"The personal responsibility of good government does not end at the ballot box, but lives in the heart and soul of all of us who want Texas to be the best it can be." - Lt. Governor Bob Bullock

From the Texas Democratic Party Platform

Our freedom depends on open, accountable and ethical government. The faith of the people in their government has been shaken by Republican cronyism, corruption and abuse of power. Texas Democrats believe existing state laws must be enforced and strengthened and new laws must be enacted to protect our democracy and restore the public trust. We support:

• Full and timely disclosure of campaign contributions, expenditures, gifts to public officials, lobbying and other activities that can influence elections and government operations;
• A ban on corporate campaign contributions and sham "issue ads" funded by undisclosed donors within sixty days prior to an election;
• Prohibiting former legislators and state agency executives from going through a "revolving door" to lobby former colleagues or previous employers for a specified length of time after leaving their office or position;
• Requiring the Texas Legislature to record all votes, comply with open meetings laws, and provide real-time internet access to voting records and amendments so the public can hold their elected officials accountable;
• Requiring state agencies to follow strict contracting guidelines to eliminate favoritism and "sweetheart" deals in awarding state contracts and to document any meetings or contacts with registered lobbyists or paid consultants regarding a state contracts;
• Strict enforcement of the prohibition forbidding the use of state tax money to pay lobbyists to lobby members of the Texas state or congressional delegation.