As Gov. Rick Perry is strongly expected to launch a full-on bid for president next month and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst is already a candidate for the U.S. Senate, speculation has sprung up about who would take their posts if both are vacated.
State Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, told the Abilene Kiwanis Club last week that he might seek either office if they become available, according to the Abilene Reporter-News."I would be honored to serve," Fraser said.His Senate district includes Erath County, on the edge of the western side of the Metroplex.Never retreatFort Worth Councilman Jungus Jordan asked the city staff recently not to call upcoming workshops scheduled to review city issues "retreats.""Retreat for us military guys means something different," said Jordan, a retired Air Force officer.Duly noted, interim City Manager Tom Higgins said."We will go forward with our workshop," he said with a wry grin.Petition politicsAmong the many groups closely watching how Congress addresses the looming debt ceiling deadline last week was AARP. The powerful seniors organization made sure lawmakers know that it opposes cuts in Social Security or Medicare.The Texas chapter emphasized the point by delivering more than 60,000 petitions to all members of Congress from Texas, a fraction of the millions of petitions the organization delivered to lawmakers' offices nationwide."We're proud to help amplify the voices of Texans from all walks of life, and of all generations, who have paid into the system throughout their working lives," AARP Texas state Director Bob Jackson said in a statement.Music and politicsWhile Rep. Ron Paul of Lake Jackson will be on the ballot for next month's Ames Straw Poll in Iowa and Perry is expected to be the focus of a write-in campaign, two Texas musicians will be backing another Republican candidate.Minnesota Rep. Michelle Bachmann said Wednesday that the entertainment at the Team Bachmann stage at the straw poll will be country singers Tim Rushlow and Richie McDonald and Christian musician Charles Billingsley. Rushlow is from Arlington, McDonald from Lubbock. Billingsley is from Alabama and Virginia."While Iowa Republicans take great pride in participating in the straw poll, I also recognize the time commitment involved so I want to do all I can to make it a fun and comfortable day for my supporters and their families," Bachmann said in a news release.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
