UNDER THE DOME

Shami sends hair care packages to troops

Democrat sidesteps his way into campaign ad.

Shami sends hair care packages to Fort Hood

In the wake of last week's shootings at Fort Hood, the company owned by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Farouk Shami is donating thousands of care packages to hospitals and veterans facilities.

Hair care packages, naturally.

Farouk Systems Inc., which makes hair care and spa products, is paying for the packages, a company spokeswoman said. A news release, which the company sent to an American-Statesman political reporter, estimates the cost of the packages at more than $1 million.

The packages will be distributed through the American Red Cross. "A lot of times people don't realize how badly the Red Cross and hospitals are in need of these products," said Farouk Systems spokeswoman Jessica Gutierrez.

Shami, whose company makes popular CHI products, has said he's ready to spend $10 million of his own money to win the Democratic nomination for governor.

— Jason Embry

Democrat sidesteps way into ad

Jack McDonald, the Austin entrepreneur who's been raising money to run for Congress as a Democrat, was asked Tuesday how he would have voted on the health care plan the House approved last week and on an earlier vote to restrict funding for abortions. McDonald declined to say. He told a reporter videotaping the exchange that he'd be happy to talk more later; he then walked away.

Now, McDonald finds himself in an online ad put up by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, the Austin Republican who McDonald wants to challenge.

"I'm not sure how a candidate for Congress doesn't know whether he favors the (Barack) Obama-(Nancy) Pelosi government plan," McCaul campaign spokesman Mike Rosen said. "He definitely has some good moves. 'Dancing With the Stars' might be calling," he added.

McDonald spokesman Rick Fromberg said of McCaul's ad: "It's silly season in Washington again. Instead of dealing with the real issues, Mike McCaul is creating videos with cartoon characters."

— W. Gardner Selby

Combs talks shop and shopping

State Comptroller Susan Combs, who oversees state tax collections, reports doing her own small personal part to juice sales taxes by going to an Odessa mall and purchasing some candles.

"I am affirming that I am a proud shopper," Combs told the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association meeting in Austin on Friday.

Assuming Combs spent $20 on the candles, she added about $1.65 to government coffers.

Combs offered this advice to the meeting's mostly male audience: "If the little woman wants to go shop, say, 'Atta girl.' "

— W. Gardner Selby