United Republicans of Harris County Announces Endorsements in Run-off Races

The Board of Directors of United Republicans of Harris County announces their slate of endorsed candidates in contested primary run-off races.

Endorsement List United Republicans of Harris County PAC United Republicans of Harris County is pleased to announce the 2014 Republican Primary Runoff  Endorsements In Contested Races    United States Representative, District 36 Brian Babin Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst Attorney General Ken Paxton Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton State Representative, District 129 Dennis Paul State Representative, District 132 Ann Hodge District Judge, 247th Judicial District M.L. Walker Judge, County Criminal Court No. 10 Tonya Rolland McLaughlin Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2 Laryssa Korduba * No funds were accepted from candidates in contested races.

Special Election in FL-13 Offers Playbook for GOP in 2014

David Jolly won the Special Election in Florida's 13th District this week and Republicans across the country rejoiced.  Many paint it as a victory against Obamacare and the Democrats in Washington, D.C.  We are better served, however, to look a bit closer and understand exactly how and why Jolly won.

This district in Florida has been in GOP hands for 50 years, as Democrats were quick to point out as the reason for the Republican victory.  Some Democrats claim that, in fact, that the Republican candidate underperformed in this race. Even the Washington Post gives this reasoning three Pinocchio's.  The race was close - 48.43% to 46.55% - and conventional wisdom was that it would likely be a Democrat pick-up, as the district had been re-districted and leaned more heavily Democratic.  

But how of much a true picture do these results show? For years, Democrats—and analysts–had said that once Young leaves office, it would flip to the other party. That’s because in races when Young was not on the ballot, Democrats consistently were winners.In the same district, President Obama, for instance, beat both Mitt Romney in 2012 and John McCain in 2008. Alex Sink, when she unsuccessfully sought the governorship in 2010, won the congressional district even while losing the state. Sink also won the district when she was elected Florida’s chief financial officer in 2006.The Cook Political Report’s Partisan Voting Index identifies the district as one of the more competitive districts in the nation—Republican plus 1 percent. (The PVI is based on how the district presidential vote compares to the overall national race.) Florida’s 13th congressional district ranked 230 on a list of 435 districts, with 1 being the most Republican and 435 the most Democratic.

This is an important victory, to be sure.  Here is how he won the votes of Republicans and also the very important votes of Independents, too:  he spoke with common sense and from a place of reality. He didn't dwell in the world of "no", but in offering real world solutions, especially when it came to the topic of Obamacare.  He spoke about reforms to the law, not just repeal and no alternative.  He spoke about private market solutions and purchasing insurance across state lines.

He stayed on offense and didn't allow the traditional attacks against Republicans by Democrats to fester:

Equally important, the Republican side went on offense against the growing roster of Democratic campaign themes. The party has used them to great effect in any number of recent elections, including most recently in the Virginia governor's race. The difference this time is that the GOP had answers.Ms. Sink, for instance, rolled out the GOP-Wants-To-Throw-Granny-Off-The-Cliff line. Democrats beat on Mr. Jolly on seniors' issues, claiming he wanted to privatize Social Security and cut Medicare. Rather than run from that debate, the Republican reassured voters that he supported honoring current benefits for those in, at or remotely near retirement.Yet he also made the case for long-term reforms to entitlement programs—insisting that, yes, Social Security privatization needs to be among the options considered. He pointed out that the only folks who have done serious recent damage to Medicare are Democrats who robbed the program to pay for ObamaCare. The district's large senior-citizen voting population knew this to be true.Democrats also unfurled the "war against women" theme, claiming that Mr. Jolly opposed "equal pay for equal work" for women and abortion rights. He responded that wage discrimination based on gender should be illegal, and in fact already is. He laid out a straightforward pro-life position, highlighting standard exceptions for rape, incest, life of the mother—and didn't waver from it. The Democrats couldn't get much traction.

He worked hard and had solutions to offer.

Most importantly, Jolly is a man who comes to Washington with intentions of doing the hard work of legislating with all willing partners.  He acknowledged that the time is over for party members to be battling each other. He was sworn-in Thursday by Speaker Boehner.

Receiving a standing ovation and applause from Republicans and Democrats, Jolly said in his initial remarks that he believes "in this institution, the people's house. ... I believe in civility." He stood in the well of the House, surrounded by members of Florida's congressional delegation.Jolly said the fight is for the country, "not a fight against each other."

Civility and working with each other.  What a concept.  It's a winner.

United Republicans of Harris County Presented Senator Cornyn

United Republicans of Harris County held another standing room only event Saturday as they presented the senior senator from Texas, Senator John Cornyn, Senate Minority Whip.  The PAC endorsed Senator Cornyn for re-election and he spoke on the importance of getting out the vote and electing Republicans.

Ed Hubbard introduced Senator Cornyn.  He spoke of the philosophy of United Republicans of Harris County.  While those like Ronald Reagan speak of the Republican party using an analogy of a three legged stool, some groups focus on one or two "legs" of party philosophy.  The three legs of fiscal conservatism, strong foreign policy, and social conservatism can all work together when willing hearts and minds come together among those who vote as Republicans.  Unfortunately, this is a time of division within the party. The legs of that stool work together, yet some believe one issue or the other outweighs the rest.   

United Republicans of Harris County focuses on fiscal conservatism.  As stated on the website:

United Republicans of Harris County represents the economic conservative Republicans of this community and advocates the traditional Republican philosophies of:

• Fiscal Conservatism
• Strong National Defense
• Lower Taxes
• Safer Communities
• Better Education
• Less Government Intervention
• Individual Freedoms With Responsibility
• Accountability by Our Elected Officials

Hubbard encouraged those present to consider joining United Republicans of Harris County as members, as the PAC's modest dues support the organization as speakers and programs are developed throughout the year.

Senator Cornyn was warmly welcomed.  He spoke of the failed years of the Obama administration and the importance of Republicans taking back the Senate.  It is crucial for Republican voters from all quarters to work together with respect and diligence. This is not a time for apathy.  This is not a time to sit an election out.  He encouraged the audience to get out the vote with family and friends. 

Speaking of the true Republican values as presented by the likes of President Ronald Reagan, he said, "What do you call someone that I agree with 80% of the time?  I call you a friend, not a 20% traitor".  Too many are focusing on a vote that may have made them unhappy with an elected official instead of the big picture - which is to get Republicans elected.  If Republicans don't win elections, Republicans will not govern.  It really is as simple as that.

Senator Cornyn was accompanied by his wife of 34 years, Sandy, and he said while he agrees with her 100% of the time, she doesn't agree with him 100% of the time and that works out just fine for them. "Agreeing 100% of the time is an impossible standard", he said.  As Republicans, that is a good example to set.  That is how a party must work to flourish and be successful.

If you would like to join United Republicans of Harris County, go to the website and fill out a membership form.  The public is welcome to the events and regular events are held to keep voters informed on timely issues.