Blogs As The Ethics Watchdog
There is a large underbelly to politics that bloggers often don't recognize or get involved in: campaign finance and ethics laws. A panel of Texas bloggers will explain how they single-handedly got the Texas Ethics Commission off its behind and politicians to pay attention to the campaign spending rules, and how you can do it in your state. In addition, Travis County DA Ronnie Earle, Texas’ primary ethical watchdog of elected officials, will share his views on the role of the Netroots in shaping the debate related to ethically-challenged politicians.
Nate Wilcox is an award-winning political consultant and recognized expert in online communications. He is the co-author of "Netroots Rising" with Lowell Feld. Wilcox was online communications director for Governor Mark Warner's Forward Together PAC in 2006. He consulted for Richard Morrison's 2004 challenge to Tom DeLay—the first campaign endorsed by Daily Kos and Democracy for America which raised over $500,000 online. He founded the blog SaveTexasReps.com and built a grassroots organization of more than 30,000 members to oppose the 2003 redistricting of Texas.
John Cobarruvias is a consumer activist specializing in consumer protection for new home buyers as past President of Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings Texas (HADD). Until recently, he was the president of Bay Area New Democrats, a successful and active Democratic club that help rid Texas of Tom DeLay. He has donated his time and money to testify in Austin on issues concerning new home construction, insurance, and tort reform. Through his blog, Bay Area Houston, he has exposed the numerous flaws of the Texas Ethics Commission and of many elected officials.
Martha Griffin is the campaign manager for Sherrie Matula, who is running for the Texas House in District 129. In 2007, she ran Melissa Noriega's successful campaign for Houston City Council. She also serves on the board of directors of TexBlog PAC and the Texas Progressive Alliance. Through her blog, musings, she has exposed ethics violations of Texas officeholders. In addition, Griffin is recognized as a leader in science education, in public schools and community education.
Ronald Earle, a former member of the Texas House of Representatives, former presiding judge of the Austin Municipal Court, and former chief counsel of the Texas Judicial Council, was elected district attorney of Travis County in 1976. Re-elected five times without opposition, he is currently serving his eighth four-year term.
