Close the Window

The campaign finance deadline lands this weekend. After Saturday, legislative and statewide officeholders can’t accept political contributions, and the blackout lasts through Father’s Day, which is also the last day of the post-session period in which the governor can veto bills.

Members have been packing the Austin Club near the state Capitol, among other venues, collecting deadline contributions this week; next week, Texas political donors can rest their checkbooks.

That’s mostly true, anyway. Statewide officials and legislators are out of the mix. Others, like the State Board of Education and federal officials and untitled aspirants like George P. Bush can raise money during the session. And the blackout won’t affect candidates in the special election for the state Senate, and if one is needed, a special election for the state House.

The next campaign finance reports are due January 15. The next show of strength and the lack of it will come in July. And a reminder: Rick Perry and Greg Abbott said recently — laughing and right next to each other — that they will reveal their political plans in June.

It never stops, does it?