TX HD 1: Why Is The Texarkana Gazette Publishing Old Press Releases Of Frost’s Opponent?

One would think that the Texarkana Gazette, being a fairly decent sized newspaper in North East Texas, would actually do some original reporting –especially when they put a reporter’s byline on a story.

Evidently, that’s not the case. Yesterday, the Gazette ran, verbatim, a press release–an old press release–from George Lavender (R-Texarkana), who is running against State Rep. Stephen Frost (D-Atlanta).

How do we know it is so old, and that it was run verbatim? Because it includes this:

Incumbent Stephen Frost, D-Texarkana, has not yet filed for re-election.

Huh? Filing ended in January. If original reporting was involved, they’d have called Frost’s office or the Texas Secretary of State. Oh, wait! If original reporting was involved, perhaps they would have gone back to their own newspaper and realized that Frost was re-elected without opposition in the Democratic Primary over three months ago!

Anyway, now that we’ve torn apart the Gazette, let’s turn our attention to Mr. Lavender. Check this:

Lavender said his business experience will give him an edge if elected. He also touts his experience at finding innovative solutions to challenges and dealing with payrolls and budgets.

His business experience? His business is located in the state of Arkansas. How much does he know about Texas’ tax system for businesses, etc. if his business is incorporated in Arkansas?

But wait, there’s more!

A strong conservative, Lavender said Texans are entitled to a limited government, strong and fair health system, and the right to keep and bear arms. He wants Texas to be a family-oriented state and vows to work the state’s education system for all children.

This is the same “strong conservative” who ran as a Democrat against former State Sen. Bill Ratliff in 1994, and who ran against former Rep. Barry Telford as a Republican in 1996. Is this guy a “strong conservative” or a “political opportunist?”

And, that education comment? Translated from Republican into English, it means, “I want vouchers! Lots of vouchers!”

It’s difficult to get too excited about any candidate who doesn’t even understand the job they are running for:

Lavender said his goals, if elected, include getting control of excessive government spending and finding a solution to illegal immigration.

Then why isn’t he running for Congress? Last time I checked, the U.S. Congress handled immigration law, not the state of Texas (although Rep. Leo Berman (R-Tyler) does try his damnedest to blur the distinction).

I think this garbage is good cause to help out Rep. Frost if you can. Drop him some coin over on Act Blue.

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