Arson suspected in Texas governor's mansion fire

[UpInArms]

Source: Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Arson is suspected in a fire that swept through the historic Texas governor's mansion early Sunday, leaving much of the 152-year-old building charred and severely damaged, the state fire marshal said.

No one was believed to be inside when the fire started at the home, whose roof buckled because of the flames and the massive amount of water used to put them out. Officials said there is no evidence any direct threat was intended to Gov. Rick Perry, who is out of the country with his wife, Anita.

"We are heartbroken by the fire that has ravaged the Texas Governors Mansion," Perry said in a prepared statement. "It has not only been our home for the past eight years, but has stood as a symbol of Texas pride throughout its history. Though it can certainly be rebuilt, what Texas has lost today can never be replaced."

All historic furnishings and heirlooms had been removed for a renovation project, but much of the wood in the Greek revival-style mansion was "completely irreplaceable" longleaf pine, said Robert Black, a Perry spokesman. Some interior ornamentation is beyond repair, he said.

Parts of the six 29-foot columns at the front of the home, a national historic landmark, and much of the front wall were charred black. In some places the original color of the brick could be seen where white paint had burned off.

"We have some evidence that indicates that we do have an intentionally set fire," said state Fire Marshal Paul Maldonado. "So we believe that we may be looking at a criminal act here."

Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/G/GOVERNORS_MANSION_FIRE?SITE=MOCOD&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2008-06-08-18-04-25

[Olney Blue]

1. So much history lost.... very sad.

[Bongo Prophet]

2. Damn, I heard about this from Ms Prophet, who was at the Dem convention this wkd.

We had a bomb threat in the hotel, and a small fire was reported at the convention center itself.

WTF?

Probably not related, but who knows? Besides, it belongs to the citizens, not the temp occupants.
Just pathetic and misguided.

[DS1]

3. All I have to say is "Hmmmm!"

[liberal N proud]

8. Or... Texas spent more than 7 years trying to get the stench left by bu$h removed

They just had to burn it out.

Hope we don't have to do the same for the White House.

[dflprincess]

4. Do we know if the Boy King left anything at the mansion that might incriminate him?

Bushco and all its operatives should be working on their alibis.

[bluesmail]

5. ...hmmmm, KKKRovian? n/t

[Cobalt-60]

6. Darn, the fuse was too long!

It should have gone up about 10 years ago.

[blogslut]

7. Watch them try to blame this on the Dems

The folks that were in Austin this weekend for the State Delegate Convention. I can see the accusations now:

Those Commie Democrats did it!