The idea of “ShamWow guy,” or Vince Offer, the infomercial pitchman, throwing his hat into the ring for a Congressional seat in Texas on an “anti-woke” platform is, well, it’s something, isn’t it? It’s almost a caricature of the current political landscape, where the familiar faces of late-night television are now apparently legitimate candidates. It’s certainly a conversation starter, and the sheer audacity of it all is, in a way, fascinating.
It’s interesting how Offer’s name, synonymous with the ShamWow and Slap Chop infomercials, has become intertwined with the Republican Party. His transition to the world of politics, particularly on an “anti-woke” platform, makes one wonder about the strategy behind it all.… Continue reading
A recent ruling against Texas’s Republican-drawn congressional map, which was expected to yield five additional seats for the GOP, may hinder their chances in the upcoming 2026 midterms. Simultaneously, two Texas congressional races have shifted towards the Democratic Party, potentially jeopardizing the Republicans’ hold on those seats. Experts suggest the GOP’s chances of maintaining these seats may depend on distancing themselves from unpopular national figures and focusing on local issues. However, this ruling is being appealed to the Supreme Court, and final decisions on the fate of the redistricting maps are still pending.
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The Texas Comptroller’s office has paused the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program, which aimed to support businesses owned by women, minorities, and disabled veterans seeking state contracts. The office stated the program is undergoing review to ensure it complies with Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This action has led to the removal of program information and a halt to new certifications. Despite the pause, ending the program altogether would require legislative action or a court ruling. The HUB program, established by state law, seeks to create opportunities for smaller, disadvantaged businesses to secure state contracts, though it does not mandate specific quotas.
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Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett is strongly considering a Senate bid in Texas, prompted by polling data that suggests she is a frontrunner. This potential move comes in response to Republican redistricting efforts, which could eliminate a Democratic-leaning district. A recent poll showed Crockett leading the primary with 31% of the vote. However, State Representative James Talarico has quickly gained momentum, raising $6.2 million in just three weeks after announcing his Senate run, exceeding fundraising efforts by other contenders, despite a limited name recognition among voters.
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In an effort to delay the approval of redrawn congressional districts, Texas Democrats have returned to the state’s capitol, with many refusing to sign “permission slips” required to leave the chamber, as per new protocols. These protocols, established by Republicans, involve Democrats being escorted by designated officers. Representative Nicole Collier, choosing to remain confined inside the chamber, has condemned the process as demeaning and an attack on her dignity. This move follows a two-week quorum break, which has delayed Republicans’ effort to redraw the state’s congressional districts.
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Texas State Representative Nicole Collier, a Democrat, refused to sign a “permission slip” for a mandatory police escort imposed by Republicans, remaining overnight in the Capitol as a result. This action was a form of protest against restrictions implemented by Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows, following the return of Democrats who had previously left the state to block a redistricting effort. Collier’s stance garnered support from fellow Democrats, who condemned the GOP’s actions as authoritarian and reminiscent of discriminatory practices. Several Democrats voiced their disapproval of the measures, with some characterizing the restrictions as an infringement on rights and an overreach of power.
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House Democrats unable to move freely after their return to the Texas capitol is a situation that has quickly escalated, drawing a lot of attention and concern. It’s a striking image: elected officials, back in the legislature, now facing restrictions on their movement that seem almost absurd in a free society. The requirement to sign “permission slips” and be shadowed by a Department of Public Safety escort just to leave the House chamber? It’s a step that feels more at home in a totalitarian regime than a democratic one.
So one democrat refuses to move, and her defiance is a powerful act of solidarity and a clear indication that something is deeply wrong.… Continue reading
Texas Representative Nicole Collier of Fort Worth is still inside the House chamber. She has refused to sign a permission slip for a Texas DPS escort. This escort is required for all House Democrats who broke quorum to ensure their return to the House by 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20th.
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So, let’s dive right into it: the headline is Illinois judge denies Paxton’s request to help arrest Texas Democrats. It’s pretty straightforward, but the story behind it is anything but. The crux of the issue is this: Ken Paxton, the Attorney General of Texas, wanted Illinois to get involved in bringing back some Texas Democrats who had left the state. But the Illinois judge wasn’t having any of it.
Why would an Illinois judge even consider helping out with a matter like this? The original request was essentially to assist in a civil matter, not a criminal one. The warrants themselves weren’t for criminal charges; they were related to the Texas Democrats’ departure from the state.… Continue reading
Ken Paxton asks judge to jail Beto O’Rourke for fundraising Texas Dems’ walkout. Honestly, this whole situation feels like something out of a dystopian novel, doesn’t it? It’s hard to believe that a state’s Attorney General is actively trying to get a political opponent, specifically Beto O’Rourke, jailed. And the reason? Fundraising that allegedly supported Texas Democrats during a walkout. It just screams of political maneuvering and a blatant attempt to silence opposition.
The crux of the matter seems to be a temporary injunction that Paxton claims O’Rourke violated. The specifics are somewhat murky, but apparently, O’Rourke made a statement at a rally – something about “f**k the rules” and encouraging support for retaliatory redistricting in other states.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker