Birnberg Complaint
Oliver “publically endorsed Pat Lykos, a non-Democratic candidate seeking the office of District Attorney of Harris County in an election in which a democrat is seeking the same office.” Oliver specifically stated that Pat Lykos “would have gotten my vote.” On June 18, 2012, Oliver said that he “would have voted for her.”
Texas Democratic Party Rules per Birnberg
Prohibit party officers from publically endorsing candidates of an opposing party in an election in which a Democratic candidate is seeking the office in question and require that such a party officer be removed.
Rodney Ellis on Pat Lykos – July 29, 2010
“I also want to commend District Attorney Pat Lykos and Mr. Green’s attorney, Bob Wicoff, for working together to correct this injustice. Two exonerations in the past two weeks speaks volumes about what is wrong with our criminal justice system. Fortunately, it also demonstrates that the Post Conviction Review Section of the Harris County District Attorney’s office, created by D.A. Lykos, is doing something right.”
http://www.ellis.senate.state.tx.us/pr10/p072910a.htm
Rodney Ellis on Ed Emmett and Harris County Commissioners – September 29, 2009
I want to commend Judge Emmett and the commissioners for unanimously voting to do the right thing for Harris County. Until today, Harris County was the only urban area of its size without a public defender office. Today, we can say that we’re taking a significant step towards following best practice models that are both economical and smart on crime,” said Senator Ellis. “I look forward to working closely with the Council to implement a plan that is efficient and ensures that indigent defendants are receiving quality representation.” Ellis began urging for the creation of the office in early 2008.
http://www.ellis.senate.state.tx.us/pr09/p092909a.htm
Rodney Ellis on Wallace Jefferson – February 23, 2011
“Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson is a credit to the state of Texas. He has lent his voice and the power of his office to achieving a stronger, more equitable Texas justice system for all. He has long been a powerful advocate of civil, criminal justice and indigent defense reforms.
“I commend him for focusing so much of his speech on not only the need for change, but specific, tangible and achievable reforms on access, judicial selection and compensation for those wrongfully convicted.”
http://www.ellis.senate.state.tx.us/pr11/p022311a.htm
Rodney Ellis on Bill Ratliff – August 10, 2001
“I am delighted today by my good friend, Bill Ratliff’s decision to return to the Texas Senate and run for re- election. He is a true hero of the Senate and the people of Texas will benefit greatly from his continued service. I’m sure the people of Senate District 1 already know what an asset Bill Ratliff is to them.
“Bill Ratliff is a good man who has done great things for Texas. He is a dedicated public servant who has always put policy — and the needs of Texas — above partisan politics. Bill Ratliff deserves much credit for the accomplishments of the 77th Legislature.
“In this era of growing partisanship, Bill Ratliff has always put the needs of people above party. I believe Texans appreciate his dedication and his ability to work together to get things done. I look forward to another term of fine service from one of Texas’ greatest leaders.”
http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/Members/Dist13/pr01/p081001a.htm
Rick Perry, Democrat, Endorsed George H.W. Bush for President – 1988
In 1988, Rick Perry, a Texas state representative and former 1988 co-chair for Al Gore’s 1988 Texas campaign, endorsed George H. W. Bush for president. He became a Republican the next year and later became governor.
Bob Bullock, Democrat, Endorsed George W. Bush for President – 1998
In 1998, Bob Bullock, Lieutenant Governor of Texas, endorsed the reelection of George W. Bush as Governor of Texas.
Ralph Hall, Democrat, Endorsed George W. Bush for President – 2000
In 2000, Ralph Hall, a former Democratic Party U.S. Representative from Texas, endorsed George W. Bush for election as president.
Just a few…….
I didn’t know Birnberg practiced law with Andersen?