SOS stepping down. Anyone know the back story?

[Melissa G]

From Quorum report Harvey Kronberg
June 12, 2008 10:46 AM
PHIL WILSON TO STEP DOWN AS SECRETARY OF STATE ON JULY 6TH
Will be pursuing other opportunities

From Secretary of State Phil Wilson’s press office:

Secretary of State Phil Wilson announced today he will be stepping down to pursue other opportunities. Wilson ’s last day in office will July 6th.

"I have been honored to serve in this role for the people of Texas and am proud of the accomplishments we achieved during our time in office; overseeing the largest primary in Texas history, being part of bringing thousands of new jobs to Texas , and investing in our states future employers and technologies."

Wilson has served as Chair of the Governor's Competitiveness Council and on the Border Security Council, and led the state's efforts in economic development by serving as the Governor's designee on the Texas Enterprise Fund and Emerging Technology Fund.

"I want to thank Governor Perry for the opportunity he has given me and thank my tremendous staff,” Wilson added. “I know that the success we have had will continue."
www.quorumreport.com

[sonias]

1. He didn'e even last a year

Not a good sign. Usually a quick resignation like that means some kind of scandal, but I haven't heard anything remotely suspicious about this one. Maybe the Rs were trying to force him to implement photo voter ID and they guy pressed back.

Sonia

[Melissa G]

3. I'm wondering is it's something about the voting machines, myself...

Hart has had a lot of problems, but TX having Hart predated Wilson. Republicans with scandal? Let's keep an ear to the ground.
Anybody have friends in the SOS office?

[tammywammy]

2. Interesting, but alas I don't know anything about this

[Melissa G]

4. Hi Tammy, I'm wondering if he just does not want to be around for the potential chaos

of the massive Dem turnout in the GE. Maybe he had a good appointment opportunity now while the getting was good.
If he knows of likely problems in the GE, he might not want to stick around and have them look bad on his resume. :hi:

[Melissa G]

5. Part of the story from Quorum report...

PHIL WILSON TO JOIN LUMINANT AS VP
Will be handling regulatory and government affairs for former TXU.

From the Luminant press release:

Luminant today announced that Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson will join the company as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs. He will have oversight of the company's community relations, communications, regulatory and government affairs efforts.

"We're excited that Phil Wilson is joining our team," said David Campbell, chief executive officer of Luminant. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our leadership team and complements our current efforts in public affairs."

As Secretary of State, Wilson is the chief elections officer for the state, chief international protocol officer for Texas, maintains business and public filings and acted as the Governor's chief liaison on border and Mexico affairs. He oversaw Texas' economic development and job creation initiatives on behalf of Governor Perry. Secretary Wilson also served as the governor's official designee on the $200 million Emerging Technology Fund and the $185 million Texas Enterprise Fund. Under his leadership, Texas leveraged more than $13 billion in capital investment to create more than 51,000 new jobs.

As chair of the Governor's Competitiveness Council, Secretary Wilson helped to identify competitive challenges for the state and make recommendations for how Texas could improve its economic position for continued, long-term success. He also served as a member of the Border Security Council, addressing critical areas for homeland security fund allocation and use.

A native of Brownwood, Texas, Secretary Wilson has a long, distinguished career in Texas government, serving in key advisory roles for three statewide elected officials. He spent more than 10 years as a key aide to U.S. Senator Phil Gramm. Wilson also served as Director of Communications for Governor Perry and later as his Deputy Chief of Staff.

more on Buzz at quorumreport.com

[Dover]

6. Considering that Wilson is one of FIVE SOS's to pass through that office while Perry's been gov

perhaps one needs to look at a broader pattern. Something is very strange about all this, though I haven't researched or gathered enough pieces to comment more than that. Seems that position is a revolving door for placement within key corporate jobs. I'm curious if any Dem leaders have anything to say about this. Doesn't the sheer number of SOS's raise some flags?

Anyway, didn't see this post before posting my own about this topic:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=180&topic_id=52457&mesg_id=52457

I can't remember all the details of the TXU sale/merger that led Texans to believe that a private rather than public utility would be an improvement, but Wilson was SOS during that one, and it certainly seems..at the very least...to be a conflict of interest to have him leave his office to then go work for them. Was he involved in that issue while in office in any way?

And what might have happened during his recent trip to Europe with Perry to contribute to his decision to resign, which I believe was announced soon after returning home? Aren't we as citizens permitted to know the details of that trip (even though Perry's 'nonprofit' paid for it)?