Houston Blogs: Houston Political Blog: Beverly Kaufman's not-so-secret plan

A few weeks ago, when Harris County Clerk Beverly Kaufman announced she wouldn't run for re election, I didn't think it was a big deal. Kaufman's always been friendly, and very available to the media during election season. She's always good for a "find your precinct and go vote" sound bite.

When she announced her retirement, I assumed there would be a jockeying of candidates from both Democrats and Republicans. On the Dem side, several names have been bantered about, including Sue Schechter. On the Republican side, while there have been talk of several semi-notables, the main guy is shaping up to be Kevin Mauzy. Who is he? Mauzy has been Kaufman's chief deputy for years, and Kaufman quickly endorsed him as HER choice.

To be frank, I didn't give this much more thought until we taped an elections edition of "City View", ABC 13's public affairs show about three weeks ago. During a typical segment on voting, Harris County Clerk PR man Hector DeLeon brought Mauzy to our TV studios.

"Where's Kaufman?" I asked.

"She wasn't available," answered DeLeon.

The taping went on as normal, and we talked about early voting, precincts and all the run-of-the-mill stuff. Fast forward to Monday, the day before the election. I called up the Clerk's office again, asking for an interview with Kaufman. DeLeon once again said she wasn't available, but that Mauzy was. Really? The day before the election? That's when I asked DeLeon if this was all to get Mauzy more TV time. DeLeon laughed and said "You'll have to ask her, I can't answer that."

Good thing I run into Kaufman a lot. Yesterday, while covering Prof. Barton Smith's bi-annual chat about the Houston economy, I ran into Kaufman and Mauzy at the luncheon.

"Are you trying to get Mauzy in front of the TV cameras so he'll have an advantage?" I asked.

"Isn't it obvious what I'm trying to do?" Kaufman answered with a big grin. "It's called earned media, it's very important."

We chatted a bit more about Kaufman's plan. Basically, during the run-up to the November election, she tried to hand over every on camera media request to Mauzy. she plans to continue doing that as we get closer to the December run-off. The idea is to give Mauzy free TV exposure, and valuable name ID. In addition, since most of the questions asked by the media are mundane, uncontroversial clerk stuff, it's easy to sound like you know what's going on.

Basically, Kaufman's trying to give Mauzy the "air of incumbency" without being an incumbent or an elected official. This is not illegal, and it just might work. Think about every media outlet that will need an interview or a quote about voter turnout or polling hours between now and next March. If Mauzy's the one giving the information, then that's an advantage his opponents can't buy. It will help stave off Republican contenders, and force Democratic challengers into an even more uphill battle.

Like Kaufman said, it's obvious, and that's just fine with her, and her chosen successor.

Comments

Doesn't make it right though. Politics can be so dirty.

Posted by: Mark Jackson | November 06, 2009 at 09:11 PM

I would not say that Mr. Mauzy is the front runner, by any means.

Stan Stanart would be the party rank and file choice for this position. He is a man of principle. This will be his second county-wide race (he ran for a Harris County Department of Education position in 2008). I think Stanart will win at least 55% in the primary on March 2, 2010. Just my two cents.

Warmly yours,

DON LARGE
Past Republican Precinct Chairman, Precinct 411
Candidate, Chairman, Harris County Republican Party
donlarge2010@gmail.com

"A Chairman for All of Harris County"

Posted by: Don Large | November 07, 2009 at 01:02 AM

Do not discount Ann Bennett in her recently announced bid to become the next County Clerk of Harris County. Ann is a veteran of excellent standing in the Harris County courts, having served as an able trial coordinator for many years. She knows County government well. She knows the heart of the people well. See how she runs. decide for yourself.

Posted by: Janie Squier | November 10, 2009 at 08:09 PM

I finally agree with the Chronicle: "Kevin Mauzy. Who is he?" Same for Ann Bennett. I agree with Don Large: "Stan Stanart would be the party rank and file choice for this position. He is a man of principle." If you attend any Repulican meeting, every one knows Stan and his wife Gail, and almost no one would recognize Kevin or Ann.

Posted by: James Lombardino | November 20, 2009 at 01:03 AM