Obama Delivers Speech Commemorating the March on Washington

Imagine a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and the powerful speech delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr on the National Mall.  Imagine a crowd of about 20,000 present to hear remarks delivered by President Obama and former leaders in the Civil Rights movement at the Jefferson Monument, including the grown children of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sounds appropriate, right?  The first bi-racial American President should note the passing of time and the marker best remembered of that era.  Here's the problem - it appears there was a no Republicans allowed policy in place.  Though some now lamely proclaim that top Republican leaders turned down invitations to participate, after the slight is noticed and remarked upon, the fact is that invitations were not issued in a timely fashion for everyone to participate.  For instance, we learn that invitations were sent out to Republicans only 2 to 4 weeks ago.  Speaker of the House Boehner had already committed to an event honoring MLK out of town.  No serious person expects invitations to be accepted by political leaders on such short notice, especially when most are out of town and meeting with voters in their own districts during a political recess.

No doubt many will read pieces like this in the Washington Post and think to themselves that those mean Republicans just don't care about black people or their historical struggles.  The press is nothing without righteous indignation for perceived slights to their guy and his political party.

There is no answer, however, as to why Senator Tim Scott, the only black serving in the U.S. Senate, was not invited.  Does a Republican from South Carolina not count?  No answer on the exclusion of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas or Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, either.  How about the newly declared Republican from the State of Louisiana, State Senator

Elbert Guillory?  

The stories of black Republicans are just as important and worthy of celebration as those of Democrats.  The Rev Martin Luther King, Jr. was not one to divide using political affiliation.  The fact is, at that time, most blacks voted Republican.  King and his father before him did.  Dr. Condoleezza Rice grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and lived through the deaths of some little friends who were killed in a bombing of their church.  

How about Mitt Romney?  Was he invited?  His father marched in that famous march.  Would he be as worthy of mention as the liberal white marchers, back in the day?

You get the picture.  An event that liberals are trying to prove was not political was, in fact, just that.  This is what happens when the top of the leadership governs on purely party lines.  This president doesn't work with those who oppose his agenda and is quite vocal about any opposition he receives.  

I didn't watch the speech delivered by President Obama or any of the festivities, frankly.  I knew what it would turn into.  Here is the speech transcript, which I read.  As I knew would happen, he takes the opportunity to bash Republicans in Congress.  He speaks against using politics to divide, though that is his own practice.  He also speaks of the current plight of black Americans - high unemployment, for instance, and a growing distance between lower, middle and upper classes in our economy.  He doesn't, however, take any responsibility for that truth.  Higher numbers of black Americans are measured as he has been President. Unemployment of black teens is at its highest level.   

Black celebrities were given the spotlight, as this is how liberals win public opinion - through the culture and celebrity obsession.  So, Oprah and Jamie Foxx were allowed speeches.  It is a bit much for Foxx to compare the past struggles of blacks and the present generation by comparisons with today's Kanye and Jay Z.  Really?  This is the best he had to use?

The March on Washington was used by Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote equality through jobs and employment opportunities.  This could have been an opportunity to promote the coming together of all Americans for others yet that doesn't fit the pattern of this administration.  

Former Presidents Carter and Clinton were there.  Former Presidents GHW Bush and GW Bush were unable to attend due to health concerns.  GW Bush did release a respectful statement through his Presidential Library.

DOJ Files Lawsuit Against Texas Voter ID Law

Thursday U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former Texas Attorney General, released the following statement responding to the announcement that the Obama Administration will challenge Texas’ constitutional voter ID law in court:

“Facts mean little to a politicized Justice Department bent on inserting itself into the sovereign affairs of Texas and a lame-duck Administration trying to turn our state blue.

“As Texans we reject the notion that the federal government knows what’s best for us. We deserve the freedom to make our own laws and we deserve not to be insulted by a Justice Department committed to scoring cheap political points.”

Attorney General Greg Abbott, now a candidate for Governor of Texas, responded:

 “Just days after the U.S. Department of Justice arrested a Texas woman for illegally voting five times in the same election, the Obama administration is suing to stop Texas’commonsense voter ID law,” said Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott upon learning of yet another federal lawsuit challenging Texas Voter ID and Redistricting Laws.The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that voter ID laws do not suppress legal votes, but do help prevent illegal votes.

“The Obama administration continues to ignore the 10th Amendment and repeated Supreme Court decisions upholding states’ authority to enforce voter identification and redistricting laws.

“Also, by challenging the 2011 redistricting plans, Eric Holder is trying to resurrect a law that was never implemented and no longer exists — and then sue it. The 2011 redistricting plans have been replaced with plans that largely mimic plans drawn by three federal judges,” Abbott said. 

 Texas Senator Ted Cruz stated:

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, accused Attorney General Eric Holder of “working to undermine the integrity of our elections” in response to a Justice Department lawsuit that would block Texas voter ID and redistricting laws and require the Lone Star State to seek federal approval for other election changes.“Today’s decision by the U.S. Department of Justice to sue Texas is, sadly, only the latest manifestation of the DOJ’s increasing politicization under this Administration,” Cruz said in a statement.“Americans overwhelmingly support voter ID laws because they understand that voter fraud weakens our democracy, and unfortunately it is often minority voters who are the victims of that fraud. The Department of Justice should not be working to undermine the integrity of our elections.”

The hyper-partisan Obama administration and the divisive, racist Holder Department of Justice refuse to accept the ruling by the Supreme Court, though even the most liberal member at the time supported a state's right to ask for identification at the polls.  The continued go-to position of this administration is to call Texas out at every opportunity.

Governor Rick Perry released a brief, to the point response:

 “The filing of endless litigation in an effort to obstruct the will of the people of Texas is what we have come to expect from Attorney General Eric Holder and President Obama. We will continue to defend the integrity of our elections against this administration’s blatant disregard for the 10th Amendment.”

Holder and Obama also vow to fight the re-districting plan produced by the Texas legislature, as they did before the 2012 election.  No doubt they are hoping some more stalling tactics will play to their favor in the 2014 election cycle.

Wendy Davis Continues on Path to Race for Governor

I haven't written an update on the activities of Battleground Texas in a while, so I would like you to know that an email landed in my inbox today that to tell me that free Wendy Davis for governor bumper stickers are available now.  I'll pass, thanks, but no doubt automobiles will soon be sporting these all across the state.

Texas State Senator Wendy Davis is quite the darling of the left these days.  After her big splash into the national spotlight as the heroine in the Democrats' fight for late term infanticide in the state capitol, she's been the guest speaker at the National Press Club on August 5, 2013:



She has a song about herself.

She has been fundraising around the country.

Davis raised more than $933,000 in the final two weeks of June, a recent Texas Ethics Commission report shows.About one-third of that money came from outside the state, according to the Texas Tribune. 

She will need every dollar, as her most watched opponent is current Texas Attorney General Greg Abbot.

She's even landed in the pages of Vogue Magazine.

Davis is the subject of an extensive profile in Vogue’s September issue. In the piece, Davis recalls her memories of her absent father, her first jobs and her stark first wedding. While the woman that appears in the folds of the year’s most highly anticipated fashion issue is poised, polished and politically viable, Davis alludes to her pre-political self, a woman with untamable frizzy hair, with humor.

The woman who is launching a run at the governor's office in Texas with an eleven hour filibuster over abortion law and clinic regulations is now being touted as a "cool mom".  Ok, then.

As has been pointed out by a liberal blog, Senator Davis looks a bit different than she did in her Harvard Law School days - here's her photo as she entered the halls of the Ivy League at age 27:

She is to be the closing speaker at the Women Donors Network conference in San Antonio in November.  From now until then she will continue gathering steam with the help of OFA-based Battleground Texas and the national Democrats.  Money will be raised.  She is expected to make her decision formal around Labor Day but most signs point to a certain jump into the race for governor.

Camara de Empresarios Latinos de Houston Scholarship Luncheon

The First Annual Scholarship Luncheon of Camara de Empresarios Latinos de Houston (CELH) was held Thursday at the Baker Ripley Center.  Memorial West Republican Women PAC (MWRW) sponsored a table for this event.

The hosts could not have been more hospitable, the crowd was jovial and welcoming, the food was good - word is that Post Oak Grill catered it - and the speakers were inspirational.  Best of all?  Four young Hispanic students received scholarships to continue on with their education.

The guests were treated to musical ambiance from Oscar and Anita www.oscar4anita.com, which provided a relaxed mood throughout the room.  They are good, by the way, playing guitars and singing.  We plan to keep them in mind for upcoming events.  

MWRW had the pleasure of hearing from CELH President Abel R. Garcia as speaker at an earlier monthly meeting this year.  He encouraged our club to reach out and we would be welcomed.  He was right.  Though Mr. Garcia was unable to attend this event, CELH Chairman Hipolito Acosta stepped up and led the program.  He introduced the keynote speaker, Dr Arthur Tyler, recently retired Deputy Chancellor/COO of Houston Community College (HCC).

Dr Tyler delivered an uplifting speech, titled "The Value of Education for Today's Youth".  The line that stuck with me is, "Life is not fair.  There is no equality.  There is equity, though, through education."

At the conclusion of Dr Tyler's speech, Chairman Acosta introduced the four scholarship recipients and each made a few remarks to the audience.  I might note that three out of the four scholarships went to young women.

An opportunity was presented to contribute to the organization's scholarship efforts.

MWRW is honored to have received the opportunity to participate in this endeavor.  Sometimes outreach is made really easy.  Raising money for scholarships is a natural fit for our club.  Education is our mission.  Education brings about an informed electorate.  As stated, the objectives of our organization are:
1. To promote an informed electorate through political education.
2. To increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government through active political participation.
3.  To facilitate cooperation among Republican women's organizations.
4.  To foster loyalty to the Republican Party and to promote its ideals.

It is said that just showing up is 80% of the battle.  I encourage my fellow conservative voters to seize the opportunities to bring our message forward when they present themselves.

Is GOP Courting the Votes of Women?

In order to bring women back to voting for Republicans again, it is going to be essential to have Republican leadership and candidates capable of speaking to them in terms of economic philosophy and their lives.  Our economic philosophy works best for families, as well as individuals, and we need Republicans capable of articulating that message.

A recent poll revealed an extraordinary statistic - 4 out of 5 Americans face poverty and/or joblessness in their lifetime. 

Four out of 5 U.S. adults struggle with joblessness, near-poverty or reliance on welfare for at least parts of their lives, a sign of deteriorating economic security and an elusive American dream.Survey data exclusive to The Associated Press points to an increasingly globalized U.S. economy, the widening gap between rich and poor, and the loss of good-paying manufacturing jobs as reasons for the trend.

At one time, the term compassionate conservative was used in a favorable light. The reason being that it acknowledged that conservatives show compassion through our political philosophy.  There is no compassion to be found from liberal political philosophy that entraps whole generations in continual dependence on the federal government.  A person beholden to the federal government for survival is not a free person.  Now, with the portion of the Republican party voters that demand such harsh and simplistic rhetoric as to simply cut all social programs and entitlements as a means to economic progress, the party message sounds cruel and unforgiving to those truly in need.

We can reach out to women and bring them back into voting Republican again if we make the effort. We have to walk and chew gum at the same time again.

Think about it.  Women are the caretakers in the family.  Women make the economic decisions in the purchasing power of the family. These are general statements but for a majority of households it is true. The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. Why would the Republican party allow that fact to be overshadowed by extremist voices that turn off women voters?  Remember when the Soccer Moms of the Clinton days became the Security Moms of the George W. Bush days? Why have we allowed our common sense economic philosophy to be tossed aside as the social issues and purity demands of a small segment of the Republican party become the headline makers?  

Why not focus on what we as Republicans do believe about entitlement programs and social agendas?  No one asks that anyone abandon value beliefs.  What is necessary, however, in a real conversation is that we must become capable of expressing our political philosophy in a way that regular voters understand.  Republicans are good at rambling off numbers and statistics and all the boring stuff in politics.  What we have to do is get personal. Appealing to voters on an emotional level is not something Republicans are very comfortable with but it is where we have to go.  Think of it as putting a personal face on a policy position.  Think of it as America's story.

Women relate in a very personal way to government assistance.  It is hard to imagine anyone in today's America that doesn't have a family member or dear friend who has not accepted help from the federal government at one time or another.  Whether it is social security and food stamps for the elderly, unemployment insurance, WIC assistance for mothers and children, disability payments, and on and on.  The Republican party is the party of life - that includes taking responsibility for the lives of those in need of a hand. A hand up, not a hand out. While we continue to promote local and religious organizations to help out those in need, we must carry a message that the government is there for help, too, but we bring a message that the help is temporary - a safety net, if you will - and not a way of life. That message has to be told and told again and again. Personal stories are the way forward.

As referenced HERE by my friend, Lisa, it is understandable when either side of the aisle mocks the other side but it is necessary to turn it all around and show the alternative in a way that resonates.  How about instead of ridiculing the Democrat's story of Julia and her dependency on government programs, Republicans do their own story of a woman and how our vision works?

In the meantime, Hillary Clinton rolls on.  Her fans are ramping up for her 2016 campaign as I type this. Where is the female face of leadership in the GOP? We have lots of strong and successful women working in the party, all the way up to governorships.  We need women as the face of the party.  It's good to focus on Latinos and blacks and Asians, yes, but women in general have to come first. All women. For now. We have to start there in growing the party.

The Republican party is the party of small, efficient government. We are not the party of no government. It's easy to get carried away with harsh rhetoric. It is more important to treat others as we wish to be treated.  Ronald Reagan implored us to be happy warriors.  We need all voters to help us get our country back on track.  

Read this article, written by a Republican woman, and think about what she is saying.  It is the same message I've been talking about since last November. Republicans have to tailor our message to different audiences.  Minority outreach is good.  Outreach to women is crucial.  

It is ok to have many opinions within a party as long as we agree on the majority of positions.  Remember Ronald Reagan's 80% determination?  If someone agrees with the party on 80% of its policies, that person is one of our voters.  Do not be so close minded or simplistic to expect every adult voter to agree with 100% of a party's platform and its planks.  That is unrealistic and, frankly, a little creepy.  We are the party that encourages individualism, after all.  

It will take all of us in 2014 and in 2016, too.  Do not feed on those perpetually outraged.  Look to those doing the real work - going out into communities, promoting education, helping families in need, mentoring teenagers, and so on.  There is much to be done.  Talk to people.  

Do not kid yourself - women voters of all political philosophy - will vote for Hillary Clinton in 2016 if she is the Democratic nominee.  Women are past ready for a woman president.  Just as Barack Obama brought out black voters from both parties, Hillary Clinton will do the same from women voters.  That is a hard reality.  Do not allow yourself to be in a happy talk bubble.  

Read the article.  Get ready.  Be prepared to fight onward.

Dr Martha Wong Speaks to Downtown Houston Pachyderm Club

The Hon Martha Wong delivered an informative speech to the weekly meeting of Downtown Houston Pachyderm Club Thursday.  The topic was an update on Asian American outreach efforts through the Republican Party of Texas, which is the newly created Asian American Republican Assembly. Dr. Wong has been doggedly pursuing her vision for Asian American outreach within the Republican Party of Texas for some time now.  Finally the chairman of the state party saw the wisdom of this outreach as some startling numbers came forward.

Here are the numbers, as presented by Dr. Wong:

2000 - 2010  Nationwide Population increases
White:            1.2%  2,264,778
Hispanic:        30%  15,171,776 
Black:             11%    3,738,011
Asian:            42.9%  4,431,955  

2000 - 2010   In Texas
White:             2%         464,032
Hispanic:       41.8%    2,791,255
Black:            22.1%       522,570
Asian:            71.1%       393,981

Asian Americans are the fastest growing demographic in Texas.  

Here are the population projections for 2040 in Texas:
White:            53% to 25%          Decrease
Hispanic:        31% to 57 - 58%   Increase
Black:             11% to  8%          Decrease
Asian:            3.3% to  8.3%       Increase

By 2040, if every white person voted Republican, a Republican still wouldn't be elected president.

The chairman of the Republican Party of Texas saw the writing on the wall.  Not only is the Asian American population growing at such a rapid rate, but this demographic is voting less and less for Republicans.  The "sad news", said Dr. Wong, is that from 1992, when Asian Americans voted 55% GOP to 31% Democratic through 2012, when the numbers were 26% GOP to 73% Democratic, Asian Americans are on voting for Democrats in greater numbers than Republicans.

So, in May 2013, RNC Chairman Reince Prebius came to Austin and RPT Chairman Munisteri brought together minority groups to meet and develop strategy.  Dr. Wong was elected the Chairwoman of the Texas Asian Republican Assembly when the group was formed.

What will the Texas Asian Republican Assembly do?  Bringing together the very best of representation, the group will develop clubs in all major cities so that they reach out to the communities; use major newspapers to keep readers informed and updated; use religious institutions by instructing them on what can be said from the pulpit; partner with existing clubs and get Republican speakers to meetings; and provide a list of every Republican voter in the last election.  All of this will be done here in Harris county as well as across the state.  

One action taken during the last election cycle was placing ads in Asian newspapers with a very simple text: "Vote Republican". 

Dr. Wong reminded the audience that everyone can reach out to neighbors and co-workers.  Get their email addresses and forward them to Dr. Wong so that she can arrange for them to be contacted.  She noted that often Asians are more comfortable talking about subjects like politics with other Asians.  This is perfectly normal and applies to all people in general, not just Asians.

Asians are conservative in nature.  They are known as entrepreneurs.  The message of the Republican party is a natural fit.  

Encourage elected officials in the Republican party to go to Asian events.  May is Asian Heritage month and typically Democrat politicians, like Rep Al Green, take over events while Republicans do not demand notice for themselves at the annual galas. 

It is important to remember that outreach is not a waste of time, nor is it meant to be a political stunt.  Those, such as some of the loud talkers on conservative talk radio, who ridicule coalition building are doing a real disservice to the Republican party.  Potential voters are insulted by the ridicule.  The tone of conversation from the loud talkers is not respectful and it does not speak for the majority of conservatives.  It is mostly entertainment at the expense of others, which is always wrong headed.  

There is much work to be done.  Republicans in Texas are lucky to have such a strong Republican woman as Dr. Martha Wong leading the way for Asian American outreach in our party.  We owe her a debt of gratitude for her persistence and vision. 

I do not often get to attend lunch meetings with the Downtown Houston Pachyderm Club and that is unfortunate.  The speakers are always informative, the food is good and the prices are low.  The attendees are a diverse group of party activists and elected officials.  Current President Sophia Mafrige and Vice President Jack Lee are doing a fine job keeping people informed and energized. I encourage you to attend a meeting - they meet weekly at the Spaghetti Warehouse.

RPT Chairman Munisteri Addresses United Republicans of Harris County

Tuesday night Republican Party of Texas (RPT) Chairman Steve Munisteri addressed a packed room at the SOSA center as the program speaker for United Republicans of Harris County general meeting.  His presentation dwelled mostly on the state of the state party and plans going forth as elections in 2014 and 2016 are on the horizon.

I'll get the obvious out of the way first. Munisteri is to be commended for his aggressive approach to bringing the state party back from a very troubling financial state and is certainly to be applauded for his claim that for the last eleven months, RPT has maintained at least $1M in the bank after expenses. Then he said that this month will probably bring that number down a bit but still good.  Under his guidance, $14M has been raised over the last three years.

Now for the other stuff.  Exploring the story line of Battleground Texas, Munisteri explained that Texas has been a competitive state for Democrats all along but that the party structure has been so disorganized that the need for an outside group to come in arose.  It is true that since 1994 Republicans have dominated statewide races. However, using the total number of elected offices of 5,200 in the state, until 2008 Republicans didn't overturn the majority of offices.  And it is a fact that from 2000 to 2008 GOP trend lines were going down with a significant decline in the base. From 2006-2008 the state was already on the verge of turning back to Democratic control. Texas hasn't been a solidly Republican state for seven years.

The reason Munisteri decided to run for state party chairman instead of enjoying retirement was due to time spent in Iowa in 2008 and watching the Obama juggernaut up close. He came back to Houston to hear local leaders continuing on with their happy talk that Texas and Harris County is solidly red territory speaking to a group of young Republicans and knew he had to work on the narrative.

Munisteri spoke about the basics of campaigning and winning elections.  He spoke about being out in communities to reach out to any and all potential voters.  "The party can't just pass resolutions" but must be out int he neighborhoods.

Frankly, lots of his talk was nothing new as far as process goes.  He spoke about the need for precinct chairs and for precinct organization.  "We can't afford to be sleeping" but must knock on doors as Battleground Texas workers are doing now.  We can't simply wait for just before elections to identify voters and ask for votes.

He spoke of the problem of winning elections - the relaxation that happens.  Coasting on past success is a victory killer.  Harris County is the only major urban county to go either way.  He was laying the groundwork for lowering expectations as we go to 2016, if you ask me.  He said he would much rather be a candidate in 2014 than in 2016.  This is something the local party is continuing to deny - that past victories will continue on without real reform in strategy.  

On the state level, Munisteri spoke of increased money coming from the RNC and grants that will allow him to increase paid staff and open offices - Victory Centers - around the state.  These offices will be remain open, not just before an election.  Emphasis will be placed on the offices opening in areas of highest need.

RPT will rent some of the Harris County Republican Party's space on Richmond Avenue as headquarters for Harris County.  Is this the best idea? I'm a bit hesitant about it as in the past it seems local party leadership and state leadership have experienced friction. Will local leadership take credit for state successes out of that office at a time when local leadership needs to be replaced by new, effective leadership?

What bothered me was the poo-pooing of the money raised by Battleground Texas.  While Munisteri acknowledged that the $1.1M Battleground Texas raised is not anything to be minimized, he noted that a couple of very big donors brought in the bulk of that number. So? Money is money and that is all they need to buy the necessities in an election.  The small donations indicate John Doe support and Battleground Texas has that, too.  At this time he then spoke about the party's Grassroots Donor program, by the way, and forms were given out for those who are not already signed up for the program - $8.25 monthly donation to the RPT guarantees you to be free of calls and mailings asking for money.  

What bothered me about a question asked about women voters was the lack of any real ideas or actions that will be taken to address our loss of that demographic.  The polls have been taken and Hillary Clinton beats all GOP potential candidates in 2016 in Texas if she runs for president.  Yes, even Ted Cruz.  It bothered me that there is some real denial going on and manifested itself by women in the room unable to realize that there will be Republican women who will vote for Hillary Clinton in 2016 because she is a woman.  Do you not remember the Republicans who voted for Barack Obama in 2008 because they wanted to be a part of supporting the first black president? It will happen again with a woman candidate.

Remember - women are 56%-57% of voters.  Munisteri downplays it a bit at 53% but it is still a majority.  There was no talk of reaching out to women and speaking to them on issues of importance to them and their families other than to note that Hillary Clinton didn't do so well against Obama.  That is not true, either.  Remember that the Democrats had to maneuver around their Super Delegate process to knock her out of the process.

Munisteri appears to be relying heavily on the newly hired paid staff to be on the ground.  That is fine but it can't be an either/or action - we still need on the ground activists and voters working as strongly as ever before.  Munisteri failed to deliver a clarion call to the audience to be motivated, active, work like crazy to get the results we'll need in 2014 and beyond.  That was a missed opportunity. Many Republican voters need a message of motivation, not just comforting messages that everything will be alright.

I am concerned by talk that the Democrats are superior at social media (they have been) but that eventually social media will peak and no longer be so effective for them and they will have to get back to door to door, neighborhood work.  The fact is that Democrats are doing both - hand in hand - and that is why they win big elections.  That is what Battleground Texas is all about.  They were able to come into Texas and use the data available to begin their operations.  

Munisteri would do well to tout groups like True the Vote and King Street Patriots to reference winning grassroots activities.  There is a new group in the Spring area - Spring Tea Party - who has grown so quickly that they now are searching for larger meeting spaces to accommodate the crowds.  At the last meeting - keep in mind this is a brand new group - the crowd was over 300 on a week night at a restaurant.  That group's leader was in attendance  last night.

Let me end this with mention of the crowd at the meeting last night. It was a good crowd, especially for a Tuesday night at the end of July. Estimates are in the 125-150 range. It was easily the most diverse group I have seen at a basic Republican club meeting in some time.  There were many young people there and women, really the whole spectrum of the Republican voting scale.  I spoke to libertarians, tea party members, old school GOP, elected officials and lots of candidates, and everyone in between.  I especially like the number of young activists there. The public is welcome to all general meetings.  We will make you feel welcome.  You are wanted and needed to join the group.  Come have a cup of coffee and a cookie and listen to an important speaker.  There is work to be done.

Full disclosure: I am a member of the board of directors of United Republicans of Harris County.  

Will White Women Turn Texas Blue?

If you are the least bit interested in politics, especially here in the state of Texas, there is no doubt you have kept a bit of interest in the developing organization known as Battleground Texas.  I have tried to monitor them from the very beginning and then write about what I learn.  Call my actions what you will, but I believe it is a fundamental obligation in politics to take the advice of The Godfather: keep your friends close, your enemies closer.

If you don't know what the opposition is doing, how will you go to battle?

After the last national election, we Republican voters were a bit astonished to look at the raw numbers of voter information. OK, we were a lot astonished. The usual steps of grief were in play.  You know the ones - denial, anger, resolve, etc.  I've made peace with the results of pouring over the numbers but that peace doesn't involve apathy.  If you are a Republican voter or if you are an Independent voter, in particular, I ask that you take a moment and look at a piece in the San Antonio Current.  It neatly explains what I have been talking about since last November. Yes, another blogger has a post up today about this article. A liberal blogger.  See how that works?

The steep loss of women voters for Republicans is a game changer. Without the majority of women voting for our candidates, Republicans will not win elections.  Today women make up 54% to 56% of the electorate.  White women make up the majority of that demographic.  So, Republicans, we have to extend ourselves to women. Here in Texas you may think, well, that's not a problem, right? It's a big problem and I will use this piece from the Current to explain. While Hispanic voters are the growing demographic, women voters are the key to it all:

However, there is nothing fuzzy about the math. The Democrats can take Texas in 2016 if they can tap into one a key segment: white Texans, and in particular white women, the new kingmakers–or queenmakers–of Lone Star politics.Why? Women of color broadly support Democratic candidates, but that’s just the point: BGTX needs to mine new veins of voters. At least at this stage, minority population trends alone will not lock up the race, since heavily Republican non-Hispanic whites will still hold a slim majority through the next presidential cycle. Even if Battleground succeeds in ramping up meager Hispanic voter turnout to white levels, a Republican candidate would likely still prevail in 2016.“I think [Texas Battleground] realizes that it’s not just a matter of finding and turning out minority voters,” says Ruy Teixeira, co-author of the book The Emerging Democratic Majority and a senior fellow at Center for American Progress. “It’s also a matter of finding and turning out relatively liberal white voters, given the structure of the Texas electorate and given how conservatively white voters have been voting. The treasure trove would presumably be more likely to be college educated, more likely to be younger, and more likely to be women living in the big metropolitan areas.”

We may be able to reliably turn out the white male vote but that is not the case with women.  This is why our message, and the delivery of that message, is so very important.  We need happy warriors out there articulating the message of the Republican party and how our philosophy works better for everyone.  While it probably won't happen in time for the 2016 election cycle, Texas can go blue as early as 2020.  

Fast forward through eight years of demographic change and the figures converge much closer to a tipping point by 2016. Utilizing 2008 Texas exit polls (not available for the state in 2012) crossed with U.S. Census Bureau voter turnout figures from 2012, and applying those ratios to a projection of the number of 2016 eligible voters by ethnicity as calculated by the Center for American Progress yields a Republican victory in in the next contest.Even under an assumption that Battleground Texas successfully mobilizes target voters, elevating Hispanic and other minority turnout to levels achieved by whites last year (which is actually a slight decrease for African-Americans, the group posting the highest 2012 turnout rate), the state retains its crimson hue by a five-point 52-47 margin. However, given those same parameters, tweaking up Democratic support by white women from 28 percent (from 2008 exit polls) to, say, a lowly 35 percent, blues the result.

Do I have your attention yet?  By Democrats recruiting a growing percentage of white women in particular, Texas as a blue state becomes a reality.  And, with Hillary Clinton as a front runner in names for the 2016 presidential race, that should be a real eyeopener for us all.  Women who are Independent voters but lean conservative will turn out in large numbers to support her, don't kid yourself.  Much like Barack Obama increased the black vote enough to become president, Hillary Clinton will do the same with the votes of women. 

That’s why, in order to accelerate the demographic slide into blue territory, the Democrats will have to both peel off white support from the Republicans and mobilize whites who currently do not vote—in part because of the perception of futility of voting Dem in Texas. Fortunately for BGTX, the hard swerve to the right by the current Republican Party has left the political center wide open for recruitment of moderate white voters, all the more so for females incensed by the recent Republican-led restrictions on their reproductive rights. 

As I have written about before, Battleground Texas is an offshoot from OFA and Team Obama.  They are skilled in the details of organizing.  During their frequent workshops, one held here in Houston last weekend, they drill down into the specifics of those attending the event.  They know all about their supporters and use it to target specific events and neighborhoods with their volunteers.  They send Hispanic volunteers to Hispanic events, etc.  They have identified single moms, families with children, gay supporters, religious affiliations, and so on.  This all accelerates their success.

Out of Austin, a lean BGTX managerial team recruits “fellows” who pledge a certain number of hours per week and attend a boot camp. Each fellow coordinates a team of regular volunteers back in their neighborhood. In the organization’s first four months, it recruited and trained over 2,500 deputy voter registrars across the state and 200 summer fellows all across Texas, with over a dozen in San Antonio. Following the OFA “snowflake” model, these volunteers participate in voter registration drives at events, through phone banks and by door-to-door canvassing. Voter registration is dual purpose: It elevates the number of registered voters, and information on the voter-registration card is harvested for a master database.

Our ground game needs an overhaul.  Statewide and locally, we are lagging.

It can be hard to take seriously the steady issuance of resolutions by the Republican Party of Texas to embrace minority politics and policies. A recently issued memo on the group’s Web site reads: “We will also be adding a significant number of field staff to be embedded in the Hispanic, African-American and Asian-American communities around Texas.”  Embedded sounds so... creepy? Yet BGTX volunteers just scratch their heads when asked if they see GOP counterparts canvassing at public events. Activists are nowhere to be found. “They’re probably at the golf clubs and the banquets,” quips the BCDP’s Emil Hunziker. “The Republican Party doesn’t have any idea how to do a ground game.” 

This is where I commend my friend, the Hon. Martha Wong, on her persistence and forward looking strategy in Republican politics.  Thanks to Martha Wong's work in reaching out to RPT's Chairman Steve Munisteri and his team in Austin, the state organization is now actively doing outreach in the Asian community.  The Asian American community is the fastest growing minority in Texas. 

The Democratic woman vote has been described as "dormant" and that may be true but what did State Senator Wendy Davis do this summer? She energized them as never before. Along with stories of success from Battleground Texas, liberal women voters are feeling quite optimistic about the future of politics in Texas.

Moving forward, it is important to remember that Republican women do the grassroots activity in Texas.  Though the membership numbers in Republican women clubs has not strongly increased in recent years, it is important to remember party history and where the resources lay.  

Some big Texas money has already aligned with the push to make Hillary Clinton the 2016 Democrat nominee.  It is time to get out of the conservative vacuum and get busy.  Demand that voter registration is available at upcoming events and encourage your network of friends and family to get active.  

I'll write more as the days continue about women and voting.  It is the difference in winning or losing, even here in Texas.

True the Vote to DOJ - Bring It

Republicans and conservatives across Texas reacted to the announcement by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's declaration that he would launch into action against the State of Texas and our right to keep in place the decision to end  antiquated voting rights law, as sanctioned by the Supreme Court recently.  Holder insists that the DOJ get final say as to voting rights in Texas.  He made the announcement to gin up divisive reactions from his audience, the National Urban League conference at which he was speaking.

That's how Team Obama rolls.

The Obama administration opened an aggressive new front in the battle over voter protection Thursday, singling out Texas for legal action and promising broader efforts to come after last month'sSupreme Court ruling that wiped out a major provision of the Voting Rights Act.It was the administration's first legal response to counter the justices' 5-4 decision, but Attorney General Eric Holder pledged that "it will not be our last."In a speech to the National Urban League in Philadelphia, Holder called the Voting Rights Act "the cornerstone of modern civil rights law" and said that "we cannot allow the slow unraveling of the progress that so many, throughout history, have sacrificed so much to achieve."

This is the response released by True the Vote in Houston on Thursday afternoon:

True the Vote (TTV), the nation's leading voters’ rights and
election integrity organization, responded today to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s plans to
launch a wholesale attack against the State of Texas by filing federal lawsuits against Texas’
voter ID law and election procedures.

“We will not sit idly by and allow the most politically charged Department of Justice in US history
to set aside the US constitution and attempt to bully the people of Texas", True the Vote
President Catherine Engelbrecht said. "We will meet Attorney General Holder in court and we
will do whatever we need to do to advance the cause of voters’ rights for all Americans.”
“General Holder’s announcement today demonstrates just how radical the DOJ has become.
The same department that criminalizes journalism and fails to prosecute IRS agents who violate
the rights of American taxpayers is promising to sue states with taxpayer dollars to block laws
passed by elected legislators such as voter ID and citizenship verification.

“Every American voter deserves to have his or her vote counted - and not diluted by fraud or
error. The DOJ just put itself between the voters of Texas and their guaranteed constitutional
and civil rights.

“True the Vote has watched as Attorney General Eric Holder has repeatedly disregarded the
rule of law,” Engelbrecht continued. "We understand that this Department of Justice does not
believe that protection of voters’ rights should be colorblind.

“Texas will stand its ground in San Antonio – that’s a promise.”

This is the reaction of Senator Ted Cruz, from an interview on Fox News:

Senator John Cornyn released the following statement:

“By first going around the voters and now the Supreme Court, Attorney General Holder and President Obama’s intentions are readily transparent. This decision has nothing to do with protecting voting rights and everything to do with advancing a partisan political agenda.

“Texans should not – and will not – stand for the continued bullying of our state by the Obama Administration.”

RHCIA Hosts Minority Speakers on GOP Outreach

I read an interesting article spotlighting the two Hispanic Republican governors and it was helpful in affirming some thoughts I had after a recent event on Republicans and the topic du jour - outreach to minority communities.

Republicans now have two Latino (and two Asian-American) governors; Democrats have none. Mr Sandoval, a former Nevada gaming commissioner, shrewdly exploited a scandal within the state Republican Party to win election. Ms Martinez is a former criminal prosecutor from a border town, and an ex-Democrat whose 1995 conversion seemed to bear out Ronald Reagan’s quip that Hispanics, a fast-growing chunk of the electorate, are Republicans who “just don’t know it yet”.
Some polls show Latinos to be more pro-life than other Americans; many Republicans, rightly or wrongly, see this as an opportunity. Latinos are also more likely to run their own businesses and to believe that “most people can get ahead if they work hard”, which sounds like a good fit with Republican ideas. However, according to the Pew Hispanic Centre, 75% of them favour a bigger government that provides more services, which doesn’t sound like a good fit at all. In truth, many Latino votes are up for grabs. George W. Bush won a respectable 40% of them in 2004; Mitt Romney won a pathetic 27% in 2012. That suggests two things. First, personalities matter. Mr Bush, a Texan with a half-Mexican nephew, was at ease with Hispanic audiences; Mr Romney was not. Second, Latino voters really care about immigration. Mr Bush was vocally in favour of giving illegal immigrants a chance to become legal; Mr Romney was against it. Today, 55% of Latinos say immigration is the most important issue they face.

Last Saturday, Republican Hispanic Citizens in Action hosted a morning event that focused on Republican outreach, as seen through the experiences of minorities. The speakers included David Zapata, Republican Party of Texas Outreach Director; Kevin Fulton, a local attorney and Melissa Salas Blair, President and CEO of Puentes Research & Communications.  Club President Anthony Magdelano, a judicial candidate, opened the meeting.  Club 2nd VP Tony Garza put forth the morning's agenda and explained the topics of the day. Garza said we would "learn how to speak Latino."

The program states "Professional Latinos Promoting Conservative Public Policy".

This club was started in 2008 by Bernadette McLeroy and is a fast growing group.  The members are dedicated to getting the conservative message out and bringing in Hispanic voters for the Republican party.

BBC sent a reporter and a tech support person along to document the event.  Melissa Salas Blair, in particular, was chosen for an interview.  Many candidates were in attendance and a few even participated in the entire event, not simply showing up to glad hand and be seen long enough to be introduced when the time came.  Yes, candidates, attendees notice things like that at these events.

According to David Zapata, the Republican Party of Texas (RPT) conducted a survey concentrating on Hispanics in Texas.  All counted - residents, citizens, and undocumented Hispanics - the number grew 2,790,000 from 2000 to 2010.  By 2012, white Texans grew by 5% -6%, but minorities grew 50%-60%.  44% identify as Democrat, 26% identify as Republican, and 23% "vote by office".  But, when asked if the person is liberal or conservative, 40% identify as conservative, 18% identify as liberal and 36% identify as moderate.

In Houston, 45% of Hispanics voted for Mitt Romney and 46% voted for Obama in 2012.  In Houston, 18% of Hispanics considered themselves somewhat or very conservative, 52% conservative and 11% liberal.  In the U.S. Senate race between Ted Cruz and Paul Sadler, in Houston, 43% of Hispanic voters voted for Cruz and 32% voted for Sadler.

Social issues don't motivate Hispanics to vote for Republicans.  The economy and jobs are their focus.  To win Hispanic votes, Republicans have to commit to community involvement. Simply showing up four months before an election and asking for votes will not sway voters.  RPT is working to establish offices in areas that are in need of outreach - minority areas - and working with groups that are not Republican groups. Voter outreach provides access to leadership.  Community service as outreach throws "a monkey wrench into the thought process", that just because the mother or father of a voter always voted Democrat doesn't mean the next generation cannot become a Republican voter.

As Anthony Magdaleno said, outreach is "not a pre-election endeavor, it is a life long endeavor".

Kevin Fulton spoke to the concerns of the black community.  He was a Democrat until 15 years ago.  He pointed out that historically black universities were all started by Republicans.  It was the 1930's before Democrats allowed blacks into their conventions. Republican, however, have lost 37% of the black vote in the last 40 years.  Though the community is receptive to conservative messages, Republicans have lost touch.  13% of the vote has been lost since 1996, which can turn an election.

Fulton said that blacks don't want to hear that you don't see color - they do and know that you do, too.  This plays into the loss of identity that blacks had in the past.  Flooding money into a community before elections doesn't work.  The message has to be that you see a black person but you don't judge a person on color.  While the GOP is good at numbers, charts and logic, we are bad at appealing to emotion.  Speaking about wiping out social programs reminds people of poorer times.  We have to speak about using social programs as a safety net for those in need - as a temporary relief.  "Conservative" is not a good word in the black community - in the past for Democrats and now for Republicans.  "States Rights" is another poor choice as it conjures up the days of slavery. The Democrats have been quite savvy to frighten Republicans away from talking about black issues.  If Republicans do, they are labeled as racists.  If Republicans don't, Democrats tell voters Republicans don't care enough to talk about issues.

Melissa Salas Blair spoke about "taco outreach" - doing an annual event but nothing else during a calendar year.  "Latinos have been testing the waters of the Republican Party and have found it tepid and unwelcoming".  A point of reference is the yearly Christmas in July event in the Hispanic community.  Why wouldn't Republicans be a part of that, as well as other times?  She spoke about using social media and of re-branding the Republican party as a welcoming party.

Pastor Marcus Pena spoke of the need for Republicans to mentor students in schools.  In HISD, for example, Democrats have boldly infiltrated the system and are involved in mentoring students.  They know that once a child is won over, the parent is not far behind.  Back to School supply drives are a good way for Republicans to join in with a school.  Clubs or groups can chose a school and adopt it.  Republicans need to stay and mentor or tutor students year around.  Efforts must be consistent.

Our candidates must be comfortable speaking to any group and our tone has to be welcoming.  Words matter.  Solid conservative public policy involves more from politicians than just saying no to everything.  We are the party of Lincoln.  We are the party of small business owners and entrepreneurs.  Our message must be one of showing the way for others to realize their dreams and the dreams of their families.

Tax Code Section Renamed Honoring Kay Bailey Hutchison

Republicans in Texas have reaped the benefits from recently retired Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison's service in the U.S. Senate.  Just as she accomplished abolishing the state income tax during her time in the office of Texas State Comptroller, she has made a lasting difference in the U.S. tax code.  Benefiting women who choose to be stay at home domestic engineers, a section of the tax code now reflects her work creating the Spousal IRA.

Here is the press release from the office of Rep Kevin Brady acknowledging Hutchison's contribution:

Washington, DC – On Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed the Kay Bailey Hutchison Spousal IRA Act, legislation introduced by Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and John Cornyn (R-TX) in the Senate and Congressman Sam Johnson (R-TX) in the House, that renames Section 219 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code after former Texas Senator, Kay Bailey Hutchison.“Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison deserves praise for her tireless advocacy for parents who work full-time at home to care for their families,” said Texas Congressman Kevin Brady, co-sponsor of the House bill and a senior Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee. “The Kay Bailey Hutchison Spousal IRA allows both parents to contribute to two separate IRA accounts, giving them the ability to make wise financial decisions for their future, even as they are making financial sacrifices in order to allow one parent to stay at home. This provision levels the playing field and treats all parents equally, whether they work outside the home or not. Senator Hutchison is a true champion for this tax provision and it is right to honor her for her efforts to help millions of families.”

Kay Bailey Hutchison is to be thanked for her tireless work on behalf of first, Texas families, and later for families across America.  Her career in politics has paved the way for other Texas Republican women.

Texas Attorney General Abbott Announces Gubernatorial Bid

Thirty minutes before he appeared in San Antonio Sunday afternoon to officially announce his bid for Governor for the state of Texas, Attorney General Greg Abbott announced his plans on a conference call with bloggers.  Calling bloggers "communicators for the conservative voice in the state and in the nation", Abbott described bloggers as "an essential voice" and providers of a needed service in political discourse.  "I wanted you to know first", he said.

Highlighting his time in the Attorney General's office, Abbott declared that though he didn't pen the slogan, "Don't Mess with Texas", he has sued the federal government some 27 times in his five years in office - more than anyone else. Texas "must have a battle tested fighter" for governor, he said. 

Abbott wants to continue to fight for liberty against growing intrusions from the federal government, whether it is over EPA decisions or in insisting Texas law will not pass on threats to gun laws. 

Abbott stressed the need to keep taxes low, and for maintaining reasonable regulations.  He will work to keep a level playing field and not pick winners and losers among businesses.  He wants to prioritize essentials such as roads, water and schools.

Abbott wants to secure our porous border.  He pledges to enforce the rule of law.

"I am going to work tirelessly to earn every vote", he said. "Government is the servant of the people, not the other way around." 

During the question and answer portion of the conference call, he was asked about his Twitter account.  He verified that it is his personal account and that he writes his own tweets, "so you will know more about me." He says Twitter is an "interesting insight into my personality."

When questioned about the possibility of success in the near future from the turn Texas blue movement, Abbott said "it is a pressing issue I take very seriously".  He embraces demographic changes as an opportunity to bring in more conservative voters.  Noting he has been married to a Latina for some 31 years, he said the Latino community shares conservative values of faith, family and individual freedom.

Pledging to have frequent communication with bloggers and through social media in general, Abbott begins his run as the heir apparent to the governor's office. 

Texas Senate Passes Abortion Bill

The inevitable has come to reality.  The Texas State Senate passed SB1, the legislation known as HB2 in the Texas State House.  The vote was 19-11.  Now it goes to the desk of Governor Perry to sign into law.

The bill is HERE and it is 19 pages online.

Also as predicted, the headlines written by the Democrats and the press claim that abortion is now outlawed in Texas.  Only after going to read the articles do you learn that the headlines are deliberately misleading and abortion is restricted after 20 weeks.  

This will happen when the bill on new abortion regulations becomes law in Texas - the lawsuits will begin:

Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the American Civil Liberties Union are suing Wisconsin to try to block a new law that would require abortion providers to have admitting privileges at local hospitals.The measure would force two of the state’s four abortion providers to shut down, according to the complaint. A fifth clinic is set to close for unrelated reasons, according to the groups.“The purpose and effect of the requirement, which is wholly unnecessary and unreasonable, is to impose a substantial obstacle in the path of women seeking abortion prior to viability, in violation of their constitutional right to privacy,” lawyers for the groups said in the complaint.
Wisconsin is one of several states where legal battles are taking place over newly introduced hospital-privilege requirements for abortion providers. Federal judges in Alabama and Mississippi have issued orders stopping similar laws from being implemented after finding that they might cause substantial burdens for women seeking to terminate pregnancies.

And so it goes.

HB2 Passes in Texas State House

With four more votes than it received before Wendy Davis filibustered the State Senate bill, the Texas House of Representatives passed HB2 with a vote of 98-49.  The process included a full day of debate and a couple of dozen amendments offered by those opposing the bill.  Now the wait as the State Senate continues its process on their bill, SB1, which should be voted on in a few days.  Lt Governor Dewhurst has expressed his confidence that the bill will pass without the theatrics of the last Special Session.

Politics is a messy business.

Today saw a death threat issued to the Texas Lt. Governor and abortion activists screaming “F— the Church.”

 The Democrats often mock Republicans for being anti-science.  In this case, however, either Democrats deny the presence of fetal pain, as proved in recent scientific findings, or simply do not think that is reason to re-consider abortion after 20 weeks.  Polling shows that the majority of people no longer think third trimester abortion is acceptable once those polled are given information on fetal pain.

A recent national poll by The Polling Company found that, after being informed that there is scientific evidence that unborn children are capable of feeling pain at least by 20 weeks, 64% would support a law banning abortion after 20 weeks, unless the mother’s life was in danger.   Only 30% said they would oppose such a law.

It is difficult to view the opposition as rational when their behavior is so offensive to regular observers of the process.  

Abortion activists haven’t covered themselves in glory in Austin. They hijacked “Amazing Grace,” have lied that they “stand for women” when they only stand for some women, have threatened to use SWAT tactics against pro-lifers, and all the while they have stood shoulder to shoulder with a greedy billion dollar corporation that has been caught in numerous lies and abuses. Not a classy run, really. 

Is yelling "hail, Satan" or "f**k the church" the way to move a viewpoint forward?   It is also interesting that today younger voters consider themselves as pro-life as opposed to older voters who are often allied with more pro-choice views.

It’s not new that most single-issue abortion voters are pro-life. But what has changed in recent years is that the broader public’s vague aversion to abortion on humanitarian grounds has intensified. Whether or not this translates to voting habits, abortion is becoming a less acceptable part of our culture to a greater number of people.The adult population describes itself as more pro-life now that it ever has since the Roe v. Wade decision, and the young (an important part of the Obama coalition) are significantly more pro-life than their parents were.  The “pro-life” description can be somewhat vague, but there are more concrete indicators that go beyond personal disapproval of abortion. A recent National Journal poll released this month asked voters specifically whether they support or oppose a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy – a measure similar to what some Red states have been adopting, to the dismay of a lopsided liberal media. The public at large supports such a ban narrowly, but the split is especially telling. Those under 30 support it by double digits, whereas those over 50 (whose days of childbearing are long past, but who came of age in a different era) narrowly opposed the ban.It is very easy for poll questions on abortion to prejudice the answer to one side or the other. Yet regardless of how the question is asked or how the results come in, there is also no significant gap between men and women on the abortion issue. Where there is a gap, it’s usually because women are more likely to oppose most or all abortions. The National Journal poll, for example, found that they are significantly more supportive of a ban after 20 weeks. 

This week the Texas State Senate finishes the hearings and debate on their version of the bill - SB1. A vote will be by the end of the week or the beginning of next, according to Lt Governor Dewhurst.

Democrats Applaud Perry Announcement

Texas Governor Rick Perry will not seek re-election, as he announced Monday in San Antonio, and the social media in the Democrat world is all excited. Lots of fundraising letters and declarations that Texas will be the land o' Democrats in no time commenced to fill email inboxes and Twitter timelines and Facebook status updates.

Clearly even the Democrats who have moved to Texas recently to do the bidding of Team Obama and the DNC in Washington, D.C. understand that as long as Rick Perry was in the picture he would be the victor at the ballot box. 

Of course there is this one by Jenn Brown, Battleground Texas Executive Director, who declares to know "Texas values" though she is not a Texan and has only lived here a brief time herself. It is her job to "turn Texas blue" with the help of other Team Obama folks. 

The Republican party needs to know that voters are tired of being taken for granted and will hold elected officials accountable for their extremist views. It’s time to have a real discussion about the issues that matter most, instead of defaulting to the status-quo extremism that does not reflect the values of most Texans.

Funny. A Democrat speaking about a politician "taking for granted" any voters, considering that is what they are guilty of, especially when it comes to black voters and women, too. 

The Texas Democratic Party has a page on their website for contributions in the name of "Act Blue".

Democrats in the state are pinning their hopes of future electoral wins to State Senator Wendy Davis and her 15 minutes of national fame for filibustering in favor of third trimester abortions and stand alone abortion clinics that are not properly regulated.  Even outsiders like those writing for Politico understand that this is probably not a winning strategy.

Democrats are gearing up to spend millions of dollars to “turn Texas blue” by bringing in a new generation of Latino voters.So when an abortion fight flared in Austin this summer, it seemed the stars had aligned — liberals had a hot-button cause to galvanize new supporters who just might stick around for the long haul.There’s just one problem: Latinos as a group oppose abortion more strongly than most other voting groups.

Those hoping to turn Texas blue are not concerned about Texas values.  They are only here to fund raise for their own organizations, whether it is union involvement, ACLU, Planned Parenthood, or the Texas Democratic Party.  Traditionally it is the Democratic party that pushes for more regulations in any industry, not less or status quo.  In this case, instead of speaking the truth on the bill before the Texas legislature, the talking point is that Republicans want to outlaw abortion in Texas. The truth is that in the last session, the Legislature increased state funding by $179 million dollars for women’s health 
services including annual visits, preventative screening, and contraceptives. 

Oh, that fact isn't being presented in the debate on the left?  Imagine that.

This is legitimately a safety issue for a pregnant woman seeking a surgical procedure - as is the case in third trimester abortion.  It is right that those who demand government be involved in every aspect of our lives also demand reasonable safety regulations for women to avoid more stories of butchers like Gosnell.  

There is big money in the abortion business.  Isn't it reasonable to expect those profiting from it to put some of that money back into the facilities to maintain stronger regulations?  Isn't it reasonable to expect to have a surgical procedure performed by a licensed doctor able to meet requirements of a hospital or surgery center within a 30 mile radius? None of those expectations are radical or extreme.  It is basic decency and common sense.