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Making an Impact
“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)
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GOP Donors Beware: Bill Zedler’s Illegal Fundraising
Puts Supporters at Risk
Formal FEC complaint names Zedler, Barton, and Granger
As the Lone Star Project forecast last month , a formal Federal Elections Commission complaint has been filed against Republican State Representative Bill Zedler, Congressman Joe Barton, and Congresswoman Kay Granger for illegally soliciting more than twice the legal amount allowed by federal campaign finance law. A copy of the complaint can be seen here.
The violations result from an illegal fundraiser organized and authorized by the Bill Zedler Campaign. Republican Members of Congress, Joe Barton and Kay Granger, allowed Zedler to include them as honorary hosts of the event and to solicit contributions up to $5,000. Federal law specifically prohibits Members of Congress from raising more than $2,300 from any individual.
Showing a blatant disregard for the federal legal restrictions, the fundraising invitation was placed on Bill Zedler’s campaign letterhead and sent to potential donors asking for contributions more than twice the amount allowed by federal law.
Excerpts from the complaint
Solicited Double the Legal Amount
"The attached invitation from the Bill Zedler Campaign uses Barton and Granger’s names – with their apparent authorization – to ask for contributions that far exceed federal limits... By seeking contributions of more than double the federal limit, Respondents have solicited “soft money” in clear violation of federal law. "
Failed to Inform Donors
"When the violation detailed in this complaint became public, none of the respondents (State Representative Bill Zedler, Congressman Barton and Congresswoman Granger) seems to have taken any public action to inform donors that they had been solicited illegally and should restrict their contributions"
Repeated Violation
"Nine days later, they purported to “supersede” the original, illegal solicitation with one not mentioning Barton or Granger, and blamed the violation on a “layout error.” But their demand for money apparently outweighed their desire to comply, because they continued illegally to solicit and accept contributions exceeding federal limits."
- FEC Complaint, 9-16-2008
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What’s in Zed’s Head?
The Zedler FEC complaint carries serious risks for himself and his fellow Republicans. By cavalierly and egregiously ignoring federal campaign law, Bill Zedler has made it likely that he, Joe Barton, and Kay Granger. will be cited and fined by the Federal Elections Commission.
Donors and other potential supporters may want to think twice before signing up to help Bill Zedler.
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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.
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