The Art of Hypocrisy

Its been a while since I've seen this level of hypocrisy but a week ago Art Fierro was hammering away on contributions from Republicans that were going to his opponent, State Representative Claudia Ordaz Perez in their inter-party battle for the HD 79 seat. Seriously, he was downright angry about it. Just watch their debate on ABC 7 Xtra and you'll see what I mean. 

In the debate, COP called him out on the fact that Fierro has received contributions from the same Republican donors, and she pretty much said he's just mad they aren't giving to him anymore. 

In fact, Fierro said that COP was receiving money from the same "Republicans that supported Abbott."

Which is an interesting take considering Fierro sold out to the Republican Party in order to get a safe seat. But Fierro said some other interesting things in that debate that I want to draw your attention to in light of today's campaign finance report. 

"I have not got huge support from Republican Donors to the point that my opponent has...I'll continue to work from small donations."

Oh, and this little gem about the Better Democrats Coalition which is a PAC that is supporting Ordaz Perez over Fierro. 

"Money is not going to dictate this race. Outside money, outside influence is not..."

Thats what Fierro said about a DEMOCRATIC PAC contributing to COP. 

Which brings this contribution into really sharp focus. 

Why?

Well I'm glad you asked.

Because Texas Leads PAC is a Republican PAC. And by that I mean, it was started by Republican House Speaker Dennis Bonnen with the express mission of defending the GOP majority over Democrats. 

Its a Republican PAC, started by Republicans, for Republicans. Don't take my word for it - here's an article from The Texas Tribune when I searched for the name of the PAC. I'm glad I looked it up. 

And they went in big with a $10,000 contribution to Fierro. 

So much for "Money is not going to dictate this race. Outside money, outside influence is not."

And more importantly, so much for something else he said on Xtra. "I won't run a half-truth race. This is going to be about honesty."

From the guy criticizing chump change from the GOP when it goes to his opponent - while taking a huge contribution from a Republican PAC for Republicans....

Its rare in El Paso races that $10k is dumped into a race in one expenditure - and it obviously and rightfully is going to draw questions and criticism. 

Honestly its not even that he took GOP money - or the large amount of the contribution - its that he pointed his finger at COP for doing less and cried foul, while he happily takes GOP money from a GOP PAC who's express purpose is protecting GOP seats. Its exactly what he did with the transportation bill - he attacked her for it but left out the part where he voted for the same bill. 

Thats the political caricature of hypocrisy that people hate so much about politics.