Off the Kuff: Lampson wrapup

May 19, 2004

Lampson wrapup

Thanks once again to everyone who participated in this week's Texas Tuesday for Rep. Nick Lampson. We're still trying to get some kind of interview with him up on the Texas Tuesdays site - this is still an experiment, and there are still a few bugs in the system, so we appreciate your patience. Greg did post a news roundup yesterday afternoon, so check that out. And if you're still looking for a reason to make a donation to the Lampson campaign, consider this:

Vice President Dick Cheney plans to visit Houston on Friday to provide fund-raising muscle for Ted Poe, the Republican candidate for the 2nd Congressional District.

The breakfast fund-raiser should provide a needed shot in the arm for Poe, a former state district judge from Houston who is running against U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson, D-Beaumont.

Poe's campaign war chest was almost drained during his March GOP primary against five other Republicans.

As of March 31, Poe had a cash balance of $34,691. Lampson -- who was unopposed in the Democratic primary -- had $490,029.

Organizers said Friday's event at the Houstonian featuring Cheney is expected to raise $150,000 to $200,000.

Poe said he expects to have more than $250,000 by the next reporting deadline, June 30.

"It is great encouragement to have Vice President Cheney and the White House supporting our congressional race," Poe said. "We're honored and humbled."

[...]

After leaving Houston on Friday, he is expected to attend similar events in Texas for two other Republicans challenging Democratic U.S. House incumbents. They are state Rep. Arlene Wohlgemuth of Burleson, who faces U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards of Waco, and former appeals court Judge Louis Gohmert of Tyler, who faces U.S. Rep. Max Sandlin of Marshall.