Texas Dems’ Donor Drive for Colleagues in DC Laughed At

Leave it to Texas Dems to rally for cause even if there is none. Democrats hailing from Dallas took it on themselves to organize a fundraising activity on behalf of their fellow Texas Dems in Washington DC. 

RELATED: Texas Democrats Get Out Of Dodge To Block Vote Reform

Texas Dems Voluntarily Fled The State To Avoid A Vote

Earlier this month, more than 60 Texas Democratic lawmakers consisting of 56 state representatives and nine state senators fled the state. According to the Texas Tribune, these lawmakers skipped town to deny the Texas House Legislature the quorum required to conduct business.

In particular, the Texas Dems wanted to avoid a vote on the Republican-backed voting reform bills. By leaving town, they managed to block the Republican-backed voting legislation from securing approval. 

Even as Governor Greg Abbott called for a special session to pass the bill, the Texas Dems left to circumvent the quorum. They plan to stay in Washington DC until the special session expires in the first week of August.  

Fundraising For Texas Dems In DC

Meanwhile back home, Dallas Democrats received a ton of criticism after they appeared in an advertisement for a donation drive for their colleagues stranded in DC. They called for donations and asked for supplies to send over to their fellow legislators who are staying in Washington DC. 

On Saturday, the group tweeted they will start conducting a donation drive on Tuesday to collect supplies. Instead of the usual target beneficiary of the local poor, they want to send supplies and funds to Texas House Democrats who left the state. 

Dr. Pepper, Sales, Candy and Others

In particular, the tweet laughably described the items that Texas Dems in Washington DC would love to have. “Our Dems in DC said they'd appreciate care packages from home. Before 5 pm Tues, we're collecting Dr. Pepper, salsa, hard candy, hairspray, travel toiletries, hand sanitizers, sewing kits, first aid, and/ or $ to pay to ship. TY!”

Ironically, the request for additional supplies and funding comes even as former congressman and wannabe presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke donated more than $600,000 to the group last week. In addition, these absent lawmakers are receiving a per diem of $221 per day during the special session. This applies even if they’re not present to conduct business. 

Texas Dems Mocked For The Donation Drive

Consequently, many Texans found the solicitation highly laughable. Many went to Twitter and other social media platforms to mock the organizers.

In particular, many wondered why they would want people to ship the items that are readily available in Washington DC.  Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), mockingly tweeted them a question, asking “No Miller Lite?”. He referred to the beer the Texas Dems bought with them during their flight to the nation’s capital.  

Meanwhile, another Twitter user posted: “Sewing kits? First aid? They're in hotels in Washington DC not the Western Front,” another person piped in. Texas gubernatorial candidate Allen West (R) also chimed in. “Thought Robert Francis (@BetoORourke) was taking care of their needs . . . ? Not to mention the Texas tax-payers paying them $221 per diem. Absurd!” 

Others Joined In Mocking The Texas Dems in DC

Commentator Clay Travis found the Democrat wish list absurd. “The Democrats who abandoned Texas are asking for care package donations?! They are grown adults in Washington, DC refusing to do their taxpayer-funded jobs. And they are surrounded by plenty of stores where they can buy whatever they want. Pathetic,” he said.

Republican lawyer Jenna Ellis also gave her two cents. “These utter morons have been gone for literally only days and want a care package mailed from Texas for a photo op with stuff they could buy at a local CVS. Salsa and first aid?” she remarked. 

Meanwhile, other people reacted to the silliness by tweeting a list of organizations that accept donations. “Here's a link to @FeedingAmerica where you can support a worthwhile charity helping Americans in need instead of throwing money at these private jet flying covid infecting morons https://feedingamerica.org,” one person said.

“You know who could use all of that? The DC Foodbank,” writer Bethany Mandel said. “They're in hotels in our nation's capital. If you're moved to help those truly in need and want a worthy cause, consider donating to Samaritan's Purse,” said another person.

Watch the WFAA video asking “What's next for Texas Democrats in DC?”

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What do you think of this move by Dallas Democrats in organizing a donation drive? Do you find it stupid, insulting, or both? If you were to send something to these Texas Dems, what would be it?

Let us know what you think by commenting below.