First, an apology to PJ readers in Amarillo and such who could care less about the Austin City Council races right now. It's pretty much the only political thing going on lately so here's just a quick update on the Place 3 race between incumbent Jennifer Kim (who I am not) and her challenger, Randi Shade.

A lot intrigue surrounded a mystery robocall going out against Randi Shade this weekend, accusing Shade of making budget promises that "could mean cuts in city services". It also features the anti-Shade twisting of the Shade slogan "Different, just like Austin" by saying "It's not different. And it's not Austin." (A line you'll also find in a mailer paid for by the Kim campaign.)

You can listen to it here.

Shade says the call appears to violate a Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) statute requiring automated phone messages to clearly state the identity of the person or party initiating the call. Does Kim deny involvement in the ad?

I actually ran into Kim at Austin's AsiaFest on Saturday, but didn't interview her, since I was just there to support my people and eat some Taiwanese food. But our friends at News8 Austin were actually on the clock and got Kim denying the involvement in the robocall before admitting it. Is this kind of a reverse-Kerry? She was against it before she was for it?

3 Comments

Harold said:

Wait - you're not Jennifer Kim?? Why wasn't I informed of this?? How embarrassing. Have you just been pocketing those campaign contributions people are handing you on the streets? Somebody should look into this.

May 5, 2008 10:02 AM

elise said:

Now that you mention it, I've had some folks offer to be bundlers.

May 5, 2008 11:30 PM

Blueberry said:

"my people"? thats racist.

May 6, 2008 12:05 AM

Leave a comment

Name:

Email:

URL:  

Remember personal info?

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.