#TXLEGE: Straus Launches New Crony Capitalist Endeavor

"As a dog returns to his own vomit,
So a fool repeats his folly."
Proverbs 26:11

From the inbox:

I want to let you know about a new political committee I am launching: Texas Forever Forward.

This committee will enable me to continue advocating a thoughtful, responsible approach to governing, as well as priorities that will create a better future for our state.

Texas Forever Forward will be guided by the following principles:

• Public education is our greatest economic development tool, and it’s critical to make meaningful, sustainable investments in Texas students.
• A diverse, outstanding system of higher education offers every Texan a path to a brighter future and fuels economic growth across the state.
• In order to remain a pro-business state that attracts economic activity and talented workers, Texas should embrace diversity and promote inclusive, non-discriminatory policies and laws.
• Strategic investments in our infrastructure – in a modern transportation system and a reliable water supply – provide the foundation that a fast-growing state requires.
• Effective treatment of behavioral health challenges will vastly improve millions of Texans’ quality of life.
• Government should be transparent and accountable in its stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
• Greater participation in our democracy will strengthen our discourse and lead to better policy outcomes.

I hope you will follow this effort at TexasForeverForward.com and on social media, and I will continue to communicate with you as it takes shape. As always, I also want to hear about the priorities that are of most interest to you and your family. 

Thank you for helping advance a brighter future for Texas. 

Sincerely,

Speaking practically, this shouldn't have much impact.  The pro-status quo crowd already has plenty of PAC's.  One additional PAC won't make much difference either way.

Beyond that, however, it's easy to speculate about motives, but impossible to know anything with certainty.

Several hypothesises are floating:

• Straus wants to cash in on leftover campaign funds.
• Note: Technically, it's illegal for Straus to pay himself directly...but there's nothing to stop him from hiring his wife.

• Gordon Johnson wants to cash in on Straus' leftover campaign funds.

• Murphy-Nasica wants to cash in on Straus' leftover campaign funds.

• Other ex-Straus staffers/campaign consultants want to cash in on Straus' leftover campaign funds.

• Straus wants to run for Governor in '22.

• Straus intends to help friends and allies.

It's impossible to know which of these hypothesises are correct.

Regardless, it doesn't matter.

Whatever Joe Straus' ultimate motivation, the money will support the status quo.

Bottom Line: Regardless of who, specifically, is getting paid...only a fool would think $10 million in leftover campaign funds was going to sit untouched indefinitely.