Left in Texas

The LIT crew had fun(ish) in our first ever completely sober episode of the Left in Texas Podcast. It may be our last but we appreciate Blue Action Democrats for accommodating us!We caught up with Andrew White about what he is hearing on the campaign trail in smaller parts of Texas and what it will take to rub some of Beto's good mojo off on him. He also talked about his border security firm and what he might do with it should he win.We also got to chat with Progress Texas Executive Director Ed Espinoza about the GOP's message strategy, the Democratic slate in Texas and our best chances at flipping house seats in the legislature. And we talked about what is working for Beto, how it can trickle down the ballot and what's up with Lupe Valdez' campaign. We had mentions of the AG Ken Paxton's lawsuit against the Trump Administration to end DACA, the NRA's convention in Dallas. Let us know what you think. Are we boring sober, or nah?

The LiT crew assembles at NXNW to talk about what happened in the Texas Primary, what it means for November and if it's time to stop saying Turn Texas Blue.Topics we covered:Why Beto didn't perform in South Texas?Cruz jingle and assault on BetoDCCC in Mosser raceTX21: Joseph Kopser vs Mary Street WilsonHD46: Chito vs SherylChantal Eldridge beats incumbent judge David CrainShould we stop staying Turn Texas Blue?In Texas House primaries, two of the three incumbents challenged by Gov. Greg Abbott survive

The Left in Texas crew sat down with political consultant Joe Trippi at Tamale House East. You may know him from CNN or his latest victory with Doug Jones in Alabama. We discuss how Beto O'Rourke, like Jones, is a different type of candidate with the potential to bring folks into the Democratic Party. We talk what worked in Alabama and how a new movement among the youth could be a boon for progressives.  Other topics we covered: Guns:Trump calls for Arming teachers, ending bump stocks.Texas school district threatens to suspend students who protest after Parkland, Florida shootingAmarillo PD shoots student who took fun from man who held 100 hostages in church same night as Florida school shooting Democrat voting is way up:Major gains in big counties but Texas still lagging behind in civic participationTexas ranked 47th in the nation in voter turnout and 44th in voter registration  Political indiscretions:Carlos Uresti convicted multiple felony counts, colleagues call for resignationMi Gov. indicted with invasion of privacy

The Left in Texas crew chats with Secretary Julian Castro about his political ambitions and his new Opportunity First PAC.  We also discuss the ethics of politicians who do contract work with government entities. We talk through the "blow the whistle" campaign to expose AG Ken Paxton, Empower Texans and other groups who are attempting to suppress the voter turnout of students and teachers. Also, who's got the money and whose got the people moving in the 2018?

Rick Perry endorses Sid Miller, AFL-CIO doesn't endorse Beto O'Rourke as he closes the gap on Ted Cruz...what does it mean or matter? Do we really miss George W. or have things just gotten that bad thanks to Trump and co. The LIT Crew also discuss the continued assault on voting rights and fair redistricting maps. 

Left in Texas crew speaks with Mayor Steve Adler about the state of the city as he gears up for reelection. We discuss transportation, what makes Austin special and the downward attack on progressive cities by state and national Republicans.  We resumed our normal programming with a conversation on immigration, a high-level view of some of the races taking place across the state and the latest challenge to the discriminatory redistricting maps heading to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Admittedly there are many topics from our show notes that we didn't get too, but we tried to hit the high notes from the latest reasons to hate Ted Cruz (Net Neutrality, picking fights with Mark Hamill [aka Luke Skywalker from Star Wars], etc.) to how a recent court case affects craft breweries.Also, what do the wins in Alabama and Virginia mean for Texas Democrats? Julian Castro to decide plans for 2020, Sid Miller calls for the recognition of the GOP Chair of Travis County over conflicts of interest, Blake Farenthold ends re-election bid and more... Episode 127 Doug Jones wins in Alabama, what’s it mean for Beto? Joe Straus censured by Bexar County GOP https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Straus-censured-by-Bexar-County-GOP-12425417.php Sid Miller calls for Travis Co. Chair to resign Ron Reynolds could serve from jai https://www.texastribune.org/2017/12/13/texas-lawmaker-could-finish-his-term-jail/ More cases of sexual abuse at Youth correctional facility https://www.texastribune.org/2017/12/13/abbott-asks-texas-rangers-investigate-sexual-abuse-youth-lockups/?utm_campaign=trib-social&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_content=333877422 Blake Farenthold -- Blow-me.org acknowledges 2 more accusers Harvey 3x more likely thanks to climate change http://cbsaustin.com/news/local/studies-warming-made-harveys-deluge-3-times-more-likely Congress and CHIP https://www.tribtalk.org/2017/12/05/congress-continue-chip-and-save-texas-children/

Democrats almost completely filled ballots across the state filing for 14 of the 15 Senate seats, 130 of 150 House seats and every single Congressional seat. This is big. In a year Democrats anticipate a big wave election it's critical to run everywhere. This cast also includes us talking about our top candidates, the latest in sexual accusations against Texas politicians, the for the Alamo, overpaid college football coaches. We love your feedback, please subscribe on itunes, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at @LeftinTexas.

We discuss GOP Congressmembers dropping like flies and the coming Democratic wave in 2018. We talk about how differently the Left and Right hold their own accountable in the #metoo movement. At the time of the recording, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz had not pulled their support for Roy Moore but have since done so. We also take a look at the newest candidates to announce for statewide office and explore the differences between Andrew White and Lupe Valdez. We talk about the issues surrounding Rep. Dawnna Dukes and the dust-up over Travis County Democratic Party Chair. 

A basic outline of Episode 124 of the Left in Texas podcast for the week of Oct. 10th. #GetLit Howdy folks this is Joe Deshotel with the Left in Texas Podcast it is Tuesday, Oct 10th coming to you from Gingerman across from Austin city Hall with JD Gin and Chris Mosser   Trump Coming to Dallas for $35k plate dinner fundraiser for RNC/reelection Disapproval up 10% in Texas, support drops in every single state Challenges Rex Tillerson to an IQ test Vegas Shooting Bump stocks are made in Texas Texas Congressman weigh in: https://www.texastribune.org/2017/10/04/texas-delegation-considers-future-bumper-stock-rifle-enhancements/ Gun stocks rise Texas Tech Shooting Gunman who killed officer is apprehended Abbott teases with tweets about trailing Cali in gun sales and no shooters on campus just months ago Ken Paxton another investigation on possible bribery charges for $100K in legal defense from CEO of company also under investigation for Medicaid/care fraud --paid $3.5M fine. https://www.texastribune.org/2017/10/05/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-being-probed-over-legal-defense-gift/ Paxton’s wife seeking Senate seat DCCC running ads targeting Hispanics in 3 Texas GOP districts http://www.houstonchronicle.com/about/article/Democrats-target-three-Texas-Republicans-in-12263678.php&cmpid=twitter-premium Compulsory To Stand For Pledge Of Allegiance? Texas Student Expelled For Refusing ttp://www.ibtimes.com/compulsory-stand-pledge-allegiance-texas-student-expelled-refusing-2598867 StartUp Week in Austin Capital Factory now connecting entrepreneurs across the state, Dallas, SA, Houston, Austin Indigenous People’s Day vs Columbus Day

In this episode of Left in Texas we discuss Beto O'Rourke's colorful language, the role of a successful Democratic Party county chair, the potential exoneration of a man on death row and how Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner made Gov. Greg Abbott blink and then hand over $50 Million.We'd love your feedback. Follow us, and subscribe on iTunes!  

In this episode, the LiT crew share beers in Texas' oldest continuously running bar, Scholz Garten. We discuss the biggest revelations from Tribune Fest like Ted Cruz' decision to not support the Obamacare repeal (for all the wrong reasons), a possible Gubernatorial candidate, why we like Speaker Straus (and you should too), plus the absurdity of supporting Confederate flag wavers while being offended by athletes protesting systemic racism. As always subscribe to the podcast, follow us on Facebook and give us feedback at @LeftinTexas on Twitter.   

The Left in Texas Podcast is back! We lost Imad to NYC and picked up Chris Mosser, and JD Gins. Chris is a veteran Austin broadcaster and has helped get local politicians some media training. JD has had top roles in statewide campaigns including Deputy Campaign Manager for Bill White for Governor and Obama's Texas Feild Director. In this episode, we size up Democrats position in Texas heading towards 2018 and discuss whether Democrats should rally the base, reach out to the middle or if we can pull off doing both. Subscribe on iTunes and give us feedback on Twitter at @LeftinTexas. 

Cold beer and hot takes on Texas politics from 3 dudes in a bar in Austin, Texas. Send questions, comments, & hate mail to Twitter: @LeftInTexas.

Throw some extra logs on that fire as you listen to Imad Khan & Joe Deshotel soothe your ears with a podcast discussing the week in Texas politics . Send questions to questions@leftintexaspodcast.com