started. The last time we met, we decided to get a manageable list of campaign issues together that we can include in the literature. Everyones had a chance to cogitate. Lets start with the most pressing issues facing Texas today.
Matt opened his mouth to speak, but Toms large head and shoulders (his neck conspicuous in its absence) were suddenly looming in front of Rebecca. Rebecca? What do you think?
Crap! I, uh . .. I
The economy, Matt interjected, his focus on Tom now. Either we propose something to stimulate the economy or start gearing up for a debate on the merits of a state income tax.
What about health insurance? Gilbert said, looking unexpectedly smart. Texas has an unusually high per-centage of uninsured persons that are eating away at state coffers.
Sorry, but I think education is going to be the biggest battleground, Pat chimed in. Teachers in Texas have one of the lowest starting salaries of any state, and the school funding mechanism is a piece of shit.
All important issues, Tom said, nodding thoughtfully. And as you know, education and insurance have certainly been the basis for several of my bills this session, he added. Everyone nodded. Tom glanced at Rebecca from the corner of his eye. Anything you want to add, Rebecca?
I, ah, I dont really ...
Dont be shy! There are no stupid questions or com-ments in this room! Tom urged her.
Well, okay, she said, frantically racking her brain. Umm ... this is for the campaign?
Tom laughed. Well now, that question was a little on the stupid side.
Rebecca blinked.
Tom punched her lightly on the shoulder. Just kidding! Yes, this is for the campaign. So what do you think?
Okay, God, just go ahead and open up the floor now, please. What do I think? she echoed dumbly, and glanced at the others sitting around the table, looking at her so expectantly, as if she knew something, as if she had something to offer! Come on, its not rocket science! Just think of what you ve read in Texas Monthly her new, improved self chastised her. Be bold! Ahem. Well...
Across from her, Matt Parrish sighed impatiently. It wasnt a very loud sigh, but the sound of it, so goddamn familiar, kicked her square in the butt and made her sit up. Perhaps she had heard that sigh one too many times in her life from her father and her ex-husband for all the wrong reasons. Who knew? The only thing she knew for certain was that it made her blood boil. BOIL. She shifted her gaze to the litigator, and damn him, that was a smirk if ever shed seen one.
The environment, she said clearly and distinctly, sur-prising the holy hell out of herself. Protecting the beauty of Texas land, indigenous wildlife, and natural habitats.
No one uttered a word; Rebecca panicked, thought she had said something completely ridiculous. But then Tom grinned proudly. Hey, thats good! he exclaimed, and Rebecca instantly felt the panic begin to ebb, and a new sense of emboldened self started to creep in.
Mr. Hotshot Litigator looked unimpressed. Do you really think that issue is important around the state, outside of Austin? he asked.
She nodded resolutely in spite of having not even the slightest clue how important it was anywhere, much less in or out of Austin.
Everyone is concerned about the environment, Gilbert said.
Its a death knell outside Central Texas, Matt said, frowning. Its a regional issue, not a statewide one.
I dont think its just regional, Rebecca heard herself say, surprising herself yet again with her sudden, newfound, based-on-one-short-article knowledge of the environment. I think its something all Texans are concerned about, from the panhandle to the coast.
Really? So let me ask is everyone in your social circle living in fear of global warming and the destruction of the rain forests, too? Or is it just the endangered salamanders that keep yall awake at night?
What a smart-ass! Definitely the type that had to have all the ideas, and therefore, all the attention. Well, certainly the salamanders, she
Matt opened his mouth to speak, but Toms large head and shoulders (his neck conspicuous in its absence) were suddenly looming in front of Rebecca. Rebecca? What do you think?
Crap! I, uh . .. I
The economy, Matt interjected, his focus on Tom now. Either we propose something to stimulate the economy or start gearing up for a debate on the merits of a state income tax.
What about health insurance? Gilbert said, looking unexpectedly smart. Texas has an unusually high per-centage of uninsured persons that are eating away at state coffers.
Sorry, but I think education is going to be the biggest battleground, Pat chimed in. Teachers in Texas have one of the lowest starting salaries of any state, and the school funding mechanism is a piece of shit.
All important issues, Tom said, nodding thoughtfully. And as you know, education and insurance have certainly been the basis for several of my bills this session, he added. Everyone nodded. Tom glanced at Rebecca from the corner of his eye. Anything you want to add, Rebecca?
I, ah, I dont really ...
Dont be shy! There are no stupid questions or com-ments in this room! Tom urged her.
Well, okay, she said, frantically racking her brain. Umm ... this is for the campaign?
Tom laughed. Well now, that question was a little on the stupid side.
Rebecca blinked.
Tom punched her lightly on the shoulder. Just kidding! Yes, this is for the campaign. So what do you think?
Okay, God, just go ahead and open up the floor now, please. What do I think? she echoed dumbly, and glanced at the others sitting around the table, looking at her so expectantly, as if she knew something, as if she had something to offer! Come on, its not rocket science! Just think of what you ve read in Texas Monthly her new, improved self chastised her. Be bold! Ahem. Well...
Across from her, Matt Parrish sighed impatiently. It wasnt a very loud sigh, but the sound of it, so goddamn familiar, kicked her square in the butt and made her sit up. Perhaps she had heard that sigh one too many times in her life from her father and her ex-husband for all the wrong reasons. Who knew? The only thing she knew for certain was that it made her blood boil. BOIL. She shifted her gaze to the litigator, and damn him, that was a smirk if ever shed seen one.
The environment, she said clearly and distinctly, sur-prising the holy hell out of herself. Protecting the beauty of Texas land, indigenous wildlife, and natural habitats.
No one uttered a word; Rebecca panicked, thought she had said something completely ridiculous. But then Tom grinned proudly. Hey, thats good! he exclaimed, and Rebecca instantly felt the panic begin to ebb, and a new sense of emboldened self started to creep in.
Mr. Hotshot Litigator looked unimpressed. Do you really think that issue is important around the state, outside of Austin? he asked.
She nodded resolutely in spite of having not even the slightest clue how important it was anywhere, much less in or out of Austin.
Everyone is concerned about the environment, Gilbert said.
Its a death knell outside Central Texas, Matt said, frowning. Its a regional issue, not a statewide one.
I dont think its just regional, Rebecca heard herself say, surprising herself yet again with her sudden, newfound, based-on-one-short-article knowledge of the environment. I think its something all Texans are concerned about, from the panhandle to the coast.
Really? So let me ask is everyone in your social circle living in fear of global warming and the destruction of the rain forests, too? Or is it just the endangered salamanders that keep yall awake at night?
What a smart-ass! Definitely the type that had to have all the ideas, and therefore, all the attention. Well, certainly the salamanders, she
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