QEPD: Harold Cook

Growing up as a political operative-wannabe, I always admired the work of Harold Cook; especially during the days of Ann Richards. As a college kid, had I known him then, I’d probably want to be “the next Harold Cook.” So, when I started Dos Centavos and joined a group of Texas political bloggers, I was sort of in awe (at least in an e-mail group) to be in a group that included Harold.

When we finally formally met, it was at St. Arnold’s Brewery during one of the Texas Dem Convention parties. Talk about a Texas-sized hug. He had so much knowledge of Texas Politics and was quite the strategist. But he also had a wit that was so sharp that whomever it was aimed at didn’t know who sliced them up until they’d bled out. So, he was one of my influences during this time of DosCentavos.net.

I was so saddened to hear of his untimely passing. Shocked. Mad. And then sad, again. How could he do this to us? Right? While our political conversations were always interesting, I always felt honored when he left a comment on a photo of one of my food creations, inviting himself or placing an order to deliver to his Western Headquarters. He’ll be missed by those who followed him on social media, for sure. To those who were closest to him, I know they’re going through a lot of emotions. My thoughts are with his family and friends. And Travis the Goofy Dog.

Regarding Letters From Texas (his website/blog) and why he included political satire with his expert analyses, he told Culture Map Austin in 2012, “I think many participants in the political process take themselves way too seriously.” He definitely lightened up Texas politics–at least for those who wanted to be in the thick of it.

Here’s Quorum Report’s statement from Harold’s Family:

Friends and family passed along this statement

Longtime political advisor and commentator Harold Cook died suddenly at his “Western Headquarters” in Marathon.

Not surprisingly, he made it to one last election day.

Harold’s first political job was serving as an aide to State Representative Debra Danburg. He went on working closely with Land Commissioner Gary Mauro, Texas Secretary of State John Hannah Jr.. and dozens of other elected officials and organizations.

Notably, Harold managed the 11 Democratic state senators who broke quorum in 2003 and held out for 46 days in Albuquerque.

Harold later became a featured commentator on Time Warner’s Capitol Tonight, often providing astute observations with an acidic wit.

Harold Lee Cook was born January 16, 1961 in Houston. He is survived by his beloved sister Martha and his loyal dog Travis. Services are pending.