Please get your facts straight about Flores before the runoff...his company was sued for eight years of taxes before they even owned the property. Shapiro should have stated in his article that Phoenix paid 1.1 million for the two years they owned the property. Would you pay back taxes for the person who owned your house before you? If it wasn't a big sham lawsuit, there would still be something ongoing.

To Dan: You asked "Why else would he go to the media, and not to the courts? Why else would he wait until less than a week before the primaries to threaten Rob Curnock?" The answer is simple: he wants to get the money owed him. Curnock was desperate because he knew Chet was killing him so he spent all of his campaign money and more, and he compromised his obligations to those who tirelessly supported his losing effort in the process. His campaign manager had no incentive to stay with the campaign in the last 2 weeks because a wild-eyed, out of control Curnock was obviously not going to have any funds left to pay him. He doubled down and gambled everything like the sad losers you see in casinos who draw cash from their credit cards because they do not know when to quit. So when you say Larry Hunter is a sad man, maybe you need to look in the mirror instead. Get real Mr. Curnock. Do you really think people reading these comments think you are not posing as "Dan?" Quit now. In fact you and Flores can do a joint quitting press conference. Your brand is damaged because you are a deadbeat. Flores's brand is damaged because he is a tax cheat. Neither of you deserves to represent me. Quit. Don't pull out another credit card. You are not going to win back what you lost. You are just going to embarrass yourself worse.

This is obviously a sad little man trying to extort money from a successful political campaign. He failed miserably as a campaign manager two years ago. This is demonstrated by the fact that the campaign was in debt at the end. His e-mails do not constitute a contract. A contract must contain specific terms, agreed to by both parties. It must also be a "meeting of the minds", in legal talk. In other words, both parties must have the same understanding of what is to be provided to the other. There is a reason Mr. Hunter has not filed a lawsuit for over 15 months. It's because he has no cause of action. He has no facts to back up his claim. Why else would he go to the media, and not to the courts? Why else would he wait until less than a week before the primaries to threaten Rob Curnock? It's called extortion. Plain and simple.

The real dirt is not even out yet. If there is a runoff, the real mud will fly. You have Flores Louisiana Tax/RICO/Fraud charges filed last August, Flores connection to Soros money, Curnock questionable flight transactions and now former manager problems. The sad moral/family dirt on two of the other three "conservative" candidates is not out yet. YOU CAN BET CHET KNOWS! - The information WILL eventually come out if the wrong candidate makes it into a runoff or (slim chance here) wins outright. Why? We need a spit shine clean candidate to take on Edwards. That's the goal. He find a little dirt that the other candidate can't answer and he wins again. It is that simple. So, the solution is to try to prevent serving up another lamb to slaughter by putting forth the cleanest conservative possible for this very conservative district.

Leigh I'm not jealous of Flores's success, I just don't think being a good businessman traslates to being a good congressman. Business operates for profit, congress doesn't, so how does one have anything to do with the other? Flores succeeded at business and good for him. He did so while guys like dave were patrolling the border with the USSR. Not saying the army qualifies one to be in congress either, just that dave has a record of being selfless. Look, I'm not going to talk down on the other candidates. Truth is I think they are all good men and we all have the right to vote for our guy. The timing of this Curnock deal stinks like dirty politics, so does a lot about this race. But we republicans need to rally around whoever wins on tuesday, I'll gladly do that for flores or curnock or even wilson (though I think he's been a rat to the others, especially dave). Chet has all the power here, and we need to band together to finally get rid of him.

Thanks to the comments following Trib articles on Curnock and Flores, you can now Google "Bill Flores Tax Cheat" or "Rob Curnock Deadbeat" and get directly to the articles. Good job everybody!

No, get your facts straight. Bill bought property in 04, moved in 06 to a lease house while his house was buillt, moved into the new house in 08. Bill has been actively involved in the B/CS community for years on boards both at the universityl and non profits. If you guys want McIntrye, go ahead and vote for him. What's wrong with putting your own money in a race? Maybe it's a way to give back to his country by trying to serve. He left a good paying job to be a patriot. He's an American success story. And how else would one win an election? Good looks? Charm? It takes cold hard cash. No one else in the race has a prayer. Do you really think Washington will swoop down on a white horse to help someone who is already in debt? McIntrye talked about that at the first Waco debate. Wise up people. Don't be jealous of someone's success.

I voted for Mcintyre, I'll say that up front. But this story stinks and I feel bad for Rob. I think Chet may have had a hand in the timing here. That being said, robbie is right that curnock didn't seem to man up and address the issue head on. He says it's like extortion, but he isn't pressing charges right? Then he doesn't really think it's extortion. I don't know, like I said I feel bad for Rob and I think the timing here is dirty regardless of the merit. But in the end, I don't want to hear about my candidates "issues" from now till november so I voted for Dave who is a clean guy (and not in debt, james you believe Chucks lies? DM loaned $$ to himself out of his own savings account, and still has more left. Thats not debt, thats a man willing to spend some of his own money when asking others for theirs..) I'll say this too: this has been the most heated primary race I ever recall, and however the chips fall on tuesday we need to unite as republicans behind the winner and focus all our energy to beat Chet. If my guy (dave) isn't the winner I'll fully support whoever is. Good luck all, lets pick the right guy and beat chet!

McIntyre. The media elected Obama, so I don't want to elect a media person to represent me.

Candidates are supposed to demonstrate (and even boast) their intelligence, passion and resolve. That's the job. Dave IS the smartest and most experienced of the group on NATIONAL issues. He would be one hell of a good congressman. One the nation will likely take notice of. He would not be a pansy on any issue or up against any socialist opposition. Just call him for yourself if you have not already voted.

I don't know much about this, other than the timing of this guy's story is real suspiscous. I never put any credit in last-minute stories like this. Thats why I talk to candidates, listen to debates, and vote early. I wont say who i voted for, but I wanted to mention 2 things that have come up here. One, McIntyre is the smartest guy in any room, and he'll be the first to tell you. He is pretty rude and makes you think he's better than you. I dont think he would represent me, I think he believes he knows better than all of us. No thanks. Also, Flores says a lot of good things but they are things that I heard other candidates saying months before Flores came around. All I know is he is throwing a lot of money around, and I just don't trust that. I want someone who really lives here and understand people here. I have voted, but I will say that I could see Delasandro listening to the people and doing what we want. I could also see Curnock doing that. I could even believe Wilson might do that, though I had a bad feeling from talking to this obnoxuous Jimmie guy who is working with him ... real slimy character. I don't fault Wilson for that, though.

[Curnock replied the same day, writing, “I agree, but the $20,000 will be paid out of campaign funds and not personal funds.” Hunter, who started working for Curnock during the summer of 2008, was paid $4,000 during the course of the campaign.] -- The article shows Curnock may owe the money, according to even Curnock. The temptation to hold on to every dollar right now for the current primary is probably quite hard to resist. It's not very smart though to fight an issue like this Hunter situation while so vulnerable in a race so contested.

Dave McIntyre is the only truly qualified (some say over qualified) candidate in this race. Just take a look at his BIO and watch a couple videos. You might agree that the others are all good men but are ultimately they are all rookies compared to McIntyre. Wilson does have some cred but he has kicked off information on his website (in a way only CIA experience can) that makes others look like liars when they resubmit what Wilson puts on his website. Read between the lines and you will see what I mean. For example, James, looks like a liar because he extracted the wrong meaning from Wilson's website. Wilson might know that people are interpreting it incorrectly but does he care? No. Not as long as it brings him a larger share... to win at any cost. The perfect candidate would be a cross between Flores and McIntyre. Flores money to get in the office and McIntyre's clean, lifelong record and experience in National issues to actually get something done. After the primary, a ton of cash will flow into the race to beat Chet regardless of who gets through the primary. The question is who is Chet going to have the easiest time discrediting and beating? Listed easiest to defeat to hardest to defeat: Curnock, Delasandro, Flores, Wilson, and McIntyre. Let's get this right this time. Just call Dave if you have any questions. His phone numbers on on his website and you will be directed in minutes. -- Just take the time to talk to each candidate. They are all reachable. I have personally spoken with each of them at length and found Dave McIntyre to be the finest candidate by far.

Elmo (LOL), I asked the same question because he was there in the morning but not at 1 for the speeches. He had an event scheduled in another part of the District, and the TP folks didn't get the exact times of candidate speeches to them until a few days before the event. Plus, there have been many forums in Waco lately, I think voters have seen enough. I didn't fault him for it. It's pretty clear the lady running the TP in Waco has picked her candidate, Mcintire, after all he was the only one who showed up early and campaigning, both things the others were told not to do. 2 sets of rules ...

Leigh, Flores bought property here in 06, he didn't finish his house until 08. And in 08 he didn't give one penny or help at all in this race. He's trying to buy the race, plain and simple. Sorry, but it won't work ... $500,000 spent in 6 weeks and he'll finish 3rd Tuesday. Good thing, because the average conservative voter doesn't connect with him and wouldn't turn out for him in November anyway.

Chet for brains Edwards speaks the truth about as well as Barack Odumbo

Why did Curnock storm out of the Teap Party get together for canidates

I said Chesters voting record is terrible...hate it!! Wish Marlin VA could have made the cut,the poor dialysis patients from Marlin must come to Temple or Waco..BUT Chester opened up and saved the Waco camp! Wont post again if Chester doesnt win. This a simple race to call!!!Chester wins....these other guys get ready for another run down the road broke and spent.

At least get the facts straight about Flores...he's lived in the district since 06. He voted in one democratic primary to try to prolong the fight between Obama and Clinton. Why? Because Obama scared him, and rightfully so. 4000 other voters crossed over in this district in 08 as well. The bottom line is, who can beat Chet? Bill Flores is the only one who can do that.

Some one Advocated jupming ship in favor of Bill Flores? The same Bill Flores who Voted in the last two Democrat Primaries making him a Democrat until he voted! some one who did not live in the district? or what about a genteleman named dm who is in the race because of campagin debt?

Flores? One Wrighter Sugested to Abandon Ship in Favor of Flores? The Same Flores who Voted in the Last two Democrat Primarys? By the

Thank you for your service old gringo but how dose Mr. Edwards support our Vets and our Troops When he votes to cut funding for them? and what about the Marlin Va. AM I MISSING SOMTHING THE VA HOSPITAL THERE COLSED!!!

Wake up Waco it is time to kick the incumbent out of Washington D.C. Chet Edwards Needs to Go Home. Curnock came within 4.5 pnts and Curnock is the only one who has! Hunter is Probably a Chet Insider Bent on Smearing Rob just so Chet will not have to face him in the fall, Chet is Scared!

Go to: http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2009/01/09/bush-on-jobs-the-worst-track-record-on-record/tab/article/

It's easy to know Rob nd his blatant opportunism. He promised to pay the guy and he needs to pay. All of these people hoop and holler about their "conservatism" but to use conservatism and Republican in the same breath is idiotic. Everytime they have governing power they break the record for annual budget deficits and national debt growth, the middle class shrinks, the buying power of the dollar declines, recessions occur and the US loses its good name in the world...and that is a fact borne out even in articles in the "conservative" Rupert Murdock Wall Street Journal...

Quite interesting reading. Here are some thoughts -- I'm old, I'm a vet, I'm hispanic, and I dang sure not going to vote for Chet. Any politician is going to take care of the vets. Not every politician is going to take care of the country. And he is not. Another point. All this is probably ginned up for the benefit of Edwards. All five Republican candidates have their strengths and all five have run very hard fought but clean campaigns. This Trib article is typical of a Dem strategy to pull off a last second "surprise" before the vote. Check out how Obama won his first two elections. And finally, each man in this race has sacrificied, time and much of their own money to try to stop our march to socialism. Each and everyone is a hero for doing it. If anyone thinks their campaigns are cake walks, they need to volunteer for the man they support the most and see first hand what's involved.

@ mad as heck..........they are Edwards supporters....you can tell...they blog like school children.

Everybody who is on Rob's case thinks they have all the answers without knowing the facts. It is amazing that politics makes vultures out of decent people. Okay, so some of you want your guy to win. That's fine--it's America. Vote your heart. And if your guy wins, I'll probably vote for him in November. Stop stomping on Rob's honesty. You don't know him...and stop demeaning his supporters; you don't know me. You are being disrespectful to another human being who is interested in helping this country. I'll bet that not one of you detractors can say that you are perfect and have never done anything that could be questioned. How would you like it if you were raked over the coals without the attacker knowing the facts, or even knowing you as a person. So what if there is a big truck driving around with Rob's message on it. There are two giant billboards in town that are quite noticeable and have a great message--and you don't see me suggesting there is anything wrong with it. I respect all five men for going forth and putting themselves on the line. Those of you who are attacking Rob are, for the most part being rude and hateful. It is shameful the way you are acting. Let this play out in the legal system and you stop being judge and jury. Why would you believe Hunter's accusations so readily, unless you just want to bring Rob down and get your man elected. Your man can stand on his own merits without this. Sounds like you are Edwards supporters, rather than conservatives. Maybe you are--and it does sound like something his campaign would do. But why should he when you are doing it for him?

@ Oldgringo: Young guys need to man up! Hey you are right! This losers have ran up a 14 trillion dollar debt. All of these folks Dems or Repubs know only one way of governing...tax tax tax spend spend spend and spend more!!! Us young folks are in trouble...big time! We have to make hard choices on how to deal with this mess. If you are wondering the Ron Paul movement recruits heavy on college campuses...the Medinas, Pauls and the like are the future.

It is understandable why the former campaign manager came forward now. He saw the campaign report filed earlier this month, saw that Curnock finally had some money to pay him with, then hired an attorney to seek an injunction to stop Curnock from spending the money until he first paid the remaining obligation. Why doesn't Curnock just pay the guy and move on?

As long as Chet keeps those red brick building doors open he will win again,and again and again!!! You guys (youngsters) just don't get it!!! The old people and the vets are headed to the polls for Chester. As I know it....the teachers and other state employees are still on his wagon also! Chesters voting record is terrible,he is a proffesional democratic politician BUT!!!HE TAKES CARE OF THE VETS and VETS FAMILYS!! Why take a chance with anyone else??This OBAMA guy is a one termer BUT he walked into a mess created by BUSH!!! Seems like we had it right back in the day!!!Why can't you young people man up and get right for the next generation? Obama is pityful,Bush was pityful!! You young guys need to step up!!! Yours Truly OLDGRINGO

Michael... It's like pulling teeth! Your statement is the first that I've seen that directly addresses the alligations mentioned in this article. Even Rob's own statement on his website does not address the alligations! What is so hard about addressing that? Why does Rob and his supporters have to come out in droves and hurl 'extortion' attacks at Mr. Hunter and the media? Address the matters at hand, as you did when you factored in Mr. Hunter's job performance. While his performance can be disputed, Texas is a right-to-work state. That's what I mean about character and integrity. Instead of facing the issue head-on Curnock and his campaign seem to want to divert blame. That doesn't seem to bode well for him at all. Which is the main reason that I'm thrilled to have so many strong conservatives to choose from in this primary. Curnock's display, or lack thereof, of character and integrity in the handling of this an other matters have influenced me to vote for some one else.

That "Big Truck" is owned by a volunteer and he volunteers to drive it around to functions because he believes in Rob. If you're that interested in who's donating what, maybe you should visit the campaign headquarters and find out what you want to know. As far as the other candidates in this race, they have far more ulterior motives to win in this election. One has made Liberal George Soros millions and voted as a democrat last cycle(in another district, btw). Another is unemployed and is hundreds of thousands in DEBT. Why do you think he's running? Another is a failed buisnessman, a moderate and can't even come up with an original thought. Also has many skeletons in his closet that no one knows about, YET. You people have not done enough research on these other candidates. Rob is an angel compared to these other guys. This is one report about one individual who's bitter at Rob. That's all this amounts to. Curnock Supporters know that. There's nothing to this.

After reading the story twice, and reviewing all the comments, here are my thoughts. There are always two sides to a story, so why didn't Rob provide any documents to support his side? Is it Mr. Hunter's fault that Rob couldn't find someone locally to be his 2008 campaign manager? If Mr. Hunter was willing to move from Buffalo to help a friend, why are you calling him a "Scumbag"? Can't you support Rob without calling people names? Didn't the article say that Mr. Hunter is still a believer in Curnock? I contributed money and a little time to Rob's 2008 campaign. I went to campaign headquarters 4 or 5 times. Rob was never there. Mr Hunter was there every time and appeared to be working hard. Finally, I believe the 2008 campaign was the closest election Rob ever came to winning. Mr. Hunter must have done some things right. I hope you two guys sit down an resolve this matter, and then get Chet out of Congress. "Conservative Guy"

Guys, get back to the point. There are only 5 days left to elect a decent man to Congress. Someone else alluded to this earlier today and I have another question for Mr. Curnock. I would like to know how you are paying for the truck that drives around for you every day with the big sign on the back? Is that an in-kind contribution? Has that been reported? As someone stated earlier.....voters, there is much more to come out on Mr. Curnock. There are some good men in the race who are honest. Don't put another crook in Washington D.C. We have enough of those there already.

Bible Thumper, LOL, thanks for bringing some humor to this! Robbie, if all you consider is the amounts, then I can see where you draw the conclusions you draw. But you also must consider the work expectations that went along with the payment. If someone doesn't do what they said they would do, then they shouldn't get paid. If the guy felt like he did the work he was asked to do, then why didn't he ask for his payment when he quit 2 weeks before the election? Or any time between then and now? Robbie, if you have evidence that the guy fulfilled his job obligations and should be paid, then show it here. He obviously doesn't or he would be in court now rather than in the press. Given this newspaper's track record of half-reporting when it comes to Republican candidates, and this election year is no different, I'm inclined to wait for all of the information to come out before rushing to judgment. Of course, with only a few days before the primary, the Trib couldn't afford to do that, or they would lose their chance to hurt Curnock's campaign.

Michael, The facts that I'm considering are the ones that Rob agreed to pay this guy $20,000 and he actually paid the guy $4,000. Did that fact just elude Mr. Curnock and the rest of his campaign? The methods of how this ended up in the newspaper are consipicuous, but so are the alligations themselves. If the character of Rob Curnock and his supporters is to come out and attack his attackers and not directly address the situation, what does he have to hide? This question is being asked in the minds of voters across this district along with questions about other issues that have risen from his campaign. You can't just blow off their concerns by saying that this is an issue of extortion while ignoring the alligations against him, again. That's why I say that there are 4 other strong conservative guys out there that seem to not have these issues loom over their heads. Perhaps they consider more consideration in light of the troubles that seem to follow the Curnock campaign. That's why we have the primary process... to find the strongest candidate to run for a particular party. In my mind, it's not Rob Curnock. McIntyre, Flores, Wilson, or Delasandro are more deserving at this point. Who's going to have the courage to stand up against Washington with integrity?

Your right Michael. Apparently thats all the media is good for these days. Smear tactics. Anyway, just wanted to say to all of you guys in the Wilson and Flores camps, You need to get a job!! May I suggest something that deals with typing all day long. Your good at that!

Robbie, Again you fail to consider actual facts. How could Rob have "taken care of" this a year ago, when the guy didn't even bring this up until a week ago? When you know you don't owe someone money, you don't pay them money. If someone has a legitimate claim to money owed, they take it up directly without threatening to bring in the media. They hire an attorney and look into legal remedies. This guy waited until the next election out of spite, because he has a personal grudge and he knows that as former campaign manager, it is his fault Rob didn't win last time. Now that Rob's organization is successful, he wants to cash in on someone else's success. If you manage a restaurant, do a lousy job, quit before a major event, and fail to perform your job duties, will you come back 16 months later when the restaurant is opening a big new location and demand money that you never earned? Well, that's what this guy is doing. Again I say, those who have a good case follow legal remedies. Those who don't have a case use the media to smear someone when it can hurt them.

I agree with James. This is totally a violation of the FEC rules, but then Rob is good at that. Remember his airplane adventures? Rob is the epitomy of who we do not want as a Congressman!

Dump Chet Pelosi, he's a legend in his own mind.

Keep Chet. He has been good for the area.

I've had a few dealings with Rob in the past. I can't say for sure, either, whether or not the accusations in this article are true. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised to discover they are. Rob has always been one of those guys who is out to win - AT ANY COST, unfortunately. I think he's a good enough guy in some respects, but he's not someone I feel can really be trusted. Rob puts up a good front, but behind that smile, he's always figuring out the angles, and how they can best help HIM. He likes playing the part of the victim, so although I like the guy, I'd NEVER vote for him. He keeps harping on how he "almost beat Chet Edwards." What that means, basically, is that he LOST to Chet Edwards. So WHAT? Rob has too many skeletons, only some of which have come out so far. You can bet that ol' Chet knows about them ALL, and will pull them out of the closet if Rob ends up winning the primary. 'Nough said.

I second you on that Robbie, I don't want a man tangled in a mess from the previous campaign. If the man can't unweave his old campaign dilemmas why in the world should we entrust him with our money and trust? No thanks, Rob.

Rob's a victim? LMAO! Again... If Rob had handled this a year ago, then we don't have this conversation today. I'm not sure how Rob is the victim here... He's the one that chose "an absolute SCUMBAG/CON MAN/EXTORTIONIST" as a friend and chess partner... According to this article and based upon the information provided, there are several lawyers that seem to think that this guy has a case against Rob. Several of these comments carry a key theme, and that is Rob is continually in the press, and it's hardly good... You want to displace blame on others, whether it's the media, Chet Edwards, or the other people involved, but never directly address the situation. Is that the kind of representative Central Texas needs? One that can't face down his own obstacles? As I've said before there are 4 other strong conservatives in this race, several of them would make good congressmen, and they don't seem to have these persistant issues surrounding them.

Rob's a victim? LMAO! Again... If Rob had handled this a year ago, then we don't have this conversation today. I'm not sure how Rob is the victim here... He's the one that chose "an absolute SCUMBAG/CON MAN/EXTORTIONIST" as a friend and chess partner... According to this article and based upon the information provided, there are several lawyers that seem to think that this guy has a case against Rob. Several of these comments carry a key theme, and that is Rob is continually in the press, and it's hardly good... You want to displace blame on others, whether it's the media, Chet Edwards, or the other people involved, but never directly address the situation. Is that the kind of representative Central Texas needs? One that can't face down his own obstacles? As I've said before there are 4 other strong conservatives in this race, several of them would make good congressmen, and they don't seem to have these persistant issues surrounding them.

Why can't we all just get along (and support Chet Pelosi) ?

Why can't we all just get along (and support Chet Pelosi) ?

Really, people? Don't believe everything you read! If you knew Rob AT ALL, you would know what a decent, honest and hard working person he is. Shapiro, you and your paper are clearly Chet supporters and will do anything to undermine any of his opponents. Why is it that we only hear one side of this blatant extortion attempt? As far as Larry Hunter goes, "ailing mother"? PLEASE. He is an absolute SCUMBAG/CON MAN/EXTORTIONIST! He is the one who didn't do his job, became bitter and quit the campaign two weeks before the election in 2008. Why are we just NOW hearing from him? I don't think he would have surfaced unless the other campaigns weren't running scared! Rob has done nothing wrong. In fact, he's the victim here. Can't you see that? I know that his campaign will stay strong and determined to get that other scumbag out of office. Who knows, maybe will even see Larry Hunter is some nice shiny handcuffs.

Robbie, The fact that some guy didn't fulfill his obligations to the campaign, then 16 months later wants to get paid for what he didn't do, and threatens to go to the press, that is extortion. If someone owes you money, wouldn't you be in contact with them about that right away? And if they disagree, wouldn't you take legal action next? The only reason to threaten to go to the press is because you want to leverage someone's public name to force them to pay you money that you know you can't get through legal channels. Extortion, look it up.

Really, people? Don't believe everything you read! If you knew Rob AT ALL, you would know what a decent, honest and hard working person he is. Shapiro, you and your paper are clearly Chet supporters and will do anything to undermine any of his opponents. Why is it that we only hear one side of this blatant extortion attempt? As far as Larry Hunter goes, "ailing mother"? PLEASE. He is an absolute SCUMBAG/CON MAN/EXTORTIONIST! He is the one who didn't do his job, became bitter and quit the campaign two weeks before the election in 2008. Why are we just NOW hearing from him? I don't think he would have surfaced unless the other campaigns weren't running scared! Rob has done nothing wrong. In fact, he's the victim here. Can't you see that? I know that his campaign will stay strong and determined to get that other scumbag out of office. Who knows, maybe will even see Larry Hunter is some nice shiny handcuffs.

It worries me that Curnock seems to attract these sort of issues. I voted for him last time. But I won't do so again.

Sounds like Rob had a deadbeat employee who wanted something for nothing like most lib's, never responsible for their own actions.

He didn't file it as a debt because he didn't believe it was owed. I'll take his side on that one (as much as it pains me to do so).

It sounds to me that Curnock doesn't keep very good records. No matter which side you believe, if there was a contract there would be no question. $20,000 is enough to write the terms down and have it notarized. And why does the former manager still have campaign receipts? Shouldn't all of the paperwork from the campaign been packaged and kept by the candidate (or his rep) in case there were questions in the future. If he can't keep proper campaign records, how can we trust him to represent our interests in Washington.

I agree with James. This is totally a violation of the FEC rules, but then Rob is good at that. Remember his airplane adventures? Rob is the epitomy of who we do not want as a Congressman!

Why didn't the WacoTrib story look into the angle that failure to disclose a campaign debt is an FEC violation? This information should have been filed as a campaign debt in his 2008 campaign report. This would amount to the second FEC violation for Curnock. His campaign is a mess.

So, Michael, the fact that Rob did not pay his campaign manager is extortion, or the fact that there's an article about it in the Trib? I'm confused... I'm of the understanding that if Rob had fulfilled his end of the obligation that the conversation we're currently engaged in would not exist. Correct me if I'm wrong on that. Additionally isn't extotion a legal offense? Is Rob pressing charges? Or is this not extortion at all? Is it just a word that his camp used to displace blame? Sounds like he'll be a stellar congressman... As I mentioned earlier, I'm glad that conservatives have so many to choose from in the primary, several of which will make great congressmen. Why don't we give them a look?

Why is this news before this Hunter guy has even taken legal action? He sent threatening letters but didn't even hire a lawyer until after he went to the press? Sounds like he has a personal grudge here, and is upset that volunteers in 2010 are doing what he couldn't do in 2008. Grow up already, and if you have a case take it to court. Otherwise shutup and stay in New York and out of our congressional race! And Mr. Shapiro, sharpen up and realize this is not news unless the guy has filed some kind of lawsuit, like Louisiana did to recover back taxes from Bill Flores ($51,000 he was cheating Louisiana out of).

So I guess we're going to have to do the reporting for the Wacko Trib here. First of all, the full statement from Curnock has quite a bit more information in it, things KWTX picked up on but apparently this so-called newspaper couldn't read. It's here: http://is.gd/99PSk Second, the KWTX story, which includes actual discussion of the real issue (extortion) is here: http://is.gd/98m4h . Thomas - I dont know anythng about the tea party people, it sounds more like something Chets people would have released because they know Curnock is going to win Tuesday and they don't want to face him, because they know this time it will be different.

Please support Chet Pelosi.

I guess this makes Rob fiscally responsible? Central Texans are lucky to have so many good conservatives to choose from in the primary. That's what the primary is for... to weed out the bad and put the best possible candidate up against the other party. I'm glad that this news came out before election day so the voters have a clear view of who they are, or are not, voting for. There are 4 other guys in this race, all of which are strong conservatives and several that would make great congressmen. If this is any indication of what the voters could expect from Rob in Congress, this is no different than the practices of Chet Edwards... Rob may have a more conservative political philosophy, but the way he has run this campaign is through excuses for his actions and displacing the blame. Look how quickly his supporters came to his rescue in this article... They've blamed the former campaign manager, the media, lawyers, even the Waco Tea Party... Not one of them has had the thought cross their mind that Rob simply did not pay the guy per their agreement... The media had nothing to do with it, and I'm certainly not sure how the Waco Tea Party fits into the equation. Be wise, voters, and know the person you are voting for. We don't need the same unscrupulous actions in congress that we are so mad about on a daily basis. Seek out the candidate with the most courage and character, not some one who wages an excuse war everytime there's bad news...

Looks like the Curnock people are all over this story. Jump ship all you Rob-ians and join a campaign that can win, Flores!

Looks like the liberals are finally waking up this morning and getting their nannies to read to them. As always the facts and numbers mean nothing to them. If you can get over your anger long enough, go online and do some fact checking. All of claims you make are public information and very easy to find. FEC (that is the Federal Election Commission, Steve) audits the filings--a federal crime to file false information--just like extortion and tampering with a federal election (not a problem if you want to be int he current Administration). No FEC action or charges of wrong doing have been filed against Curnock. Flights (not fights)-FEC was informed and ruled that none of the elction rules were violated--sounds like another smear attempt gone wrong. Now for a quick math lesson--45.6% + 4.5% equals 50.1%--that is what it takes to win an election by simple majority unless you are Al Gore. I hate to lose the newspaper so I hope the commentators will get back to just being reporters, checking their facts and just giving us the complete story like Channel 10 did last night and lettng me form my own opinion. Getting back to just telling the story instead of being liberal attack dogs might just save the print media. You also need to remember that with readership like Steve the Trib needs to print more pictures! And just so you know Steve, I voted for someone else in 2008 and plan to do so again!

Ouch!

I think Curnock should add this to his numerous "When I was up against Chet...I was a dead beat and didn't pay my staff"

He also owes me 92.00 for a VCR his company lost when they were located on Valley Mills Dr. I too filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and he lied his way out of that. I will do everything in my power to make sure this guy is not elected. I shared my VCR story with my Sunday school class this past week and several people told me they were gong to vote for him until learning of his ethics and character from my story. The bottom line is this guy is a 3 time loser, who will not break 19% next week. He probably planted this story himself for Free publicity.

Steve, you are the whiner. And do the math--take 4.5 points away from Edwards' percentage points in the last election and add those points to Rob's percentage. That gives Rob 51%. In my book that means he would have won. So, yes, he came within 4.5 points of beating Edwards! Also political dirty tricks abound when a candidate is feared and is so close to the election.

First of all Curnock lies and falsified his campaign finance report on how many fights he used the personal plane from Waco to College Station. Now is does not want to pay his bills from his last campaign. I am sure he did not list this debt on his campaign finance ether. Curnock is a whiner and thinks he should be the Rep candidate because he was the only candidate last time to run against Chet Edwards. Also, Curnock claims he came within 4% of betting Chet last time. I think he need to take a look again at those numbers. Once a looser always a looser and Curnock is one.

Hunter's claim sounds really BOGUS! Fact 1: After being on the 2008 Curnock staff how could you just now know Rob is running for the 2010 seat. Fact 2: Just produce the emails...Hunter already ran to the media. Fact 3: Why not pursue a legal avenue.

The man to beat? Ha. Yeah right. Curnock just provides good entertainment during the intermission.

Wow, looks like Curnock must be the guy to beat if his opponents are willing to dig up a former campaign manager and risk extortion charges. Just have one question-is this the bombshell the lady in charge of the Waco Tea Party event Saturday was talking about? No wonder that group is falling apart!

Timing is everything! I wouldn't wait 16 months to collect if someone owed me $16K! "Extortion" comes to mind. Tampering with a federal election. Call in Sue Thomas! Claims like this against any candidate are questionable.

So I'm sure the one guy who posts over and over under different names will be here soon to spread more disinformation. I watched this on KWTX already last night, and this campaign worker told Curnock it could "go away quietly" if he paid up. Someone who takes this to the media instead of pursuing a legitimate course of action, in a court, obviously is doing this to sabotage the campaign. If you have a case, you make it in court. If you don't, you threaten, extort, and run to the media.