Tag Archives: Harris County Attorney

Hotze goes crying to the Supreme Court

Posted on April 28, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

This effing guy, I swear. Houston conservative activist Steve Hotze on Monday filed a petition with the Texas Supreme Court seeking an emergency ruling on Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s mask order, which took effect this morning. Hotze originally filed … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal matters | Tagged coronavirus, face masks, Greg Abbott, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Jared Woodfill, lawsuit, Lina Hidalgo, local control, Steven Hotze, Supreme Court | 10 Comments

Hotze sues Harris County again

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

This is just what he does now, I suppose. Houston conservative power broker Steve Hotze filed a lawsuit against Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Thursday, alleging that her order requiring people to cover their faces in public violates the Texas … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal matters | Tagged coronavirus, face masks, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Jared Woodfill, lawsuit, Lina Hidalgo, Steven Hotze, Supreme Court | 29 Comments

Dutton’s colleagues ask for investigation of Natasha Ruiz

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

Hey, look, it’s actual election news! Nearly the entire Harris County Democratic legislative delegation has asked the county attorney and district attorney to open a criminal investigation into the candidacy of a Texas House candidate whose existence was called into … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged Democratic primary, District Attorney, Election 2020, Harold Dutton, Harris County Attorney, HCDP, HD142, Jerry Davis, Kim Ogg, Natasha Ruiz, Richard Bonton, runoff, Texas, The Lege, Vince Ryan | 5 Comments

Steven Hotze’s death wish

Posted on March 31, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

I have three things to say about this. A hardline conservative power broker and three area pastors filed a petition with the Texas Supreme Court Monday arguing that Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s stay-at-home order violates the Constitution by ordering … Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston, Legal matters | Tagged coronavirus, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Jared Woodfill, lawsuit, Lina Hidalgo, quarantine, Steven Hotze, Supreme Court | 13 Comments

Harris County settles lawsuit about voter registration records

Posted on March 24, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

I’m not sure what to make of this. In a victory for government transparency, Harris County officials settled a lawsuit Tuesday with a conservative voting rights group, agreeing to disclose records of foreign nationals who voted in Texas elections and … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal matters | Tagged Ann Harris Bennett, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Harris County Tax Assessor, J. Christian Adams, lawsuit, Mike Sullivan, voter registration | Comments Off

2020 primary results: Harris County

Posted on March 4, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

Let’s start with this. Long lines combined with a lack of voting machines turned into frustration for voters at several election sites in Harris County on Super Tuesday. Margaret Hollie arrived at the Multi Service Center on Griggs Road at … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged Alexandra Smoots-Hogan, Andrea Duhon, Ann Harris Bennett, Cheryl Elliott Thornton, Christian Menefee, Commissioners Court, Daryl Moore, David Brown, Democratic primary, Diana Alexander, District Attorney, Ed Gonzalez, Election 2020, George Powell, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Harris County Clerk, Harris County Sheriff, Harris County Tax Assessor, HCDE, HCDP, judicial races, Kim Ogg, Kristi Thibaut, Larry Weiman, Michael Moore, primaries, Randy Roll, Republican Party, Rodney Ellis, runoff, Steven Kirkland, Texas, turnout, Vince Ryan | 7 Comments

How should we police the police?

Posted on February 16, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

This article raises a number of interesting questions. A quarter of the 60-plus law enforcement agencies operating in Harris County have refused to sign agreements to help local prosecutors track problem cops. Under those agreements, all signed since District Attorney … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Tagged Constable, District Attorney, DPS, Ed Gonzalez, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Harris County Sheriff, Houston, HPD, Kim Ogg, Metro | Comments Off

Endorsement watch: For Menefee

Posted on February 16, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

We have our first major endorsement against an incumbent as the Chron recommends Christian Menefee for County Attorney over Vince Ryan. Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan’s decision to spend millions of dollars and waste precious legal resources to prolong the … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged bail, Ben Rose, Christian Menefee, Democratic primary, Election 2020, endorsements, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, jails, lawsuit, Vince Ryan | 1 Comment

County files lawsuit over Watson Grinding explosion

Posted on February 1, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

As well they should. Harris County and state officials entered the fray Thursday, bringing civil charges against Watson Grinding and Manufacturing in the explosion that left two dead and damaged 450 structures last week in west Houston. The county has … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal matters, Local politics | Tagged Clean Air Act, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, lawsuit, pollution, TCEQ, Watson Grinding & Manufacturing | 2 Comments

January 2020 campaign finance reports: Harris County

Posted on January 19, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

As you know, New Year’s Day brings a new round of campaign finance reports, for all levels of government. I’m going to be working my way through these as I can, because there’s lots to be learned about the candidates … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged Ann Harris Bennett, Audia Jones, Ben Rose, Brenda Stardig, campaign finance reports, Carvana Cloud, Chris Daniel, Christian Menefee, Commissioners Court, Curtis Todd Overstreet, Democratic primary, Diana Alexander, District Attorney, Ed Gonzalez, Election 2020, fundraising, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Harris County Sheriff, Harris County Tax Assessor, Harry Zamora, Jerome Moore, Joe Danna, Joe Nation, Jolanda Jones, Kim Ogg, Kristi Thibaut, Lloyd Oliver, Lori DeAngelo, Maria Jackson, Mary Nan Huffman, Michael Moore, Morris Overstreet, Paul Day, Republican Party, Rodney Ellis, Steve Radack, Susan Sample, Tom Ramsey, Vince Ryan | 2 Comments

Where the primary action is

Posted on January 18, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

It’s on the Democratic side in Harris County. This should come as a surprise to no one. The crowded Harris County Democratic primary field reflects a new reality in Houston politics: With the county turning an even darker shade of … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged Alma Allen, Ann Harris Bennett, Borris Miles, Briscoe Cain, CD07, CD22, Commissioners Court, Congress, Constable, Dan Huberty, Dennis Paul, District Attorney, Don Sumners, Ed Gonzalez, Garnet Coleman, Harold Dutton, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Harris County Sheriff, Harris County Tax Assessor, HCDE, HD127, HD128, HD129, HD131, HD132, HD134, HD138, HD139, HD141, HD142, HD146, HD147, HD26, Jarvis Johnson, Justice of the Peace, Kim Ogg, Maria Jackson, Mark Herman, Rodney Ellis, Russ Ridgway, Sarah Davis, SD13, Senate, Senfronia Thompson, Shawn Thierry, Texas, The Lege, Vince Ryan | 2 Comments

Who sues first?

Posted on January 4, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

It matters whether Harris County or the state of Texas is first to the courthouse against an industrial polluter. As chemical plant explosions and fires have disrupted lives and raised air-quality concerns in the Houston area this year, the state … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal matters | Tagged Arkema, Attorney General, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Intercontinental Terminals, KMCO, lawsuit, local control, pollution, TCEQ, Texas, The Lege | Comments Off

Interview with Christian Menefee

Posted on January 2, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

Our third candidate in my series of interviews for Harris County Attorney is Christian Menefee, who was the first candidate to declare for the race. A native Houstonian, Menefee is a former intern in the Harris County Public Defender’s office, … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged Christian Menefee, Democratic primary, Election 2020, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, interviews | 1 Comment

Interview with Ben Rose

Posted on December 31, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Incumbent Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan has two opponents in the March primary, the first time he has had company in a March race. Ben Rose has an LL.M. in Environmental Law from Tulane University, where he wrote his doctorial … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged Ben Rose, Democratic primary, Election 2020, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, interviews | 2 Comments

Interview with Vince Ryan

Posted on December 30, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

This week we focus on the Harris County Attorney primary, one of several high-profile primaries in the county where a sitting incumbent faces serious challengers. Vince Ryan was first elected to the office of Harris County Attorney in 2008, part … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged Democratic primary, Election 2020, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, interviews, Vince Ryan | 6 Comments

The “Has Not Yet Filed” list

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Today is the actual, official filing deadline. Anyone who has not filed for a spot in the primary by 6 PM today is not a candidate for a Democratic nomination in 2020. A whole lot of people have already filed, … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged Alan Rosen, Alexandra Smoots-Hogan, Borris Miles, CD03, CD19, CD20, CD21, CD22, CD27, CD28, CD31, CD36, Cesar Blanco, Christopher Suprun, Colin Allred, Commissioners Court, Congress, Constable, Dan Jangigian, David Brown, Democratic primary, District Attorney, Eddie Lucio, Elaine Palmer, Election 2020, filing deadline, George Powell, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Harris County Sheriff, Harris County Tax Assessor, HCDE, HD119, HD23, HD43, HD84, HD99, Herb Ritchie, Jaclanel McFarland, Jennie Lou Leeder, Jessica Cisneros, Joaquin Castro, John Love, judicial races, Justice of the Peace, Kelly Stone, Leticia Bresnahan, Luis Guajardo, Maria Jackson, MJ Hegar, Railroad Commission, Rene Oliveira, Robert Alonzo, Roland Gutierrez, Ron Reynolds, SBOE, SD12, SD13, SD18, SD19, SD22, SD28, SD29, Sean Villasana, Senate, Tanner Do, Texas, The Lege, Ursula Hall, Wendy Davis | 4 Comments

Filing update: Focus on Harris County

Posted on December 6, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

One more look at who has and hasn’t yet filed for stuff as we head into the final weekend for filing. But first, this message: Hi y’all, as we approach the filing deadline in Texas, this is a reminder that … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged Al Green, Alan Rosen, Alexandra Smoots-Hogan, Andrea Duhon, Ann Harris Bennett, Ann Johnson, Anna Eastman, Audia Jones, Carvana Cloud, CD02, CD07, CD10, CD18, CD22, CD29, Christian Menefee, Commissioners Court, Congress, Constable, Curtis Todd Overstreet, David Brown, Democratic primary, Diana Alexander, District Attorney, Ed Gonzalez, Election 2016, Election 2018, Election 2020, Elisa Cardnell, Erica Davis, filing deadline, Fort Bend County, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Harris County Sheriff, Harris County Tax Assessor, Harry Zamora, HCDE, HD134, HD148, HD27, Jack Terence, Jennifer Cantu, judicial races, Julia Maldonado, Justice of the Peace, Kim Ogg, Kristi Thibaut, Lanny Bose, Lizzie FLetcher, Maria Jackson, Melissa Wilson-Williams, Michael Moore, Mike Siegel, Neeta Sane, Penny Shaw, Rodney Ellis, Ron Reynolds, Ruby Powers, Shannon Hutcheson, Sheila Jackson Lee, Sheriff, Steven Kirkland, Sylvia Garcia, Texas, The Lege, Travis Olsen, Troy Nehls, Vince Ryan, Zaher Eisa | 3 Comments

It could be March before District B gets to vote in their runoff

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

And honestly, by the same calculations, it could go later than that. The Houston City Council District B runoff could be delayed until March if a lawsuit contesting last month’s election result is not resolved by Monday, the Harris County … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2019 | Tagged absentee ballots, Commissioners Court, Cynthia Bailey, District B, Election 2019, Election 2020, Harris County Attorney, HD148, Houston, Houston City Council, Jerry Davis, lawsuit, Lina Hidalgo, Renee Jefferson Smith, Rodney Ellis, runoff, Tarsha Jackson, term limits | 3 Comments

Filing report update

Posted on December 2, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

We’re a week out from the official filing deadline for the 2020 primaries. There’s still a lot of known candidates who haven’t filed yet, but I expect there will be a mad flurry of activity this week, as is usually … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged 14th Court of Appeals, Alexandra Smoots-Hogan, Alma Allen, Amparo Guerra, Andrea Duhon, Anna Eastman, Ashton Woods, Audia Jones, Bill McLeod, Borris Miles, Cheri Thomas, Christian Menefee, Commissioners Court, David Brown, Debby Kerner, Democratic primary, Diana Alexander, Dinesh Singhal, District Attorney, Election 2018, Election 2020, Election 2022, Erica Davis, filing deadline, First Court of Appeals, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, HCDE, HD133, HD146, HD148, HD26, HD29, HD32, Jane Robinson, judicial races, Kem Thompson Frost, Ken Mercer, Kim Ogg, Kimberly McLeod, Kristi Thibaut, Laura Higley, Lawrence Allen, Lesley Briones, Leticia Bresnahan, Michael Moore, Michelle Palmer, Northeast ISD, Richard Andrews, Rish Oberoi, Sandra Moore, Sarah DeMerchant, SBOE, SD13, Secretary of State, Senate, Shawn Thierry, Suleman Lalani, Texas, The Lege, Tim Hootman, Tracy Christopher, Travis Boldt, Veronica Rivas-Molloy, Vince Ryan, Wally Kronzer | 4 Comments

Filing period preview: Harris County

Posted on November 14, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Previously: Congress, Statewide, and SBOE/Senate/House. For County races, I cannot use the Patrick Svitek spreadsheet, as it doesn’t include local races. I am instead using the Campaign Contribution and Expenditure Reports for Various County Offices link on the County Clerk … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged Ann Harris Bennett, Audia Jones, Ben Rose, Brenda Stardig, Carvana Cloud, Christian Menefee, Commissioners Court, Democratic primary, Diana Alexander, District Attorney, Ed Gonzalez, Election 2008, Election 2016, Election 2020, Erik Hassan, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Harris County Sheriff, Harris County Tax Assessor, Harry Zamora, Jerome Moore, Joe Danna, Kim Ogg, Kristi Thibaut, Lawrence Rush, Lloyd Oliver, Lori DeAngelo, Luis Guajardo, Maria Jackson, Mary Nan Huffman, Michael Moore, Paul Day, primaries, Rodney Ellis, Steve Radack, Vince Ryan | 1 Comment

July 2019 campaign finance reports: Harris County

Posted on July 25, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Before we get to the numbers, please read this. The widow of former Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner El Franco Lee has emptied most of her late husband’s $3.8 million campaign account by donating to community groups and charities. Ethel … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged Andrea Duhon, Ann Harris Bennett, Audia Jones, campaign finance reports, Commissioners Court, Curtis Todd Overstreet, David Brown, Democratic primary, Diana Alexander, District Attorney, District Clerk, Ed Gonzalez, El Franco Lee, Election 2020, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Harris County Clerk, Harris County Judge, Harris County Sheriff, Harris County Tax Assessor, Harris County Treasurer, Harry Zamora, HCDE, Joe Danna, Kim Ogg, Lina Hidalgo, Lloyd Oliver, Steve Radack, Vince Ryan | Comments Off

What can the county do about ethics?

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Maybe something. Maybe not. Who can tell? Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis has proposed two ethics reforms he says are needed to improve transparency in county government, though Texas counties’ limited rule-making power may scuttle his plan. Commissioners … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged Commissioners Court, Ed Emmett, ethics, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Rodney Ellis, The Lege | 1 Comment

Some county race updates

Posted on June 26, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

2020 is going to be a very different election year in Harris County, because for the first time in anyone’s memory all of the non-HCDE countywide offices are held by Democrats. If you’re a Democrat in Harris County and you … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged Alan Rosen, Andrea Duhon, bail, Ben Rose, Christian Menefee, Commissioners Court, David Brown, Democratic primary, Diana Alexander, Don Sumners, Election 2014, Election 2016, Election 2018, Election 2020, gay marriage, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, HCDE, Kristi Thibaut, lawsuit, Michael Wolfe, Mike Laster, Stan Stanart, Steve Radack, Vince Ryan | 2 Comments

Wolfe censured by HCDE

Posted on April 19, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

A new episode of the Michael Wolfe reality show. Harris County Department of Education’s board voted to censure Trustee Michael Wolfe over sexual harassment allegations hours after a state district judge denied his request for a temporary restraining order. Trustees … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged Election 2020, Eric Dick, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, HCDE, Jared Woodfill, Michael Wolfe, sexual harassment | Comments Off

Commissioners Court replaces Judge McLeod

Posted on April 11, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Unfortunate, but understandable. A divided Harris County Commissioners Court declined to give County Court At Law Judge Bill McLeod a reprieve Tuesday after he inadvertently resigned last week, opting instead to appoint a replacement. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged Adrian Garcia, Bill McLeod, Commissioners Court, Constitution, Election 2018, Election 2020, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Jack Cagle, judicial nominations, judicial races, Lesley Briones, Lina Hidalgo | 1 Comment

Using floodplain rules to force environmental safety compliance

Posted on April 10, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

A county’s gotta do what a county’s gotta do. Harris County officials are using flood control regulations passed after Hurricane Harvey to delay the reopening of two chemical companies where fires erupted in recent weeks, killing one worker and sending … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal matters, Local politics | Tagged Arkema, Attorney General, flooding, Greg Bonnen, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Houston, Hurricane Harvey, Intercontinental Terminals, Jeff Leach, Ken Paxton, KMCO, pollution, Rock Owens, Senate, Supreme Court, TCEQ, Texas, The Lege, Vince Ryan | 1 Comment

Explode, rinse, repeat

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Here we go again. A massive explosion at a chemical plant in northeast Harris County on Tuesday killed one person and sent two others to the hospital in critical condition, sparking a blaze that sent yet another plume of dark … Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Tagged benzene, fire, Greg Abbott, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Houston, Intercontinental Terminals, Ken Paxton, KMCO, pollution, TCEQ, Texas | Comments Off

More on McLeod

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Here’s the Chron story on the bizarre accidental judicial resignation. The Harris County attorney’s office was notified in March that Judge Bill McLeod, a Democrat presiding over Harris County Court at Law No. 4, had filed a transfer of campaign … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged Bill McLeod, Constitution, Election 2018, Election 2020, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, judicial races, Rodney Ellis, Steve Radack, Supreme Court, Texas | 1 Comment

Please delete April Fools Day from your calendar

Posted on April 3, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

I just can’t. An April Fools’ Day resignation prank? One Texas civil court judge wishes it were so. A newly elected judge in Houston accidentally resigned on Monday, according to local media and a county official, after he shared plans … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged Bill McLeod, Commissioners Court, Constitution, Election 2018, Election 2020, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, judicial races, Texas | 1 Comment

County Attorney investigating Wolfe

Posted on March 30, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Good. The Harris County Attorney is investigating a report alleging that a Harris County Department of Education Trustee Michael Wolfe sexually harassed a job applicant and retaliated against her when she refused to date him. In a letter dated March … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged Election 2020, Eric Dick, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, HCDE, Jared Woodfill, Michael Wolfe, sexual harassment | Comments Off

Harris County sues ITC over Deer Park fire

Posted on March 27, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Go get ’em. Harris County has sued Intercontinental Terminals Co. for failing to prevent a massive chemical fire that burned for more than 60 hours last week and spewed an unknown volume of hazardous chemicals into the air and nearby … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged Chambers County, Clean Air Act, Commissioners Court, Deer Park, fire, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Intercontinental Terminals, lawsuit, Lina Hidalgo, Mark Tice, pollution, Texas | Comments Off

Harris County settles ADA voting rights lawsuit

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Chalk up another accomplishment for our new county overlords. The U.S. Department of Justice will monitor Harris County elections, at county expense, for up to four years under the settlement of a federal lawsuit over inadequate access to polling places … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal matters | Tagged Americans with Disabilities Act, Commissioners Court, Diane Trautman, Disability Rights Texas, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Harris County Clerk, Justice Department, lawsuit, Lina Hidalgo, Monica Flores Richart, Toby Cole, voting centers | Comments Off

January 2019 campaign finance reports: Harris County

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

One last set of finance reports I want to look at, from Harris County officials. I’m dividing them into a few groups: Lina Hidalgo, County Judge Diane Trautman, County Clerk Dylan Osborne, County Treasurer Marilyn Burgess, District Clerk Kim Ogg, … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged Adrian Garcia, campaign finance reports, Commissioners Court, Democratic primary, District Attorney, District Clerk, Ed Emmett, Election 2018, Election 2020, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Harris County Clerk, Harris County Judge, Harris County Treasurer, HCDE, Jack Cagle, Kim Ogg, Lina Hidalgo, Rodney Ellis, Steve Radack, Vince Ryan | 1 Comment

Bail lawsuit 2.0

Posted on January 24, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

This one will be tougher to tackle, but the principle remains the same. A hard-fought battle to reform Harris County’s bail system has prompted a second civil rights action. The legal team that successfully challenged the county’s bail practices for … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal matters | Tagged bail, Civil Rights Corps, District Attorney, Ed Gonzalez, Harris County, Harris County Attorney, Harris County Judge, Harris County Sheriff, jail overcrowding, jails, Kim Ogg, lawsuit, Lina Hidalgo, Texas Civil Rights Project, Vince Ryan | 45 Comments

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