Watson Wire

Want to Bust a Monopoly?

Monday, March 15, 2010 |

I told you I’d have a big announcement this week.  And I do.

But before we get into all of that, let’s talk about competition.

Texas, as you know, is a big, diverse state.  Yet one single, solitary political party has had a monopoly on state government for going on a decade.

Think about it.  Over the last seven to 15 years, folks from that one political party have decided who presides over the budget, which bills to veto, and whom to nominate to every top bureaucratic job in government.

So how’d that work out?  Well, during the Monopoly years, our insurance bills have been among the highest in the country, Texas’ support of healthcare and schools has failed to keep up with other states or our needs, college tuition's skyrocketed, and we're among the nation's leaders in high-school dropouts.

Meanwhile, property taxes still feel burdensome, the budget’s facing an eleven-figure deficit, and good luck trying to figure out if your money’s going for what it’s supposed to or being diverted somewhere else.

And let’s not forget the occasional scandal from the Texas Youth Commission, the Department of Transportation, the State Schools, or some privatization scheme.

You know, I’ve always been a fan of competition.  And at this point, nothing makes me believe in it more than the state of Texas’ government.

Isn’t it time to bust up this monopoly?

Be a Monopoly Buster

On Wednesday, I’m launching an online effort called The Monopoly Buster Ballot.  It’s your chance to vote for one of 28 incumbents for the Texas House of Representatives.

Each of these public servants faces a challenge this year from, let’s say, a certain political party that’s controlled a certain state government for an awfully long time.

The Monopoly Buster candidate who gets the most online votes will also receive a $10,000 contribution from my campaign.  The runner-up will get $1,500. 

But here at Watson Central, we know some things are more important – and a lot more fun – than money.

Really, Monopoly Buster is all about you and your friends, family members, acquaintances, Facebook friends, Twitter followers, and pretty much anyone whose email address you have handy.  Because money is always nice in a campaign, but it’s people like you who really win elections.

I'll be sending more detailed instructions on Wednesday, when voting starts.  For now, just start getting ready – and getting your friends ready.  The biggest part of this effort will be getting more people involved and active in these races.

Furthermore, every voter will be connected with the candidate they vote for.  So the more friends, followers and others you can get to participate, the more you'll help your candidate stay organized and build support as they drive toward their elections in November.

This is people power, and it's the biggest benefit of the Monopoly Buster Ballot.  A ton of political groups are set up to raise money (and let’s face it, a lot of them will be spending that money to maintain the monopoly at the Capitol).

But the goal of this effort is to bring more people into the process and connect them with one of these vital campaigns . . .

And, y’know, to have some fun doing it.

So tell your friends.  Stay involved.  And get ready.

Wednesday.  10 a.m.  See you then.