My good friend State Representative Joe E. Moreno had died in a car accident. Joe was going back to Austin after the Rockets game late last night. I was at the game last night, didn't see Joe - now I wish I had.

Talked to Joe a couple of times last week about politics. I told him earlier in the year that I thought it was gutsy of him to be one of the four House members to cast a vote against Tom Craddick for Texas House Speaker. Privately I was proud that one of my guys had the fortitude to stand up and do the right thing.

Joe was a client. I put together his winning strategy for his election to the state House in 1998. I met Joe when he was working for former State Representative Al Luna.

Joe loved life. I can't believe he's gone. In my office I have his campaign letterhead, envelopes, and photos. What to you do with his stuff?

I feel for his family. I'll miss Joe.

May 6, 2005, 9:00AM