A group of local "civic and community leaders" are jumping out to support Barack Obama for President. Made up of African-Americans the committee lists no Anglo, Asian or Hispanic members. Nor does it have any current elected officials. That is unusual for a Democratic group. It is headed by Carroll Robinson and James Robertson Jr. Carroll of course is a former City of Houston At-Large member, a defeated candidate for Congress and a political leader who has been close to the GOP in recent years. The Gossip wonder if this is the type of organization that Senator Obama wants or needs in his quest for the nomination. The group will have a press conference tomorrow to outline its plans. They can be reached at Texans4Obama.com.

And what happened to the Speaker's committee assignments? The Gossips hear that Warren Chisum from Pampa in West Texas was to be named the new Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Warren a former Democrat would be an interesting choice but one that will follow the Speaker's lead. Chisum who this year is pushing a bill that would require parents to sign their kids up for age appropriate sex education instead of opting out as is the law now and he is of course the proud sponsor of the recently passed Constitutional amendment prohibiting same sex marriages. Seem like Warren has lots of sex on his mind. So, watch out for riders in the appropriations bill, who knows what he will outlaw next.