Houston Political Blog

Big Day for Rosenthal

Update: Kelly Siegler, Assistant District Attorney, was called to the stand around 1 p.m.  She spent less than 20 minutes on the stand, basically testifying that she didn't know anything.. and now we hae Scott Durfee, general counsel, on the stand.

Update: County IT guru Gary Zallar is on the stand, talking about email retrieval. Chuck Rosenthal is here, so is Kelly Siegler, the ADA who is running for his job.  Reporters from all the TV stations and newspapers, even the New York Times, are here.  So are some community activists, who are vowing a protest.

Embattled District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal is among a long list of interesting potential witnesses headed to federal court this morning.  The hearing is over the allegation that he deleted over 2500 emails.  Of course, we all know about the emails he didn't delete, which included romantic emails to his secretary, seen in this photo from Rosenthal's own website.  Rosenthall has already agreed not to run for re-election.  Will he get in more legal hot water in federal court? Stay tuned!!

Big Day for Rosenthal

Update: Kelly Siegler, Assistant District Attorney, was called to the stand around 1 p.m.  She spent less than 20 minutes on the stand, basically testifying that she didn't know anything.. and now we hae Scott Durfee, general counsel, on the stand.

Update: County IT guru Gary Zallar is on the stand, talking about email retrieval. Chuck Rosenthal is here, so is Kelly Siegler, the ADA who is running for his job.  Reporters from all the TV stations and newspapers, even the New York Times, are here.  So are some community activists, who are vowing a protest.

Embattled District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal is among a long list of interesting potential witnesses headed to federal court this morning.  The hearing is over the allegation that he deleted over 2500 emails.  Of course, we all know about the emails he didn't delete, which included romantic emails to his secretary, seen in this photo from Rosenthal's own website.  Rosenthall has already agreed not to run for re-election.  Will he get in more legal hot water in federal court? Stay tuned!!

Big Day for Rosenthal

Update: Kelly Siegler, Assistant District Attorney, was called to the stand around 1 p.m.  She spent less than 20 minutes on the stand, basically testifying that she didn't know anything.. and now we hae Scott Durfee, general counsel, on the stand.

Update: County IT guru Gary Zallar is on the stand, talking about email retrieval. Chuck Rosenthal is here, so is Kelly Siegler, the ADA who is running for his job.  Reporters from all the TV stations and newspapers, even the New York Times, are here.  So are some community activists, who are vowing a protest.

Embattled District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal is among a long list of interesting potential witnesses headed to federal court this morning.  The hearing is over the allegation that he deleted over 2500 emails.  Of course, we all know about the emails he didn't delete, which included romantic emails to his secretary, seen in this photo from Rosenthal's own website.  Rosenthall has already agreed not to run for re-election.  Will he get in more legal hot water in federal court? Stay tuned!!

Big Day for Rosenthal

Update: Kelly Siegler, Assistant District Attorney, was called to the stand around 1 p.m.  She spent less than 20 minutes on the stand, basically testifying that she didn't know anything.. and now we hae Scott Durfee, general counsel, on the stand.

Update: County IT guru Gary Zallar is on the stand, talking about email retrieval. Chuck Rosenthal is here, so is Kelly Siegler, the ADA who is running for his job.  Reporters from all the TV stations and newspapers, even the New York Times, are here.  So are some community activists, who are vowing a protest.

Embattled District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal is among a long list of interesting potential witnesses headed to federal court this morning.  The hearing is over the allegation that he deleted over 2500 emails.  Of course, we all know about the emails he didn't delete, which included romantic emails to his secretary, seen in this photo from Rosenthal's own website.  Rosenthall has already agreed not to run for re-election.  Will he get in more legal hot water in federal court? Stay tuned!!

And then there were four...

Romney, McCain, Clinton, Obama... sure there are still a few other candidates.. but the big four is set.. and if you listen to every pundit on cable TV, you would think that John McCain has it locked up.  Unless, of course, you're listening to Rush... in which case you would think that McCain is a Democrat.  As John Edwards stepped aside to let "history" blaze its path... an interesting twist in New York City:

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Post endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination Wednesday, calling him an "untried candidate" but a preferable alternative to the newspaper's home state senator, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Clinton and her husband, the former president, "stand for deja vu all over again — a return to the opportunistic, scandal-scarred, morally muddled years of the almost infinitely self-indulgent Clinton co-presidency," the paper wrote. "Does America really want to go through all that once again? It will — if Senator Clinton becomes president."

The Post, a scrappy tabloid known for its colorful headlines and conservative editorial bent, mercilessly skewered both Clintons during the former president's two terms in the White House and Hillary Clinton's first run for Senate in New York in 2000.

Since then, the couple have worked to reach a detente with the paper and its owner, billionaire media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

And then there were four...

Romney, McCain, Clinton, Obama... sure there are still a few other candidates.. but the big four is set.. and if you listen to every pundit on cable TV, you would think that John McCain has it locked up.  Unless, of course, you're listening to Rush... in which case you would think that McCain is a Democrat.  As John Edwards stepped aside to let "history" blaze its path... an interesting twist in New York City:

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Post endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination Wednesday, calling him an "untried candidate" but a preferable alternative to the newspaper's home state senator, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Clinton and her husband, the former president, "stand for deja vu all over again — a return to the opportunistic, scandal-scarred, morally muddled years of the almost infinitely self-indulgent Clinton co-presidency," the paper wrote. "Does America really want to go through all that once again? It will — if Senator Clinton becomes president."

The Post, a scrappy tabloid known for its colorful headlines and conservative editorial bent, mercilessly skewered both Clintons during the former president's two terms in the White House and Hillary Clinton's first run for Senate in New York in 2000.

Since then, the couple have worked to reach a detente with the paper and its owner, billionaire media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

And then there were four...

Romney, McCain, Clinton, Obama... sure there are still a few other candidates.. but the big four is set.. and if you listen to every pundit on cable TV, you would think that John McCain has it locked up.  Unless, of course, you're listening to Rush... in which case you would think that McCain is a Democrat.  As John Edwards stepped aside to let "history" blaze its path... an interesting twist in New York City:

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Post endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination Wednesday, calling him an "untried candidate" but a preferable alternative to the newspaper's home state senator, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Clinton and her husband, the former president, "stand for deja vu all over again — a return to the opportunistic, scandal-scarred, morally muddled years of the almost infinitely self-indulgent Clinton co-presidency," the paper wrote. "Does America really want to go through all that once again? It will — if Senator Clinton becomes president."

The Post, a scrappy tabloid known for its colorful headlines and conservative editorial bent, mercilessly skewered both Clintons during the former president's two terms in the White House and Hillary Clinton's first run for Senate in New York in 2000.

Since then, the couple have worked to reach a detente with the paper and its owner, billionaire media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

And then there were four...

Romney, McCain, Clinton, Obama... sure there are still a few other candidates.. but the big four is set.. and if you listen to every pundit on cable TV, you would think that John McCain has it locked up.  Unless, of course, you're listening to Rush... in which case you would think that McCain is a Democrat.  As John Edwards stepped aside to let "history" blaze its path... an interesting twist in New York City:

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Post endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination Wednesday, calling him an "untried candidate" but a preferable alternative to the newspaper's home state senator, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Clinton and her husband, the former president, "stand for deja vu all over again — a return to the opportunistic, scandal-scarred, morally muddled years of the almost infinitely self-indulgent Clinton co-presidency," the paper wrote. "Does America really want to go through all that once again? It will — if Senator Clinton becomes president."

The Post, a scrappy tabloid known for its colorful headlines and conservative editorial bent, mercilessly skewered both Clintons during the former president's two terms in the White House and Hillary Clinton's first run for Senate in New York in 2000.

Since then, the couple have worked to reach a detente with the paper and its owner, billionaire media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

Where will you be on Super Tuesday?

Sitting on your couch?  Watching at the local pub?  Or volunteering for your favorite candidate in one of 22 states?  Drop me a line, either in the comment section or by email.  I'll be in New York City on Super Tuesday, and I'm looking forward to running into a few Houstonians.

Where will you be on Super Tuesday?

Sitting on your couch?  Watching at the local pub?  Or volunteering for your favorite candidate in one of 22 states?  Drop me a line, either in the comment section or by email.  I'll be in New York City on Super Tuesday, and I'm looking forward to running into a few Houstonians.

Where will you be on Super Tuesday?

Sitting on your couch?  Watching at the local pub?  Or volunteering for your favorite candidate in one of 22 states?  Drop me a line, either in the comment section or by email.  I'll be in New York City on Super Tuesday, and I'm looking forward to running into a few Houstonians.

Where will you be on Super Tuesday?

Sitting on your couch?  Watching at the local pub?  Or volunteering for your favorite candidate in one of 22 states?  Drop me a line, either in the comment section or by email.  I'll be in New York City on Super Tuesday, and I'm looking forward to running into a few Houstonians.

Well, at least this will survive....

Well, with just about every major media outlet writing the "writing on the wall" for Mayor Giuliani, at least the nice cornerstone at 711 Louisiana in downtown will still be there.  Local legal eagles remember when the landmark firm changed its name to include Giuliani not too long ago.  And even if this Presidential thing doesn't work out...  there's always billable hours.

Well, at least this will survive....

Well, with just about every major media outlet writing the "writing on the wall" for Mayor Giuliani, at least the nice cornerstone at 711 Louisiana in downtown will still be there.  Local legal eagles remember when the landmark firm changed its name to include Giuliani not too long ago.  And even if this Presidential thing doesn't work out...  there's always billable hours.

Well, at least this will survive....

Well, with just about every major media outlet writing the "writing on the wall" for Mayor Giuliani, at least the nice cornerstone at 711 Louisiana in downtown will still be there.  Local legal eagles remember when the landmark firm changed its name to include Giuliani not too long ago.  And even if this Presidential thing doesn't work out...  there's always billable hours.

Well, at least this will survive....

Well, with just about every major media outlet writing the "writing on the wall" for Mayor Giuliani, at least the nice cornerstone at 711 Louisiana in downtown will still be there.  Local legal eagles remember when the landmark firm changed its name to include Giuliani not too long ago.  And even if this Presidential thing doesn't work out...  there's always billable hours.

Will Florida Count?

Several Houston Clinton Supporters, including City Hall insider Carl Davis, did their part to stump for their candidate in South Carolina.  Now, they are hoping the Florida delegates will eventually count.  By now, most people know that the national Dems stripped Florida of its delegates as punishment for moving up its primary.  All the man Dem candidates also promised not to campaign there.  However, with Hillary Clinton winning the beauty contest, her camp has made an effort to thank supporters there, and show their appreciation.  Their hope is that eventually, the national folks will let Florida, and its coveted delegates, actually count during the Convention.  Will it happen? Who knows.. but it could make the difference in the tight Dem race.   By the way, last time I checked, Clinton was the only major candidate to hold a public rally in Houston.  Everyone else just came by to raise money, which of course, Texans have plenty of for both parties.

Will Florida Count?

Several Houston Clinton Supporters, including City Hall insider Carl Davis, did their part to stump for their candidate in South Carolina.  Now, they are hoping the Florida delegates will eventually count.  By now, most people know that the national Dems stripped Florida of its delegates as punishment for moving up its primary.  All the man Dem candidates also promised not to campaign there.  However, with Hillary Clinton winning the beauty contest, her camp has made an effort to thank supporters there, and show their appreciation.  Their hope is that eventually, the national folks will let Florida, and its coveted delegates, actually count during the Convention.  Will it happen? Who knows.. but it could make the difference in the tight Dem race.   By the way, last time I checked, Clinton was the only major candidate to hold a public rally in Houston.  Everyone else just came by to raise money, which of course, Texans have plenty of for both parties.

Will Florida Count?

Several Houston Clinton Supporters, including City Hall insider Carl Davis, did their part to stump for their candidate in South Carolina.  Now, they are hoping the Florida delegates will eventually count.  By now, most people know that the national Dems stripped Florida of its delegates as punishment for moving up its primary.  All the man Dem candidates also promised not to campaign there.  However, with Hillary Clinton winning the beauty contest, her camp has made an effort to thank supporters there, and show their appreciation.  Their hope is that eventually, the national folks will let Florida, and its coveted delegates, actually count during the Convention.  Will it happen? Who knows.. but it could make the difference in the tight Dem race.   By the way, last time I checked, Clinton was the only major candidate to hold a public rally in Houston.  Everyone else just came by to raise money, which of course, Texans have plenty of for both parties.

Will Florida Count?

Several Houston Clinton Supporters, including City Hall insider Carl Davis, did their part to stump for their candidate in South Carolina.  Now, they are hoping the Florida delegates will eventually count.  By now, most people know that the national Dems stripped Florida of its delegates as punishment for moving up its primary.  All the man Dem candidates also promised not to campaign there.  However, with Hillary Clinton winning the beauty contest, her camp has made an effort to thank supporters there, and show their appreciation.  Their hope is that eventually, the national folks will let Florida, and its coveted delegates, actually count during the Convention.  Will it happen? Who knows.. but it could make the difference in the tight Dem race.   By the way, last time I checked, Clinton was the only major candidate to hold a public rally in Houston.  Everyone else just came by to raise money, which of course, Texans have plenty of for both parties.

Watch out for "unescorted" reporters!

You may remember that last week, I blogged about Jolanda Jones' pink office, and how my presence in the City Council offices apparently irked either a council member or staffer.  For the record, I visited the City Council offices around 10 A.M. on Jan. 24th.  So, guess what comes out just two hours later?  An email memo telling council staffers and members that for "space" and "privacy" issues guests always need to be escorted. Hm.... wonder who they were talking about???  Seriously, I didn't realize taking pictures of an office with permission and then walking down the hall to get some paper work from another council member was so threatening to other staffers, especially since we all know for a fact that former council members who currently lobby can occasionally be seen unescorted in the hallways.  Anyway, read the memo below and judge for yourself.

Watch out for "unescorted" reporters!

You may remember that last week, I blogged about Jolanda Jones' pink office, and how my presence in the City Council offices apparently irked either a council member or staffer.  For the record, I visited the City Council offices around 10 A.M. on Jan. 24th.  So, guess what comes out just two hours later?  An email memo telling council staffers and members that for "space" and "privacy" issues guests always need to be escorted. Hm.... wonder who they were talking about???  Seriously, I didn't realize taking pictures of an office with permission and then walking down the hall to get some paper work from another council member was so threatening to other staffers, especially since we all know for a fact that former council members who currently lobby can occasionally be seen unescorted in the hallways.  Anyway, read the memo below and judge for yourself.

Watch out for "unescorted" reporters!

You may remember that last week, I blogged about Jolanda Jones' pink office, and how my presence in the City Council offices apparently irked either a council member or staffer.  For the record, I visited the City Council offices around 10 A.M. on Jan. 24th.  So, guess what comes out just two hours later?  An email memo telling council staffers and members that for "space" and "privacy" issues guests always need to be escorted. Hm.... wonder who they were talking about???  Seriously, I didn't realize taking pictures of an office with permission and then walking down the hall to get some paper work from another council member was so threatening to other staffers, especially since we all know for a fact that former council members who currently lobby can occasionally be seen unescorted in the hallways.  Anyway, read the memo below and judge for yourself.

Watch out for "unescorted" reporters!

You may remember that last week, I blogged about Jolanda Jones' pink office, and how my presence in the City Council offices apparently irked either a council member or staffer.  For the record, I visited the City Council offices around 10 A.M. on Jan. 24th.  So, guess what comes out just two hours later?  An email memo telling council staffers and members that for "space" and "privacy" issues guests always need to be escorted. Hm.... wonder who they were talking about???  Seriously, I didn't realize taking pictures of an office with permission and then walking down the hall to get some paper work from another council member was so threatening to other staffers, especially since we all know for a fact that former council members who currently lobby can occasionally be seen unescorted in the hallways.  Anyway, read the memo below and judge for yourself.

President's Speech and Visible Houstonians

The State of the Union address from an outgoing President is usually not that exciting.  And if you actually watched the entire speech last night, well... I did too.  However, it was interesting to see the dynamics on the House Floor.  Sure, there was Sen. Barack Obama, sitting next to his new BFF Ted Kennedy.  And, there was the Prez, willing to shake hands with both Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton.  Clinton shake hands with Obama? Not so much.

I do have to say though, if you watched any of the actions on the floor at all, you would see  that local reps Sheila Jackson-Lee and Al Green were very visible.  In fact, I think Green is even more visible than Jackson-Lee.  I saw him before and after the speech, hanging out the along the corridor.  I even found a pool photo of Green shaking hands with Sen. Obama.  So there you go... wonder what they talked about?

President's Speech and Visible Houstonians

The State of the Union address from an outgoing President is usually not that exciting.  And if you actually watched the entire speech last night, well... I did too.  However, it was interesting to see the dynamics on the House Floor.  Sure, there was Sen. Barack Obama, sitting next to his new BFF Ted Kennedy.  And, there was the Prez, willing to shake hands with both Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton.  Clinton shake hands with Obama? Not so much.

I do have to say though, if you watched any of the actions on the floor at all, you would see  that local reps Sheila Jackson-Lee and Al Green were very visible.  In fact, I think Green is even more visible than Jackson-Lee.  I saw him before and after the speech, hanging out the along the corridor.  I even found a pool photo of Green shaking hands with Sen. Obama.  So there you go... wonder what they talked about?

President's Speech and Visible Houstonians

The State of the Union address from an outgoing President is usually not that exciting.  And if you actually watched the entire speech last night, well... I did too.  However, it was interesting to see the dynamics on the House Floor.  Sure, there was Sen. Barack Obama, sitting next to his new BFF Ted Kennedy.  And, there was the Prez, willing to shake hands with both Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton.  Clinton shake hands with Obama? Not so much.

I do have to say though, if you watched any of the actions on the floor at all, you would see  that local reps Sheila Jackson-Lee and Al Green were very visible.  In fact, I think Green is even more visible than Jackson-Lee.  I saw him before and after the speech, hanging out the along the corridor.  I even found a pool photo of Green shaking hands with Sen. Obama.  So there you go... wonder what they talked about?

President's Speech and Visible Houstonians

The State of the Union address from an outgoing President is usually not that exciting.  And if you actually watched the entire speech last night, well... I did too.  However, it was interesting to see the dynamics on the House Floor.  Sure, there was Sen. Barack Obama, sitting next to his new BFF Ted Kennedy.  And, there was the Prez, willing to shake hands with both Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton.  Clinton shake hands with Obama? Not so much.

I do have to say though, if you watched any of the actions on the floor at all, you would see  that local reps Sheila Jackson-Lee and Al Green were very visible.  In fact, I think Green is even more visible than Jackson-Lee.  I saw him before and after the speech, hanging out the along the corridor.  I even found a pool photo of Green shaking hands with Sen. Obama.  So there you go... wonder what they talked about?

Janek set to announce resignation plans

Republican State Sen. Kyle Janek confirmed the rumors that's swirled around for quite some time.  In a news conference tomorrow, Janek will announce his intentions to resign from the State Senate in the coming months.  Janek, who represented portions of Houston/Galveston for years, already has a nice house in Austin, where his kiddos and the rest of the family live.

Janek's news conference will be held at the Lt. Gov's press room tomorrow afternoon in Austin at 1 p.m.

Janek set to announce resignation plans

Republican State Sen. Kyle Janek confirmed the rumors that's swirled around for quite some time.  In a news conference tomorrow, Janek will announce his intentions to resign from the State Senate in the coming months.  Janek, who represented portions of Houston/Galveston for years, already has a nice house in Austin, where his kiddos and the rest of the family live.

Janek's news conference will be held at the Lt. Gov's press room tomorrow afternoon in Austin at 1 p.m.

Janek set to announce resignation plans

Republican State Sen. Kyle Janek confirmed the rumors that's swirled around for quite some time.  In a news conference tomorrow, Janek will announce his intentions to resign from the State Senate in the coming months.  Janek, who represented portions of Houston/Galveston for years, already has a nice house in Austin, where his kiddos and the rest of the family live.

Janek's news conference will be held at the Lt. Gov's press room tomorrow afternoon in Austin at 1 p.m.

Janek set to announce resignation plans

Republican State Sen. Kyle Janek confirmed the rumors that's swirled around for quite some time.  In a news conference tomorrow, Janek will announce his intentions to resign from the State Senate in the coming months.  Janek, who represented portions of Houston/Galveston for years, already has a nice house in Austin, where his kiddos and the rest of the family live.

Janek's news conference will be held at the Lt. Gov's press room tomorrow afternoon in Austin at 1 p.m.

See and Be Seen...

The snapshots from the Greater Houston Partnership State of the City luncheon.  Too bad VP Gerrard Torres did not take the time to pose for a photo, maybe he was too busy fixing the microphone that didn't want to work during the National Anthem.  Anyhow, if you are wondering why you couldn't find ANYONE in Houston last Friday, that's because they were all at the Hilton.  The Luncheon and speech began around 11 a.m. and lasted until 2 p.m. -- 1,700 people had chicken!  Oh, the microphone problem was fixed in time for the Mayor's speech.  Some highlights of the people:  Michael Berry sighting, State Rep Ellen Cohen in a silver trenchcoat, and Sugar Land Mayoral Candidate Daniel Wong yucking it up. Mayor's campaign guru Mustafa Tameez was looking for some good soundbites from attendees.  Lobbyists and business bigwigs were everywhere, either making sure their invited elected official got a good seat or looking for that missing name tag.  The biggest conversation though?  All that controversy in the District Attorney and Sheriff's Department!

See and Be Seen...

The snapshots from the Greater Houston Partnership State of the City luncheon.  Too bad VP Gerrard Torres did not take the time to pose for a photo, maybe he was too busy fixing the microphone that didn't want to work during the National Anthem.  Anyhow, if you are wondering why you couldn't find ANYONE in Houston last Friday, that's because they were all at the Hilton.  The Luncheon and speech began around 11 a.m. and lasted until 2 p.m. -- 1,700 people had chicken!  Oh, the microphone problem was fixed in time for the Mayor's speech.  Some highlights of the people:  Michael Berry sighting, State Rep Ellen Cohen in a silver trenchcoat, and Sugar Land Mayoral Candidate Daniel Wong yucking it up. Mayor's campaign guru Mustafa Tameez was looking for some good soundbites from attendees.  Lobbyists and business bigwigs were everywhere, either making sure their invited elected official got a good seat or looking for that missing name tag.  The biggest conversation though?  All that controversy in the District Attorney and Sheriff's Department!

See and Be Seen...

The snapshots from the Greater Houston Partnership State of the City luncheon.  Too bad VP Gerrard Torres did not take the time to pose for a photo, maybe he was too busy fixing the microphone that didn't want to work during the National Anthem.  Anyhow, if you are wondering why you couldn't find ANYONE in Houston last Friday, that's because they were all at the Hilton.  The Luncheon and speech began around 11 a.m. and lasted until 2 p.m. -- 1,700 people had chicken!  Oh, the microphone problem was fixed in time for the Mayor's speech.  Some highlights of the people:  Michael Berry sighting, State Rep Ellen Cohen in a silver trenchcoat, and Sugar Land Mayoral Candidate Daniel Wong yucking it up. Mayor's campaign guru Mustafa Tameez was looking for some good soundbites from attendees.  Lobbyists and business bigwigs were everywhere, either making sure their invited elected official got a good seat or looking for that missing name tag.  The biggest conversation though?  All that controversy in the District Attorney and Sheriff's Department!

See and Be Seen...

The snapshots from the Greater Houston Partnership State of the City luncheon.  Too bad VP Gerrard Torres did not take the time to pose for a photo, maybe he was too busy fixing the microphone that didn't want to work during the National Anthem.  Anyhow, if you are wondering why you couldn't find ANYONE in Houston last Friday, that's because they were all at the Hilton.  The Luncheon and speech began around 11 a.m. and lasted until 2 p.m. -- 1,700 people had chicken!  Oh, the microphone problem was fixed in time for the Mayor's speech.  Some highlights of the people:  Michael Berry sighting, State Rep Ellen Cohen in a silver trenchcoat, and Sugar Land Mayoral Candidate Daniel Wong yucking it up. Mayor's campaign guru Mustafa Tameez was looking for some good soundbites from attendees.  Lobbyists and business bigwigs were everywhere, either making sure their invited elected official got a good seat or looking for that missing name tag.  The biggest conversation though?  All that controversy in the District Attorney and Sheriff's Department!

Former Mayor Louis Welch Dies

Former Houston Mayor Louis Welch has passed away.  Welch, who was mayor of Houston from 1964 through 1973, died at his north Harris County home of lung cancer Sunday afternoon at the age of 89.
He started his political career as a city councilman after graduating from Abilene Christian University . He served as a councilman for nine years until he was elected mayor in 1963. He served five terms until 1974. Mayor Welch had been active in civic affairs since he left office. He was president and CEO of the Houston Chamber of Commerce for 12 years. Welch leaves behind his wife, Helen, nine children and 21 grandchildren.

"He deeply loved the city of Houston like no one I've ever known," his son told us. "He was a student of the city, he knew the city charter like the back of his hand."  Funeral arrangements have not been set.

Former Mayor Louis Welch Dies

Former Houston Mayor Louis Welch has passed away.  Welch, who was mayor of Houston from 1964 through 1973, died at his north Harris County home of lung cancer Sunday afternoon at the age of 89.
He started his political career as a city councilman after graduating from Abilene Christian University . He served as a councilman for nine years until he was elected mayor in 1963. He served five terms until 1974. Mayor Welch had been active in civic affairs since he left office. He was president and CEO of the Houston Chamber of Commerce for 12 years. Welch leaves behind his wife, Helen, nine children and 21 grandchildren.

"He deeply loved the city of Houston like no one I've ever known," his son told us. "He was a student of the city, he knew the city charter like the back of his hand."  Funeral arrangements have not been set.

Former Mayor Louis Welch Dies

Former Houston Mayor Louis Welch has passed away.  Welch, who was mayor of Houston from 1964 through 1973, died at his north Harris County home of lung cancer Sunday afternoon at the age of 89.
He started his political career as a city councilman after graduating from Abilene Christian University . He served as a councilman for nine years until he was elected mayor in 1963. He served five terms until 1974. Mayor Welch had been active in civic affairs since he left office. He was president and CEO of the Houston Chamber of Commerce for 12 years. Welch leaves behind his wife, Helen, nine children and 21 grandchildren.

"He deeply loved the city of Houston like no one I've ever known," his son told us. "He was a student of the city, he knew the city charter like the back of his hand."  Funeral arrangements have not been set.

Former Mayor Louis Welch Dies

Former Houston Mayor Louis Welch has passed away.  Welch, who was mayor of Houston from 1964 through 1973, died at his north Harris County home of lung cancer Sunday afternoon at the age of 89.
He started his political career as a city councilman after graduating from Abilene Christian University . He served as a councilman for nine years until he was elected mayor in 1963. He served five terms until 1974. Mayor Welch had been active in civic affairs since he left office. He was president and CEO of the Houston Chamber of Commerce for 12 years. Welch leaves behind his wife, Helen, nine children and 21 grandchildren.

"He deeply loved the city of Houston like no one I've ever known," his son told us. "He was a student of the city, he knew the city charter like the back of his hand."  Funeral arrangements have not been set.

Local Developers Indicted

Our own Wayne D. has been following this story for years..

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It was just before 9am today when FBI agents arrived with their corruption catch at Houston's federal building. Two of the city's most politically powerful developers, Andrew Schatte and Michael Surface, were arrested on public corruption charges. Details of the indictments are still sealed at this hour.

Their arrests will likely trigger political shockwaves through town. Before this morning, Schatte had a long list of close friends in Houston government, from city hall to the commissioners court to the Houston Firefighters Pension Fund.

Three years ago, Schattes' name first surfaced in a Justice Department investigation. Houston's former building director, Monique McGilbra, and Mayor Brown's former chief of staff, Oliver Spellman, were snared in that bribery case, but at the time, Schatte escaped indictments. Schatte and Surface were partners in a company called Keystone, which developed Houston's troubled emergency center and others.

Until last month, Surface, a former Harris County building official, was chairman of the powerful Sports Corporation, which handled the construction of Reliant Stadium. Channel 13 reported his sudden resignation last month. Despite allegations of his implication in a bribery probe, he kept his job as chairman of the Sports Corporation on the nomination of Commissioner Jerry Eversole and vote of commissioners court.

We've reported Eversole is under FBI investigation. Earlier this month, the FBI served subpoenas on Houston's city hall that also asked for records on Hermes architects. During our ongoing investigation, we've reported the founder of the firm did design work on Eversole's house and Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas' ranch house. Neither will say how much they paid for the work. Hermes was one of the architecture firms involved in the lucrative design deal at Reliant while Surface was in charge there. No one involved in that firm was charged with any crime.

Local Developers Indicted

Our own Wayne D. has been following this story for years..

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It was just before 9am today when FBI agents arrived with their corruption catch at Houston's federal building. Two of the city's most politically powerful developers, Andrew Schatte and Michael Surface, were arrested on public corruption charges. Details of the indictments are still sealed at this hour.

Their arrests will likely trigger political shockwaves through town. Before this morning, Schatte had a long list of close friends in Houston government, from city hall to the commissioners court to the Houston Firefighters Pension Fund.

Three years ago, Schattes' name first surfaced in a Justice Department investigation. Houston's former building director, Monique McGilbra, and Mayor Brown's former chief of staff, Oliver Spellman, were snared in that bribery case, but at the time, Schatte escaped indictments. Schatte and Surface were partners in a company called Keystone, which developed Houston's troubled emergency center and others.

Until last month, Surface, a former Harris County building official, was chairman of the powerful Sports Corporation, which handled the construction of Reliant Stadium. Channel 13 reported his sudden resignation last month. Despite allegations of his implication in a bribery probe, he kept his job as chairman of the Sports Corporation on the nomination of Commissioner Jerry Eversole and vote of commissioners court.

We've reported Eversole is under FBI investigation. Earlier this month, the FBI served subpoenas on Houston's city hall that also asked for records on Hermes architects. During our ongoing investigation, we've reported the founder of the firm did design work on Eversole's house and Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas' ranch house. Neither will say how much they paid for the work. Hermes was one of the architecture firms involved in the lucrative design deal at Reliant while Surface was in charge there. No one involved in that firm was charged with any crime.

Local Developers Indicted

Our own Wayne D. has been following this story for years..

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It was just before 9am today when FBI agents arrived with their corruption catch at Houston's federal building. Two of the city's most politically powerful developers, Andrew Schatte and Michael Surface, were arrested on public corruption charges. Details of the indictments are still sealed at this hour.

Their arrests will likely trigger political shockwaves through town. Before this morning, Schatte had a long list of close friends in Houston government, from city hall to the commissioners court to the Houston Firefighters Pension Fund.

Three years ago, Schattes' name first surfaced in a Justice Department investigation. Houston's former building director, Monique McGilbra, and Mayor Brown's former chief of staff, Oliver Spellman, were snared in that bribery case, but at the time, Schatte escaped indictments. Schatte and Surface were partners in a company called Keystone, which developed Houston's troubled emergency center and others.

Until last month, Surface, a former Harris County building official, was chairman of the powerful Sports Corporation, which handled the construction of Reliant Stadium. Channel 13 reported his sudden resignation last month. Despite allegations of his implication in a bribery probe, he kept his job as chairman of the Sports Corporation on the nomination of Commissioner Jerry Eversole and vote of commissioners court.

We've reported Eversole is under FBI investigation. Earlier this month, the FBI served subpoenas on Houston's city hall that also asked for records on Hermes architects. During our ongoing investigation, we've reported the founder of the firm did design work on Eversole's house and Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas' ranch house. Neither will say how much they paid for the work. Hermes was one of the architecture firms involved in the lucrative design deal at Reliant while Surface was in charge there. No one involved in that firm was charged with any crime.

Local Developers Indicted

Our own Wayne D. has been following this story for years..

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It was just before 9am today when FBI agents arrived with their corruption catch at Houston's federal building. Two of the city's most politically powerful developers, Andrew Schatte and Michael Surface, were arrested on public corruption charges. Details of the indictments are still sealed at this hour.

Their arrests will likely trigger political shockwaves through town. Before this morning, Schatte had a long list of close friends in Houston government, from city hall to the commissioners court to the Houston Firefighters Pension Fund.

Three years ago, Schattes' name first surfaced in a Justice Department investigation. Houston's former building director, Monique McGilbra, and Mayor Brown's former chief of staff, Oliver Spellman, were snared in that bribery case, but at the time, Schatte escaped indictments. Schatte and Surface were partners in a company called Keystone, which developed Houston's troubled emergency center and others.

Until last month, Surface, a former Harris County building official, was chairman of the powerful Sports Corporation, which handled the construction of Reliant Stadium. Channel 13 reported his sudden resignation last month. Despite allegations of his implication in a bribery probe, he kept his job as chairman of the Sports Corporation on the nomination of Commissioner Jerry Eversole and vote of commissioners court.

We've reported Eversole is under FBI investigation. Earlier this month, the FBI served subpoenas on Houston's city hall that also asked for records on Hermes architects. During our ongoing investigation, we've reported the founder of the firm did design work on Eversole's house and Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas' ranch house. Neither will say how much they paid for the work. Hermes was one of the architecture firms involved in the lucrative design deal at Reliant while Surface was in charge there. No one involved in that firm was charged with any crime.

What's the state of our city?

Mayor Bill White will be giving his State of the City address today, organized by the Greater Houston Partnership.  He's expected to highlight job growth, crime reduction, and city development as his key points.  The GHP is known for hosting all the "State of" speeches in town.  We recently had the State of the County, now the City, and it's almost time for the annual "State of ___" speeches about the Port, your backyard, my shopping trip... etc.. kidding!  Anyway, I'll be there to catch all the good/bad/ and interesting... wait to see who shows up!

What's the state of our city?

Mayor Bill White will be giving his State of the City address today, organized by the Greater Houston Partnership.  He's expected to highlight job growth, crime reduction, and city development as his key points.  The GHP is known for hosting all the "State of" speeches in town.  We recently had the State of the County, now the City, and it's almost time for the annual "State of ___" speeches about the Port, your backyard, my shopping trip... etc.. kidding!  Anyway, I'll be there to catch all the good/bad/ and interesting... wait to see who shows up!

What's the state of our city?

Mayor Bill White will be giving his State of the City address today, organized by the Greater Houston Partnership.  He's expected to highlight job growth, crime reduction, and city development as his key points.  The GHP is known for hosting all the "State of" speeches in town.  We recently had the State of the County, now the City, and it's almost time for the annual "State of ___" speeches about the Port, your backyard, my shopping trip... etc.. kidding!  Anyway, I'll be there to catch all the good/bad/ and interesting... wait to see who shows up!

What's the state of our city?

Mayor Bill White will be giving his State of the City address today, organized by the Greater Houston Partnership.  He's expected to highlight job growth, crime reduction, and city development as his key points.  The GHP is known for hosting all the "State of" speeches in town.  We recently had the State of the County, now the City, and it's almost time for the annual "State of ___" speeches about the Port, your backyard, my shopping trip... etc.. kidding!  Anyway, I'll be there to catch all the good/bad/ and interesting... wait to see who shows up!

First comes pink.. then comes.. green?

After my blog post earlier this week about Council Member Jolanda Jones' pink office, I'm hearing other Council Members are wishing their offices were also painted.  What does the choice or desire of color say about your council members?  I'm not exactly an expert on that.  However, I do hear that Pam Holm would prefer a pale green, while Anne Clutterbuck want a light  yellow.  If you were asking me (and no one really is) I would vote for a nice Celadon for Holm's office, and Buttercup yellow for Clutterbuck's? No word yet on whether any of the men on City Council plan on dressing up their office space...  Oh, if any of you ever have to go meet with Arturo Michel, the City Attorney, he does have one of the most basic of offices I've seen at City Hall... Alright, back to my cubicle world..

First comes pink.. then comes.. green?

After my blog post earlier this week about Council Member Jolanda Jones' pink office, I'm hearing other Council Members are wishing their offices were also painted.  What does the choice or desire of color say about your council members?  I'm not exactly an expert on that.  However, I do hear that Pam Holm would prefer a pale green, while Anne Clutterbuck want a light  yellow.  If you were asking me (and no one really is) I would vote for a nice Celadon for Holm's office, and Buttercup yellow for Clutterbuck's? No word yet on whether any of the men on City Council plan on dressing up their office space...  Oh, if any of you ever have to go meet with Arturo Michel, the City Attorney, he does have one of the most basic of offices I've seen at City Hall... Alright, back to my cubicle world..

First comes pink.. then comes.. green?

After my blog post earlier this week about Council Member Jolanda Jones' pink office, I'm hearing other Council Members are wishing their offices were also painted.  What does the choice or desire of color say about your council members?  I'm not exactly an expert on that.  However, I do hear that Pam Holm would prefer a pale green, while Anne Clutterbuck want a light  yellow.  If you were asking me (and no one really is) I would vote for a nice Celadon for Holm's office, and Buttercup yellow for Clutterbuck's? No word yet on whether any of the men on City Council plan on dressing up their office space...  Oh, if any of you ever have to go meet with Arturo Michel, the City Attorney, he does have one of the most basic of offices I've seen at City Hall... Alright, back to my cubicle world..

First comes pink.. then comes.. green?

After my blog post earlier this week about Council Member Jolanda Jones' pink office, I'm hearing other Council Members are wishing their offices were also painted.  What does the choice or desire of color say about your council members?  I'm not exactly an expert on that.  However, I do hear that Pam Holm would prefer a pale green, while Anne Clutterbuck want a light  yellow.  If you were asking me (and no one really is) I would vote for a nice Celadon for Holm's office, and Buttercup yellow for Clutterbuck's? No word yet on whether any of the men on City Council plan on dressing up their office space...  Oh, if any of you ever have to go meet with Arturo Michel, the City Attorney, he does have one of the most basic of offices I've seen at City Hall... Alright, back to my cubicle world..

They want the Sheriff gone, too

Yesterday, the Houston Ministers against Crime gathered together to ask for the resignation of Harris County Tommy Thomas:

The controversy is over a cartoon in emails released to 13 Undercover, emails sent between Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas and some of his top commanders.

It's a picture of the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. The caption reads, 'Oh, wishing star, we wish for an end to racial strife and bigotry.' In the next frame, the two black civil rights leaders go 'poof.'

It's a cartoon that Sheriff Thomas told 13 Undercover was no more than political satire. But the ministers say they don't see it that way. This comes on the heels of so much controversy over District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal's questionable emails.

"We call for the resignation of the sheriff of this town, Brother Thomas, right now. He should step down," said Pastor Robert Jefferson with Ministers Against Crime. "No man with all of this hatred in his heart should be standing in a position like he has right now. And we call for his resignation just like we did for the district attorney's resignations and anybody else down there that is a bigot."

These ministers say over the last couple of weeks, their anger has only increased with each new detail they have seen in the media, starting with DA Rosenthal. They called for his resignation. He has not stepped down. Now, they want Sheriff Thomas to resign as well.

They want the Sheriff gone, too