Houston Chronicle by Sami Sparber Aug. 8, 2019
The Texas Democratic Party is suing House Speaker Dennis Bonnen and Empower Texans CEO Michael Quinn Sullivan over a meeting the two held last month, alleging the pair violated state election laws and requesting that a secret audio recording of the conversation be made public.
The suit, filed in Travis County District Court on Thursday, comes two days after Bonnen, R-Angelton, apologized for meeting with Sullivan, a conservative foe who says Bonnen made insulting remarks about two Democratic House members and named 10 fellow Republicans who should be targeted in the 2020 primary elections.
Sullivan accused Bonnen of offering media credentials to staff at Empower Texans affiliate Texas Scorecard and encouraging the group, which has given millions in campaign contributions conservative candidates, to oppose the 10 Republicans, who are largely moderates.
Democrats allege the meeting between Bonnen, Sullivan and Republican Caucus Chairman Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, violated state laws that require those who direct the activities of a political action committee to disclose their involvement, and bar lawmakers from negotiating campaign contributions at the Texas Capitol.
More:
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/politics/texas/article/Texas-Democrats-sue-over-GOP-lawmakers-meeting-14290688.php
