Sean Seibert for Texas District 18

A vote was taken Wednesday in the House of Representatives in favor of suing the President of the United States on the matter of overreach on his part as it pertains to upholding the laws on the books.  The vote mostly fell along party lines, with only a few Republicans voting against such action. The vote, therefore, was in favor of the lawsuit.  (NOTE:  Rep Steve Stockman (R-TX) voted with the Democrats.)

The White House and the Democrats in Washington, D.C. have been promoting the idea that Republicans want to impeach President Obama as an election year distraction from the large number of utter failures this administration is juggling.  President Obama has added the threat of the lawsuit to his repertoire as he delivers fundraising speeches as though he himself is on the campaign trail. So, Wednesday the talking point issued from the White House after the vote was that the Republicans were pursuing impeachment lite.

As usual, in response to the vote, Sheila Jackson-Lee opened her mouth and inserted her foot.

Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee, (D-TX), stood on the floor of the House of Representatives and stated that Democrats did not attempt to start impeachment proceedings against former President George W. Bush.  Unfortunately, this was either a blatant lie or a product of a very strong brain freeze on her part.  Not only did former Representative Dennis Kucinich, (D-OH) introduce such a bill but Representative Jackson-Lee was one of eleven (11) Democrat co-sponsors.  Surely if one was to sign on as a co-sponsor of a bill to impeach a sitting president, one would remember such an action.

On June 10, 2008, H. Res. 1258 was introduced in the 110th Congress.

As noted in this blog, this is the list of co-sponsors:

Oops.

It is as though the Democrats did not realize that all of the horrid stunts and ploys entertained by them during the eight years of the George W. Bush administrations would come back to haunt them one day.  It's called karma.  What goes around, comes around.  Republicans have long memories.

Representative Jackson-Lee has a long history of embarrassing statements.  It is time for her to be ousted from her elected office.  The people of District 18 deserve much better.

I support Sean Seibert, the Republican nominee running against Representative Jackson-Lee.  Seibert had a strong showing against her in a previous election cycle. District 18 has long been held by Jackson-Lee - in Democratic control. He is a decorated Army veteran, currently in the Army Reserve.  Most recently, Seibert served in Afghanistan.

I encourage the voters of District 18 to send a strong fiscal conservative to Washington, D.C. Hasn't Houston been embarrassed enough?

Honorary Consul of Ukraine To Address United Republicans of Harris County

Gregory Buchai, Honorary Consul of Ukraine, will update those in attendance of the upcoming general meeting of United Republicans of Harris County.  This promises to be an insightful and enlightening speech on the events of concern to the country.

On Tuesday, July 29, 2014, join with others concerned about the recent events in the region at the Sosa Center, 1414 Wirt Rd, Houston 77055, at 6:30 pm for coffee and conversation.  The program begins at 7:00 pm.  

Talk about a timely topic and a knowledgeable speaker!  The event is free and open to the public, though if you can come, please RSVP by Friday, July 25, 2014 on the website -  http://www.urhc.net .  

Late Wednesday afternoon President Obama walked to an awaiting microphone in the WH press briefing room and announced he was widening the American sanctions against Russia. He pledged America's continued support for the Ukrainian people. "Ukrainians have the right to forge their own destiny."

Obama Fundraises in Texas But No Trip To The Border

The President of the United States has no time or, more accurately, no desire to visit the Texas/Mexico border Wednesday while he is in the state for two fundraisers.  He will be in both Dallas and Austin to raise money for Democrats.

Governor Perry invited President Obama to tour the border with him to see what the reality is concerning the accelerated influx of those entering the country illegally, in specific the increased number of unaccompanied minors.  Initially the president's people turned down the invitation and claimed there was no time in the busy fundraising schedule for a trip to the border.  Then, when questioned about this lack of time by reporters in the White House press corps, Press Secretary Josh Earnest said the White House was not particularly concerned about the optics of refusing the touring opportunity.  Then, when the story would not die down and Democrats began to come forward and criticize the decision, top aide Valerie Jarrett issued a statement that the president didn't need no stinkin' tour (my words, not hers) of the border because he knows everything about all things (again my words, not hers).  Still unable to quell the outcry and as Democrats were beginning to take to the airwaves to express their disapproval, it was announced Tuesday that President Obama would be able to meet with Governor Perry in Dallas for a discussion.

Did I mention that when Team Obama reached out and invited Governor Perry to meet him on the tarmac for a handshake welcome photo op, Governor Perry turned down that invitation and said a tour of the border would be better.  Yeah, that happened, too.

So, welcome to Texas, President Obama.

A couple of quotes from an early morning television appearance by Texas Senator John Cornyn on the subject of the President's trip to Texas for fundraising but not to tour the human tragedy on the state's border:

“It would help him get outside of the bubble that all presidents get in. But this President seems just determined to be tone deaf in terms of the human consequences of the policies that he himself has caused."

“…The President should see what we saw….[He] refuses to take the necessary steps in order to deter people from starting out on this long perilous journey up from Central America through Mexico in the hands of the drug cartels where many of them are kidnapped, assaulted."

And from Texas Senator Ted Cruz:

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has joined Texas Gov. Rick Perry in calling on President Barack Obama to visit the Mexican border personally, with Cruz sending Obama actual directions to the border from the president’s planned fundraiser stops in Austin and Dallas.Cruz took to Twitter to invite Obama to take a look at the border itself amid a growing immigration crisis along the southern border with Mexico.“If President Obama wants to have a real border meeting with @GovernorPerry, here are a couple suggested detours,” Cruz tweeted on Tuesday.

I bet Texas Rep Henry Cuellar has some suggestions for the president, too.  He has turned up the heat and spoken clearly that this is not a new problem for Texas and the president has turned a blind eye for far too long.  Cuellar, is a Democrat.

Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, who represents the district where the immigrants are crossing the Rio Grande Valley at the southernmost tip of the Longhorn State, said the Obama administration is "one step behind.""They should have seen this a long time ago, because we saw those numbers increasing," he said on CNN's "State of the Union," referring to the rise of undocumented immigrants across the border in recent years.Cuellar said that in 2009, about 6,000 unaccompanied children crossed the border, which jumped to 25,000 in 2013. (The Los Angeles Times estimated 39,000 children crossed last year.) But just in May, Cuellar said the number exploded to 9,700 unaccompanied children who unlawfully crossed the border.Up to 80,000 children are expected this year, most coming from Central America."They knew this was happening a year ago, last year. And ... they're not reacting fast enough at this time, in my personal opinion," Cuellar said.Cuellar has been putting pressure on the administration to more aggressively address the issue, but his blunt remarks on national television Sunday reveals the level of frustration he has as his district is the entry point for many. He says the drug cartels are in part to blame and at an average of $5,000 per person are making hundreds of millions of dollars shuttling mothers with children and unaccompanied children into the United States. 

 Is this Obama's Katrina as we hear pundits mention on television?  No.  Hurricane Katrina was a weather event and warnings were issued from former President Bush at the time to the residents of New Orleans and help was offered to stubborn Democrat elected officials in Louisiana who were more concerned with playing politics than upholding their oath of office to protect the people.  The crisis on the border has accelerated over time, especially after President Obama bowed to election year pressure and tweaked a Dream Act type provision to court Latino votes in 2012. President Bush's flyover of the damage caused to the Gulf coast was bad optics.  He did, however, go and make a speech to the nation shortly after that from the grounds of the St Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square.  He and First Lady Laura Bush made several trips to the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of that storm.

War on Women Meme Lives To See Another Day

Annie's List will be hosting Candidate 101 training in both Houston and Dallas in July.  This is being promoted as a first time occurrence in an election year for them, as the Democrats continue on along the path of the War on Women theme.  What better way to inspire and motivate women to run for office and be active in political campaigns than to promote false narratives that further the progressive agenda?  

Annie's List is the Austin version of Emily's List.  The conservative alternative to both of those is Maggie's List.  The big money donor founder of the PAC is married to the trial lawyer who is the major funder of Battleground Texas.

The recent ruling by the Supreme Court on the Hobby Lobby case brought out a renewed enthusiasm among liberal elites hoping to insert the tired War on Women rhetoric as we approach the 2014 mid term elections.  There has been little for Democrats to get excited about and the predictions bode well for Republicans in this cycle.  Will a resurrection of this battle bring out an apathetic Democratic voting base? 

From the Wall Street Journal:

Democrats claim to be distraught over the Court's Hobby Lobby decision, but really they can barely suppress their glee. Allowing some religious objectors in business to opt out of the contraception mandate lends them a campaign theme that isn't the economy, the Middle East in flames or incompetent governance. No agenda, no problem. Patriarchs and Republicans—if that's not redundant—are coming for your womb, ladies.

The three liberal women sitting on the Supreme Court produced a dissent to the ruling.  Justice
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (a Clinton appointee) wrote the dissent and both Justices Sotomayor and Kagen (Obama appointees) signed on to it.

Also from the Wall Street Journal:

As Harvard liberal Laurence Tribe said on MSNBC, the majority's opinion is "not as radical" as many are claiming. It applies only to "closely held" companies with owners who have clear religious beliefs, and it explicitly says that companies cannot use the opinion as an excuse to opt out of other legal requirements. The majority merely said Hobby Lobby could refuse to pay for four kinds of contraception because the Administration's mandate violated the standard of religious conscience that Congress wrote into the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.Justice Ginsburg's dissent is so far removed from the legal reality that it doesn't qualify as a judicial opinion. It is a political opinion whose purpose seems to be to mobilize opposition to the Court and perhaps even motivate Democrats to turn out at the polls. Justice Antonin Scalia sometimes unleashes his rhetorical ferocity on decisions he dislikes, but his dissents are rooted in the law. Justice Ginsburg's is a flight from the law.

It was Democrat President Bill Clinton who signed into law the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, it should be noted.

Elections have consequences.  Supreme Court appointments are lifetime reminders of that fact.

Thai Shrimp and Human Trafficking

That inexpensive shrimp purchased instead of more realistically priced Gulf of Mexico shrimp is directly linked to human trafficking.  As a rule of thumb, it is best to purchase goods originating closest to your home.  It is best to support local farmers, fishermen, and manufacturing.  Closest to home is best.

That inexpensive shrimp originating overseas - in particular from Thailand - is sent to market by men purchased to do the work.  Yes, human slavery still exists around the world and this is an example of such abuse.

This is a video produced by The Guardian in which a reporter explains the process and the conditions of the transactions in this business.  It is not easy to watch but it clearly explains the reality of the situation.  Take a few minutes and watch it.

Closest to home is best.

Obama Tweets About Birth Control For July 4th Weekend

The President of the United States allowed his Twitter account to be used as an ad for birth control Thursday, as the rest of the country was beginning a long holiday weekend celebrating America's independence. 

Barack Obama @BarackObama · 7h

Throwback to last week when a woman—not her boss—made her own decisions about her health care. #TBT

You can use the link above to see the photo that accompanied the text of that tweet.

Somehow I don't think that is the same tweet that the founding fathers would have sent, had they the opportunity.

pic.twitter.com/xmQ5e7DFmW

Governor Perry Addresses The New York Meeting

Monday, Texas Governor Rick Perry spoke at The New York Meeting.  His topic was "Red State Solutions to Blue State Problems.  Preceding Governor Perry was Texas Congressman Roger Williams, (Tx Dist 25) who will soon roll out "Jump Start America".  Included in this plan is a 30% Flat Tax on businesses; 20% Flat Tax on the 1st million earned by taxpayers; 30% on the 2nd million; and a 15% capital gains tax. He said that growing small businesses is the answer to a sluggish economy.  A common talking point from each of the speakers was the upcoming 2014 elections are even more important than 2016. Encouraging citizen involvement, he said, "Get off the porch and lead the parade down Main Street."

From the website:

The New York Meeting is a nationally-recognized gathering of elected officials, journalists, business leaders and conservative authors in New York City at The Grand Hyatt, run by Mallory Factor and O’Brien Murray.The New York Meeting identifies leaders and generates ideas for the future of our nation and gets to the core of the most important issues facing the nation.   This monthly hour and half meeting consists of five 15 minute segments with America’s leaders—Senators, Governors, Congressman, newsmakers, journalists and celebrated authors,  Each speaker addresses the meeting and then, answer questions from a panel of noted journalists and the invited audience.  The audience is limited to five hundred invited guests–donors, media, and organization heads.
The New York Meeting is streamed live by a number of large Conservative organizations, and reaches a large monthly audience.  In addition, the individual segments are made available on YouTube and other outlets to reach additional audiences.

The five speakers Monday were William Kristol, Rep Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, Rep Darrell Issa (R-CA), and Governor Perry.

During his question and answer session, Kristol referred to the Texas platform plank on the subject of gays as "not the norm for the GOP".

Rep Blackburn said that she supports Rep Steve Scalise (R-LA) for Majority Whip in the House of Representatives because of those running, he is a southern Congressman and 25% of the caucus is from southern states, yet only two committees are led by southern Congressmen.  "Only two gavels", she said.

"The purpose of a political party is to elect candidates of like-minded philosophy", said Haley Barbour.  He spoke about the need for a big tent.  "We have to win elections that allow us to govern."  In 2014 he said "Our goal has got to be to win."  "In politics, purity is the enemy of victory.  Only one perfect person has walked the earth and he's not running this year."

Rep Issa spoke about pressing on with the investigations of the IRS and of the Benghazi tragedy.  

Governor Perry began by asking a question - "How do we make America work again?"  He said that the place you look is at the state level.  Governors compete with each other.  States have the opportunity to compete against each other.  He said the U.S. has to liberalize energy policy, especially opening federal lands.  He pointed out that since 2000, 37% of all new jobs in the private sector have been created in Texas.  One out of twelve Americans live in Texas.  Three out of eight jobs have been created in Texas.  He credits the success in Texas to continuity of leadership, as light a tax burden as possible, a legal system that will not allow over-suing, and holding schools accountable.  He said this gives people confidence that there will be security and stability in the state.  The formula is the key to success for the rest of the country.  He said the goal is to make D.C. as inconsequential as possible - let states make policy to govern.

When asked why he focuses on economic issues and not social issues in his speeches, he said "Even those social issues that tear us apart need to be decided on in the states."  On his failed presidential run, he said, "I wasn't prepared."  

It was noted by the organizers that this New York Meeting was being live streamed to 19 organizations around world.

Greater Houston Council Presents Judicial Panel

A panel presentation with the subject "How Can Conservative Voters Evaluate State Judicial Candidates?" was featured during the Greater Houston Council's May general meeting.  Gathering at the Sosa Center, a smaller than usual group of attendees heard a very informative talk by three speakers.  The moderator was Susanna Dokupil.  Those not present missed an interesting program.

Ms. Dokupil introduced each panelist - all of whom are members of the Federalist Society, including herself.

Justice Michael Massengale, First Court of Appeals:
 

Judge Grant Dorfman, 334th District Court of Harris County:

Justice Brett Busby, 14th Court of Appeals:

All of the judges spoke to the importance of the upcoming election.  Yes, I know elections are frequently referred to as "the most important" but we are in changing times in the great state of Texas and our elections will indeed have consequences.  It is very important to know the judicial candidates and make wise choices.  Judges must follow and rule on the laws of the state, whether the judge agrees with the law or not.  It is not acceptable to have judges on the bench who rule according to their own beliefs and not the will of the people.  Unhappy with a law?  Then elect legislators who will change it.  Do not accept judges who legislate from the bench, Republican or Democrat.  It is important to look at the ballot and research the best candidates, then get to the polls and vote.  

While judicial candidates will tell you that they are conservative and will conduct themselves accordingly, remember it is not a promise they can make or keep to rule as a conservative.  It is important to elect Republican judges because we see over and over again that Democrats legislate from the bench more frequently than Republicans.  The Republican Party stands with the rule of law.  We should not expect anything less from them when they are elected to serve.

Judges are not able to endorse candidates.  One way to check into a judicial candidate is to look at his/her experience and education.  Look at what kind of law practice is involved and that can tell a voter a good bit about what is close to the heart of the candidate.  Does the lawyer do much pro bono work?  If so, those clients will point in the direction of what is close to that lawyer's heart.  

Experience matters.  Temperament matters.  Age can be deceiving.  Sometimes the older candidate is not the best fit for that position.  

The 2014 election in November is important locally and the 2016 national election is crucial.  Republicans have a one seat majority on the Supreme Court at the moment.  Another Democrat in the White House elected in 2016 means the Democrats and a liberal judicial philosophy will take over that court.  Think about that.  

It is your duty as a citizen in our democratic republic to do a little research and go out and exercise your right to vote.  This is not the time to stay home and pout if you do not get the perfect candidate - or if your favored candidate doesn't win the primary.  Be responsible.  Do the right thing.  Future generations are in the balance.

United Republicans of Harris County Hosts HCRP Chairman-Elect Paul Simpson

Attention Harris County Republicans!  On Thursday, May 1, 2014, United Republicans of Harris County will host Chairman-elect Paul Simpson as the featured speaker.  This is an excellent opportunity to come out and hear firsthand from the incoming chairman as he articulates his vision for the Harris County Republican Party moving toward the November 2014 elections.

The public is always welcome for United Republicans of Harris County general meetings.  In recent months, these meetings have turned into much anticipated events.  Please RSVP to secure your seat.  Admittance and parking are free.

Texas Victory Works to Keep Texas Red

From the inbox, an email from Republican Party of Texas Chairman Steve Munisteri.  He reports on the Keep Texas Red effort by Texas Victory on March 29th.  Here are some excerpts.  There is even a little humor at the end.

The Texas Victory effort kicked off in full swing on March 29th (earlier than ever before) to Keep Texas Red. Almost 1,000 volunteers showed up in 11 different cities to start block walking.  Together, we knocked on 10,000 doors, identified 975 new volunteers and collected 3,176 new IDs.  All of this 8 months before Election Day.  We can't wait to see the intensity our volunteers bring come September! For the first time ever, we block walked with an app! You read that right; the Republican Party of Texas used technology!  All jokes aside, the new app worked great and we received positive feedback from our volunteers who found it easy to use and much more convenient. In fact, the app worked so well, we will be rolling out the new software statewide in the coming months.
Our volunteers were joined by our Republican elected officials around the state.
The turnout in Harris County was also very impressive as Representative Dwayne Bohac volunteered his time to come speak to the block walkers.
Muchas gracias a todos los voluntarios por su presencia, el apoyo hacia el Partido Republicano, y por ayudarnos a difundir el mensaje conservativo. We provided breakfast, lunch and a free t-shirt to all of our volunteers.We worked really hard to get pictures of all of these elected officials chowing down on the breakfast too but they downed the tacos before we could unlock our iPhone's.Do not fear, we will try to get embarrassing photos again on April 12^th when we have our next Keep Texas Red statewide block walk. We will be using our awesome app (technology!) and continue to work to keep up the momentum to make sure Texas doesn't spiral out of control like Wendy Davis' campaign. 

During the monthly meeting of Memorial West Republican Women PAC, we heard from Carlos Guerra, representing the RPT for Hispanic Outreach.  He distributed information on the upcoming Harris County Victory Call to Action which takes place Saturday, April 12, 2014.  This is part of a coordinated effort among Republicans across the state.  The goal is to knock on over 60,000 doors in just one day.

Where:  Mason Creek Park - 2500 Porter Rd.  Katy, Tx.  77493
When:   April 12   9:00 am for Breakfast & Networking.  Morning walk begins at 10:00 am.
Who:    Republicans of all ages are welcome to participate.
How:    Scripts and walk lists are read to go when you get there.
Why:   To spread the Conservative message to as many voters as possible.

For more information, or to RSVP, contact Roseanne Rodriguez at 806-441-5422 or at rrodriguez@texasgop.org     Or Carlos Guerra at 832-267-9105  Cguerra@texasgop.org

Republicans are working harder and smarter to Keep Texas Red.  Join in the fight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He worked hard and had solutions to offer.

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

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

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

United Republicans of Harris County Presented Senator Cornyn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Texas Tribune and Pay for Play Journalism

The topic of pay for play is hot in political circles in Harris county as early voting begins for the March 4 primary election.  It appears that pay for play is alive and well in the not for profit journalism world, too.  An excellent four part piece is up written by James Moore.  I encourage you to take a little time and read all of it.  It is quite an eye-opening look at some real ethical questions begging for answers.  

 http://www.dontgrowtexas.com/the-trouble-with-the-trib/

The opening:

The Texas Tribune was supposed to be the best new idea to save journalism. Instead, it is destroying it. What believers hoped was going to be a watchdog has turned into a lapdog by taking big dollars from lobbyists and corporations.

You may remember that the Texas Tribune began with much fanfare.  It was a non-profit organization, to be supported by loyal readers and cool people all around Texas.  Evan Smith, the editor of Texas Monthly, was recruited to be CEO and executive editor of the Texas Tribune.  

As time has progressed, from that beginning in 2009, it seems the whole not for profit thing was harder than expected.  The answer to a need for a bigger cash flow?  Advertisement dollars.  Sponsorships, too.

If the readership of the Texas Tribune were to ever put together all of the relationships and fundraising and money making functionalities of the operation, they could be forgiven for their skepticism about the credibility of the journalism. The Trib is, by almost any definition, a pay for play operation, a digital protection racket where donations and sponsorships will prevent scrutiny of your issues and operations. And readers will never know what’s missing.

Mr. Moore, a seasoned political and media consultant, gives example after example of a descent into a pay for play system for journalism.  Whether it is round table discussions to promote a lobbyist's pet project or a panel discussion at their annual event -  Texas Tribune Festival - the deck appears to be stacked in favor of those writing the advertising and sponsorship checks.  

It is not unusual in conservative circles for the Texas Tribune to be called a liberal publication.  The question is why the journalists in Austin, in particular, allow this to continue.  Why haven't there been stories about this before Mr. Moore put the pieces together?  Are ethics in journalism dead?

No one has written about the Tribune’s hypocrisies and contradictions with any detail simply because they feared sounding petty or self-serving. Texas newspapers, some of which use the Tribune’s stories, can hardly be expected to criticize an editorial service they use or to publicly whine about unfair competition. The Quorum Report and Capitol Inside could expect its lobby and legislative information sources to go quiet because they, too, must function in a culture of cooperation that is implicit in the way business is conducted by the Texas Tribune. Politics is a cruel game. Journalism is not supposed to play it, though. Reporters are expected to cast little lights into dark corners and illuminate the way government works and who has influenced its decisions. The Texas Tribune rarely lives up to that mandate and, instead, takes big cash from the people and institutions it is supposed to hold accountable. Money is coming in the door as fast as integrity and credibility are running out. 

A conservative alternative to the Texas Tribune is now in play in Texas.  Rather quietly, Breitbart News launched Breitbart Texas.  Reading the list of contributors, it looks to be a mix of a couple of true reporters along with a couple of political bloggers and gadflys, a filmmaker, and a lobbyist who 'scores' the votes of the Austin crowd in hopes of getting his message out to voters.  What could go wrong?

Lots. Maybe their fate will not be the same as that now of the Texas Tribune. Keep your eyes open and pay attention to who is writing about what topic.

Simpson and Woodfill Spar Over Pay for Play Endorsements

A couple of interesting political events this week have brought about even more interesting results. The hot topic remains the issue of the pay for play endorsement slates in the Harris County Republican primary.

On Tuesday, February 11, 2014, the Harris County Republican Party Executive Committee met and a resolution was passed condemning the pay for play endorsement slate system. The resolution is the product of a conservative blogger.  As written in Big Jolly Politics:

Precinct Chair Greg Aydt, who started working on the resolution a couple of weeks ago and gathered six co-sponsors to help passage, deserves major kudos for making this happen. Greg also happens to be a prolific conservative blogger at RhymesWithRight ...

Here is the resolution:

WHEREAS the Republican Party has long taken the lead in fighting for the integrity of the electoral process, andWHEREAS the 2012 Republican Party of Texas platform opposes conflicts of interest in the form of attempting to influence votes by appointed or elected officials on behalf of paying clients, and
WHEREAS the 2012 Republican Party Platform calls upon "every citizen. . . to preserve the integrity of the vote", and
WHEREAS we recognize that the appearance of impropriety is itself a form of impropriety, and such appearances in campaign and electoral practices undermine the confidence of voters in the integrity of our electoral system,
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Harris County Republican Party condemns the practice of "pay to play" endorsements, in which supposedly independent individuals, groups, or organizations request, solicit or require any fee, payment, or contribution as a condition of making or publicizing said endorsement;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Harris County Republican Party opposes the practice of groups, clubs, or organizations requiring candidates for office to pay a sum of money as a condition of being placed on the ballot for any straw poll, whether this is called a fee, contribution, sponsorship, or any other name;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Harris County Republican Party urges all elected or appointed officials of the Harris County Republican Party, Republican Party of Texas, Republican National Committee and any affiliated or associated club or organization to refrain from offering endorsements of any primary candidate when the candidate is a paying client;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Harris County Republican Party opposes the practice of providing money to "politiqueras" or other paid agents of campaigns so that they may provide money or any other thing of value to a voter in return for casting a ballot for a candidate;
AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT the text of this resolution shall be posted under the "Voter Info" section of the Harris County Republican Party website within 48 hours of its adoption by the Executive Committee. Furthermore, within one week of its adoption a copy of this resolution shall be distributed to all candidates currently seeking a contested or uncontested nomination in the Republican primary and that it shall be distributed to all candidates at the time of filing for office in all future Republican primaries.
Greg Aydt -- Precinct 333
Rudy Balciunas -- Precinct 473
Cyndi Lawrence -- Precinct 804
Dee Carroll -- Precinct 728
Ed Sarlls -- Precinct 644
Jeff Larson -- Precinct 349
David Wilson -- Precinct 923

Pretty straightforward, right?  As you can imagine, the small group of men who profit off this corrupt system are not pleased.  You will note that in the last of the resolution, a call to post the resolution on the Harris County Republican Party (HCRP) website is made, as well as distribution to all candidates currently seeking the party's nomination in the Republican primary.  That has now brought about a threat of legal action should the chairman move on it.

Meanwhile, the Houston Chronicle has published an interview with Greg, the conservative blogger, and his resolution.  That's right.  Greg is a school teacher on the east side of town.  He's a regular guy teaching the next generation a course in Government.  Leading by example, he is participating in local politics and working for ethical change.

Wednesday night, February 12, 2014, the Texas Asian Republican Club (TARC) held a forum for the two Republican candidates in the Tx District 149 race and for two Republicans on the ballot for Harris County Republican Party chairman.  Current chairman Jared Woodfill and challenger Paul Simpson participated.   Woodfill, while explaining payments to those who endorse in mailers or a newsletter, brought in the name of a party activist who challenged Woodfill in a past race for HCRP chairman. In the case of this person, he used his former challenger's name as an example of one who ran for the office and when he wasn't successful, continued to work with the party and for the benefit of the party, unlike how he characterized Simpson, who is now challenging Woodfill for the third time.  Simpson has his own questions to answer on participating in the pay for play system, as he did give money to one of the big three participants in this corrupt practice.  If a candidate is to speak out about a system while it is a popular topic of conversation, yet then participate in that system, however limited, questions arise.  The only way to kill off the system is for all candidates to refuse to participate.  As long as some do, others will see the real challenge of ignoring the system in place.

Thursday, February 13, 2014, the Texas Conservative Review went out via email.  Along with updates on endorsements, the piece went on the attack against those speaking up against pay for play slates.  Just like clockwork.  And, conveniently, the author also drags in the name of a former challenger of Mr. Woodfill in a previous race.  The author of this email claims it is those who are not endorsed by the system that are now coming out against it.  That is a shallow explanation.  Those who have run for elected office and have spoken with the men who endorse with the payment system see first hand how it works.  Who better to speak against it?  What the author doesn't tell the reader is that the corrupt pay for play slates system discourages good men and women from running for office - especially is the slates are predisposed to endorse others in the race.  Cronyism is alive and well with little room for fresh faces and ideas to keep the Republican party healthy in Harris County.

The fact of the matter is that Harris County is the only county in Texas to be in this mess.  Harris County is one of a very few counties in the whole country to allow the corruption of pay to play come in and take over.  It is not the norm, no matter how the men in charge of this system try to justify it.  That is just lipstick on a pig.

It's big money, don't kid yourself.  It is not thousands of dollars at play here.  It is hundreds of thousands of dollars.  There is already an action in play to take this act on the road - some involved want to take their system statewide.  It has to be stopped.  Texas is on the brink of some really ugly times for Republicans.  There is no time to waste.

HCRP should have condemned this process long ago.  Thanks to a conservative blogger who wrote the resolution and organized support for it,  HCRP is now on record against the pay for play endorsement system.  Now the candidates must step up and say no.  They must go back to campaigning and meeting the voters.

Harless Smacks Scofield in Tx District 132 Race

A hot topic in political circles recently is the explanation of and criticism of the corrupt pay for play system that has consumed Harris County Republican politics for far too long.  A small group of men set the prices for candidates to pay them for endorsements in Republican primary races.

This issue has been spoken of in the past and even during some recent election cycles, with little being done to end the practice that is having the effect of turning Harris county from a 'red' county to a 'blue' county.  The system stifles good, viable candidates from running for office.  The system produces a very lazy way of governing - candidates feel obliged to take part in the system to win an election and the voters simply take the slate of their choice to the polls when voting day rolls around.

The latest criticism has come from a different source - not a blogger or a reporter - but an elected official currently serving in the Texas House of Representatives. Rep Patricia Harless first exposed a chain of emails that named names and exposed some nasty plotting of some of the people leading the politics of Texas Senate District 7.  I wrote about it HERE.  Others did, too, and the buzz generated around political circles and meetings.

Thursday, Texas Representative Patricia Harless (Tx Dist 126) came out with another swing at the corrupt Harris County Republican Party's pay for play system with THIS interview.  In specific, she addressed a Republican primary race in the Katy area - District 132.  She spoke about one candidate in particular, as his is a story of shopping for a district in which to run for elected office. I know he shopped for the district because the man was a resident of my own district - my own subdivision, in fact - in his last foray into seeking an elected political office.  He was unsuccessful in that election cycle running in his home district and it is no secret he wasted no time shopping around for another district which might present an opportunity for him.  He has the support of the pay for play slates.  Surprise, surprise.

I would like to take this opportunity - while the topic is hot - to point out that there is an established group who has taken on this corruption since the early 1990's.  The group is United Republicans of Harris County.  I have written about this political action committee (PAC) in previous posts, the last one is HERE.

Full disclosure:  I am a member of the Board of Directors of United Republicans of Harris County.

So, there is a vehicle in place to fight the corrupt pay for play system, if only enough people would pay attention and support United Republicans of Harris County.  Each primary election, except in citywide races, United Republicans of Harris County puts out a list of endorsements in contested Republican primary races.  Candidates are interviewed and questionnaires are studied.  It is a long and tedious process, but it is necessary to be an informed voter.  The Board of Directors then votes on endorsements.  Sometimes no endorsement is made.  Occasionally a double endorsement is made.  There is no easy way out here.

Your vote is valuable.  Your vote is your contribution to our democratic system.  Voting participation is at an all time low.  You can make a difference.

I encourage everyone concerned about the corrupt pay for play system in place in Harris County - that should be every voter except maybe that handful of men living comfortably off the candidates - to get active.  One way to start is to attend events hosted by United Republicans of Harris County and also to contribute financial support so that the endorsements can reach the maximum number of Republican voters possible.

For more than two decades now, United Republicans of Harris County has toiled away, doing the work necessary to make a better Republican party in the county and electing the most qualified candidates to elected office.  It is time for all to step up and show support with a presence at events and financial donations, too.  I encourage you to do so sooner rather than later.  There is no more time to waste.

Do the right thing.  Make a difference.  As Harris county goes, so goes Texas.

United Republicans of Harris County Endorsements Announced

After many long hours of research and meetings with candidates, the process of issuing endorsements is now complete for United Republicans of Harris County.  The Board of Directors have issued the following endorsements in contested races in the Republican primary:

U.S. Senator                                                              John Cornyn
U.S. Representative, District 8                                   Kevin Brady
U.S. Representative, District 36                                 Brian Babin  and Chuck Meyer
Governor                                                                  Greg Abbott
Lieutenant Governor                                                 David Dewhurst and Jerry Patterson
Attorney General                                                       Ken Paxton
Comptroller                                                              Harvey Hilderbran
Land Commissioner                                                  George P. Bush
Agriculture Commissioner                                         Eric Opiela
Railroad Commissioner                                             Becky Berger
Chief Justice Supreme Court                                     Nathan Hecht
Justice Supreme Court, Place 6                                 Jeff Brown
Justice Supreme Court, Place 8                                 Phil Johnson
Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3                             Barbara Walther
Court of Criminal Appeals Place 4                             Jani Jo Wood
Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9                            W.C. "Bud" Kirkendall
State Senator, District 17                                            Joan Huffman
State Representative, Dist 129                                    Chuck Maricle
State Representative, Dist 132                                    Ann Hodge
State Representative, Dist 134                                    Sarah Davis
State Representative, Dist 149                                    Nghi T. Ho
Justice, 1st Court of Appeals, Place 3                        Russell Lloyd
District Judge, 246th District                                     Angelina D.A. Gooden
District Judge, 247th District                                     Melanie Flowers and M. L. Walker
District Judge, 263rd District                                     Robert Summerlin
District Judge, 269th District                                     Dan Hinde
Family District Judge, 311th District                         Donna Detamore and Anthony Magdaleno
County Criminal Court at Law No. 10                       Tonya Rolland McLaughlin
District Clerk                                                             Chris Daniel
County Treasurer                                                       Orlando Sanchez
County School Trustee at Large, Place 5                   Mike Wolfe
Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 2                      Laryssa Korduba
Justice of the Peace Precinct 5, Place 2                      Jeff Williams
Harris County Republican Party Chairman               Paul Simpson