Every now and then, some well-meaning political consultant inexplicably allows us a peek behind the scenes of a political campaign, and sometimes access to the candidate himself. I have no idea why, either.

In this case, that candidate is Pete Olson, who will soon terminate Rep. Nick Lampson’s employment in District 22.

Pete’s giving us an update on the race. The self-identified conservative base heavily outweighs liberals in the district, 59-41 percent. Sees a great opportunity for one of the few possible GOP takebacks in the fall.

Good fundraising so far. Cheney fundraiser in June, Bush in July. Olson admits he won’t have as much money as Lampson, but sees his as a grassroots strategy.

The focus of this conference call is taxes and spending. “Unfortunately, when we had an opportunity to lead as Republicans, we were guilty of some of the same things that Republicans did.”

Slammed Lampson for voting to let the Bush tax cuts expire — amounts to a $900 billion tax increase. Pledges to make the Bush income and capital-gains tax cuts permanent, and to revoke the death tax permanently.

Quotes a Heritage Foundation study that notes that expiring the tax cuts would cost the district $373 million in economic activity.

Wants to scrap the IRS code and replace it. But with what? I’ll ask.

Announced website NicksDCTricks.com, illustrating how Nick talks conservative at home and votes liberal in the House.

Caller asked about RCCC support. Pete — “A lot of logistical support so far.” The DCCC has poured a ton of cash into Lampson’s coffers.

Caller asks about Olson’s position on illegal immigration and possible federal solutions. Pete — blasted 1986 amnesty, and the lack of border security that followed. Advocates an enforcement-first policy, with a possible guest-worker program to follow. Opposes path to citizenship for illegal aliens. Proposes an easy-to-use electronic verification program, relying on fewer forms of IDs, to put t

I asked about specific tax program. Pete — likes the FairTax to replace all taxation, including personal and corporate taxation. Thinks it’s acheivable in the future. Would support repeal of 16th amendment to insure that income taxation wouldn’t return.

No more questions? I guess that’s it for now.