to improve Liberty County’s sheriff department .
Bobby Rader moved to Liberty as a Texas Department of Public Safety Officer and worked in that position for seven years. He then went into business for himself in the field of insurance. He ran for office in 1998 as a Republican and has served as a judge of the Justice of the Peace precinct #1 for 13 years.
Rader told the audience he has more civil and criminal experience than his opponents combined. He also said as a business man he has been successful managing people and budgets and he believes he can use that experience to help the morale problem and the high turnover rate in the department.
“Unless they are trained to the best of their ability, morale goes down,” he said.
Pointing again to the problems deputies have because the sheriff has not exposed them to needed training, Rader wade in with his perspective as a judge, “A lot of cases are dismissed because we either didn’t have the evidence or we didn’t do it right.”
Rader said that his first priority would be to work with local law enforcement agencies. He claimed that the sheriff’s office has no relationships with local city police departments and that the sheriff’s office does not participate in their monthly meetings. Rader said that he wants to improve the communications between the county and the local agencies.
Judge Rader also pointed out that the county needs to catch up on serving warrants. Liberty county currently has over 6,000 open warrants.
Bobby Rader moved to Liberty as a Texas Department of Public Safety Officer and worked in that position for seven years. He then went into business for himself in the field of insurance. He ran for office in 1998 as a Republican and has served as a judge of the Justice of the Peace precinct #1 for 13 years.
Rader told the audience he has more civil and criminal experience than his opponents combined. He also said as a business man he has been successful managing people and budgets and he believes he can use that experience to help the morale problem and the high turnover rate in the department.
“Unless they are trained to the best of their ability, morale goes down,” he said.
Pointing again to the problems deputies have because the sheriff has not exposed them to needed training, Rader wade in with his perspective as a judge, “A lot of cases are dismissed because we either didn’t have the evidence or we didn’t do it right.”
Rader said that his first priority would be to work with local law enforcement agencies. He claimed that the sheriff’s office has no relationships with local city police departments and that the sheriff’s office does not participate in their monthly meetings. Rader said that he wants to improve the communications between the county and the local agencies.
Judge Rader also pointed out that the county needs to catch up on serving warrants. Liberty county currently has over 6,000 open warrants.
PATTERSON WANTS FOUR MORE YEARS AS SHERIFF
The first forum of the political primaries was conducted recently and incumbent sheriff Henry Patterson was there to make his case to the voters to give him four more years.
In the forum, Patterson explained he has 33 years at the Cleveland Police Department. He said that he started at the bottom and rose up from a Cleveland patrolman to assistant chief. As assistant chief of the Cleveland Police Department Patterson decided more of the focus of the Liberty County Sheriff’s Department needed to be on helping fight crime in the Cleveland area. With that in mind, Patterson ran and lost in the 2004 Democratic primary. With four more years experience in the Cleveland Police Department, Patterson decided to run again in 2008.
“I decided to run four years ago to improve on equal law enforcement throughout the county,” said Patterson. “It was selective and lacking on the north end.”
Patterson has now served as the Liberty county sheriff for 38 months. When each candidate was asked to identify their goals for the department for the next four years, Patterson said, “I’d like to continue the route we are on now”.
When challenged that the “route we are on now” is not all it has been cracked up to be, Patterson pointed to case clearance rates for his department. Patterson noted that the percentage of cleared cases in 2009 - 2011 were 34%, 40%, and 37% respectfully. When Patterson pointed out that those clearance numbers are calculated by the state and signed off on by Rick Perry, it was pointed out that the actual raw data comes from Henry Patterson and the LCSO. There are ways to improve a rating without actually solving a crime. Cases can be cleared by being dismissed or when people die.
When Patterson was challenged again on his decision to not utilize training opportunities for his deputies, he again refuted the charge. He claims his deputies were not under trained. He said that more than 50 percent of deputies have intermediate or advanced certifications in law enforcement. Patterson never addressed why the sheriff’s department, under his leadership no longer attends joint meetings and training with other law enforcement agencies.
"The one thing you have got out of me in the last three years is the best I have to offer,” said Patterson. “Our numbers are factual. We are working hard and arresting a lot of people. There are things we have no control over. If you want things the way they are, in control, I’m the person for the job.”
For more of the story see the Cleveland Advocate.
In the forum, Patterson explained he has 33 years at the Cleveland Police Department. He said that he started at the bottom and rose up from a Cleveland patrolman to assistant chief. As assistant chief of the Cleveland Police Department Patterson decided more of the focus of the Liberty County Sheriff’s Department needed to be on helping fight crime in the Cleveland area. With that in mind, Patterson ran and lost in the 2004 Democratic primary. With four more years experience in the Cleveland Police Department, Patterson decided to run again in 2008.
“I decided to run four years ago to improve on equal law enforcement throughout the county,” said Patterson. “It was selective and lacking on the north end.”
Patterson has now served as the Liberty county sheriff for 38 months. When each candidate was asked to identify their goals for the department for the next four years, Patterson said, “I’d like to continue the route we are on now”.
When challenged that the “route we are on now” is not all it has been cracked up to be, Patterson pointed to case clearance rates for his department. Patterson noted that the percentage of cleared cases in 2009 - 2011 were 34%, 40%, and 37% respectfully. When Patterson pointed out that those clearance numbers are calculated by the state and signed off on by Rick Perry, it was pointed out that the actual raw data comes from Henry Patterson and the LCSO. There are ways to improve a rating without actually solving a crime. Cases can be cleared by being dismissed or when people die.
When Patterson was challenged again on his decision to not utilize training opportunities for his deputies, he again refuted the charge. He claims his deputies were not under trained. He said that more than 50 percent of deputies have intermediate or advanced certifications in law enforcement. Patterson never addressed why the sheriff’s department, under his leadership no longer attends joint meetings and training with other law enforcement agencies.
"The one thing you have got out of me in the last three years is the best I have to offer,” said Patterson. “Our numbers are factual. We are working hard and arresting a lot of people. There are things we have no control over. If you want things the way they are, in control, I’m the person for the job.”
For more of the story see the Cleveland Advocate.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
MIKE JACKSON RUNNING FOR THE U.S. HOUSE
Mike Jackson is running for the House of Representatives to represent this area. We hope you will read his thoughts on the issues below and begin to prepare to vote in the Republican primary.
First Principles
Every decision an elected official makes should be based on core principles. Too many of the politicians in Washington have forgotten this simple premise. As your Representative in Congress, these are the principles which will guide my every vote:
You Cannot Ignore the Constitution and Protect Liberty
As the Founding Fathers so justly recognized in the Declaration of Independence, each of us is endowed by Our Creator with Liberty and we, the people, allow elected officials to be our voice – we must never let them forget that their authority is received FROM US and we expect them to follow the Constitution.
Following the Constitution means following ALL OF THE CONSTITUTION. As an avid hunter and proud Member of the Texas State Rifle Association, I will always fight to protect our 2nd Amendment rights.
You Cannot Grow Government and the Private Sector
Every time Barack Obama and his liberal allies call for tax increases, they are saying “We prefer a stronger government than stronger private enterprise”. If we ever hope to grow our economy and limit the power of the federal government, we must stop this misguided belief that the earnings of small businesses belong to the government.
In order to truly inspire the private sector to create more jobs, Barack Obama and liberal leaders in Congress must be defeated. Only then can we begin the process of dismantling the excessive regulations, over-bearing mandates (like Obama-care), and stifling atmosphere that has private enterprise fleeing our shores for greener pastures.
Lower corporate taxes, less regulation, and a smaller-less intrusive federal government will help us forge economic expansion that will provide more jobs, more taxpayers, and stronger businesses for all our communities.
You Cannot Spend Your Way Out of Debt
If raising the debt ceiling allowed our nation to lower our federal debt and control spending, then why has it NEVER worked? It is time to stop the spending carnival in Washington.
In Texas, we are Constitutionally mandated to have a balanced budget. During tough times, it means we have to make tough decisions and set critical priorities, but it prevents us from being bankrupt as a government. We deserve to have a Balanced Budget Amendment for the federal government as well.
While I support the budget put forward by Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, we need to have a Congress and a President who show the courage and leadership necessary to preserve, secure, and reform Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Without real reform – recognizing that these programs are going bankrupt and face trillions of dollars in unfunded liabilities – we will condemn our children to a debt burden which will crush our nation and leave them utterly dependent on the federal government.
You Cannot Have a Strong Nation Without Strong Families and a Respect for LIFE
Our families are the bedrock of our nation – without strong families, America would never have grown into a world leader. I will always stand on the side of strong families and that means protecting the Sanctity of Life and Marriage.
You Cannot Have a Secure Nation With Weak Borders and Weak National Defense
I have NEVER seen Congress get serious about border control and I will make it a priority for a conservative-led Congress to stop the flood of illegal immigrants that cross our border every year.
And I have been appalled at the massive, ill-conceived cuts that are now weakening American military strength. We cannot proceed with these drastic and absurd cuts if we are to defend our nation along our shores, our borders, and abroad.
You Cannot Control Your Economic Future if You Do Not Control Your Energy Future
For too long, Washington politicians and enviro-liberals have driven our energy producers out of America. It is time Congress led our nation to a vast energy expansion so we can better control our economic future, energy prices, and stop sending hundreds of billions of dollars to unstable Middle East nations.
First Principles
Every decision an elected official makes should be based on core principles. Too many of the politicians in Washington have forgotten this simple premise. As your Representative in Congress, these are the principles which will guide my every vote:
You Cannot Ignore the Constitution and Protect Liberty
As the Founding Fathers so justly recognized in the Declaration of Independence, each of us is endowed by Our Creator with Liberty and we, the people, allow elected officials to be our voice – we must never let them forget that their authority is received FROM US and we expect them to follow the Constitution.
Following the Constitution means following ALL OF THE CONSTITUTION. As an avid hunter and proud Member of the Texas State Rifle Association, I will always fight to protect our 2nd Amendment rights.
You Cannot Grow Government and the Private Sector
Every time Barack Obama and his liberal allies call for tax increases, they are saying “We prefer a stronger government than stronger private enterprise”. If we ever hope to grow our economy and limit the power of the federal government, we must stop this misguided belief that the earnings of small businesses belong to the government.
In order to truly inspire the private sector to create more jobs, Barack Obama and liberal leaders in Congress must be defeated. Only then can we begin the process of dismantling the excessive regulations, over-bearing mandates (like Obama-care), and stifling atmosphere that has private enterprise fleeing our shores for greener pastures.
Lower corporate taxes, less regulation, and a smaller-less intrusive federal government will help us forge economic expansion that will provide more jobs, more taxpayers, and stronger businesses for all our communities.
You Cannot Spend Your Way Out of Debt
If raising the debt ceiling allowed our nation to lower our federal debt and control spending, then why has it NEVER worked? It is time to stop the spending carnival in Washington.
In Texas, we are Constitutionally mandated to have a balanced budget. During tough times, it means we have to make tough decisions and set critical priorities, but it prevents us from being bankrupt as a government. We deserve to have a Balanced Budget Amendment for the federal government as well.
While I support the budget put forward by Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, we need to have a Congress and a President who show the courage and leadership necessary to preserve, secure, and reform Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Without real reform – recognizing that these programs are going bankrupt and face trillions of dollars in unfunded liabilities – we will condemn our children to a debt burden which will crush our nation and leave them utterly dependent on the federal government.
You Cannot Have a Strong Nation Without Strong Families and a Respect for LIFE
Our families are the bedrock of our nation – without strong families, America would never have grown into a world leader. I will always stand on the side of strong families and that means protecting the Sanctity of Life and Marriage.
You Cannot Have a Secure Nation With Weak Borders and Weak National Defense
I have NEVER seen Congress get serious about border control and I will make it a priority for a conservative-led Congress to stop the flood of illegal immigrants that cross our border every year.
And I have been appalled at the massive, ill-conceived cuts that are now weakening American military strength. We cannot proceed with these drastic and absurd cuts if we are to defend our nation along our shores, our borders, and abroad.
You Cannot Control Your Economic Future if You Do Not Control Your Energy Future
For too long, Washington politicians and enviro-liberals have driven our energy producers out of America. It is time Congress led our nation to a vast energy expansion so we can better control our economic future, energy prices, and stop sending hundreds of billions of dollars to unstable Middle East nations.
ROBERT NICHOLS for DISTRICT 3 STATE SENATE
First elected to the Texas Senate in 2006, Robert Nichols represents several counties including the greater part of East Texas and Liberty County.
Nichols serves as vice chair of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee and sits on the Transportation and Homeland Security, Natural Resources, Health and Human Services, and Nominations Committees. He was also appointed last year to the influential Sunset Advisory Commission.
During his two sessions as a state senator, Nichols authored important legislation to protect landowners' rights, increase educational opportunities in East Texas and reform transportation policies. He was designated as a top legislator by Texas Insider and a Champion of Free Enterprise by the Texas Association of Business. He was recently elected by fellow GOP senators to chair the Senate Republican Caucus.
Before running for Senate, Nichols served as a transportation commissioner for eight years where he established a reputation for increasing efficiency without compromising quality.
Nichols is a businessman from Jacksonville, Texas. In his hometown he served on city council, was elected mayor, built four successful manufacturing facilities, earned 32 U.S. patents, and created more than 900 jobs for East Texas families.
Working his way through college by selling fireworks and ironing clothes for other students, Nichols earned a bachelor's degree from Lamar University in 1968. He married his high school sweetheart, Donna, and they are the proud parents of three children: Brittney, Joshua, and Collynn'rae. He is a member of the First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, Texas.
Occupation: Engineer -- Plastics manufacturing
Education: Lamar University, B.S., Industrial Engineering, 1968
Legislative Experience: Senate Member, 2007 - present
Hometown: Jacksonville, Texas
Party: Republican
Nichols serves as vice chair of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee and sits on the Transportation and Homeland Security, Natural Resources, Health and Human Services, and Nominations Committees. He was also appointed last year to the influential Sunset Advisory Commission.
During his two sessions as a state senator, Nichols authored important legislation to protect landowners' rights, increase educational opportunities in East Texas and reform transportation policies. He was designated as a top legislator by Texas Insider and a Champion of Free Enterprise by the Texas Association of Business. He was recently elected by fellow GOP senators to chair the Senate Republican Caucus.
Before running for Senate, Nichols served as a transportation commissioner for eight years where he established a reputation for increasing efficiency without compromising quality.
Nichols is a businessman from Jacksonville, Texas. In his hometown he served on city council, was elected mayor, built four successful manufacturing facilities, earned 32 U.S. patents, and created more than 900 jobs for East Texas families.
Working his way through college by selling fireworks and ironing clothes for other students, Nichols earned a bachelor's degree from Lamar University in 1968. He married his high school sweetheart, Donna, and they are the proud parents of three children: Brittney, Joshua, and Collynn'rae. He is a member of the First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, Texas.
Occupation: Engineer -- Plastics manufacturing
Education: Lamar University, B.S., Industrial Engineering, 1968
Legislative Experience: Senate Member, 2007 - present
Hometown: Jacksonville, Texas
Party: Republican
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Liberty PD Announces Community Education Classes
(LIBERTY, TEXAS) January 16, 2012 - Liberty Police Department is now hosting community education classes on the 2nd Thursday of every month. The classes are free and open to anyone in Liberty County. The class schedule is listed below, followed by the rules of attendance.
Car Seat Safety – State law and regulation, installation, reasons for car seats
February 16
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: Sergeant Jeanne Marie Ewing
Sexting – Acronyms kids are using, different gadgets they use to text without a phone
March 8
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: Kelley Koch
Internet Safety for Parents – Safety techniques parents can use to monitor children’s use of the internet
April 12
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: Officer Jennifer Bowles
Teen Drinking – Statistics on teen drinking and collisions, ways to help teens
May 10
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: TBA
Predators – Sex offender laws and registration, warning signs
June 7
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: Frances Wood
Self Defense – Strategies, tips and techniques
July 12
6pm – 7pm
Liberty Center in City Hall
Instructor: Officer Wes O’Hanlon
Crime Prevention – Tips to protect your property from burglary
August 9
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: Lt. Philip Fairchild
Self Defense – Strategies, tips and techniques
September 13
6pm – 7pm
Liberty Center in City Hall
Instructor: Officer Wes O’Hanlon
Fire Safety – Tips to protect your home from fire
October 11
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: Jacob Cantu
Holiday Crime Prevention – Safety tips for shopping, and home protection
November 8
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: Lt. Kenneth Taylor
If you would like to register for classes, contact Training Assistant Frances Wood at 936-336-5666, fwood@cityofliberty.org or you can visit www.cityofliberty.org and look under the police department tab.
Car Seat Safety – State law and regulation, installation, reasons for car seats
February 16
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: Sergeant Jeanne Marie Ewing
Sexting – Acronyms kids are using, different gadgets they use to text without a phone
March 8
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: Kelley Koch
Internet Safety for Parents – Safety techniques parents can use to monitor children’s use of the internet
April 12
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: Officer Jennifer Bowles
Teen Drinking – Statistics on teen drinking and collisions, ways to help teens
May 10
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: TBA
Predators – Sex offender laws and registration, warning signs
June 7
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: Frances Wood
Self Defense – Strategies, tips and techniques
July 12
6pm – 7pm
Liberty Center in City Hall
Instructor: Officer Wes O’Hanlon
Crime Prevention – Tips to protect your property from burglary
August 9
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: Lt. Philip Fairchild
Self Defense – Strategies, tips and techniques
September 13
6pm – 7pm
Liberty Center in City Hall
Instructor: Officer Wes O’Hanlon
Fire Safety – Tips to protect your home from fire
October 11
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: Jacob Cantu
Holiday Crime Prevention – Safety tips for shopping, and home protection
November 8
6pm – 7pm
Liberty PD Training Room
Instructor: Lt. Kenneth Taylor
If you would like to register for classes, contact Training Assistant Frances Wood at 936-336-5666, fwood@cityofliberty.org or you can visit www.cityofliberty.org and look under the police department tab.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Texas' Election Primary Update
(02/15/2012) SAN ANTONIO - The Texas primaries, which were once key to emerging from next month's Super Tuesday elections with the momentum and backing to win the Republican presidential race, may be pushed into May - and perhaps out of relevance for the race - because of a dispute over the state's proposed redistricting maps.
Although the chances of an April primary are not officially extinguished, even the judges acknowledged those prospects are fading because of logistics. Elections workers from some of Texas' largest counties are pushing May 22 as the next earliest date if maps can be settled quickly.
U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez at one point suggested that June 26 may make the most sense for the primary elections. That would make Texas among the last states in the nation to hold a primary but would also ensure that maps would reflect any Voting Rights Act issues that a Washington court is still deciding.
But Democratic and Republican party officials said they would prefer a vote in late May.
Other news sources are reporting a primary target date of May 29, 2012. No Texas Primary Election date has been written in stone as of today.
Although the chances of an April primary are not officially extinguished, even the judges acknowledged those prospects are fading because of logistics. Elections workers from some of Texas' largest counties are pushing May 22 as the next earliest date if maps can be settled quickly.
U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez at one point suggested that June 26 may make the most sense for the primary elections. That would make Texas among the last states in the nation to hold a primary but would also ensure that maps would reflect any Voting Rights Act issues that a Washington court is still deciding.
But Democratic and Republican party officials said they would prefer a vote in late May.
Other news sources are reporting a primary target date of May 29, 2012. No Texas Primary Election date has been written in stone as of today.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
TWO LOSERS PREDICT WHO WILL WIN THE SHERIFF’S RACE
Often you will see my name and then a comma and then “Former three term Liberty County Republican Party Chairman”. For people that have lived here a long time and know any the history of Liberty County politics, holding this elected office is no claim to fame. It is just a claim to being active longer than most. In fact, if others want to put it in the fewest words, holding that title guaranteed they could call me one more “loser” in a long line of loser chairmen. Over 100 years of nothing but losing is what I signed up to try and help change. And my chairmanship, along with the people that ran on the Republican ticket before 2004 was - well we were forerunners at best to what is now the dominant party in the county. We had that one victory that we pointed to and said that would be the start of the Republican Party being the dominant party in Liberty County. That victory was Bobby Rader. He knew the odds were against him and that if he ran as a Democrat he could probably win easily, but Bobby is not that kind of person. He made a clear statement. That he "read both platforms and watched both parties" and he "identified with the Republican party... win or lose.”
One of the candidates that ran back in those days was Eddie Shauberger. He ran for County Judge and then for State Representative several times. I was the County Chairman when he was seeking office. Recently Mr. Shauberger made a calculation. He heavily invested himself and his time in an all out effort to re-elect Henry Patterson sheriff. His efforts and the efforts of others who either do not live in Liberty County or they have just recently moved here, are far and above the efforts most people have ever made to elect someone. I had no idea Shauberger had such a personal interest in the sheriff’s race until I hinted that I would support Bobby Rader. I knew Mr.Shauberger tried to use our friendship and the idea an incumbent almost always wins to twists my arm to support Patterson. And I also knew Mr. Shauberger was relentlessly trying to sell Ray Akins on the idea almost every Republican would go to the polls and vote for the incumbent. I knew he kept saying it would be good for him and Ray to be associated with Patterson and the Outsiders. It was weird how his focus almost seemed to be solely on this race. We had no idea why it was so important to him. Our alliance and our commitment to each other was to work hard to elect the best conservatives we could find ("no matter what happened to us") – but Shauberger never argued anything but some mysterious personal interests.
Readers could stop here and say who cares who we were for, but (even though I agree) again I beg you please read on. I made up my mind early that even though this might be an ugly political year that most anyone that knows Bobby Rader knows he is not only a good man, but a highly qualified energetic man that could help make our sheriff department better. Since Ray had met with Harry Patterson several times I thought I better get busy if I wanted to convince Ray to vote for Bobby. But it wasn’t long before Ray went from a skeptic to a Rader backer. Ray was easy to convince. I told him to consider Patterson’s record and that definitely helped. Then I pointed to Rader’s experience and the general public feeling and my personal knowledge that Rader has a great deal of integrity and… their record of party affiliation was important because it helped prove his integrity: “Rader ran as a Republican and risked everything when he could have won as a Democrat while Henry ran the first time as a Democrat”.
Ray switched to being a Rader fan early, but told me not to tell Eddie because he did not know what Eddie was up to but that this race had some kind of unusual hold on him. We played along with Eddie but thought we knew his motivation must go beyond some ridiculous idea that ANY sheriff could help the legal problems involving Eddie’s company. The legal cases would be completed before the outcome of all these elections. (Read further and find out how that our suspicions that Eddie was abnormally committed to this race were verified!)
I tried to get a feel for the race so I could change Eddie’s vote. I addressed Eddie’s issues – Eddie had said Pattterson was an incumbent and that incumbents almost always win. He called him a shoe-in. But as I began to do my research as near as I could tell there were no prosecutors in the District Attorney’s office or the County Attorney’s office who thought Patterson deserved re-election. The County Clerk, the District Clerk, the”Black Robes". Nobody I talked to seemed impressed with the job Henry Patterson was doing as sheriff. As a matter of fact, on the streets talking to average people when I could more openly ask people about the race, I rarely found anyone that would say they were voting for say “Patterson”, almost 100% said Rader. So I tried to persuade Mr. Shauberger that if his intent was to work to elect the person most of the people in the courthouse and in Wal-Mart, and at the ball game were voting for, then he had the wrong side. Whatever his point about “Being on the same side as the Outsiders was” I still don’t understand. Other than he told Ray and me over and over he was helping them investigate a long list of Liberty County citizens.
Here is what I want people to know (not who Richard Pegues is voting for or who Eddie Shauberger is voting for– people could easily look at my track record as Chairman and Eddie’s track record and say who cares – these two men are losers. But they should also look at my record of activism and conclude my interests are what they have always been... like or not, I have worked to elect Republicans for almost two decades and it has cost me, not benefited me). I want you to know while Shauberger was still acting like a good friend, he was recording meetings he had with us and meetings he had with Bobby Rader. He was telling people my wife is a “whore” and that I used her and political connections to get our son out of trouble years ago. He was cursing my name as bad as any sailor has ever cursed a man. He was doing this while he was calling Bobby Rader “brother”. He was doing this to me and my family – when the closest thing we have come to any kind of public scandal is our public defense and friendship with Eddie Shauberger. He was doing this while he was stiffing Ray Akins and leaving him paying almost all of the legal bills and still lying to Ray about his ownership in IHHC years later. He was doing this while he was being ordained a Baptist preacher down in Oak Island.
When I arranged to meet Mr.Shauberger and to attempt the steps set out in the Bible to settle differences, I knew he was taping me. I very purposely made sure to mention several times what he called my wife and the threats he made toward my son and how it made me feel like hitting him in the face. I tried to make sure this man would have a chance to listen to his stupid tape and think how some jury he was preparing for or his buddy the Sheriff would view HIM in the tape. I tried to give him a chance to stop whatever devious plan he was involved in. I tried to get him to stop calling my wife names and threatening my family when he knew I had done just the opposite of what he was saying he would allege if I continued promoting Rader on the internet. But Shauberger shut the tape off eventually and admitted what he had done (I have proof of what he said without his tape). But later he said if I try to bring blackmail charges or defamation charges against him, he will play his tape. My conclusion: he was not there to come clean and stop whatever it was he was up to. He was there to try and get something to fight off a possible lawsuit. He must have loved me saying “What I ought to do.......”. He must have really thought it was clever saying what poor health he was in and how me saying I felt like punching him in the face caused him so much angst. This man who had the audacity to say what he said about my wife and say half the courthouse was involved in some plot to make a teenager’s case turn out like almost every other similar case,was now saying he was somehow the victim?
Whatever Mr.Shauberger is up to it appears to be more comprehensive than we originally thought. He has laughed at Ray and me for reminding him to stick with our original pact and push to elect the best conservatives we can elect. He has focused on the legal problems he has connected to his ownership of a home health care company. He has now been heard bragging that Rader will be shown to be associated with Ray Akins and that he has cut all kinds of deals with people in his criminal and civil lawsuits to make Akins take a fall right before the primary. He has also intimated in the past that they “Will make Bobby look like a real slime-ball before election day”. And in case you haven’t seen it this group of terrible people have already used the internet to cover me with all kinds of reasons I should lose my job and go to jail. All lies. All baseless and ridiculous.
Politics can be an ugly business. Especially when good ole boy politics is being uprooted. Mr. Shauberger and a very imaginative, very black-hearted re-election team have plans for getting people to see people the way they need them to. They have plans to continue to demonize two easy targets – Ray Akins and me. And we accept their attempts to lump us in with some of the people who truly have committed criminal acts around here as part of the price of being so involved. We are honored to have served as a decoy from some of the public officials they have clearly prepared to target..... even though their tactics seem like they add up to an ignorant political strategy
But it is the next stage that is not acceptable. The effort to divert attention away from all of those reasons people have in the back of their minds of why we need a new sheriff. The effort to whitewash and embellish Patterson’s record as sheriff and to suddenly come up with all kinds of new revelations never before heard about a long time justice of the peace - it is all too much! We are proud to say we would like Rader to be elected sheriff - just as we thought the best candidates in the last election were Brown, Shivers, Morefield, Chambers, Cain, Warner, and others. It is too much to say what these people are suggesting. They want to tell voters our support of Bobby Rader is a reason to vote for Patterson because there is not any better reason to vote that way.
Contributor, Richard Pegues
One of the candidates that ran back in those days was Eddie Shauberger. He ran for County Judge and then for State Representative several times. I was the County Chairman when he was seeking office. Recently Mr. Shauberger made a calculation. He heavily invested himself and his time in an all out effort to re-elect Henry Patterson sheriff. His efforts and the efforts of others who either do not live in Liberty County or they have just recently moved here, are far and above the efforts most people have ever made to elect someone. I had no idea Shauberger had such a personal interest in the sheriff’s race until I hinted that I would support Bobby Rader. I knew Mr.Shauberger tried to use our friendship and the idea an incumbent almost always wins to twists my arm to support Patterson. And I also knew Mr. Shauberger was relentlessly trying to sell Ray Akins on the idea almost every Republican would go to the polls and vote for the incumbent. I knew he kept saying it would be good for him and Ray to be associated with Patterson and the Outsiders. It was weird how his focus almost seemed to be solely on this race. We had no idea why it was so important to him. Our alliance and our commitment to each other was to work hard to elect the best conservatives we could find ("no matter what happened to us") – but Shauberger never argued anything but some mysterious personal interests.
Readers could stop here and say who cares who we were for, but (even though I agree) again I beg you please read on. I made up my mind early that even though this might be an ugly political year that most anyone that knows Bobby Rader knows he is not only a good man, but a highly qualified energetic man that could help make our sheriff department better. Since Ray had met with Harry Patterson several times I thought I better get busy if I wanted to convince Ray to vote for Bobby. But it wasn’t long before Ray went from a skeptic to a Rader backer. Ray was easy to convince. I told him to consider Patterson’s record and that definitely helped. Then I pointed to Rader’s experience and the general public feeling and my personal knowledge that Rader has a great deal of integrity and… their record of party affiliation was important because it helped prove his integrity: “Rader ran as a Republican and risked everything when he could have won as a Democrat while Henry ran the first time as a Democrat”.
Ray switched to being a Rader fan early, but told me not to tell Eddie because he did not know what Eddie was up to but that this race had some kind of unusual hold on him. We played along with Eddie but thought we knew his motivation must go beyond some ridiculous idea that ANY sheriff could help the legal problems involving Eddie’s company. The legal cases would be completed before the outcome of all these elections. (Read further and find out how that our suspicions that Eddie was abnormally committed to this race were verified!)
I tried to get a feel for the race so I could change Eddie’s vote. I addressed Eddie’s issues – Eddie had said Pattterson was an incumbent and that incumbents almost always win. He called him a shoe-in. But as I began to do my research as near as I could tell there were no prosecutors in the District Attorney’s office or the County Attorney’s office who thought Patterson deserved re-election. The County Clerk, the District Clerk, the”Black Robes". Nobody I talked to seemed impressed with the job Henry Patterson was doing as sheriff. As a matter of fact, on the streets talking to average people when I could more openly ask people about the race, I rarely found anyone that would say they were voting for say “Patterson”, almost 100% said Rader. So I tried to persuade Mr. Shauberger that if his intent was to work to elect the person most of the people in the courthouse and in Wal-Mart, and at the ball game were voting for, then he had the wrong side. Whatever his point about “Being on the same side as the Outsiders was” I still don’t understand. Other than he told Ray and me over and over he was helping them investigate a long list of Liberty County citizens.
Here is what I want people to know (not who Richard Pegues is voting for or who Eddie Shauberger is voting for– people could easily look at my track record as Chairman and Eddie’s track record and say who cares – these two men are losers. But they should also look at my record of activism and conclude my interests are what they have always been... like or not, I have worked to elect Republicans for almost two decades and it has cost me, not benefited me). I want you to know while Shauberger was still acting like a good friend, he was recording meetings he had with us and meetings he had with Bobby Rader. He was telling people my wife is a “whore” and that I used her and political connections to get our son out of trouble years ago. He was cursing my name as bad as any sailor has ever cursed a man. He was doing this while he was calling Bobby Rader “brother”. He was doing this to me and my family – when the closest thing we have come to any kind of public scandal is our public defense and friendship with Eddie Shauberger. He was doing this while he was stiffing Ray Akins and leaving him paying almost all of the legal bills and still lying to Ray about his ownership in IHHC years later. He was doing this while he was being ordained a Baptist preacher down in Oak Island.
When I arranged to meet Mr.Shauberger and to attempt the steps set out in the Bible to settle differences, I knew he was taping me. I very purposely made sure to mention several times what he called my wife and the threats he made toward my son and how it made me feel like hitting him in the face. I tried to make sure this man would have a chance to listen to his stupid tape and think how some jury he was preparing for or his buddy the Sheriff would view HIM in the tape. I tried to give him a chance to stop whatever devious plan he was involved in. I tried to get him to stop calling my wife names and threatening my family when he knew I had done just the opposite of what he was saying he would allege if I continued promoting Rader on the internet. But Shauberger shut the tape off eventually and admitted what he had done (I have proof of what he said without his tape). But later he said if I try to bring blackmail charges or defamation charges against him, he will play his tape. My conclusion: he was not there to come clean and stop whatever it was he was up to. He was there to try and get something to fight off a possible lawsuit. He must have loved me saying “What I ought to do.......”. He must have really thought it was clever saying what poor health he was in and how me saying I felt like punching him in the face caused him so much angst. This man who had the audacity to say what he said about my wife and say half the courthouse was involved in some plot to make a teenager’s case turn out like almost every other similar case,was now saying he was somehow the victim?
Whatever Mr.Shauberger is up to it appears to be more comprehensive than we originally thought. He has laughed at Ray and me for reminding him to stick with our original pact and push to elect the best conservatives we can elect. He has focused on the legal problems he has connected to his ownership of a home health care company. He has now been heard bragging that Rader will be shown to be associated with Ray Akins and that he has cut all kinds of deals with people in his criminal and civil lawsuits to make Akins take a fall right before the primary. He has also intimated in the past that they “Will make Bobby look like a real slime-ball before election day”. And in case you haven’t seen it this group of terrible people have already used the internet to cover me with all kinds of reasons I should lose my job and go to jail. All lies. All baseless and ridiculous.
Politics can be an ugly business. Especially when good ole boy politics is being uprooted. Mr. Shauberger and a very imaginative, very black-hearted re-election team have plans for getting people to see people the way they need them to. They have plans to continue to demonize two easy targets – Ray Akins and me. And we accept their attempts to lump us in with some of the people who truly have committed criminal acts around here as part of the price of being so involved. We are honored to have served as a decoy from some of the public officials they have clearly prepared to target..... even though their tactics seem like they add up to an ignorant political strategy
But it is the next stage that is not acceptable. The effort to divert attention away from all of those reasons people have in the back of their minds of why we need a new sheriff. The effort to whitewash and embellish Patterson’s record as sheriff and to suddenly come up with all kinds of new revelations never before heard about a long time justice of the peace - it is all too much! We are proud to say we would like Rader to be elected sheriff - just as we thought the best candidates in the last election were Brown, Shivers, Morefield, Chambers, Cain, Warner, and others. It is too much to say what these people are suggesting. They want to tell voters our support of Bobby Rader is a reason to vote for Patterson because there is not any better reason to vote that way.
Contributor, Richard Pegues
Sunday, February 12, 2012
CULT LEADERS MAKE MOVE TO INFILTRATE LIBERTY COUNTY
As our readers are aware we posted a recent story on one of the leaders of the “Outsiders” named James Donald Farmer. He is a candidate who signed up to run for Liberty County Attorney against the incumbent Wesley Hinch. Farmer’s "Permanent" scam address is a vacant garage apartment on 2621 1/2 Cos Street in Liberty Texas. The Farmer story we published is -here-.
James Famer is the legal mind and right hand of the “Outsiders” leader Clifford “Fuddy” William. Again, Liberty Dispatch has also published a story related to Clifford “Fuddy” William -here- and his questionable and bizarre prior candidacy for Texas Supreme Court Justice without a law degree. James Farmer listed his "Permanent Address" as the scam/false 2621 1/2 Cos Street address- on government documents -here-.
The real question about the “Outsiders” cult seems to be why Liberty County? The answer to that question lies with current Sheriff Henry Patterson. Many allegations swirl around why Patterson invited the “Outsiders” into Liberty County but one thing is for sure, he did invite them into Liberty County. The main reason Patterson invited the “Outsiders” into Liberty County was to help in the defense of Sheriff Patterson’s close friend, ally and Lieutenant, Harry Kelly. Patterson told people he was “In over his head” and felt like he needed to bring in the “Outsiders” cult. As of this date it is clear that Patterson brought in the “Outsiders” out of desperation and has effectively sold his soul to them. Sources indicate that Patterson knew the “Outsiders” cult had success evading and harassing the IRS/Agents and could help him with his perceived Liberty County Government enemies. Sources also indicate that the “Outsiders” cult is an anti-tax splinter anti-government group comprised of Clifford “Fuddy” William’s different churches. It is alleged that Henry Patterson illegally paid Clifford “Fuddy” William under the table as a “Consultant” to help in the investigation and arrest of Liberty County ADA Joe Warren. Outsider underlings Eddie Shauberger along with Robert “Eggplant” Valdez perpetrated an illegal investigation against Joe Warren -here- then ran to open a blog “after the fact” to make it look as if they were news investigators, when in reality they were doing illegal investigations for Henry Patterson without a Private Investigator’s license.
Side note: To date, Henry Patterson has refused to make an accounting of his 2011 and 2012 slush fund/assets...
The “Outsiders” cult has obviously figured that since they are defending “defunct loser” current Sheriff Henry Patterson, they might as well create their own list of candidates- overtly and covertly. Liberty Dispatch has identified many of the “Outsiders” cult political candidates in our “Do not vote list”. Liberty Dispatch was told by reputed “Outsiders” cult writer/underling Roberto Francisco “Eggplant” (tax cheat) Valdez that the “Outsiders” cult want to make Liberty County their national base of operations but needed to “own” the Liberty County Government.
Somehow or another “Outsiders” cult leader Clifford “Fuddy” William along with his wife Shirley Thomas has acquired lots of Liberty County property formally owned by John Stockton and Russell Fairchild. All the properties are titled in the name of “Shirley Thomas”. Liberty Dispatch is suspicious that maybe John Stockton and Russell Fairchild have become unwitting victims of the “Outsiders” cult.
As for Shirley Thomas, Clifford “Fuddy” William’s wife- It is very odd that no part of her name connects to William in any way. Either they aren’t actually married or they have a marriage of some questionable convenience. Shirley Thomas has been witnessed as sitting in on private “Outsiders” meetings and making decisions as a reputed “Outsider” cult leader.
Going back to the fact that the “Outsiders” cult are now running their own candidates in Liberty County it’s interesting to note that Shirley Thomas is running for Liberty County Republican Judge Precinct 2. What’s bizarre is how she is scamming Liberty County just like James Farmer. You will see the picture below of the many travel trailers the “Outsider” cult has moved into Liberty County. From this link you will see that Shirley Thomas is using the address where the cult travel trailers are parked- she listed this address as her "Permanent" Liberty County Judge Precinct 2 address -here-. Her address is just like that of “Outsider Leader” James Farmer, a scam on Liberty County voters and Republican Party along with making false statements on government documents according to records.
Probably even more disturbing is the Liberty County property “Shirley Thomas” has listed in her candidate form is filled with travel trailers of more probable “Outsiders” cult members moving into Liberty County.
If no other candidate signs up to run against “Shirley Thomas” as the Republican Party Precinct 2 Chair, she will win that position and the “Outsiders” cult will own another piece of the Liberty County political machine.
Shirley “Hunt” Thomas like James Donald Farmer, both “Outsider” cult members are trying to pull a fast one on Liberty County and the voters should be concerned. They are also trying to inject their sinister dogma and control into Liberty County through threat and intimidation.
NOTE: CLICK ON EACH PICTURE TO ENHANCE.
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| 2621 1/2 Cos Street, fake vacant scam candidate address of James Donald Farmer |
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| Younger picture of James Farmer 40's |
Side note: To date, Henry Patterson has refused to make an accounting of his 2011 and 2012 slush fund/assets...
The “Outsiders” cult has obviously figured that since they are defending “defunct loser” current Sheriff Henry Patterson, they might as well create their own list of candidates- overtly and covertly. Liberty Dispatch has identified many of the “Outsiders” cult political candidates in our “Do not vote list”. Liberty Dispatch was told by reputed “Outsiders” cult writer/underling Roberto Francisco “Eggplant” (tax cheat) Valdez that the “Outsiders” cult want to make Liberty County their national base of operations but needed to “own” the Liberty County Government.
Somehow or another “Outsiders” cult leader Clifford “Fuddy” William along with his wife Shirley Thomas has acquired lots of Liberty County property formally owned by John Stockton and Russell Fairchild. All the properties are titled in the name of “Shirley Thomas”. Liberty Dispatch is suspicious that maybe John Stockton and Russell Fairchild have become unwitting victims of the “Outsiders” cult.
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| Shirley Thomas' scam candidate address, 2944 Hwy 105 Cleveland Texas. Many "Outsiders" using this address. |
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| Clifford "Fuddy" William's truck used when he visits Cleveland. Truck listed in alias name. |
Probably even more disturbing is the Liberty County property “Shirley Thomas” has listed in her candidate form is filled with travel trailers of more probable “Outsiders” cult members moving into Liberty County.
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| Clifford "Fuddy" William and Shirley Thomas' property and alleged "Cult Temple" in the background. |
Shirley “Hunt” Thomas like James Donald Farmer, both “Outsider” cult members are trying to pull a fast one on Liberty County and the voters should be concerned. They are also trying to inject their sinister dogma and control into Liberty County through threat and intimidation.
NOTE: CLICK ON EACH PICTURE TO ENHANCE.
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