It's like high school all over again

Omigod! Carole says that, like, Rickie totally dissed her and all. As if!

Her name missing from an invitation letter to an upcoming Texas Republican Party fund-raiser, state Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn cried foul Tuesday and blamed the perceived snub on Gov. Rick Perry.

Spokespersons for Perry and the party dodged responsibility for the omission, the latest flap to erupt between the governor and the comptroller, who is eyeing a challenge to Perry in next year's Republican primary.

The event, which will benefit the state party, is scheduled for Feb. 22 in Austin. With ticket prices ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, it is being billed as a tribute to Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick.

An invitation letter mailed this week was signed by all other elected statewide officials except Strayhorn, members of the judiciary and the two U.S. senators from Texas, Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn. Hutchison also is considering a race against Perry.

Mark Sanders, a spokesman for the comptroller, said Strayhorn wasn't invited to sign the letter or attend the event.

"The governor is doing the party a disservice by excluding the top vote-getter in the state last time (the 2002 election) and one tough grandma who has proved herself to be one phenomenal fund-raiser," Sanders said. "His fear of her presence is a truly self-absorbed disservice to the electorate."

Luis Saenz, director of Perry's political committee, said the event was the Republican Party's business.

"The Republican Party of Texas knows best how to raise money from true Republicans," he said.

Next thing you know, she won't be allowed to sit at his table in the cafeteria any more. This is, like, so harsh, you know?

Posted by Charles Kuffner on January 19, 2005 to Election 2006 | TrackBack