Culberson foe reaps donations, star endorsements for his campaign
by Alan Bernstein
U.S. Rep. John Culberson's Democratic challenger harvested some political power at the international wind power convention here Monday.
Michael Skelly, a wind power executive, is co-chairing the American Wind Energy Association convention, and some attendees also contributed to his campaign at a Monday fundraising event.
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and retired Gen. Wesley Clark, a former Democratic presidential candidate, were the magnets at the campaign function. They are also featured speakers at the alternative energy convention.
Skelly already raised about $800,000 this year for this 7th Congressional District campaign, apparently putting him ahead of every other Democratic congressional challenger in the nation for fundraising. He has also outraised Republican Culberson.
Wind energy has attracted intense interest as the price of gasoline has risen, giving Skelly and his industry increased attention.
New energy policy sought
"I had nothing to do with that," Skelly joked about the spikes in gas pump prices and campaign relevance.
In a serious vein, Clark said at a news conference that Congress needs people like Skelly to develop an energy policy that would help America's security by making the country less dependent on oil from politically volatile parts of the world.
Skelly and Clark appeared at the news conference with a group of war veterans there to make the link between U.S. foreign policy, domestic energy sources and the Democrat's campaign.
Developing alternatives to oil "is something you can fight for here without getting shot," said Nate Sandvig, an employee of Skelly's energy company who fought in the Army in Iraq.
Culberson's district includes some of the Houston area's wealthiest neighborhoods and energy company operating centers. Skelly said the district would be receptive to his message about developing new energy sources, however.
"People in the oil patch understand more than anyone in the country the importance of alternative energy sources," the candidate said.
Culberson has expressed confidence about winning re-election in the mostly Republican district, saying he is focusing on securing the U.S.-Mexico border and improving local transportation.
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