What's the Observer up to?

[crispini]

September 10, 2005 8:12 AM
AG OPINION: DPS MUST TURN OVER SURVEILLANCE TAPES TO TEXAS OBSERVER
Publication seeking tapes of back hall of Texas House
The Office of the Texas Attorney General agreed with Texas Observer this week when it issued an opinion stating the publication had the right to obtain video tape records of the back hall of the Texas House.

The Observer was seeking the video records for the evening of May 23 between 8 and 10PM. That was the time the House was considering a school voucher issue that ultimately failed.

The Texas Department of Public Safety has refused to turn over the video citing the Homeland Security Act. Their concern is that it would reveal the location of surveillance cameras and possibly other security issues.

The DPS plans to contest the AG opinion and has retained Akin Gump as outside counsel.

http://www.quorumreport.com/

[acmejack]

1. looks mighty interesting, doesn't it?!

There had to have been some serious deal making going on back there.

[sonias]

2. I can't wait I'm sure it's good

I love the Texas Observer.

Sonia

[sonias]

3. DPS sues to hold on to Capitol video

http://www.statesman.com/metrostate/content/auto/epaper/editions/wednesday/metro_state_3472dc4471990078005f.html
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Fight was prompted by the Texas Observer's request for tapes

A journalist's request for a videotape thought to show political arm-twisting has prompted the Texas Department of Public Safety to go to court over Capitol security concerns for the second time since 2003.

A lawsuit filed against Attorney General Greg Abbott in Travis County this month suggests that videos taken by Capitol security cameras should not be available to the public.

Abbott had no comment about the lawsuit Tuesday.

Last month, he said DPS should release the tape. Jake Bernstein, executive editor of the Texas Observer, a biweekly journal, had asked for any video taken of the hallway behind the Texas House chamber on May 23.

Texas political arm twisting, and we know James Leininger (voucher money man) was in the House. Why can't we see whose leash he was pulling on? My bet is that Craddick was getting his nose rubbed in his crap. Heck maybe it was Perry getting disciplined.

Sonia

[NoPasaran]

4. The DPS is worried about revealing the location of security cameras?

I hope no evildoers are nefarious enough to look at the ceiling!

[sonias]

5. Oh that's too obvious

Where or where could they be planted?

Sonia