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Texas State Senators gifting each other with campaign contributions
The arrogance and omnipotence displayed by Texas State Senators as they cheerfully go about abusing their campaign contributors by purchasing gifts for each other is truly astounding.
As you’ll see, this outrageous hosing of contributors is in many instances an Olympian Sport. It is also an Equal Opportunity Sport in that officeholders of both parties are cheerful competitors.
Does anyone actually believe that any of these Senators gave advance notice to his/her contributors that they intended to use their contributions to purchase gifts for fellow senators?
Deep pocket contributors such as Bob “The Builder” Perry probably doesn’t much give a damn what these folks do with his contributions. I suspect that those who contributed $100 or less would demand a rebate upon learning how their contributions were spent. Towards that end, I will include the number of folks who made contributions of $100.
For ease of reference, Senators will be listed in alphabetical order. Included at the end are former Senators William Ratliff, Eliot Shapleigh and Carlos Truan.
Birdwell, Brian D. – 22nd Senate – Waco
Zero Gifts to Colleagues
Carona, John – 16th Senate District – Dallas
|
Culwell & Son,
|
$ 1,553.39
|
7/06/2007
|
End Of Session Gifts For Escort
Committee (pres Pro Tempure)
|
|
Hermes,
|
$ 1,098.74
|
1/02/2007
|
Holiday Colleague Gifts
|
|
Steel's Fudge Inc,
|
$ 1,059.15
|
2/02/2007
|
Colleague Gifts
|
|
Neiman Marcus,
|
$ 1,694.12
|
1/22/2005
|
Colleague Gift (one gift)
|
|
Neiman Marcus,
|
$ 717.76
|
1/20/2005
|
Colleague Gifts
|
|
Tiffany & Company
|
$ 974.28
|
4/27/2005
|
Colleague Gifts
|
|
Russell's Bakery,
|
$ 714.00
|
12/06/2004
|
Colleague Gifts
|
|
Wine.com / Evineyard,
|
$ 609.50
|
1/19/2004
|
Colleague Gifts
|
|
Baccarat,
|
$ 952.60
|
2/23/2004
|
Colleague Gifts
|
|
Bachendorf's Jewelry,
|
$ 1,428.90
|
12/29/2003
|
Colleague Gifts
|
|
C Kirk Root Designs,
|
$ 1,299.00
|
9/11/2003
|
Colleague Gift
|
|
Brookstone,
|
$ 783.11
|
6/22/2001
|
Gifts For Senators
|
|
C Kirk Root Designs,
|
$ 514.19
|
5/21/2001
|
Legislator Gifts
|
|
C Kirk Root Designs,
|
$ 1,299.00
|
4/17/2001
|
Legislators Gifts
|
|
C Kirk Root Designs,
|
$ 838.94
|
4/17/2001
|
Legislators Gifts
|
|
C Kirk Root Designs,
|
$ 514.19
|
1/29/2001
|
Gift For Legislators
|
|
Brookstone,
|
$ 783.11
|
6/22/2001
|
Gifts For Senators
|
|
C Kirk Root Designs,
|
$ 514.19
|
5/21/2001
|
Legislator Gifts
|
|
C Kirk Root Designs,
|
$ 1,299.00
|
4/17/2001
|
Legislators Gifts
|
|
C Kirk Root Designs,
|
$ 838.94
|
4/17/2001
|
Legislators Gifts
|
|
C Kirk Root Designs,
|
$ 514.19
|
1/29/2001
|
Gift For Legislators
|
|
Rewards,
|
$ 668.31
|
6/22/2001
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Committee Chair Gift
|
$51,700 = total contributions
Davis, Wendy – 10th Senate District – Fort Worth
|
Cook Children's,
|
$ 531.45
|
11/03/2011
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Gifts For Senators
|
|
Bliss Companies Inc.,
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$ 1,292.86
|
12/17/2010
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Gifts For Other Senators Lt. Governor
And Secretary Of The Senate
|
|
Pepper-l Specialties,
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$ 2,266.64
|
6/10/2009
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Gifts For Members
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$92,600 = total contributions
Deuell, Bob – 2nd Senate District – Greenville
|
Tommy's Drum Shop,
|
$ 855.18
|
5/19/2009
|
Gifts For Senators
|
|
Paradise Pen,
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$ 1,751.49
|
5/10/2007
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Committee Gift For Chairman
|
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Lone Star,
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$ 1,485.00
|
5/30/2003
|
Gifts For Senate
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$18,900 = total contributions
Duncan, Robert – 28th Senate District – Lubbock
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Judy & Co.,
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$ 660.48
|
6/20/2005
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State Affairs Committee Gifts
|
|
Legend Jewelers,
|
$ 513.11
|
10/23/2002
|
Gift For Senator Rob Junell And Senator
Jeff Wentworth
|
$38,700 = total contributions
Ellis, Rodney – 13th Senate District - Houston
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Gassane Tailors,
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$ 811.88
|
6/11/2007
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Gift For Committee Members
|
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A-cut-above Engravers,
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$ 619.00
|
6/14/2001
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Etching Gift Bowls Committee Members
|
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American Express,
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$ 626.08
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6/01/2005
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Republican Caucus Dinner Gifts Senators
|
|
Eltife, Kevin P.
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$ 1,013.36
|
2/16/2007
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Gifts For Senators
|
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Lone Star Legacies,
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$ 1,181.01
|
5/05/2009
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Gifts For Staff Senators
|
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Lone Star Legacies,
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$ 888.86
|
5/29/2009
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Gifts For Staff Senators
|
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Seliger, Kel
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$ 667.60
|
9/24/2007
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Reimburse For Senators Gifts
|
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State Gift Shop,
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$ 844.35
|
5/10/2007
|
Gifts For State Senators
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$27,400 = total contributions
Eltife, Kevin – 1st Senate – Tyler
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Eltife, Kevin P.
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$ 1,013.36
|
2/16/2007
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Gifts For Senators
|
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Lone Star Legacies,
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$ 1,181.01
|
5/05/2009
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Gifts For Staff Senators
|
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Lone Star Legacies,
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$ 888.86
|
5/29/2009
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Gifts For Staff Senators
|
|
Seliger, Kel
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$ 667.60
|
9/24/2007
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Reimburse For Senators Gifts
|
|
State Gift Shop,
|
$ 844.35
|
5/10/2007
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Gifts For State Senators
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$30,200 = total contributions
Estes, Craig – 30th Senate – Wichita Falls
|
Badlands Design & Production,
|
$ 1,165.00
|
4/02/2009
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Desc:legislative Colleague Gifts
|
|
Nordstrom,
|
$ 927.19
|
9/26/2005
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Legislative Colleague Gifts
|
|
Rewards,
|
$ 2,884.86
|
5/07/2009
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Desc:legislative Colleague Gifts
|
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William Barry Apparel,
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$ 646.80
|
1/05/2006
|
Legislative Colleague Gift
|
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William Barry Apparel,
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$ 646.79
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2/23/2006
|
Legislative Colleague Gift
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$101,400 = total contributions
Fraser, Troy – 24th Sen. – Horseshoe Bay
|
Lone Star Legacies,
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$ 1,299.00
|
5/29/2009
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End Of Session Gifts For B&C Committee Members
|
|
Rewards,
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$ 584.55
|
5/21/2001
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Senate Committee Gifts
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$18,900 = total contributions
Harris, Chris – 9th Senate - Arlington
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Silver Horse,
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$ 2,800.00
|
7/20/2011
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End Of Session Gifts
|
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Sam Moons,
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$ 4,984.72
|
5/27/2011
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End Of Session Gifts
|
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Apple Retail Store,
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$ 982.91
|
4/26/2011
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Committee Gift
|
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Classic World Imports,
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$ 530.43
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5/10/2011
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End Of Session Senate Gifts
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Frank, Jim
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$ 784.81
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5/08/2009
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Legislative Gifts
|
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Frank, Jim
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$ 1,082.50
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5/07/2009
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Legislative Gifts
|
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Lone Star Legacies,
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$ 3,474.83
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5/28/2009
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Legislative Gifts
|
|
Collazo, Teri
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$ 2,395.44
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5/24/2007
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Legislative Gifts
|
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Cowboy Junction,
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$ 1,085.00
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5/25/2007
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Senate Gifts
|
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Lone Star Legacies,
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$ 853.01
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5/25/2007
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Senate Gifts
|
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King Ranch Saddle Shop,
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$ 2,170.41
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5/17/2005
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End Of Session Gifts For Staff
And Committee Members
|
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King Ranch Saddle Shop,
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$ 1,833.76
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5/21/2005
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End Of Session Gifts For Staff
And Committee Members
|
|
Rewards,
|
$ 2,706.25
|
4/24/2003
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Senator Lucio's Governor For A Day Gift
|
|
X-clusive Bronze,
|
$ 5,325.00
|
5/06/2003
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End Of Session Gifts
|
|
X-clusive Bronze,
|
$ 4,120.00
|
5/07/2003
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End Of Session Gifts
|
|
Michael A Moore Woodworks,
|
$ 4,500.00
|
5/16/2001
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45 Wooden Boxes (gifts To Fellow
Legislators & Staff) Appreciation Gifts
|
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Morris & Sons,
|
$ 2,500.00
|
5/09/2001
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Gift Certificate For Chairman Ellis Gift
|
$19,800 = total contributions
Hegar, Glenn A. – 18th Senate – Katy
|
Kroger,
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$ 1,197.60
|
11/28/2011
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Staff And Senate Christmas Party Gift Cards
|
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Enterprise Bank,
|
$ 1,035.00
|
12/03/2010
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Gift Cards For Senate Christmas Party And Staff
|
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Walmart,
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$ 948.96
|
12/02/2009
|
Gifts Expense; Senate & Staff Gift Cards For Christmas
|
$44,100 = total contributions
Hinojosa, Juan – 20th Senate – McAllen
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Lone Star Legacies,
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$ 1,602.10
|
5/30/2011
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Gifts For Senators/staff
|
|
Lopez, Elvia
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$ 750.00
|
9/10/2001
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Reimburse Committee Gifts
|
|
Cabela's,
|
$ 771.40
|
5/30/2009
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Gift For Senator Ogden
|
|
Rewards,
|
$ 620.64
|
5/16/2005
|
79th Regular Session Gift For
Chairman Administration Committee
|
$33,500 = total contributions
Huffman, Joan – 17th Senate – Houston
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Deaner & Associates,
|
$ 3,221.50
|
11/23/2010
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Officeholder Gifts For Other Senators
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$11,300 = total contributions
Jackson, Mike – 11th Senate – Pearland
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Lone Star Legacies,
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$ 1,212.40
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1/10/2011
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Session Gifts For Members
|
|
King Ranch,
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$ 584.93
|
5/05/2005
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Committee Gifts Expense
|
|
Jems Jewelry,
|
$ 543.96
|
5/14/2001
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End Of Session Committee Gifts Expense
|
|
The Menagerie Ii Inc.,
|
$ 534.30
|
6/11/2001
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Committee Gifts
|
$25,900 = total contributions
Lucio, Eddie, Jr. – 27th Senate – Brownsville
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King Ranch Saddle Shop,
|
$ 2,452.98
|
5/21/2009
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End Of Session Gifts For Senate
Members And Committee Chairs
|
|
Golfsmith International Lp,
|
$ 1,400.38
|
5/20/2009
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End Of Session Committee Gifts
For Staff And Members.
|
|
King Ranch Saddle Shop,
|
$ 2,696.16
|
6/15/2009
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End Of Session Gifts For Senate
Committee Members (Back Ordered)
|
|
Texas Correctional Industries,
|
$ 2,474.69
|
5/25/2005
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Committee Gifts For International
Relations
Trade Members
|
|
The Gem Jewelry Co.,
|
$ 3,132.98
|
9/28/2005
|
Pay't On Acct.: End Of Special Session
Gifts For Staff And Members
|
|
T. Shipley Co.,
|
$ 903.45
|
5/12/2005
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End Of Session Gifts For Committee Staff
|
|
Rosales, Stephen
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$ 584.55
|
12/19/2002
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Reimbursement For Christmas Gifts
For Legislators.
|
|
Servitur Garcia Sa De Cv,
|
$ 430.35
|
7/18/2002
|
Dinner And Gifts For Border Affairs
Committee Members
|
|
Sears Roebuck - Au,
|
$ 476.16
|
2/27/2001
|
Gift For Border Affairs Committee
Director Treadmill
|
|
King Ranch Saddle Shop,
|
$ 2,987.69
|
5/23/2001
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End Of Session Gifts For Committee
Members And Staff
|
|
Sound Back Pack Inc.,
|
$ 732.01
|
12/19/2000
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Balance Due On 31- Sound Back Packs
With Senate Seal Gifts For Senators
|
$9,300 = total contributions from 2002 to 2010
Nelson, Jane – 12th Senate - Grapevine
|
Last Call,
|
$ 539.09
|
11/17/2010
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Christmas Gifts For Members
|
|
Bisque Bistro,
|
$ 535.84
|
2/13/2009
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Gifts For Members
|
|
Last Call, Austin
|
$ 518.28
|
9/05/2008
|
Gifts For Senators
|
|
Capital Gift Shop,
|
$ 941.78
|
5/04/2007
|
Committee Gifts
|
|
Sam's Warehouse,
|
$ 556.18
|
12/06/2006
|
Gifts For Members
|
$152,900 = total contributions from 2001 to 2011
Nichols, Robert Lee – Jacksonville
|
Tdcj,
|
$ 2,738.73
|
1/12/2011
|
Officeholder After Session Gifts
|
$72,900 = total contributions from 2001 to 2011
Ogden, Stephen – 5th Senate – Bryan
|
David Gardner's Jewelers,
|
$ 3,680.50
|
9/21/2011
|
Gift For Retiring Staff Member
|
|
Tiffany & Company,
|
$ 3,274.61
|
5/16/2005
|
Senate Finance Committee Gifts
|
$5,800 = total contributions
Patrick, Dan – 7th Senate – Houston
Zero gifts over $400 for Senate Colleagues
$78,600 = 786 contributions of $100 from 2001 to 2011
Seliger, Kelton – 31st Senate – Amarillo
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Lone Star Legacies,
|
$ 1,060.85
|
5/21/2009
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Susie's South Forty Confections,
|
$ 976.53
|
11/30/2009
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Gifts For Legislators
|
|
Susie's South Forty Confections,
|
$ 842.83
|
1/19/2007
|
Gifts For Legislative Members
|
$82,900 = total contributions
Shapiro, Florence – 8th Senate – Plano
Zero gifts over $400 for Senate Colleagues
$43,900 = 439 contributions of $100 from 2001 to 2011
Uresti, Carlos – 19th Senate – San Antonio
|
Campos, Elizabeth
|
$ 5,700.00
|
5/30/2009
|
Reimbursement For End Of Session Gifts
For Senators + Contract Labor
|
$31,000 = total contributions
Van de Putte, Leticia – 26th Senate – San Antonio
|
Caprice Productions Inc.,
|
$ 1,585.55
|
12/30/2008
|
Christmas Gift Garment Bags Senate Members
|
|
Kink Ranch Saddle Shop Inc,
|
$ 750.00
|
3/05/2007
|
Vami Members Gifts
|
|
B & L Orchards,
|
$ 600.00
|
11/28/2005
|
Pecan Gifts For Senators.
|
|
Grimley, Satch
|
$ 800.00
|
5/17/2005
|
Veteran Affairs Military Installations Member Gifts
|
|
La Monita,
|
$ 605.11
|
12/15/2003
|
Tamales Gifts For Senate
|
|
La Monita,
|
$ 614.97
|
12/13/2001
|
Senate Gifts
|
$45,800 = total contributions
Watson, Kirk P. – 14th Senate - Austin
|
Lone Star Legacies,
|
$ 2,435.63
|
5/25/2009
|
Officeholder Gifts
|
$173,300 = total contributions
Wentworth, Jeffrey – 25th Senate – San Antonio
|
Wildgoose Manufacturing,
|
$ 733.57
|
7/08/2011
|
End-of-session Gifts For Senators
|
|
Neiman Marcus,
|
$ 570.91
|
8/22/2009
|
Gifts From Last Call Slc Executive Committee
|
|
John Borin Inc.,
|
$ 969.38
|
5/04/2007
|
Gifts For Jurisprudence Committee Members
|
|
John Borin Fine Clocks,
|
$ 1,004.56
|
5/14/2001
|
Gifts For Committee Members
|
|
Fiesta San Antonio Comm
|
$ 907.41
|
3/14/2001
|
Gifts For Senators
|
$48,000 = total contributions
West, Royce – 23rd Senate - Dallas
|
Capital Visitor Center Gift Shop,
|
$ 1,107.40
|
5/28/2005
|
Gifts For Senators
|
$75,500 = total contributions
Whitmire, John – 15th Senate – Houston
|
Mont Blanc,
|
$ 2,622.36
|
5/22/2007
|
Committee Gifts
|
|
James Reid Ltd,
|
$ 1,150.00
|
5/24/2007
|
Lt Gov Gift
|
|
Ml Leddy Sports Apparel,
|
$ 1,152.87
|
5/24/2005
|
Senate Gift- Lt Gov
|
|
Bag N' Baggage,
|
$ 1,290.53
|
5/27/2003
|
Committee Gifts
|
|
Eastham Cleaning Fund,
|
$ 1,073.00
|
5/29/2003
|
Lt Gov Gift
|
$36,100 = total contributions
Williams, Tommy – 4th Senate – The Woodlands
|
Lone Star Legacies,
|
$ 1,039.20
|
5/14/2009
|
Committee Gifts
|
$96,900 = total contributions
Zaffirini, Judith – 21st Senate – Laredo
|
Corporate Traditions,
|
$ 695.57
|
1/21/2009
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Capitol Gift Shop,
|
$ 771.29
|
2/20/2009
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Capitol Gift Shop,
|
$ 1,738.93
|
1/05/2007
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Foster's,
|
$ 518.52
|
3/03/2006
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Foster's,
|
$ 629.91
|
2/07/2006
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Gem Jewelry Co.,
|
$ 1,481.94
|
5/11/2005
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Capitol Gift Shop - Austin,
|
$ 2,218.95
|
9/06/2005
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Foster's,
|
$ 597.27
|
8/20/2005
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Gem Jewelry Co.,
|
$ 697.13
|
10/10/2005
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Capitol Gift Shop - Austin,
|
$ 2,112.17
|
12/02/2004
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Capitol Gift Shop - Austin,
|
$ 1,880.95
|
4/22/2004
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Gem Jewelry Co.,
|
$ 878.99
|
4/29/2003
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Gem Jewelry Co.,
|
$ 522.31
|
7/30/2002
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Gem Jewelry Co.,
|
$ 509.86
|
9/19/2002
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Capitol Complex Bookstore,
|
$ 1,008.89
|
4/06/2001
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Gem Jewelry Co.,
|
$ 503.36
|
4/06/2001
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Gem Jewelry Co.,
|
$ 644.09
|
5/16/2001
|
Legislative Gifts
|
|
Gem Jewelry Co.,
|
$ 968.84
|
3/31/2000
|
Legislative Gifts
|
$79,000 total contributions
Former State Senators
Ratliff, William R. – 1st Senate – Tyler
|
Rewards,
|
$ 3,409.88
|
12/30/2002
|
Christmas Gifts - Senators
|
|
Joe Koen & Son Jewelers,
|
$ 3,322.19
|
10/22/2001
|
Christmas Gifts For Senators
|
|
Rewards,
|
$ 5,872.56
|
5/28/2001
|
Gifts For Senators
|
|
Waterford Wedgwood Store,
|
$ 4,801.10
|
12/18/2001
|
Christmas Gifts For Senators
|
$17,000 = total contributions
Shapleigh, Eliot G. – 29th Senate – El Paso
|
El Paso Chile Company,
|
$ 1,755.00
|
1/01/2001
|
Gift Baskets For Senators Representatives
|
|
Mingos Boot Co,
|
$ 920.13
|
5/23/2003
|
Gift For Senators
|
|
Mingos Boot Co,
|
$ 920.12
|
5/22/2007
|
Gifts For Senators On Brac Subcommittee
|
|
Mingos Boot Co,
|
$ 1,244.88
|
5/12/2005
|
Gifts For Senators
|
|
Texas Senate,
|
$ 1,923.00
|
9/26/2001
|
Senate Chair/gift For Steve Adler
|
|
Coach Store #3107,
|
$ 430.84
|
5/15/2001
|
Gift For Senator Traun
|
$75,300 = total contributions
Truan, Carlos – 20th Senate – McAllen
|
Laborde, Blanca
|
$ 864.92
|
5/16/2001
|
Reim Gift Sen. Shapiro Chair Of State Affairs
|
|
Pointer, R.k.
|
$ 440.55
|
5/16/2001
|
Reimbursement For Vami Committee Gifts
|
$5,100 = total contributions
|
