I get a fair amount of Hispanic-targeted mail based on my husband's Mediterranean surname. Most of it goes into the recycle bin immediately, but this piece brought some cheer. It was:
Paid for by Texans for America's Future, 815-A Brazos #237, Austin TX 78401. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
Never having heard of Texans for America's Future, I checked it out and found that 100% of the $125,000 in funding was contributed by the Mostyn Law Firm. Their web site lists their services, including helping Texans battle insurance companies trying to screw them on hurricane damage claims.
Steve Mostyn has been named as one of Texas' 25 most influential people for his left-leaning activism and advocacy for those fighting powerful forces.
If political donors were classified in hurricane terms, this Houston trial attorney would definitely merit a category 5. Mostyn, who made his fortune representing home-owners devastated by Hurricanes Rita (2005) and Ike (2008), contributed nearly $10 million to Democratic causes in the 2010 election cycle, making him the state’s single largest political donor this past year.
For those of you who see the Lone Star State as a gigantic red monolith, please be assured that there are plenty of Progressives looking to turn the place blue. With the help of changing demographics, and get-out-the-vote efforts like this, we are making progress every election cycle.
Since early voting begins here in Texas on Monday, October 22nd, the timing of this mailing is perfect. I was already planning to vote as soon as my polling place opens on Monday. I have the feeling I'll be waiting in line with other folks.