“The Lone Star Project … hammers Republicans whenever it gets a chance, promoting strong local Democratic candidates and even bringing lawsuits.” (Roll Call, Stuart Rothenberg,
March 12, 2009)
“Anyone who questions whether [The Lone Star Project] can make life difficult for a Republican legislator should talk to former Sen. Kim Brimer.” (Austin American Statesman, February 17, 2009)
“[The Lone Star Project] is responsible for the aggressive stance the party has taken toward DeLay and other Lone Star State Republicans since the 2004 election.” (The Washington Post, March 6, 2006)
"David Dewhurst has said most Texans don't have much sympathy "for someone who that can't fill out a two page [health insurance] application every six months".
The Democrat-supported Lone Star Project in Washington reported this week that Dewhurst failed to file necessary forms at least six times in recent years. (San Antonio Expres News,, 4/12/2007)
"The Justice staff memo was obtained by the Lone Star Project ...The story broke the same day the U.S. Supreme Court was considering legal challenges to the plan brought by Democrats and minority groups." (Houston Chronicle, 12/3/2005)
"The Texas chapter of the NAACP, along with the Lone Star Project, have analyzed the amicus brief filed by the Justice Department and have concluded, justifiably, that the Voting Rights section of the Justice Department is now controlled by partisan political appointees." (Roll Call - Donna Brazile, 2/28/2006)
Star-Telegram Back Flips on Brimer Brimer keeps the cash, while newspaper shrugs
Two weeks ago, the Lone Star Project documented how Republican State Senator Kim Brimer has exploited a loophole in Texas ethics law by using campaign money to purchase and later sell a luxury condominium in Austin, Texas. The scheme netted Brimer and his family more than $350,000. (Read the Full Report Here)
In its April 17th editorial, “By the Book,” the Fort Worth Star-Telegram inexplicably reversed its position on this important ethical issue by defending Republican State Senator Kim Brimer’s use of campaign funds to buy a luxury condominium in Austin. Just over a year ago, a Star-Telegram editorial titled “The Smell Test” criticized Brimer and other legislators for participating in these “rent-to-own” schemes stating, “Senator Brimer of Fort Worth used money from his political supporters to lease a similar condo from his wife... Yes, it’s legal. But come on folks, it sure looks bad.” (FW Star-Telegram Editorial, March 2, 2007). The second editorial does not include a single sentence of criticism.
What Changed?
Why is skimming money from campaign contributors to acquire property for yourself or a spouse suddenly ok? The core facts presented by the Lone Star Project have not changed or been substantively challenged by Brimer or the Star-Telegram:
Kim Brimer co-signed the mortgage needed to secure a loan to purchase a luxury condo. Financing for the property would not have been obtained without Brimer’s signature. (Ratification of Agreement in Contemplation of Marriage and Partition of Community Property, Article II)
Kim Brimer paid more than $230,000 in disguised “rent” to his wife over 11 years. (Texas Ethics Commission, Reports 1996-2007)
Kim Brimer and his wife sold the condo at a large profit. (Travis County Tax Statement, 2007 Property Tax notice)
Kim Brimer’s own lawyer acknowledged that there was nothing to prevent Brimer from profiting from the sale of the condo after he leaves office. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, February 22, 2007)
These are all facts supported by public documents – not political opinions held by the Lone Star Project.
A year ago, facts like these were good enough for the Star-Telegram when it wrote, “It looks a little bit too much like the lobbyists who contribute so much of that political money are treating the big shots to a lavish life style …” (FW Star-Telegram Editorial, March 2, 2007).
In fact, back then, the Star-Telegram was encouraging that light be shined on Brimer-style abuse by stating, “When they turn these donated dollars over to their spouses (even in a legal transaction) they have to say so, and their constituents get to know about it and decide whether it’s right or wrong. From here, using political contributions to pay rent to a spouse looks bad.” (FW Star-Telegram Editorial, March 2, 2007).
While others might press the legal issue, the Lone Star Project has not accused Kim Brimer of breaking the law. Instead, the Lone Star Project factually demonstrated that Kim Brimer took advantage of an ethics law loophole to use campaign contributions to accrue assets to his wife and to himself.
We called upon Brimer to acknowledge his actions and then make a contribution equal to his financial gain to a charitable organization that assists those in need of housing. It was a straightforward request that Brimer, who is a millionaire, come clean with his constituents, thousands of whom are struggling daily to avoid foreclosure of their home.
Kim Brimer’s constituents deserve a thorough explanation for his arrogant use of a loophole to enrich himself and his spouse. Further, they deserve an answer to the Lone Star Project’s question on whether Brimer will surrender his improper financial gain to those in need.
Star-Telegram readers deserve to know why the paper has suddenly reversed itself and is now excusing conduct by elected officials that it appropriately criticized just a little over a year ago.
Readers of the Star-Telegram responded today with letters to the editor criticizing the recent editorial. You can read those letters below. If you want to tell Kim Brimer how you feel about his "rent-to-own" scheme give him a call at his office at (817) 332-8269 or email him at Kenneth.Brimer@senate.state.tx.us. LETTERS Star-Telegram April 23, 2008
Lone Star Project served the public
A Thursday editorial, "Brimer's actions: By the book," described as "a baseless political attack" the Lone Star Project's attempt to shed light on state Sen. Kim Brimer's past. But I believe that the Lone Star Project served the public by holding the Fort Worth Republican accountable. Public officials should be held to a higher standard.
We hope that we elect representatives who don't require us to constantly remind them of this. Unfortunately, over time, Brimer has demonstrated a need for an ethical reminder.
Although this newspaper may be willing to buy into his political spin and judge ethics by loopholes, the public will not. Right is right; wrong is wrong.
It seems obvious that the only book Brimer goes by is his pocketbook.
-- Daniella B. Judge, Fort Worth
In response to your editorial defending Brimer's arrangement to rent his wife's condominium in Austin, I want to state that most people believe that using campaign funds for personal enrichment is wrong.
Yes, Brimer's arrangement may have been "by the book." But regardless of the small print, he used campaign contributions to benefit his wife. So to many, the circumstances of that story stank.
I would hope that the Star-Telegram's technical defense of Brimer isn't an indication of how the state Senate race, which will pit Brimer against Democrat Wendy Davis, will be covered.
In this time of broken government, people are looking for authentic leaders to be honest with us. Focusing on loopholes and hollow explanations is a main reason that this country is in crisis. We use loopholes and explanations to avoid the real issues. We can no longer afford to do that.
-- Scott Polikov, Fort Worth
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Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
The Lone Star Project is an activity of the Lone Star Fund.
Contributions to this committee are not tax deductible. Federal law requires political committees to use our best efforts to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. The Lone Star Fund accepts federal contributions from individuals, partnerships, and other federal political committee of up to $5,000 per calendar year.
