The RNC Responds to Recent Criticism

While it is en vogue for the loud ones inside Republican politics to criticize the RNC, and that would include myself at times, here's the thing - reality has begun to settle in and some very necessary groundwork is being done. Here is a recap from party headquarters on what support and action was offered/taken in two important gubernatorial races - New Jersey and Virginia:

FROM: RNC Political Director Chris McNulty

Here are some of things we did in New Jersey:

• The RNC spent $2.5 million to support Chris Christie and the Republican ticket, while building the party’s presence in New Jersey.
• The RNC had 32 staff in New Jersey, stationed in 20 offices, eight of which were paid for by the RNC.
• Two of the offices, located in Paterson and Vineland, were dedicated to Hispanic engagement and bilingual voter contact. This investment helped the New Jersey Republican Party and the Christie campaign contact and identify new Republican voters.
• On-the-ground Hispanic engagement activities were coordinated with our state advisory team of 15 county chairs. (By next year, the team will have grown to 40 new chairs in targeted precincts.)
• African American engagement staff ensured Republicans had a presence at events and gathering across the state, ready to pass out literature and share our message.
• Republicans attended everything from civic and religious events to high school competitions, from an annual Alpha Kappa Alpha gathering to rallies for African American candidates.
• The Christie campaign utilized RNC offices to hold Asian-Pacific American phone banks and to organize the canvassing operation.
• With a record number of Republican women running for office in New Jersey, the RNC Co-Chair’s office helped launched Project New Jersey, along with sister organizations and committees, to provide training and support for these candidates.   

Here’s a look at Virginia:

• The RNC spent $3 million to support Ken Cuccinelli and the Republican ticket, while building the party’s presence in Virginia.
• In getting out the vote for Cuccinelli and the Republican ticket, we tested our new precinct-based voter contact model.
• Precinct Teams, led by Precinct Captains, canvassed neighborhoods using RNC data and new technology.
• This allowed for a more decentralized approach: individuals could focus on neighborhoods with which they were familiar.
• By October, we already had twice as many data points as we did at the same point in 2012.
• We had 50 offices, which was more than 2012.
• We had 60 staff on the ground, on par with 2012.
• Our Virginia-based staff included four dedicated to Asian-Pacific American engagement, two for African American engagement, and one for Hispanic engagement.
• On the communications side, the RNC equipped campaigns with comprehensive communications plans for engaging with minority communities.
• The RNC ran ads on Korean TV, commissioned a poll of Korean residents and tested targeted digital ads—in addition to other efforts to reach new voters.

Building a truly national party with a year-round presence takes time. But in just a few short months we’ve made much progress. We already have hundreds of staff at work in communities all across the country. Under our new grassroots-based ground game model, we’re organizing at the precinct level, and our staff will work alongside state parties and campaigns to support a team of thousands of Precinct Captains we’ve already recruited. They in turn will be responsible for building Precinct Teams to contact and persuade voters neighborhood by neighborhood. We’ve made substantial investments in engaging with Hispanic, African American, and Asian-Pacific communities, including staff and offices in Washington, DC, and multiple states. These efforts are based on the same model and organized down to the precinct level. In addition, the RNC is providing playbooks to campaigns for effective minority engagement, giving them resources they otherwise would not have. All of this work is long-term. It’s about winning in 2014. It’s also about 2016, 2020, and beyond. It’s about laying a foundation for future candidates and campaigns. The RNC’s mission is to prepare the field for our candidates. Our work continues on in 2014, and we will refine our approach based on what we learned from 2013.

Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey won re-election while Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli did not win his race to be his state's governor.  It can not be stressed enough that a candidate must be viable and able to communicate well with the electorate.  Different states produce different candidates.  In order to win a general election, a Republican candidate has to be able to attract Independents and conservative Democrats - think Reagan Democrats - because Republican voters alone cannot win elections.  The numbers are simply not there.

The votes of women, of Hispanics, of Asian Americans and of Black Americans all play into the final tally.  A candidate has to be able to talk to all voters. 

So, in New Jersey, a "governing conservative" Republican not only ran ahead of his female Democrat opponent with women...WITH WOMEN... he also won 51% of the Hispanic vote, 21% of the Black vote and 32% of the Democrats in a BLUE state.


For those determined to work against Governor Christie, this is something to remember: 
One mistake for the GOP to avoid is casting Mr. Christie as a "moderate" because he won twice in a Democratic state. The Governor has by and large governed as a conservative reformer. He vetoed a tax increase on millionaires and capped property taxes. He pushed tenure reforms that will make it easier to fire bad teachers, and he extracted far more pension reform out of a Democratic legislature than did Democratic Governors Jerry Brown in California or Andrew Cuomo in New York.

As predicted in Virginia, though the Governor's race was a Republican loss, as was the lt Gov race, the Virginia House of Delegates remains in solid control by the GOP.  Both of these men turned off women and Independents in a big way because of rhetoric.  A candidate cannot be more interested in pushing a personal opinion as it relates to a social (personal) issue more than he is interested in a vote.  He/She gets a vote by persuading with respectful arguments. No one wants to listen to sanctimonious lecturing or sweeping insults to those with whom the candidate disagrees.

The RNC is now engaged in a 50 state strategy with paid staff and brick and mortar headquarters. The old days of beefing up the bank account at national headquarters and waiting until the final stretch to dole out checks to candidates in need of some support are gone.

To those who proclaim loyalty to the Tea Party and not the GOP or to those who proclaim loyalty to being "conservative" over being Republican (as though the choice is not Republican versus Democrat) I say this - if you demand that those who financially contribute to the RNC stop doing so until whatever hoops you are producing are being jumped through, you are the problem.  The time has come for you to be mocked for the unserious person you are. Politics is not about just winning an argument, it is about winning elections.  In order to govern, the party must win the election. That, my friends, is Politics 101.

And for the completely clueless who proudly boast Libertarian support? That vote process can go either way. Those within the Tea Party leaning faction of the Republican population don't seem to realize that often the Libertarian vote aids the Democrat in the race.  In the case of the Virginia race, one poll showed that 2/3 of those voting for the Libertarian candidate held McAuliffe as a second choice, not Cuccinelli.   

From Rich Galen at Mullings.com: 

• Oh, the third party candidate in Virginia? The Libertarian? Before you say if he hadn't been in the race Cuccinelli would have won, CNN's political unit points out that "exit polls indicate McAuliffe would have beaten Cuccinelli by 7 points (50%-43%)" instead of the 2½ percentage points he did win by.

Texas Asian Republican Club Honors 2013 Statesman of the Year

Wednesday night, Memorial West Republican Women PAC was honored to be a Gold Sponsor for the Texas Asian Republican Club's 2013 Statesman of the Year banquet held at Kim Son Restaurant.  Statesman of the Year is Tarrant County Commissioner Andy Nguyen and honored as Asian Elected Official was Sugar Land Councilman Harish Jajoo.

Founded in 1984, Texas Asian Republican Club (TARC) is an active Asian Republican organization dedicated to bring the Asian Americans into the mainstream of America through social-political involvement. Their mission states "To uphold the constitution of the United States of America and to increase the effectiveness of Asian Americans in the cause of good government through active political participation."  President Nghi T Ho presided over the evening's presentations.  Vice-President Dr. Martha Wong presented the engraved crystal vases to the honorees.

Commissioner Nguyen told his personal story of his childhood in Vietnam during the war and how his family eventually were able to come to America.  His is truly an "only in America" kind of success story.  Councilman Jajoo also has a compelling personal story.

The objectives of TARC are as follow:
1. Increase the effectiveness of Asian Americans in the formation and functioning of good government.
2. Promote and facilitate cooperation among Asian American Republicans on common concern.
3. Develop and articulate sound public policies affecting Asian Americans.
4. Identify and represent the special interest of Asian Americans to all major political nominees and elected officials.
5. Strengthen the political clout of Asian Americans through increased political involvement.

It is important to remember that Asian voters are the fastest growing demographic in Texas elections.  It is critical for Republicans to engage the Asian American community - it is crucial to keeping Texas a red state.  Recently, Texas Republican Party Chairman Munisteri hired the State Party's first Asian American outreach coordinator.

I encourage you to attend a meeting and get to know the members of this club.  You will be welcomed and enjoy the fellowship of their meetings.

Rep Jim Murphy Speaks to Memorial West Republican Women PAC

On Monday, speaking to a packed room of club members, guests and elected officials, Tx State Rep Jim Murphy (Dist 133) presented an update on many timely subjects.  I had the pleasure of introducing him.  I live in his district.

I learned of a new development that I am really excited about - the district is getting a Farmers Market!  This is exciting news for those of us who live in the Westchase District and are a long drive away from existing Farmers Markets.

After a year of anticipation, the Westchase District Farmers Market will open at last this October. The year-round weekly market will be open on Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m.  on the parking lot at St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church, 10503 Westheimer Road (at Rogerdale Road). 

More than a dozen vendors have committed to participate in the market and more are signing up as Carey reaches out to them. “I expect to have a good mix of agricultural products, including pork, lamb, beef, eggs, produce, and cheeses,” he said. The farmers market also will feature value-added products such as locally-made jams and jellies, honey, specialty soaps and bread.The Westchase District Farmers Market is made possible by a $65,000 grant through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farmers Market Promotion Program. The FMPP supports efforts to improve and expand domestic farmers markets and other community-supported agriculture programs.“Our market will exist to offer citizens of west Houston access to high quality, locally-grown seasonal fresh foods, as well as to provide a vibrant community gathering place for the Westchase community,” said Fox. 

The market hours were set to accommodate both the working community in Westchase District and the residents of the surrounding neighborhoods.  “Our hours will accommodate 8-to-5 employees, carpool parents and retirees living nearby – all of whom want to take advantage of the opportunity to buy locally-grown produce,” she added. “We’re confident both the business and the residential communities will support the market and its vendors.” 

As you may know, Rep Murphy is General Manager of Westchase District.  He refered to it as his day job as he gave updates on the latest news.

Candidate for Texas Attorney General, Rep Dan Branch, remarked that Murphy is likely a future Speaker of the House, a remark warmly received by the audience.

Murphy encourage all to vote for the proposition on the upcoming ballot for funding water needs of the state.  Three major measures to ensure long-term viability of water resources in Texas by creating a funding mechanism that needs to be approved by voters in November were passed by the Texas Legislature. This appears on our ballot as Prop 6.

United Republicans of Harris County and TFRW Host Tx Lt Governor Forum

Tuesday night, a candidate forum for Texas Lt Governor was held at the Trini Mendenhall Sosa Community Center.  A packed room with a crowd of 300 listened to all four Republicans running for the office make their case to voters.  United Republicans of Harris County and Texas Federation of Republican Women hosted the event.  Channel 11's senior political reporter, Doug Miller, served as the moderator.

I can offer little to the well written blog post from David Jennings on his Big Jolly Politics blog. So, I will just include a few personal observations. With FULL DISCLOSURE, I state that I am a member of the Board of Directors for United Republicans of Harris County and I am a member of Texas Federation of Republican Women.  I am not endorsing any of the candidates and encourage everyone to go to events to hear from the candidates in person.  Get a feel for them up close and listen to them.  Make a decision for yourself.  

I think all of the candidates had a good night.  United Republicans of Harris County has a well-deserved reputation for treating candidates fairly and with respect.  The time limits and rotation system used was designed to keep the forum moving while covering major issues without allowing any one candidate to go into campaign speech mode. This forum allowed voters to see the candidates think on their feet and make their points in a controlled format.

Last week I heard Commissioner Jerry Patterson speak at the September meeting with Tomball Republican Women.  I found him to be engaging and in possession of a quick sense of humor.  He seemed to be enjoying himself and the audience responded well to him.  He recounted his authorship of the concealed weapons legislation as well as his insistence that border security takes an all of the above approach - boots on the ground, electronic surveillance, a guest worker program, etc.

I heard Lt Gov Dewhurst speak about two weeks ago at the September meeting of Texas Tea Party Republican Women and he was also well-received.  He spoke of his dedication to social conservatism and keeping Texas a fiscally conservative state. He spoke of the chaos brought on by those who were supporting the filibuster and of not allowing the disrupters a victory in the end.

I have heard Sen Dan Patrick speak in the past and most recently in person a few months back when he was part of a forum on school choice and charter schools.  He excels when he speaks on education reform.  He mentioned that if he is elected Lt Governor, he will continue to speak on the radio and listeners can call in and speak with him about their concerns.

Commissioner Todd Staples was the participant I am least familiar with, at this point.  He is young, energetic, and going full steam ahead.  He has a distinctive East Texas twang and projects being comfortable in his own skin. I enjoyed his promoting his own book with humor and suggesting it as a holiday gift.  Humor and laughs from the audience broke up the seriousness of the evening frequently - a welcome relief.

I noted that all four men are comfortable making fun of themselves and secure enough to show they are only human, as are we all. Most of all, it was refreshing to watch a panel of politicians treating each other with civility. 

Senator Cornyn Explains His Cloture Vote

As the Senate opened Friday, I think that body's chaplain summed it up well in this day's prayer:

Capturing the sense of uncertainty gripping Capitol Hill, Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black called on lawmakers Friday during his opening prayer to “keep us from shackling ourselves with the chains of dysfunction,” adding later: “Lord, deliver us from governing by crisis, empowering us to be responsible stewards of your bounty.”

Friday morning Senator John Cornyn sent out a statement on his support for the House-passed Continuing Resolution that defunds Obamacare and called on Democrats to join him:

"Mr. President, this is a moment of truth. We need to be absolutely clear about what we’re voting on here. “A yes vote will be a vote to fund Obamacare because it will take out of the underlying continuing resolution the House position that Republicans have universally supported to defund Obamacare. “But I would ask my colleagues, before they vote yes on this important amendment, do you really want to be responsible for killing more jobs? Do you really want to be responsible for more people losing their health insurance and their own doctors? Do you really want to be responsible for making full-time work part-time work? “If not, then vote no. This is a second chance, and in life you don't get many second chances. I hope our colleagues will take advantage of the opportunity.” 

The cloture vote was held and the vote was 79-19 in the U.S. Senate.  Senator Cornyn voted with 22 other Republicans and all of the Democrats for cloture.  He spoke of his reasoning process in a conference with conservative bloggers, including me, Friday afternoon.

All 54 members of the Democratic caucus voted to end debate on the bill. They were joined by 23 Republicans. The 19 Republican senators who voted no were Mike Crapo (Idaho), Ted Cruz (Tex.), Mike Enzi (Wyo.), Deb Fischer (Neb.), Charles E. Grassley (Iowa), Dean Heller (Nev.), James M. Inhofe (Okla.), Mike Lee (Utah), Jerry Moran (Kan.), Rand Paul (Ky.), Rob Portman (Ohio), James E. Risch (Idaho), Pat Roberts (Kan.), Marco Rubio (Fla.), Tim Scott (S.C.), Jeff Sessions (Ala.), Richard C. Shelby (Ala.), Patrick J. Toomey (Pa.) and David Vitter (La.).

Next, on a strict party line vote , the U.S. Senate voted to strip out the Obamacare defunding effort in the House bill before them.  This was all very predictable to political strategists.  Maybe not so much for those who aren't political scientists.  Let me tell you what Senator Cornyn said.

If you have been paying attention to politics in recent days, you know that it is all about Republican efforts to defund Obamacare as the implementation date of October 1 quickly approaches.  Senator Cornyn has come under considerable friendly fire from the folks preferring the more dramatic style of Senator Ted Cruz and his 21 hour talkathon over Senator Cornyn's more judicial temperament.

Let me stop here and have a moment of FULL DISCLOSURE:  I proudly tell you, dear reader, that I was a blogger for John Cornyn before conservative blogging for candidates was cool.  He and his campaign team brought on a budding conservative blogging community long before most candidates did.  I was a part of that effort in his first Senate campaign and have continued to be a supporter.  This is also true of Ted Cruz.  I will also proudly tell you that I was a blogger for the Cruz campaign.  All of this was voluntary and I have never been a paid staffer for either man.  So, I want it to be clear I support them both. This is not an either/or proposition for me.

Meanwhile, back in social media, the folks who label themselves grassroots or far right conservatives or "true conservatives" or Tea Party have their hair on fire over this.  The popular parlor game is to conjure up names of potential primary challengers in Senator Cornyn's upcoming re-election.  He's feeling the pushback and is responding.

Senator Cornyn voted 'yes' Friday because he said he couldn't justify a 'no' vote on the House bill, which he strongly supports.  He said it is a reasonable disagreement between those pursuing short term strategy versus those pursuing long term strategy.  Senator Cruz's modified filibuster was for short term effect and voting for the House bill even though that then brought the vote to strip it of the Obamacare defunding was long term strategy.

Republicans remain unified on fighting Obamacare but there is a split when it comes to strategy.  That point is painfully clear.  Senator Cornyn came to the U.S. Senate from the Supreme Court of Texas and possesses a judicial temperament.  Senator Cruz pursues a more passionate approach to politics. His experience is as a trial lawyer. Both are needed in politics and,frankly, I think it is to the benefit of the State of Texas to have one from both columns.  Do not for a minute equate either personality with a lesser form of conservatism.  Senator Cornyn reminded those on the conference call that National Journal lists him as the second most conservative U.S. Senator.  "My record is very clear", he said, as he acknowledged that his style is "not as dramatic or as much of a rallying call" as that of Senator Cruz.

Now the Democratic senators in Red States are on record as a yes vote to both implement Obamacare and fund it, though they can no longer claim ignorance of the rejection of the program by a majority of Americans.  The government will remain open for business, avoiding a shutdown hoped for by Democrats.  They would love nothing more than running for re-election in 2014 on the back of a GOP government shutdown.  They have little else to run on.

"This fight is far from over", Cornyn said.  There is a difference in tactics within the Republican "family" but Democrats are now on record and a government shutdown would be a job killer plus Obamacare would still be funded from other sources of funding.  To be clear - a government shutdown would not defund Obamacare.  It continues until reforms are made and it is repealed.

Cornyn said that the distraction of a government shutdown would negate the headlines pointing to the really lousy recent months President Obama has experienced.  Plus, the 2.4% of government spending involved within the sequester is leverage against Democrats as the next battle is over raising the debt ceiling.  Cornyn will push for reforms to Social Security and other programs as that deadline approaches. He will push for a one year delay in the individual mandate within Obamacare and he is encouraged that some Democrats are beginning to voice concerns over the vastly unpopular program.

The strategy is to get more Republicans elected in 2014 to take back control of the Senate and have more sway over Obama's last two years in office.  "I know some of it is frustration", Cornyn said of the furor expressed by his critics in our party and that a lot of it is frustration with "this lawless administration."  The perception, though, that Senator Cornyn is not really fighting against Obamacare or that he is less of a conservative than others who vote as Republicans, is simply not accurate.

A unified Republican "family" will win elections.  There are legitimate differences in strategies and that is ok.  Actually, it is healthy within a political party.  The same end result and a vision of it is all that matters.  

Memorial West Republican Women PAC Presents Houston City Council Candidate Forum

If the number in attendance of Tuesday night's candidate forum is any indication of interest in the race for Houston City Council, District A, then we can assume this is a big race. A comfortably full room listened as all five Republican candidates answered questions presented by the moderator, the Hon Martha Wong.

Memorial West Republican Women PAC and Houston West Chamber of Commerce partnered in offering a candidate forum to the community.  Memorial West Republican Women PAC (MWRW) has actively pursued our goal of increased community outreach and providing opportunities for educating the electorate.  Houston West Chamber of Commerce works to increase business involvement in the community.

Incumbent Helena Brown, Ron Hale, Mike Knox, Amy Peck and Brenda Stardig provide a slate of candidates that are experienced, engaged and enthusiastic.  All bring a little something different to the table.  

Helena Brown possesses the confidence and knowledge of an incumbent.  She defended her reputation of being the no vote on so many City Council votes and she stressed her insistence of voting her district - that she actively goes to the community for answers before votes.

Ron Hale is young, fresh candidate and has enough experience on the campaign trail now to hold his own.  He comes from a business background which he is able to use in his responses to questioning.  He calls himself a voice for the unheard.

Mike Knox is a retired union member of the Houston Police Department.  He is an expert on gang violence. He mentioned several times that he has lived in the district for 23 years and will live there the rest of his life.

Amy Peck has years of experience in government at the state level which she is now eager to put to use at the city level.  She possesses an impressive resume with higher education that includes an advanced degree and extensive knowledge of the legislative process.  Currently District Director for State Senator Dan Patrick, she offers a reasoned approach to matters before the Council.

Brenda Stardig has a strong business background and extensive financial experience. She held the seat before CM Brown.  Stardig stressed that she has continued the work in a volunteer capacity that was important to her on the Council.

All provided thoughtful and reasoned answers to the questions posed, which ranged from pensions, human trafficking, infrastructure, Chapter 42 and included the opportunity to ask a question of another candidate.  As a Federated Republican Women's PAC, Memorial West does not endorse any one candidate in the race, as stipulated in our by-laws.  I will mention though, that all three women candidates are either a full member or associate member of the club. MWRW is proud to have a membership roster that includes such actively involved women.

Memorial West Republican Women PAC recognizes that in politics, everything begins at the local level.  It is crucial that members of any community get involved and stay educated on the issues affecting them and their families.  Republican Women are particularly involved with education, which is essential for an informed electorate.  Community outreach to all communities is vital for party growth.  Recently MWRW was able to be a part of the First Annual Scholarship Luncheon presented by Camera de Empresarios Latinos de Houston.  We sponsored a table and our members enjoyed  a warm reception as we made some new friends.  Working together, conservative leaning voters can succeed.

Daughters of Liberty Republican Women Host Judge Mayfield & George P Bush

In celebration of  Hispanic Heritage Month,  Daughters of Liberty Republican Women provided a program including two Hispanic Republican speakers Wednesday evening at the SOSA Center.  Judge Debra Ibarra Mayfield spoke first and was followed by George P. Bush, candidate for Texas Land Commissioner.

President Cheryl Dalton welcomed all those in attendance and opened the meeting.  Judge Mayfield provided the opening prayer.

Mariachi music was provided by the High School of Performing and Visual Arts.  Alejandro Blanco, a member of the group, sang the National Anthem.  These young people did an exceptional job and the audience really enjoyed their contribution to the event.

Chris Carmona, Chairman of the Harris County Republican Party's (HCRP) Outreach Committee, led the audience in the American and Texas State Pledges.  Jared Woodfill, Chairman of  HCRP, introduced the elected officials and candidates.

Allyson Wilkinson, VP of Programs, introduced Judge Mayfield.  Judge Mayfield spoke of faith, family and freedom - the three tenets that brought her to the Republican Party as she learned them from her father.  She spoke of being questioned by Hispanics as to why she is a Republican.  She emphasized the comment spoken at another time by George P. Bush - that Republicans don't need to change their message, but they need to change the marketing.  

George P Bush was first introduced to America as the twelve year old grandson of George HW Bush at the Republican National Convention when the elder Bush was nominated as the GOP Presidential candidate. Anyone who watched that convention remembers that George P Bush introduced his grandfather to the crowd and ended the introduction with "Viva Bush!".  That was 1988.  Now he is a University of Texas Law School grad, successful young business man - having started three businesses, husband, new father, Afghanistan War veteran, Navy Reservist, and now he is a candidate for Texas Land Commissioner.

Among the aspects of the job Bush would like to focus on, veterans and their needs are a priority.  He noted it is Suicide Prevention month and the number of deaths attributed to suicide in the military.  He would like to streamline and make more transparent the process used by FEMA in natural disaster relief.  For example, Hurricane Ike hit the Texas coast five years ago yet FEMA monies have gone through three Texas agencies and still have yet to be distributed to all the claimants.  

He noted that he would be the first Texas Land Commissioner, should he be elected, to have a background in investing and equities which would be useful in financial management of the agency.   He wants to continue expanding the preservation of Texas history at The Alamo and keeping in tact the Texas History courses in schools.  

Bush stressed the need for more work by the Republican Party in minority communities.  He said the GOP cannot go to communities only right before an election, they must be there the day after elections, too.  He is concerned about the long term strategy being implemented by Battleground Texas.  He noted that in places like Tarrant and Dallas counties, Battleground Texas is sponsoring Little League teams and their logo is on the players' jerseys.  They are aggressively marketing their message and have the full cooperation and support of President Obama and his team in Washington.  Battleground Texas knows that Texas will not turn purple and then blue in the short term but that is why they have a more persistent, patient plan developing.  He said that Republicans must get out of the two year mindset in planning and focus on the long term, too.

As good Republican candidates do, he acknowledged the hard work that Republican Women do for candidates and our party.  He quoted Margaret Thatcher - " If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman." 

Rep Ted Poe Speaks to Greater Houston Council

Tuesday morning the featured speaker for the September meeting of the Greater Houston Council of Federated Republican Women was Rep Ted Poe.  In recognition of Constitution Day, Rep Poe was a fitting and timely choice to update the audience on his work in Washington, D.C.  Immediately after speaking he was to travel back to Washington to continue the peoples' business.

Poe noted the continued abuses of the Bill of Rights as those in government take an increased level of power and the majority of people remain silent, as though they are not concerned.  He spoke of this President's habit of using Executive Orders to circumvent votes in Congress and the will of the people.  The Bill of Rights is to protect the people from government, not the other way around. There is no such thing in the Bill of Rights as an Executive Order. All recent Presidents have been guilty of using Executive Orders to promote their agendas.

Poe calls the NSA the "National Spy Agency".  As for citizen surveillance, Poe stated, "when in doubt, get a warrant".  A former judge, Poe reminded his audience that in today's electronic world a search warrant only takes a matter of minutes to obtain.  Did you know that all of your emails over six months old are being collected and stored with the use of search warrants?

On Syria, Poe said, "it's a mess, folks". He believes the U.S. has no business getting involved in that country's civil war between Sunnis and Shias.  It is not in the national security interests of the U.S.  He has brought forth a bill to deny funding for sending weapons to Syria.  In speaking about arming the rebels, Poe pointed out the recent experience with Libya as an example.  He said it is the fox watching the hen house for Russia to be taking the lead in the response to Syria, as that nation supplies chemical weapons to Syria.

On the length of time this administration has been mulling the decision on the Keystone Pipeline, Poe said that five years is far too long - Boulder Dam was built in 4 years, 5 months.  He supports a "4 country alliance" of Canada, U.S., Texas, and Mexico - a North America Alliance.  Yeah, you see what he did there! "Let's build the pipeline", said Poe.

Wednesday brings a new hearing on Benghazi in the House Foreign Affairs Committee.  Despite this administration's insistence that this attack was long ago and old news, it is not over.  Poe noted that no one has been brought to justice or held responsible - that only the video producer is in jail, after he was victim of a bogus excuse for that attack.  Poe said the U.S. should employ the methods of Israel and track the terrorists worldwide until they are brought into custody.  He used the example of the Munich Olympics and how it took Israel 20 years but the terrorists were held accountable.

On the matter of Fast and Furious, Poe said a federal judge will decide if the contempt charge filed against the DOJ is upheld.  The judge keeps postponing the case.  It is a Constitutional issue that needs to be resolved.  In making a decision, the judge must "take the horse and ride it."

A big focus for Poe is on human trafficking.  He has traveled to other countries plagued with this human tragedy, as well as in our own country and has filed legislation with Rep Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) which would require smugglers to be charged and persecuted, as well as the "customer".  Unfortunately, Houston is a hub for the human trafficking business.  He spoke of the value of working with others from across the aisle to produce worthy legislation.

Poe declared that the Senate bill on immigration will not be voted on in the House. Period.

Which brings us to the last topic Rep Poe wanted to talk about.  Republicans must "think a little bigger" when it comes to the survival of our party. We will disappear as the Whigs did if the insistence by some on using litmus tests continues. "If I think I'm a Republican, I'm a Republican".  Differing opinions are healthy but not for declaring who is in the party.  As for the enthusiasm by some to bring a challenge in a primary election race, it is important to remember "at the end of the day, other Republicans aren't the enemy, the Democrats are". He noted that protesters have targeted his local offices and that they are paid, out of town people produced by the Democrats. Republicans would be better off funneling the excess vitriol on the other side, where it belongs in political battles.  The GOP has to get rid of the image that some are not welcome in our party. We must "be more inclusive, not exclusive" to grow the party and remain a vigorous party. "I don't know why we try to write people off", Poe said, especially about minorities and those thought to be non-traditional Republican voters.

This week in Washington, the Defund Obamacare resolution will likely be brought before Congress in the budget resolution debate.  "Let's be realistic", Poe said.  The goal must be to push Obamacare down the road until a new administration is in power.

Rep Poe acknowledged the importance of Republican Women in electing Republican candidates.  "All candidates know that they will win elections because of Republican Women." Simply put, the candidate with the support of a majority of Republican Women wins.

Jacquie Baly Speaks to Memorial West Republican Women PAC

The featured speaker for the September general meeting of Memorial West Republican Women PAC was Jacquie Baly.  Those of us in attendance were treated to a talk presented by a happy warrior.  It was a joy to listen to Ms Baly talk about Republican philosophy as it relates to women and the younger generation.

               Memorial West Republican Women PAC President Amy Teufel and Jacquie Baly


Ms Baly is a successful woman.  She is a very active working mom to two sons as well as a small business owner.  She is an adjunct professor at the University of Houston, teaching public policy in the Political Science Department.  She is the conservative voice for the local Fox affiliate weekly Sunday morning show political panel. She is an enthusiastic member of Team Abbott, working for the election of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott for Governor.

A native of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, she spoke of going to college at age seventeen and discovering that the university world is indeed a very liberal one.  She spoke of going to work at University of Houston as a professor and finding a dart board with Tom DeLay's - her neighbor and friend - face in the target. Though she voiced her disapproval to her colleagues, it was to no avail.

Some things don't change.

She spoke of the need to deliver the Republican message to young people, especially young women.  Where the Republican party loses young people is when harsh messages are put out there on social issues.  We must work harder to speak of inclusion, not exclusion, which does not mean we change personal beliefs but that we show respect for others.

She spoke of the lack of knowledge by so many of today's black voters and the history of black people and the Republican party. That history has to be re-introduced to voters and, again, welcome in those voters not pursued by Republicans in recent elections.

Ms Baly delivers her message with joy in her voice.  Hers is a smiling face and her manner is open and friendly.  She is someone who represents the best of the Republican party and Republican women.  We are grateful she is on our side.

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.