Scattered Thoughts~78520 Zip Code Has Political Contributions 4 Times National Average, Personalized Note from Fil, John W. Cowen Piles It On!

Zip Code 78520

The web site OpenSecrets.org tracks political contributions from every zip code in the United States.  Would it shock you to know that the zip code 78520 has 4 times the national average in political contributions in 2012?
Zip Code 78520: Summary

78520 contributed about 4 times as much as the average zip code.

2012 Contributions: $378,119
Average Zip: $84,561

In contrast 98031(Kent, WA), where I grew up showed $55,751 and 72118(North Little Rock, AR), where Nena and I lived for over 30 years had only $14,912 in contributions. Both zip codes have considerably more personal income than 78520.

OpenSecrets.org not only show individual contributors for each zip code, but also breaks down the type of support each candidate is receiving.  For example Filemon Vela received $876,684 for his 2012 Congressional race, but OpenSecrets.org breaks it down this way:

Source of Funds

	Individual Contributions	$419,186	(48%)
	PAC Contributions	$155,850	(18%)
	Candidate self-financing	$301,614	(34%)
	Other	$35	(0%)

 

 Speaking of Filemon Vela, we received a "personalized" email from the congressman.  Certainly, a computer program gives each email recipient this down-home touch:

The subject line had this heading:  "It’s been a while… wanted to send a note!‏"

Then:  

Jim,
I hope your summer this year has been filled with friends, family and fun. I wanted to send an update on all the things I have been up to since you elected to send me to Washington last November. I have been working hard.

As you know, one of the biggest challenges this country is facing right now is immigration reform. I have spent a lot of time focusing on making sure this country has a fair deal for everyone. I am proud that I have been able to change the tone in Washington about how we talk about building-up our relationship with Mexico.

(The note continues explaining the congressman's efforts to resolve the Mexico-U.S. water treaty dispute, etc.)


The note ends this way:

Thank you for your continued support. It is my honor to be your Congressman and I can’t wait to continue this journey with you. More soon…

Thank you,

Fil

Rep. Filemon Vela (TX)

Representative Filemon Vela

Now, Fil and I would recognize each other in a group, but we're not as close as the note implies.  We were on the verge of a conversation once at one of his functions, but he excused himself to get a beer and never came back. Lol!  But, this note just illustrates how computer programs enable a sender to individually tailor emails, advertising, etc.  On a recent day I checked out funeral homes online, hoping to find a cheap pre-planned cremation rate so Nena won't be burdened with that.  I also checked out VW campers on Ebay. Shortly after that, I noticed my Google blog had Adsense ads for cheap cremation and from a Volkswagen dealership.  In yet another example of tracking, I uploaded a picture of Chris Valadez and Gilbert Velasquez on Facebook without tagging either gentleman.  No matter.  Facebook recognized both men and labeled the photo "Jim Barton~with Gilbert Velasquez and Maclovio O'Malley"(Chris's stage name).  Eric Snowden may be onto something.

John Cowen

Going back over the 86 pages of Deborah Portillo Campaign Finance Reports, I actually understated the financial participation of John Cowen.  Cowen gave Portillo a $5,000 personal contribution 5/13/13, but that was on top of a contribution from Port Warehouse Properties, LP(which lists John W. Cowen as CEO), of $1,500 on 3/8/13 and another of $4,500 on 4/11/13.  Damn John!  That's a total of $11,000 contributed to a young lady who has never voted in a city election, running for the unpaid job of City Commissioner for the first time.  I guess it's really important that your brush gets picked up and your drains cleaned regularly, if you even live in District 3.

Antonio Martinez is listed frequently on OpenSecrets.org, contributing $10,000 once to the National Democratic Party, thousands to an exploratory committee, etc., but there is no mention of his contribution to Debbie Portillo's campaign.  Someone suggested that the Haynes & Boone P.A.C. of Richardson, TX that contributed $1,000 to the Portillo campaign is a Tony favorite.