The Meaning of "Change"

Chron.com | Lobbyists organize Patrick fundraiser

Amazing. Dan Patrick doesn't even wait to get sworn in before committing his first flip-flop:

State Senate nominee Dan Patrick, who blasted an opponent in the recent Republican primary for taking contributions from lobbyists, is having a fundraising reception in Austin next week, hosted by lobbyists for a range of special interests, including casinos.

Lobbyist Steve Bresnen, whose clients include the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters and the Bingo Interest Group, said he organized the Thursday event at the private Austin Club.

...

In a campaign television spot, he urged voters to help him "take our state back from the special interests and the lobbyists."

"It's time for change," he said.

In an interview Thursday, Patrick said his principles haven't changed. He said he still isn't soliciting special interest money but would take some donations if they were offered with the understanding that no strings were attached.

"I have a lot of debt (more than $300,000) to retire," he said.

If a donor later suggests that he has bought his influence, Patrick added, "I will escort him to the door."

The nominee said he will refuse money from abortion rights groups, trial lawyers and people trying to expand gambling. He said that ban didn't apply to lobbyists, such as Bresnen, who represents trial lawyers and bingo interests but has other clients as well.

I guess it's only "time for change" when Dan's debt level is somewhere below the six-figure area.