Free Republic

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Archivists released documents from Dwight Eisenhower's administration that historians say could help refine their understanding of the president's positions on national security and civil rights. The Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kan., announced Thursday the release of 40,000 pages of previously classified documents on subjects including J. Edgar Hoover's domestic intelligence operation, construction of the Berlin Wall and Middle East policy. Chester Pach, an Ohio University professor who authored "Presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower," said historians have many unanswered questions about the president, including his role in planning the failed 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion. "There...

Bolton Accuser a Serial Plagiarizer Yesterday we noted a post at Daily Kos from John Bolton accuser Melody Townsel, in which she admitted committing plagiarism while working at the Abilene Christian University student newspaper, the Optimist. The ACU Optimist has a report on this today, with the revelation that Townsel was also involved in another plagiarism incident at the University of Texas at Arlington: Former student acknowledges past plagiarism. Townsel left ACU soon after being removed from the Optimist to continue her undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she worked for the student newspaper, the...

Story last updated at 1:04 a.m. Friday, October 15, 2004 District 19 foes seek edge Social Security issue dominates debate in Abilene BY CORY CHANDLER AVALANCHE-JOURNAL ABILENE — Congressional District 19 candidates held a debate in the home of Dyess Air Force Base on Thursday night, but Social Security stole the show. The candidates, who met at McMurry University for the second of two debates this week, gave a nod to the base but returned to Social Security repeatedly throughout the night. Democratic contender Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D-Abilene, called it the No. 1 problem facing the United States. He said...

District 19 foes come out swinging BY CORY CHANDLER AVALANCHE-JOURNAL The claws came out over redistricting during Tuesday's District 19 congressional debate. While the first face-to-face meeting between three District 19 candidates provided an arena for sparring over several issues, Tuesday's debate got heated after Democrat Charlie Stenholm was asked for his thoughts on the state's new congressional district map. Republican Randy Neugebauer, Stenholm, and Libertarian Chip Peterson met in Texas Tech's Allen Theatre for the first of two debates. The candidates fielded nine questions spanning Social Security, defense, agriculture and other issues. Stenholm scored the night's first outburst of...

Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004 10:55 a.m. EDT Texas U.S. Atty Mum on Plans to Probe Rathergate A spokesman for U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper, whose jurisdiction covers the Northern District of Texas, said Friday that she couldn't comment on whether Roper's office was planning to probe the alleged forgery of President Bush's military records, which were aired by CBS's "60 Minutes" last week. "We would never confirm or deny an investigation," Roper's spokeswoman, Kathy Colvin, told NewsMax. Colvin suggested the decision to initiate a probe would more likely come from the Justice Department. "You might want to touch base with...

Stenholm’s ad with Bush fans flames of District 19 race D. LANCE LUNSFORD AVALANCHE-JOURNAL One of the hottest congressional races in Texas became even hotter Thursday as lawyers from the Republican National Committee unleashed a furious letter to Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D-Abilene, for placing President Bush in one of his campaign advertisements. Stenholm, a 25-year congressman, faces incumbent Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, and Lubbock Libertarian Richard ‘‘Chip’’ Peterson for the 19th Congressional District seat. Stenholm, who currently represents District 17, and Neugebauer were pitted against each other under Texas’ new congressional map. ‘‘This campaign stands by our ad,’’ said Jodi...

[Robin] Rather, who was chairwoman of the Save Our Springs Alliance at the time the peace pipe was passed around in 1999, says it's been a long time since business and environmental leaders have discussed major issues. "It's obviously long overdue," Rather says. "I hope it will be productive." Rather has been one of the more vocal critics of Real Estate Council of Austin] RECA and the Austin..[Chamber of Commerce] over the past year. Rather says she hopes dialogue will help those involved "get back to respecting and liking each other as human beings." "I'm very confident that once we...

Quote of the Week: "This is regarding the silly column that a major Texas newpaper published a few days ago about how Texas Democrats supposedly have no "shining stars." Every Democrat is a leader. As soon as enough Democrats stop waiting for "superstars" and realize that we are all leaders, this state will turn from "red" to "blue" so fast it will make Karl Rove's head spin." David Van Os - Democratic Candidate for Supreme Court

Date: 8/8/02 Case Style: Bill L. Burkett v. William W. Goodwin, Jackie L. Taliaferro and Archie M. Meador Case Number: 03-01-00302-CV Judge: Puryear Court: Texas County of Appeals, Third Appellate District Plaintiff's Attorney: David Van Os Defendant's Attorney: Kamilla L. Stokes Description: Bill Burkett, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Texas Army National Guard, brought a personal injury action against appellees, William Goodwin, Jackie Taliaferro, and Archie Meador, all of whom were his superior officers. (1) Burkett appeals from the trial court's order dismissing his lawsuit. While Burkett sets out his appellate issue as "whether the court below erred in...

I have committed myself deeply to the democratic political processes of our society, because I believe that “su voto es su voz” – your vote is your voice – and that participation in the political process is one of the highest marks of good citizenship. To that end, I have attended every Texas State Democratic Convention since 1974; I have served as Democratic County Chairman for Travis County, I have served as a Democratic Precinct Chair in both Travis and Bexar Counties, and I have served as president of the Northeast Austin Democrats and chairman of the North East Bexar...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 26, 2004 DFA Contact: Laura Gross, 802-651-3200 Gov. Howard Dean and Democracy for America Endorses David Van Os for Texas Supreme Court San Antonio, Texas—David Van Os, Democratic candidate for the Texas Supreme Court, has been endorsed by Gov. Howard Dean, honorary chair and founder of Democracy for America (www.democracyforamerica.com). Van Os is part of the “Dean Dozen,” a select group of socially progressive, fiscally responsible candidates that represent the spirit of grassroots democracy in this country. On behalf of the candidates, Democracy for America has reached out to their supporters to inform them that Van...

I have a 30 plus year experience of working within and around litigators...I would guess that I have worked with over 100 attorneys and on and with about 40 cases... When I needed an attorney for a case of pure retaliatory abuse that denied me medical care that I had both earned and paid for, I studied the resumes and reputations of attorneys throughout Texas. David Van Os had and has the highest rating and reputation for ethics of any attorney in Texas. And after dealing with him, I would certainly confirm that he has been the most principled and...

HOUSTON, Sept. 15 - Bill Burkett once said his job was to make Gov. George W. Bush a hero. As a lieutenant colonel working on the readiness of the Texas National Guard, Mr. Burkett, a lay preacher's son from Portales, N.M., was brought in with a high commission in 1996 to work on mobilization plans that would make the Guard shine. "I was very supportive of Bush," he said in an interview this year. But it was not long before Mr. Burkett, whom colleagues call a stickler for rules, fell out with senior commanders and ended up in a suit...

<p>U.S. Rep. Charlie Stenholm, R-Abilene, attended his first House Armed Services Committee hearing Wednesday morning.</p> <p>Stenholm, currently representing District 17 but vying for the District 19 seat, was appointed to the committee Tuesday night.</p> <p>"Charlie Stenholm is one of our most able members of Congress," said Missouri Democrat and ranking committee member Ike Skelton through a written release. "He understands national security thoroughly, and I predict he will be a tremendous asset to the House Armed Services Committee."</p>

Stenholm sees hope for area VA hospital BY CORY CHANDLER AVALANCHE-JOURNAL U.S. Rep. Charlie Stenholm does not plan to attend to night's Lubbock town hall meeting hosted by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi, but the Abilene Democrat said Principi's visit could aid the plight of Big Spring's VA hospital, currently faced with the budgetary ax. "I welcome the secretary out here," Sten holm said. "I think he will get an earful from the veterans, and that's what he's here for." Stenholm had just gotten a helping of the same from area veterans. The current District 17 representative — who...

Farm Bureau political arm backs Neugebauer BY CORY CHANDLER AVALANCHE-JOURNAL The Texas Farm Bureau's political action arm endorsed U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, on Thursday in a move that may be indicative of the tough situation facing local producers due to congressional redistricting. This is the first time the TFB's Friends of Agriculture Fund has not endorsed Neugebauer's opponent, U.S. Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D-Abilene, in a congressional race, said TFB and AGFUND President Kenneth Dierschke. Dierschke described the decision as "very difficult." "These are two friendly incumbents for us. We didn't want to be put in that situation, but we...

Hastert stumps for Neugebauer By SEBASTIAN KITCHEN AVALANCHE-JOURNAL ABILENE — U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert told business people here Wednesday that he believes Republicans can capture more seats in Congress during the November election. "Texas is a great opportunity," he said. Hastert, R-Ill., campaigned in Abilene for U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock. About 75 people attended the event at the Abilene Civic Center. Neugebauer's race with fellow incumbent Charlie Stenholm, D-Abilene, is one of several that Republicans are hoping to win to increase their margin in the U.S. House. Hastert said he has heard people predict Republicans will acquire an...

Neugebauer lands more high-powered support Hastert to stump for GOP congressman in Abilene By SEBASTIAN KITCHEN AVALANCHE-JOURNAL Republican star power will continue to roll through the region to speak on U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer's behalf when U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert stops in Abilene this morning. Hastert, R-Ill., will speak with members of the business community at 8:30 a.m. at the Abilene Civic Center. The meeting is open to all area small business owners. Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, said they will stress the importance of business for the nation's economy. "We will talk about how important it is to have an environment...

Abilene Democrat adds pop to message in visit to Tech campus BY KATIE HEPBURN AVALANCHE-JOURNAL U.S. Rep. Charlie Stenholm is wise to a valuable piece of knowledge in his bid for District 19's congressional seat: the most influencing incentive for college students typically involves food. And so his campaign aides distributed a bounty of frozen ice pops Thursday at Texas Tech's free speech area, nestled between the Student Union and library, as the Abilene Democrat fielded questions from passing students. In addition, a table was positioned in the free speech area's pavilion where volunteers helped interested students register to vote...

Neugebauer, Stenholm agree to face off in series of three debates this autumn BY P. CHRISTINE SMITH AVALANCHE-JOURNAL U.S Reps. Randy Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, and Charlie Stenholm, D-Abilene, have agreed to three debates in the fall. The freshman Republican is facing the 25-year Democratic veteran in the District 19 congressional race in November. The only caveat Stenholm issued is that he sees no need to stop at just three debates, said Robert Hinkle, Stenholm's campaign communications director. "We want to debate those three times, plus 10 more times, 20 more times," Hinkle said. The three proposed dates for the debates are...

Okay, okay... I know this is late for The Birthday, but I just received it.  I checked snopes and they don't seem to have it yet.  The e-mail came from a woman whose brother went to high school with Bum at French High School (Beaumont, Tx), so I'm thinking he really wrote it.  It sure sounds like him, anyway.  Does anyone know him personally so we can verify? HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TEXAS -- FROM BUM PHILLIPS  Being Texan by Bum PhillipsDear Friends,   Last year, I wrote a small piece about what it means to me to be a Texan. My...

Redistricting doesn't stop Democrats Thursday, January 22, 2004 The re-redistricting bomb that U.S. Majority Leader Tom DeLay dropped on white Texas Democrats in Congress was huge. However, all but two have filed for re-election anyway. Wouldn't it be ironic if several won? Ralph Hall of Rockwall switched to the Republicans, whom he'd been with for years in all but the initial after his name, anyway. And Jim Turner of Crockett decided not to run again. With $1 million in his campaign bank, he says he might run for governor or the U.S. Senate in 2006. But the main Democrats targeted...

Local Democrats honor Stenholm with Local Hero Award By JOHN FUQUAY AVALANCHE-JOURNAL Only 11 days since becoming a U.S. representative serving Lubbock, Charlie Stenholm was honored Saturday with a Local Hero Award from the Lubbock County Democratic Party. Stenholm was thrown into Lubbock's congressional district after a Republican-backed move to draw new lines and gain more House seats. The Abilene Democrat is the former representative from District 17, but Abilene was moved into District 19 where voters elected Republican Randy Neugebauer of Lubbock in a special election during the summer. "Republicans are the opposition, they're not the enemy," Stenholm said...

Democrats plan Saturday event honoring heroes The Lubbock County Democratic Party has a full day of events scheduled for Saturday, including strategy sessions and a banquet honoring U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm. The Abilene Democrat will be honored at the fourth annual Local Heroes Banquet, and newly elected Texas Democratic Party Chairman Charles Soechting will speak during a luncheon. Dinner for the Local Heroes Banquet begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Ballroom, 601 Ave. Q. Cocktails will be served starting at 5:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, call 749-8683. More information is available online at www.lubbockdemocrats.org. Democrats have...

Stenholm gears up to duel Neugebauer in District 19 By SEBASTIAN KITCHEN AVALANCHE-JOURNAL U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm, a West Texas congressman for 26 years, kicked off his first-ever campaign in Lubbock on Tuesday vowing never to bow to partisanship at the expense of his constituents. "I think one of the big issues in this campaign is going to be I'm an independent," the Abilene Democrat said. "I vote my district. I don't mind differing with my party. It appears that one of the differences is going to be a rubber stamp for (House Majority Leader) Tom DeLay's version of what...

Stenholm to zero in on District 19 Candidates across Texas file for congressional seats AUSTIN (AP) — It's getting going all over again for candidates seeking Texas congressional seats. A new filing period to enter the March 9 Republican and Democrat ic congressional primaries opened Sunday, now that a federal court has approved a GOP-pushed redistricting plan. The filing period runs through Friday. Technically, candidates could start filing their paperwork and fees Sunday. But the state offices of both major parties planned to be closed over the weekend and open for regular business hours today. Among the areas up for...

Cheney extols Neugebauer on Stenholm's turf By JOHN FUQUAY AVALANCHE-JOURNAL ABILENE — Vice President Dick Cheney was in the hometown of an incumbent Democrat on Friday touting the president's record and urging voters to support Republican Rep. Randy Neugebauer of Lubbock. Cheney's appearance at a fund-raiser for the freshman representative was a brazen campaign move on turf represented for the past 24 years by U.S. Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D-Abilene. Stenholm and Neugebauer were thrown into the same congressional district during this year's raucous redistricting battle initiated by GOP members to increase Republican seats in Washington. "My main concern is to...

Abilene expects Cheney at rally for Neugebauer BY BRIAN WILLIAMS AVALANCHE-JOURNAL Vice President Dick Cheney will join U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer next week in Abilene for a rally and reception, according to an Abilene Republican. The $25-per-person fund-raiser for Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, is scheduled for Dec. 5 at the Abilene Civic Center, said Paul Washburn, Taylor County Republican Party chairman. AP Photo Vice-President Dick Cheney addresses an audience during a fund-raising appearance Monday, Nov. 24, 2003 in Cleveland. Ohio Gov. Bob Taft was the host of a $2,000-a-plate dinner at the Intercontinental Hotel and Conference Center near downtown. Washburn said Neugebauer’s...

'Lightning bolt' map gets dim reception Perry's plan draws little local support By SEBASTIAN KITCHEN AVALANCHE-JOURNAL AUSTIN — A congressional redistricting map created by the Governor's Office was released Monday as a compromise, but it was quickly rejected by some of the West Texas lawmakers it was drawn to appease. The map drastically alters all three West Texas districts and adds the potential for a fourth. The map addresses only the western portion of the state, which has been a bone of contention between House Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland, and state Sen. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock. The new map does not...

<p>July 11 (Bloomberg) -- Nine residents of an Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, have been quarantined because they are suspected of having severe acute respiratory syndrome.</p> <p>The first case was reported on Tuesday. Some of the people had symptoms of a flu-like or respiratory illness after traveling through a Toronto airport, said David May, a spokesman for Dyess Air Force Base.</p>

Local leaders fire away at redistricting By JOHN FUQUAY AVALANCHE-JOURNAL City and chamber officials said Friday that Austin legislators should take heed: Don't mess with West Texas. Lubbock Chamber of Commerce President Eddie Mc Bride made the comment at a news conference where he also noted that U.S. Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D-Abilene, was elected from a district that voted 67 percent Republican in November. "They want to pit Republicans against Democrats in districts that are already Republican," McBride said. In a plan approved by the state House, Lubbock and Midland/Odessa would be in separate congressional districts, and Lubbock would be...

Letter will air area stand on redistricting By JOHN FUQUAY AVALANCHE-JOURNAL Representatives from seven area cities are expected to send a letter to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst today expressing their desire for West Texas congressional districts to remain unchanged. The action comes a day after a stormy redistricting session in the Senate, where one member abruptly walked out of a committee meeting where members were drafting a map of congressional districts. The letter to Dewhurst reiterates the position that mayors and chamber representatives expressed to him during a private meeting Monday in Austin. Lubbock Chamber of Commerce President Eddie McBride...

West Texans gain audience with Dewhurst Redistricting up for debate Click here to see the redistricting proposals By JOHN FUQUAY AVALANCHE-JOURNAL Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst told a group of West Texans on Monday that he believes the governor will call a second special session on redistricting if legislators reach an impasse on drawing new congressional districts. He also said Lubbock and Midland — currently in the same U.S. District 19 — appear headed for a split at the behest of state House Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland. "The speaker's primary concern is that the ultimate bill contain a seat that can...

GOP's new map stirs uprising in West Texas By SEBASTIAN KITCHEN AVALANCHE-JOURNAL Many West Texas entities appear to be leading a charge and a public information campaign against congressional redistricting plans before the Legislature. The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce believes the Republican-backed plan would hurt business and representation in West Texas and all of rural Texas. Plains Cotton Growers also is opposed to the plan based on the loss of representation in agriculture and loss of rural representation. State Rep. Delwin Jones, R-Lubbock, voted against the plan this week because his constituents, Republican and Democrat, were against it and believe...

Fire hero in lockup on charge of assaultBy Jade Jackson Lloyd / Reporter-News Staff WriterMay 26, 2003 Kris Leija, the hero/suspect of last month’s 21/21 Apartments fire, made a return trip Friday night to what is fast becoming his second home: the Taylor County Jail. Leija, 23, made national news in late April after rescuing four children from the blazing apartment complex at 2121 N. 6th St., which ultimately burned to the ground. Less than a week later, he was named as a suspect in the fire. Friday’s 10:10 p.m. arrest came as the result of a fight between...

Abilene second-guesses heroism He was hailed after a brave rescue, then called a suspect in the blaze05/06/2003 By DAVID SEDEÑO / The Dallas Morning News ABILENE – Hero. Goat. Arson suspect. As Kris Leija rode his bicycle to a cousin's home in the middle of the night a little more than a week ago, he saw people fleeing the burning 21/21 Apartments, with flames leaping from the far side of the blocklong complex. He dumped his bicycle and furiously began knocking on residents' doors. Camera crews captured Mr. Leija's heroic efforts amid the blaze – one of this city's largest...

ABILENE, Texas (AP) - The man hailed as a hero for rescuing four children from a burning building over the weekend has been named as a suspect in the arson because of "discrepancies" in his story, authorities said Thursday. Kris Leija, 22, is one of several people whom authorities said they are questioning about Sunday's blaze at an apartment complex. Investigators ruled arson was the cause after finding a small amount of accelerant in a trailer near where the fire apparently started. The kind of hydrocarbon accelerant - gasoline, for example, is a common one - is being determined by...

Matthew Minard / Reporter-NewsKris Leija addresses the media after his bail hearing at the Taylor County Courthouse on Thursday. Abilene Reporter News   URL: http://www.reporter-news.com/abil/nw_local/article/0,1874,ABIL_7959_1928988,00.html Good Samaritan's life mostly series of stumblesBy Sidney Levesque / Reporter-News Staff WriterMay 1, 2003 Sunday was not the first time Kris Leija rushed to a fiery building to rescue its occupants. Unlike last time, however, his rescue of four small children from the 21/21 Apartments has garnered national attention plus a label authorities added Wednesday — arson suspect. Leija denies he started the fire that consumed the complex. People who know the short,...

URL: http://www.reporter-news.com/abil/nw_local/article/0,1874,ABIL_7959_1925972,00.html Leija hopes fame changes his lifeBy Jason Sheehan / Reporter-News Staff WriterApril 30, 2003 Taylor County Sheriff’s officials faced a firestorm of criticism for arresting a hometown hero who has gained the national spotlight. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and the Abilene Fire Department were bombarded with messages Tuesday as hundreds of people across the country expressed outrage at the arrest of Kris Leija. Meanwhile, Leija spent most of the day telling his story to national media outlets. Leija, credited with carrying four children to safety during the massive fire in the 21/21 Apartments, was arrested Monday...

TV reporter's killing stuns Abilene Police hope forensic results will help solve recent strangulation 10/05/2002 By KIMBERLY DURNAN / Dallas Web Staff A small-town TV reporter from small-town Montana is strangled in her apartment. Few clues, no witnesses, no suspects and a grieving mother. Fresh out of college, 22-year-old Jennifer Servo arrived in Texas this summer as a general-assignment reporter to cover the Big Country for NBC affiliate KRBC in Abilene. Those who knew her said she was one of Montana's brightest stars - a top student at the University of Montana, an education she paid for with a...