Morrison gets funds, attention

DeLay foe aware win would be long shot

While Morrison admits he's a long shot, liberals around the country are trying to spur him on with more attention than has been granted past Democratic candidates for DeLay's seat.

Morrison's emergence as a darling of liberals -- who would like to see DeLay distracted even if he's not defeated -- has money flowing into Morrison's coffers from sources outside Texas.

As of March 31, he had $7,400. During the past two weeks, since he has appeared on the talk shows and gotten Dean's endorsement, Morrison said he's picked up $50,000 more.

DeLay, one of the savviest fund-raisers in politics, had $685,000 at the end of March.

"We know we will be outspent, perhaps $5 million to $1 million," Morrison said.

The national attention from the radio shows and Dean's endorsement, Morrison said, have drawn contributors to the Morrison Web site www.takingontomdelay.com.

With the money, Morrison said, he plans to mount a campaign that will focus on three weaknesses he perceives in the House majority leader.

He said DeLay has too long worked against helping the Houston region get a diversified transportation system by blocking federal funding of rail. In addition, he said, DeLay has done little to help lower national health care costs and address flooding in the Houston area.

"What Tom DeLay does is work to get more power for Tom DeLay," Morrison said.

Harris County Democratic Party Chairman Gerry Birnberg said he is not sure how much money Morrison will generate locally. But the candidate has the attention of area Democrats wiling to volunteer for the race.

"The local troops, even those who don't live in the district, are willing to provide shoe leather in this race," Birnberg said. "They are still very upset with DeLay's role in the redistricting."