Last Friday night, Charles Kaffie and George Finley hosted some of the county's top Democrats at Kaffie's art-filled Ocean Drive manse to fete and fundraise for Democrat County judge candidate Larry Olivarez.
Talking politics in the crowd were District Judge Sandra Watts, her son, Mikal Watts, County Court at Law Judge Marisela Saldana, former port commissioner Tony Pletcher, his wife Laura and about 25 others with checkbooks large enough to kick in some dough.
Judge Watts makes a family correction
One of Olivarez's fledgling campaign staff bounced up to Judge Watts and said. "Nice to meet you Judge! I just met your husband Mikal."
Watts laughed and explained that Mikal is her son.
Attendees call Rodriguez 'Sheriff'
Several in the crowd at Kaffie and Finley's reception shook hands with Sheriff's Chief Deputy Jimmy Rodriguez and said "Hello,Sheriff."
Last Saturday afternoon at a bike giveaway program at the Solid Rock Worship Center, Rodriguez said he hoped to be sheriff.
Nearly a week later Rodriguez said in a statement, that if he is appointed interim sheriff he will not run for the office.
"The employees of this department and the citizens of this community deserve to have someone serving out this appointment who is only motivated by a desire to maintain the continuity and stability and the duties and obligations of this office."
Shamsie shows humor with some gag gifts
After a short lecture on the importance of watching the budget, County Judge Terry Shamsie handed out Christmas presents to the county commissioners, much to their amazement.
"You're so cheap, judge," Commissioner Chuck Cazalas said. "I'm surprised."
Commissioner Betty Jean Longoria unwrapped her package carefully, showing off the frugality she says she learned from Shamsie.
"I'm trying to save the wrapping paper," she said. "I learned that from you."
Shamsie was apparently practicing thriftiness as well - aside from a silver compact for Longoria, the gifts were all gags, and a couple of them were recycled.
Commissioner Peggy Banales got a purple T-shirt with Schwing emblazoned across the front. Shamsie said he got it from Banales' predecessor, Frank Schwing.
Commissioner Oscar Ortiz unwrapped a can of bug spray that Shamsie said would come in handy during budgeting time.
"To keep all the ticks off the budget," Shamsie said.
And for Cazalas, the lone Republican on the court, Shamsie gave used copy of Bill Clinton's autobiography, "My Life."
"I want you to read about a real leader," Shamsie said.
Cazalas promised to read as much as he could stomach.
Shamsie plans the talk of several insiders
When County Judge Terry Shamsie announced that he would not seek reelection, he was quick to say that he was not closing the door to run for another political office.
For the past two weeks, the talk at the courthouse has been that Shamsie is gunning for the position of District Judge Sandra Watts, who has not drawn another opponent.
Watts' son is Mikal, the powerful, big money lawyer behind several key candidates, who also recently financed a poll that put Shamsie behind Loyd Neal in the county judge's race.
Watts' political camp is saying the numbers and the poll angered Shamsie.
Shamsie was not taking calls late this week, but insiders close to his political camp including Mack Rodriguez say Shamsie was not mad at the poll and that he is not likely to take on Watts or anyone else this political season.
"I don't think it will happen," Rodriguez said. "It would be easier for him to stay in and run for county judge. He is worn out. I think he is just going to take a break and stay out and catch his breath."
But businessman and Democrat politico George Finley, who has remained one of Shamsie's closest allies, said Watts could be in Shamsie's sights.
"Anything is possible," he said. "All I can tell you is that it is the general consensus of those who know and love Terry is that he is a little bit wacky. And nothing would surprise us. Me or Fil (Filemon Vela) and Rose (District Judge Vela) or anybody."
Watchers keep eyes open for Vela's plans
There's a big announcement coming from District Judge Rose Vela's court on January 2 that has judiciary watchers guessing.
There has been speculation that Vela will step down in early January and be replaced by Republican powerbroker and attorney Colleen McHugh, who was recently named to the University of Texas Board of Regents by Governor Rick Perry.
Vela wants to run for the 13th Court of Appeals, according to friends of Vela and her husband Filemon.
"Rose is not stepping down," said George Finley, a close friend and political ally. "She is seriously contemplating running for the appellate court. Although they consider themselves to be friends with Colleen, they have not had any conversations about Colleen getting the governor's appointment to take Rose's place."
Finley pointed out that McHugh, who recently left Bracewell Giuliani, is his personal labor attorney.
"Although politically she could win if she were running, even though she is a Republican," he said.
Judge Hunter listed among nation's greats
District Judge Jack Hunter is in esteemed company this week after his inclusion in the 60th Diamond Edition of Marquis Who's Who in America.
Hunter is listed along with President George W. Bush, Sen. Hillary Clinton, televangelist Joel Osteen, actress Eva Longoria, entertainers Cher and Madonna, and hip hop star Missy Elliott.
The publication recognizes 109,000 accomplished people based on position and accomplishment.
Political Pulse is written and compiled by Caller-Times politics reporter Jaime Powell. This week's contributors include Powell and Brandi Dean. Have a tip? Contact Powell at 886-3716 or HYPERLINK mailto:powellj@caller.com powellj@caller.com
