Spending Campaign Cash: Jerry Eversole

The Texas Ethics Commission' (TEC) settlement with Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole has been posted to their website and has raised some significant questions about Eversole's spending habits. It also raises questions about the Ethics Commission's handling of this particular case. A spreadsheet of this information can be found here. Here is a quick breakdown of Eversole's expenses during 2006-2007:

Cattle $26,000+
Eversole spent over $26,000 on two "Livestock" auctions. He also spent about $1500 on meat processing. The TEC only addressed $16,000 of these expenses and concluded there was evidence of a violation. Why the TEC limited their review is not clear. Donating to a charity is allowed by the TEC, but not if you receive something in return. Buying a cow for $16,000 is unreasonable especially when it's not your money.

Western Books $39,000+
Eversole has spent over $39,000 on books including $11,600 to Robert Gwodz, $24,000 to The Book Collector here in Houston, and $576.38 to Tombstone Old West Books from Tombstone AZ. The TEC only addressed $6000 of these purchases. The Book Collector specializes in:

Antique Toy Soldiers, Appraisals, First Editions, Leather Sets, Rare Books, Rare Children's, Specialize In Texana & Civil War & Leather Decorative Books- & Books By The Yard!

Western guns. $39,000+
Eversole spent over $39,000+ on guns from Beretta USA and through donations to the Former Texas Rangers Foundation through an auction. The TEC addressed only $27,000 of these expenditures and concluded there was evidence that a violation occurred. Eversole in his defense to the TEC stated the $19,000 pistol and rifle which he bought at auction was donated after the expenditure was "examined in a news report".

And Eversole talked to the newspaper about those expensive guns he bought at an auction for the Former Texas Rangers Foundation. He says they've been now been donated to charity. He didn't say when. Eversole says he'll cooperate with any investigation and reimburse any expenses found to be improper.

Western Art $8000+
Eversole spent $8000+ on western art from Buck Taylor Art, The Gallery Collection and Texas Cowboy Trappings.

Western wear $12,000+
(Is there a western pattern here?) Eversole has spent $12,000+ on western wear including $2800 to River Crossing in Colorado, "Your source for custom-made old west clothing", $650 to King Ranch Saddleshop and $1700 to Texas Jack in Fredericksburg.

Gym $9700+
Over $9700 has been spent on "Affordable Nutrition" a gym highlighted by Wayne Dolcefino of KTRK in his three part series on Eversole's spending and time he spent in the gym. Here is a review:

"Privately owned and they are super friendly and informative. They also do Personal training right in the store. Don't forget to get a protein shake before you leave, they are the best in Humble. 5 Stars all the way!"

Golf $18,000+
Over $18,000 was spent on various golf items, clothing, and clubs including $5000 to Golfsmith Golf Center.

Purchases from China $1700+
Over $1700 was spent on art from Bejing China. The TEC briefly addressed the trip to China.

Food and coffee (Unknown)
The 4 ethics reports reviewed for 2006 and 2007 had a tremendous amount of food and coffee purchases. In his 2008 report there has been a significant reduction in these types of expenditures. Dolcefino reported over $10,000 in coffee alone. The number of entries for food and coffee was just too many to address. The TEC generically addresses these expenditures.

In Total $162,044.87
According to the ethics reports, Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole spent $162,044.87 of his donor's money on cattle, western guns, western art, western clothing, western books, golf, art, and an unknown amount on food and coffee.

The TEC has fined him $75,000, the largest fine in TEC's history, but he will pay this with his donor's money. He is also paying his legal counsel, over $46,000, with his donor's money also. Eversole claims he has repaid his campaign over $41,000 which seems low considering his book purchases alone amount to $39,000.

It is clear that the TEC rushed through this ethics complaint. Clearly the amount in question is over $41,000 and although a $75,000 is severe, it is being paid out of his campaign cash.

According to the TEC, someone with standing could file a civil suit against him, maybe like one of his donors. Then his western and accounting books will be open for all to see.