Sunday, July 27, 1997
Reporter's notebook
AL PICKETT, sports editor - Having good attendance at Abilene
Prairie Dogs baseball games means more to the team than just economic
survival. It's a boost to the players.
"When our crowds are big, they are some of the best in
the league," Abilene outfielder Jason McClure said. "We
always play well when there are a lot of people here. It's a different
state of mind; we're more excitable."
For example, the Prairie Dogs rallied from a 7-0 deficit for
a 17-9 victory over Lubbock in front of the largest crowd of the
season, more than 5,000 on July 4.
McClure, who was hitting .413 through Thursday, is trying to
become the first Texas-Louisiana League player to hit .400 in
a season. He said he loves batting in spacious Scott Field.
"It's bittersweet," he said. "Power-wise, it's
not good for hitters. But as far as hits, there are lots of areas
to hit to. Pitchers throw more fastballs here, too, because they
know you're not going to hit it out. It's a nice park to hit in."
McClure is hitting an incredible .495 in Scott Field this season.
---
RICHARD HORN, senior staff writer - For a guy named Grover,
a moniker normally associated with a cuddly Sesame Street puppet,
the head of Americans for Tax Reform can sure give Charlie Stenholm
the fits.
Grover Norquist of Washington doesn't approve of the West Texas
Democrat and takes multiple opportunities to criticize a Stenholm
vote. He's even written a much-faxed article called "Bogus
Charlie Stenholm." Stenholm's staff is convinced Norquist's
obsession borders on the bizarre.
But we get a glimpse of his reasons in "Whatever It Takes,"
Elizabeth Drew's new book about the 1996 congressional and presidential
elections.
Norquist explains why he feels it's more important for Republicans
to target conservative Democrats than liberal ones. He hates it
when conservative Democrats get attention in Congress, because
then it allows Democratic Party leaders to say, "See, not
all Democrats are liberal."
Though in the book Norquist is actually talking about beating
a Virginia conservative Democrat, he illustrates his point by
bringing up his favorite nemesis.
Writes Drew: "Norquist drew an analogy to Charles Stenholm,
a conservative Democrat from Texas, and Barney Frank, a very liberal
Democrat from Massachusetts (and one of the few openly gay members
of Congress). Norquist said, 'I'd much rather beat a Charlie Stenholm
than a Barney Frank.' "
Stenholm and his staff would rather Norquist just went away.
Maybe he will. According to a scathing <I>New Republic<I>
article earlier this year, Norquist's credibility has been damaged
by his signing on as registered lobbyist for a Marxist dictator,
Seychelles president Albert Rene.
But a spokesman insists Norquist will "certainly"
continue to point out the flaws in congressmen he opposes, "definitely
including Charlie Stenholm."
---
ANISSA CAMP, staff writer - One horse at the Texas State 4-H
Horse Show bit off more than he could chew Thursday.
Tracy Brown, 11, of Hansford County was showing his horse,
Angel Sucha Asset, in the Registered Geldings Under 5 class when
the horse apparently got tired of standing around and started
to try to nibble on Tracy's coat.
racy pulled away and tried to control the massive animal but
Angel kept on reaching for his coat, face, hat and anything else
he might be able to get a lip on.
Finally the horse got hold of something he could chew on -
Tracy's little red necktie.
Tracy tugged frantically, but unsuccessfully. Finally, a helpful
judge intervened, tapping the horse on the nose to make it release
the silky cloth.
Despite the commotion the red-faced Tracy still got second
in the event and walked out with a second place red ribbon - and
a wet red tie.
---
KELLY LANGFORD, special publications editor - Some "Abilene
Reporter-News" readers were candid about their opinions when
casting ballots in the annual Readers' Choice Awards.
The accountants at Davis, Kinard & Co., P.C., who tallied
the votes, were so tickled by some of the voter responses that
they typed up a list of of the more unusual ones. Some are included
in the Readers Choice Awards tabloid in today's paper.
One reader said his favorite soap opera was "The Clinton
White House," while another indicated the category of favorite
attorney was superfluous, saying "no such thing."
For lawn care, one fellow said he got the best results by letting
his wife take care of the yard. Another modest soul only answered:
myself.
Overall, readers said the best location for a Abilene library
was downtown, but many penciled in other opinions:
-- It's terrible!
-- Settled, tired of the controversy.
-- New building not on city property.
-- One we've got.
-- North 12th and Grape.
-- Need a full service one in the southwest area.
-- Anyplace BUT downtown.
---
DAVID KENT, photo editor - New Veteran's Service Officer Nebra
Peters wasted no time in asserting herself after being appointed
unanimously by Taylor County Commissioners last week.
Peters politely but firmly interrupted County Judge Lee Hamilton
during his closing remarks after he addressed her as "Sergeant
Peters."
"Excuse me, sir. It's CHIEF (Master Sergeant) Peters,"
she said with a smile.
Her correction was good-naturedly accepted by Hamilton, accompanied
by laughter from his colleagues on the commission and the audience.
When Judge Hamilton asked County Clerk Janice Lyons why she
was laughing so hard, she replied "I don't get out much."
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Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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