Collin County Republican Party Press Room
Redistricting Recap From Friday, January 27th
Redistricting Update III – Recap and News From Friday’s Hearing
Friday afternoon, the Western District three-judge panel in San Antonio, which is overseeing redistricting and scheduling of the Texas primary, held a hearing in order to determine options as to when the Texas primary should be held, whether we will have one or two primaries, where the district lines will be, and an overall path forward on how to conduct the party’s primaries and state conventions.
The court heard from attorneys from various plaintiffs groups, as well as lawyers from the Attorney General’s office representing the State and the legislatively drawn maps, and also from the attorney for the Republican Party of Texas (RPT), Donna Davidson. The court also heard testimony from various witnesses, including Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart, who was called as a witness by the RPT. During the hearing, the court also allowed RPT Chairman Steve Munisteri to address the panel in order for him to outline numerous concerns of the state party relative to the primaries and state conventions.
During the hearing, various positions were advocated relative to when the primary should be held and proposed dates spanned from April 3rd to June 26th. The court also asked numerous questions concerning the need for and feasibility of a bifurcated primary. The Republican Party of Texas’ position was that it was still possible to accomplish a single unified primary on April 3rd if maps could be obtained by early February. The Party also took the position, that if for some reason this could not be accomplished – that a single unified primary as late as April 17th would still be feasible if maps were received from the court by mid-February. During his testimony to the court, Chairman Munisteri also explained the difficulty (if not near-impossibility) of moving the state convention, and in his opinion, the impossibility of preparing properly for state conventions (scheduled for June 7-9) if the primary were to be held in late May.
The judges ordered that representatives of the two political parties confer during a break to see if there was any common ground that could be agreed upon. Chairman Munisteri entered into discussions directly with the attorney for the Texas Democratic Party, and upon the judges’ return, the political parties made an agreed-upon statement that if maps were issued by mid-February, a single unified primary could still be held by mid-April.
Also during the hearing, the Attorney General’s attorneys reported to the court that they had been involved in significant negotiations with some of the plaintiff’s groups who filed the lawsuits against the state. The lawyers for the Attorney General indicated that it was a possibility that agreement on maps could be reached between the state and the plaintiff’s groups and that they would work over the weekend and report back to the court on Monday or Tuesday. The Republican Party of Texas has not been invited to participate in these discussions, so we can offer you no details as to the substance of these talks.
After the testimony and statements were taken, the court recessed, returned and issued a unanimous decision. The key points of that decision are as follows:
1. They will issue an order suspending the deadlines of the December 16th order.
2. They advised the political parties that they can inform party officials and candidates that the February 1st filing deadline will be vacated and that the drawing for ballot positions next week should be postponed.
3. They indicated that if the parties could agree on maps and submit those maps by February 6th, that an April 3rd primary was still obtainable. However, the court and the attorneys have been very specific that any agreement is not a settlement.
4. That if there was no agreement and maps were not drawn by February 6th, that an April 3rd primary would not take place.
5. In the event there is no settlement agreement and maps are not completed by February 6th, the court makes no present indication of when the new primary would be rescheduled.
6. In the event the parties cannot agree on new maps, the court requires them to submit advisories to the court as to which districts are still in dispute and the issues related thereto.
7. The court will then schedule future hearings if necessary and issue new orders if necessary.
Advisory to all Republican county chairmen, precinct chairmen, and party activists – As it is still a possibility that we will have a single unified primary on April 3rd, you can still continue your plans for an April 3rd primary as best as you can until at least February 6th. By February 6th, we should know whether or not we will have an April 3rd primary. Even if maps are not submitted by February 6th, there is still a possibility that a single unified primary could be held in mid-April if the court can draw maps by mid-February. It is unclear what will happen in the event that maps are not drawn by mid-February. We will let you know as soon as we know. We do expect there to be a new schedule issued with new filing deadlines, etc., once it is clear when the primary will be finally scheduled. The final primary date will not be determined until maps are ready to be issued by the court. This is all we know at the present time. Please stay tuned for further updates from the State Party – we will issue them as soon as we have additional information.
Redistricting News Update
Redistricting Update II – San Antonio Panel Issues New Order
Status Conference Moved Up To Friday, January 27
As we previously reported, last Friday, the Attorney General filed a motion requesting that the three-judge panel in San Antonio reconsider setting the redistricting status conference previously set for February 1st, to an earlier date. The motion stated that such a late conference date could unnecessarily delay obtaining new congressional and legislative district maps, thus putting the April 3rd unified primary date in jeopardy.
Also on Friday, the Republican Party of Texas (RPT) filed an advisory in support of that position (see Friday’s advisory). Over this past weekend, the RPT consulted with numerous organizations representing various counties on the topic of the election calendar and deadlines. After those consultations, RPT filed an additional advisory (see advisory) with the panel on Monday morning, suggesting new election calendar deadlines which would still allow for an April 3rd unified primary (see proposed order). On Sunday, Judge Xavier Rodriguez acknowledged receipt of the filings and ordered that all responses be filed by 10am, Monday, January 23rd. After all parties had filed their responses, Judge Garcia issued a new order on Monday afternoon rescinding his previous order for a February 1st status conference and rescheduling the status conference for Friday, January 27th at 1:00pm. (see order)
The order also instructed all parties to confer and see if they can come up with maps by agreement in sufficient time to still allow the April 3rd primary. The court indicated that if the parties couldn’t agree, that the court wanted the parties to narrow the issues for further discussion. The court also indicated the possibility of having two primaries remained an option if maps could not be drawn in time, with at least the Presidential primary and precinct conventions held on April 3rd, and all other primaries held at a date to be determined in the future. Moreover, the court instructed the parties before the Washington D.C. panel to advise the court of the need for a timely decision in the event their decision would impact the Bexar County panel’s drawing of district lines.
Chairman Steve Munisteri issued the following statement with regard to the court’s latest order. “We are pleased that the Court took note of our concerns that a February 1st hearing unnecessarily delayed the completion of the redistricting process and welcome the court’s decision to move up the hearing by four days. However, the court’s order also indicated that the parties needed to attempt to agree to new maps immediately in order for the court to meet the April 3rd deadline. Since the parties have been involved in contentious litigation, it will be difficult to achieve consensus among all the parties. This fact raises concerns that the process will drag out an inordinate amount of time, thereby again placing the April 3rd unified primary date in jeopardy. Therefore, the RPT will continue to advocate that the court move as swiftly as possible to draw their own maps in accordance with the U.S. Supreme Court’s opinion. The RPT position will be that a single unified primary in early April is the best possible result, and still obtainable, but the ability to accomplish this rests squarely in the hands of the three-judge panel and the timeliness of their actions.”
Advisory to all Republican county chairmen, precinct chairmen, and party activists – it is still possible that we could have a unified primary election on April 3rd, so therefore, RPT still advises that you proceed with planning as if an April 3rd primary will occur. However, unless the court moves at a faster pace, you should be aware that there is a significant likelihood that the April 3rd unified primary date will either be pushed back further into April, or that the court will order a bifurcated primary with at least a Presidential primary occurring in April and the elections affected by redistricting to be at a later date. It is unclear what would occur to other statewide or countywide contests which are not affected by redistricting. Although the court order did not specifically state this – it seems apparent that the re-opening of the filing period will not occur before February 1st. Therefore, the closing of the filing period will also not be on February 1st, and you should plan accordingly. We should know more after the Friday, January 27th hearing – so please stay tuned for further announcements. Be prepared to be flexible and to react on short notice. We are receiving a tremendous volume of calls and emails from candidates and party officials. Because of the limitation of staff, we request that you only call or write on this issue if you have a question that is not covered by these advisories. We will endeavor to keep you up to date as quickly and as timely as possible.
Our Candidates
| U.S. President | Newt Gingrich |
| U.S. President | Ron Paul |
| U.S. President | Mitt Romney |
| U.S. President | Rick Santorum |
| U.S. Senate | Ted Cruz |
| U.S. Senate | Tom Leppart |
| U.S. Senate | Glenn Addison |
| U.S. Senate | David Dewherst |
| U.S. Senate | Curt Cleaver |
| U.S. Senate | Ben Gambini |
| U.S. Senate | Charles Holcomb |
| U.S. Senate | Lela Pittenger |
| U.S. Senate | Doc Joe Agris |
| U.S. Senate | Craig James |
| U.S. House TX-3 | Sam Johnson |
| U.S. House TX-3 | Harry Pierce |
| U.S. House TX-3 | Josh Caesar |
| U.S. House TX-4 | Ralph Hall |
| U.S. House TX-4 | John Cooper |
| U.S. House TX-4 | Lou Gigliotti |
| U.S. House TX-32 | Pete Sessions |
| Railroad Commission | Beryl Burgess |
| Railroad Commission | Warren Chisum |
| Railroad Commission | Christi Craddick |
| Railroad Commission | Roland Sledge |
| Railroad Commission (unexpired) | Greg Parker |
| Railroad Commission (unexpired) | Barry Smitherman |
| Supreme Court – Place 2 | Steve Smith |
| Supreme Court – Place 2 | Dan Willett |
| Supreme Court – Place 4 | John Devine |
| Supreme Court – Place 4 | David Medina |
| Supreme Court – Place 4 | Joe Pool, Jr. |
| Supreme Court – Place 6 | Nathan Hecht |
| Court of Criminal Appeals – Presiding Judge | Sharon Keller |
| Court of Criminal Appeals – Presiding Judge | Larry Meyers |
| Court of Criminal Appeals – Place 7 | Barbara Hervey |
| Court of Criminal Appeals – Place 8 | Elsa Alcala |
| Court of Criminal Appeals – Place 8 | Ken Law |
| TX Senate 8 | Ken Paxton |
| TX Senate 8 | Scott O’Grady |
| TX Senate 30 | Craig Estes |
| TX Senate 30 | James Herblin |
| TX House 3 | Scott Turner |
| TX House 3 | Jim Pruitt |
| TX House 66 | Van Taylor |
| TX House 67 | Jeff Leach |
| TX House 67 | Jon Cole |
| TX House 67 | John Pitchford |
| TX House 67 | Roger Burns |
| TX House 67 | Mabel Simpson |
| TX House 67 | Jeran Akers |
| TX House 70 | Bracy Wilson |
| TX House 70 | Scott Sanford |
| TX House 89 | Jodie Laubenberg |
| State Board of Education, District 12 | Tincy Miller |
| State Board of Education, District 12 | George Clayton |
| State Board of Education, District 12 | Pam Little |
| State Board of Education, District 12 | Gail Spurlock |
| Justice – 5th District Court of Appeals 1 | Carolyn Wright |
| Justice – 5th District Court of Appeals 2 | David Evans |
| Justice – 5th District Court of Appeals 2 | Bill Whitehill |
| Justice – 5th District Court of Appeals 2 | Jeff Coen |
| Justice – 5th District Court of Appeals 2 | Kevin Keith |
| Justice – 5th District Court of Appeals 5 | Jim Moseley |
| Justice – 5th District Court of Appeals 9 | Martin Richtner |
| Justice – 5th District Court of Appeals 9 | David Lewis |
| Justice – 5th District Court of Appeals 10 | Molly Francis |
| Justice – 5th District Court of Appeals 11 | Douglas Lang |
| Justice – 5th District Court of Appeals 12 | Bob Fillmore |
| Justice – 5th District Court of Appeals 13 | Elizabeth Lang Miers |
| Judge – 199th District Court | Angela Tucker |
| Judge – 199th District Court | Bob Dry |
| Judge – 380th District Court | Terri Green |
| Judge – 380th District Court | Ben Smith |
| Judge – 380th District Court | Piper McCraw |
| Judge – 380th District Court | Jody Johnson |
| Judge – 380th District Court | Chip Jarvis |
| Judge – 380th District Court | James Mosser |
| Judge – 401st District Court | Mark Rusch |
| Judge – 416th District Court | Chris Oldner |
| Sheriff | Terry Box |
| Sheriff | Chuck Presley |
| Sheriff | Mike Brooks |
| Tax Assessor-Collector | Kenneth Maun |
| District Clerk | Andrea Stroh Thompson |
| District Clerk | Tim Baker |
| Judge – County Court at Law 2 | Sharon Ramage |
| Judge – County Court at Law 2 | Gene Sera |
| Judge – County Court at Law 2 | Barnett Walker |
| County Commissioner 1 | Matt Shaheen |
| County Commissioner 3 | Chris Hill |
| County Commissioner 3 | Ray Eckenrode |
| Justice of the Peace – Pct 3-1 | Chuck Ruckel |
| Constable – Pct 1 | Shane Williams |
| Constable – Pct 2 | Joe Barton |
| Constable – Pct 3 | Sammy Knapp |
| Constable – Pct 4 | Cesare Venegoni |
| Constable – Pct 4 | Joe Wright |
| County Chairman | Fred Moses |
Primary Date Moved to April 3, 2012
UPDATE: Court Orders Moving the Date of Primary Election
Federal Panel in San Antonio Orders April 3, 2012 as the New Election Date.
This afternoon, the U.S. District Court three-judge panel in San Antonio signed into effect the proposed agreement between the Texas Democratic Party and the Republican Party of Texas as documented earlier today.
Per the signed order – the new date of the 2012 General Primary Election is set as Tuesday, April 3, 2012.
Please note – the current filing deadline to submit an application for the primary ballot will end on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 6:00pm. The court order provides for a reopened filing period which will begin at a date to be determined. We will keep you informed of any further announcements or developments regarding federal court action which affects these rulings.
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New Proposed 2012 Primary Dates
Today, the Texas Democratic Party (TDP) and the Republican Party of Texas (RPT) issued a statement announcing that the two parties have submitted a joint agreed proposal on the 2012 General Primary Election to the U.S. District Court three-judge panel in San Antonio.
The parties’ joint proposal provides for an April 3, 2012 unified primary date, along with adjusted dates, deadlines and requirements in respect to its administration.
RPT State Chairman Steve Munisteri said, “I am pleased that we could come to an agreement and I hope that most Republican elected officials and Texas voters will be satisfied with this proposal. We are hopeful that with both a timely ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court and subsequent finalized maps, that this agreement not only preserves the original structure of a unified primary, but provides us enough time to accomplish it in a fair and orderly fashion. Furthermore, this agreement addresses the concern of both the TDP and RPT by providing a timeline which still allows us to hold our respective state conventions and national delegate selection in June.”
Notable details of the agreement submitted to the panel are as follows:
• February 1, 2012 – New residency deadline for candidates seeking election to the Texas House and Texas Senate.
• February 1, 2012, 6:00pm – New deadline of court-ordered reopened filing period, in which candidates for all offices have the opportunity to amend, withdraw or file a new application for the ballot.
• February 3, 2012 – New deadline for County Executive Committees to conduct drawing for candidate order on ballot.
• April 3, 2012 – Date of the 2012 General Primary Election.
• April 14 or April 21, 2012 – Date of County and Senatorial District Conventions, as determined by the State Chair of each political party.
• June 5, 2012 – Date of the 2012 General Primary Runoff Election.
If signed by the three-judge panel – nothing in the order shall be construed by the Court or the parties as a waiver of the positions of each party with respect to the schedule or conduct of the upcoming election. The parties’ positions as stated at the December 13, 2011 hearing are expressly reserved. Additionally, the Republican and Democratic parties have agreed that it is necessary to have a primary early enough in April to allow them to conduct their statutorily required conventions as previously planned.
2012 Primary Filing Deadline Extended
Update: Federal Panel Issues Court Order With Direction
Filing Deadline is now 6:00pm on Monday, December 19th
Dear Texas Republican,
In just the past few minutes, we obtained a signed court order from the three-judge federal panel in San Antonio. Here are the latest updates:
As we reported last night, the new filing period for all candidates from precinct chair to U.S. President has been extended to 6:00 pm on Monday, December 19th.
First, the Republican Party of Texas and Republican County Chairmen are now accepting ballot applications for all primary races, including those affected by Friday’s Supreme Court Ruling (Texas House, Texas Senate and U.S. Congress.)
Candidates for the 2012 Primary Election who are seeking to run in one of these affected districts whose lines have not been finalized, can submit their application and designate a district number from either the map passed by the Texas Legislature or the map imposed by the three-judge federal panel. Candidates at the county level who are seeking an office with a precinct designation (i.e., County Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, Precinct Chair, etc.) should also file with their intended district number. In all instances, if that district number or map is later changed, you will have the opportunity to amend or withdraw your application.
This workaround has been made possible by further direction from today’s ruling. The ruling has stated that once maps are finalized following the Supreme Court hearing in mid-January, there will be a new filing period for all primary ballot races.
During this new filing period:
• Candidates who have already filed may amend their district designation to match the appropriate district designation for their residence.
• Candidates who wish to withdraw their filing, will be entitled to do so. Withdrawn filings will be entitled to a refund of the filing fee.
• New candidate filings will be accepted for all races.
Candidates filing by petition should be cautioned that only the signatures from voters who reside in the districted presented in the FINALIZED map can be applied to their required totals. If you choose this method, you should be prepared to either collect additional signatures or to pay the filing fee should your district change.
On Thursday, representatives from the Texas Democratic Party and the Republican Party of Texas will enter a mediation session to discuss the date for the 2012 Primary Election. This issue was not addressed in today’s court order, but we hope to have an update for you soon following that meeting.
Thank you for your interest in this process, and for your continued patience. These are certainly the most interesting and complex election administration decisions that any of your Republican Party of Texas staff can ever recall. We will continue to keep you updated as we receive more specific direction.
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Open District Clerk Position
Collin County Chairman Fred Moses announced today that the Collin County Republican Party is accepting filing applications for the unexpired term of the District Clerk position. As a result of the position being vacant after the beginning of the filing period but before December 10, 2011, anyone filing for the position will have until Monday, December 19, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. to file their application to run in the Republican Primary for the unexpired term. The filing fee for the position is $1,250.00. Anyone interested in running in the Republican Primary must file their candidate application at the Collin County Republican Party Headquarters at 8416 Stacey Road, McKinney, Texas. For more information about filing for the position, you may call 972-540-5985.
Tee It Up for 2012! Collin County GOP Golf Tournament
Collin County Legislative Briefing Luncheon
Collin County Legislative Briefing Luncheon
| Event Host: | The Honorable Tincy and Mr. Vance Miller | |
| Date: | August 19, 2011 | |
| Location: | Prestonwood Country Club, 15909 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75248 | |
| Time: | VIP Reception @ 11:30am • Luncheon @ 12:00pm |
Legislators
- The Honorable Florence Shapiro: State Senator 8
- The Honorable Craig Estes: State Senator 30
- The Honorable Van Taylor: State Representative 66
- The Honorable Jerry Madden: State Representative 67
- The Honorable Ken Paxton: State Representative 70
- The Honorable Jodie Laubenberg: State Representative 89
Sponsorship Levels |
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Event Sponsor: $750
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Table Sponsor: $500
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Individual: $35.00 |
State Representative Jerry Madden Honored as Legislator of the Year
by American Legislative Exchange Council
(Austin, TX) The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) honored State Representative Jerry Madden with the prestigious “Legislator of the Year” award at the organization’s 38th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Friday, August 5, 2011. Read more
Legislative Update: Republican Senate Passes Budget
This afternoon, all 19 Republican State Senators stood together in a united front to defeat obstructionist tactics of the Democratic Party and successfully moved forward House Bill 1, pertaining to the 2012-2013 state budget. It was apparent over the last couple of days that Democratic senators were attempting to hold the budget process hostage through the two-thirds rule in order to extort higher spending levels. Senate Republicans out-maneuvered their Democratic counterparts by bringing the bill up today on House Bill Day, when a two-thirds majority is not required, to pass a budget that every Republican senator could sign off on. Read more
Top Six Reasons We Got Osama bin Laden
Top Six Reasons We Got Osama bin Laden
Taking down Osama bin Laden was an achievement resulting from a culmination of a decade of national security policy. Soft power and diplomacy helped along the way, but it was hard power and military might that made it possible. President George W. Bush put the correct policies in place, including the PATRIOT Act, Gitmo and increased intelligence gathering. President Barack Obama was wise to continue executing many of the same strategies. Here are the main reasons we were able to take him out. Read more
Rep. Van Taylor’s Bills Aiding Search and Rescue Dog Handlers Passes the House of Representatives
Rep. Van Taylor’s Bills Aiding Search and Rescue Dog Handlers Passes the House of Representatives
AUSTIN – Today House Bill 3487, sponsored by Rep. Van Taylor (R- Plano), passed the Texas House of Representatives. The legislation will help enable Search and Rescue (SAR) Dog Handlers to more effectively do their jobs by prohibiting charging additional fees to handlers.
“Search and Rescue Dog Teams are an incredible asset when disasters strike and perform hundreds of missing person searches across the Lone Star State every year,” said Representative Taylor. “These highly trained dogs help save lives here in Texas almost daily and they do so on a voluntary basis, often at the personal expense of their handlers. It is my goal to make traveling to areas far from home easier so that they will be able to focus on their mission – to save fellow Texans.”
Legislation Deadlines
By State Representative Ken Paxton
Dear Friends,
The 82nd Legislative Session is beginning to speed by, and there are deadlines approaching that may affect important legislation. Monday, May 9, is the last day for House bills to be reported out of committee for consideration by the House Calendars Committee. Thursday, May 12, is the last day for non-local House bills to be heard on second reading on the House floor. These deadlines are coming up very quickly, and I wanted to update you on the status of legislation I have filed, and other legislation that you have expressed interest in. Read more
Rep. Van Taylor Files Texas Majority Rights Protection to Increase Revenue and Create Jobs
AUSTIN – On Friday, Rep. Van Taylor (R-Plano) filed House Bill 3586, or Majority Rights Protection (MPR), which establishes a legal framework to protect the property rights of Texas oil field owners. Texas is the only major oil producing state, including all of the top ten producers, that does not have a legal framework similar to the one H.B. 3586 provides. Majority Rights Protection allows a supermajority of oil field owners to redevelop the oil in a reservoir and exercise their economic rights. Read more
The Health Freedom Act (House Joint Resolution 24)
By State Representative Ken Paxton
Dear Friends,
In March 2010, Congress passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as “ObamaCare.” President Obama signed it into law shortly thereafter. The federal health care legislation is a substantial overreach of the federal government power through a mandate that requires individuals to purchase health insurance or pay a tax. The federal health care legislation also puts additional burdens, both regulatory and financial, upon the states, forcing Texas to dedicate additional funds to Medicaid instead of education, roads, and tax relief. Read more
Congressman Sam Johnson Named Most Conservative Member of Congress
By Congressman Sam Johnson
Dear Friends,
It is a great honor to serve the people of the Third Congressional District and it is a duty that I do not take for granted. My utmost goal is to preserve the American Dream for our children and grandchildren by offering fair, common-sense solutions that promote fiscal responsibility and economic prosperity. Read more
Rep. Van Taylor Offers Bill to Verify Citizenship of Voter Registration Applicants
Legislation enforces citizenship eligibility standards for voter registration applicants
AUSTIN – Today Representative Van Taylor (R-Plano) filed House Bill 3160, which will allow applicants to provide proof of citizenship with their initial application to register to vote. The State must verify the application. This bill closely follows a program implemented in Georgia and approved by the Justice Department last year. See the Atlanta Journal-Constitution article. Read more
Making Transportation Funding a Priority
By State Representative Ken Paxton
The Legislature’s top priority for this legislative session is to pass a balanced state budget for the next biennium. My top priority for this session is to do so without creating new taxes or passing any increases in existing taxes. In order to achieve this goal, the Legislature must prioritize its spending and focus on essential state services, such as transportation. Read more
Announcing the 2011 Lincoln Day Dinner
We are proud to announce Congressman Allen B. West as our Lincoln Day Dinner Keynote Speaker. In November of 2010, Lt. Colonel West was elected to the United States House of Representatives from Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. Congressman West is a true patriot. Before retiring, he served in Operation Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and trained troops in Afghanistan. He is an inspiring speaker dedicated to the founding father’s principles of limited government and individual freedoms. He is a passionate leader who will rock the house with his conservative recipe to take back America. Do not miss this evening with Congressman West! Read more
2011 Lincoln Day Dinner: Keynote Speaker Congressman Allen West
Congressman Allen West (FL-22) proudly and humbly serves the constituents of Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, encompassing parts of beautiful Broward and Palm Beach Counties along South Florida’s eastern coastline. Read more
Rep. Van Taylor Files Revised Legislation Protecting Motorists From False ID
Updated legislation enables officers to take one fingerprint from each hand
AUSTIN – Today Rep. Van Taylor filed House Bill 1377, which will take the place of H.B. 837, which was filed in January. The new bill maintains the original intent of the legislation which will enable law enforcement officers to take a fingerprint when a driver does not present photo identification. The new bill text enables officers to take one fingerprint from each hand in lieu of one thumbprint. This update takes into account a Department of Public Safety (DPS) pilot program that takes a print of the index fingers. After working with DPS officials, the new text was drafted to integrate with the program currently in effect. Read more
Representative Van Taylor: Texas House Bill 111
By Texas Representative Van Taylor
As a Marine Officer, I was deployed to serve in Iraq. I experienced inherent hardships of forward deployment and know the challenges faced by our men and women serving in the military. One of these challenges is engaging in the most fundamental civic privilege provided by our democratic process – voting. Read more
Cornyn, Hatch, 19 Senators Introduce Balanced Budget Amendment to Constitution
Texas Insider Report: Washington, D.C. – “Millions of working families across the country balance their checkbook every year, and their government should do the same. That is why passing a Balanced Budget Amendment must be the first priority of the 112th Congress,” said Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) earlier today as he, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and 21 other Senators introduced a Balanced Budget Amendment to the United States Constitution. The proposed amendment would bring down the nation’s skyrocketing national debt by requiring balanced budgets and prohibiting deficit spending or tax increases unless approved by two-thirds of the House and Senate. Read more
The Spending Problem in Texas
By State Representative Raul Torres, CPA
AUSTIN, Texas – Last week, House Joint Resolution 70 was filed in the Texas House by Rep. Ken Paxton. This is by far one of the most important bills that have been filed this year. The bill itself is not new since similar bills have been filed in previous years, however none of them passed both houses of the Legislature. Read more
House Republican Conference Report: Thursday, January 20
Thursday, January 20, 2011
- YouCut. On Tuesday, the House approved legislation to end the mandatory printing of bills and resolutions and save Americans an estimated $35 million over ten years. Current law requires the Government Printing Office to print hard copies of all bills and resolutions introduced in Congress. Whenever a Member of Congress introduces a bill or resolution, the Government Printing Office prints 200 paper copies. In the 110th Congress, Members introduced 14,042 bills and resolutions. That amounts to 2.8 million paper copies, many of which are simply thrown away for a lack of use. By eliminating the mandatory printing of every introduced bill, and instead using technology to ensure that bills are available online for anyone to examine, we can achieve significant savings to taxpayers, while still ensuring accountable and open government.
2 in Collin County to debut new radio show
Former candidate for State Representative (House District 66), Wayne Richard, and his co-host and Collin County GOP precinct chair, Greg Knapp, will debut an hour long radio show — StandWithWayne — this Saturday, January 8, 10:00-11:00 am on KVCE 1160 on the AM dial. Read more
Texas Speaker – Will Warren Chisum Do The Right Thing, Step Aside & Endorse Ken Paxton?
Source: RedState.com
Anyone following the race for Texas Speaker knows that it is possible (and critical) to knock off liberal Republican Joe Straus, but that to do so requires unifying behind a single conservative alternative. Anyone, that is, except for State Rep. Warren Chisum. Or does he? Read more
Texas is Veteran Friendly
All Who Served, and Now Live in Texas, are “Texas Veterans”
Patterson drops 1-year residency requirement for VLB benefits
“You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas.” — Davy Crockett
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas — “A veteran is a veteran, and this change opens up VLB programs to all who served & now call Texas home,” said Jerry Patterson, chairman of the Texas Veterans Land Board. The 1.7 million veterans living in Texas — regardless of when they moved here — will qualify for benefits from the Texas Veterans Land Board as of Dec. 21. Read more
MICHAEL GOODWIN: ‘Messiah’ Obama Has Only Himself to Blame
By Michael Goodwin, Fox News Contributor
Viewed with the long lens, the uncivil war between President Obama and lib eral Democrats is merely another example of the gradual awakening of Obamabots. The big story of the last two years is how millions of Americans who voted for him have concluded he’s not the man they thought he was. Read more
Straus is a Fine Fellow; Paxton is a Better Choice
by Denise McNamara, former Texas GOP National Committeewoman
FEATURED
Straus is a Fine Fellow; Paxton is a Better Choice
Media types, Democrats, and some Republicans are playing the religion card in the Speaker’s race. This election has nothing to do with religion; it has everything to do with policy. And with leadership. Read more
The Battle for the Texas House by David Barton
Update: The Battle for the Texas House
As a result of Election Night 2010, the Texas House now has a truly conservative Republican majority for the first time in its history! And while liberal Republican House Speaker Joe Straus is working hard to retain his control over the new House, thanks to your efforts, the tide is beginning to turn! Not only are there now two conservative House Members running for Speaker against Joe Straus but numerous House Members have pulled their pledge cards from Straus and have now pledged to one of the conservatives. Read more
5 Courageous Freshmen Praised by Young Conservatives of Texas
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas — Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT) earlier today praised State Representatives-elect Cindy Burkett, R-Mesquite, Jim Landtroop, R-Plainview, Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, David Simpson, R-Longview, and Kenneth Sheets, R-Dallas for their endorsements of Rep. Ken Paxton, R-McKinney, in the race for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.
“Despite strong-arm tactics by Speaker Straus and his leadership team, these five freshmen representatives showed courage in recognizing that Ken Paxton stands on solid conservative principles and in endorsing him for Speaker of the Texas House,” remarked Tony McDonald, YCT Senior Vice Chairman.
“It is clear these leaders respect the wishes of their constituents. Having heard the call from the electorate to push forward a conservative agenda during the next legislative session, they have stepped out to acknowledge that such an agenda is put at risk by the liberal leadership of Speaker Joe Straus and would be secured by the conservative leadership of Ken Paxton,” McDonald said.
State Rep. Ken Paxton Announces Bid for Texas House Speaker
Historic Opportunities Demand Bold Action
AUSTIN, TEXAS – (McKinney, TX) – In announcing his bid for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, State Rep. Ken Paxton today issued the following statement: Read more
Gov. Perry in Dallas Nov. 10th
BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS WE CELEBRATE FREEDOM!
Join us at one of the tour’s stops with Fed Up!’s author, Governor Rick Perry. Fed Up! Our Fight to Save America from Washington will be available for purchase, and Governor Perry will be on hand to meet guests and sign your copy of the book!
Governing Magazine’s 2010 Public Officials of the Year
Dear Friends,
It is my pleasure to share this great news with you! Governing Magazine has named Senator Whitmire and myself as two of its Public Officials of the Year. Read more
Election Day Hours, Locations & Sample Ballots
On Tuesday, November 2nd, you may vote at any of the locations listed below. All polling locations will be open for voting from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 2nd. Read more
Early Voting Dates, Hours, Locations and Sample Ballots
Early Voting Dates & Hours
- Monday, October 18: 8am – 5pm
- Tuesday, October 19: 8am – 5pm
- Wednesday, October 20: 8am – 5pm
- Thursday, October 21: 8am – 5pm
- Friday, October 22: 8am – 5pm
- Saturday, October 23: 7am – 7pm
- Sunday, October 24: 1pm – 6pm
- Monday, October 25: 7am – 7pm
- Tuesday, October 26: 7am – 7pm
- Wednesday, October 27: 7am – 7pm
- Thursday, October 28: 7am – 7pm
- Friday, October 29: 7am – 7pm
Our view: Be tough, be smart
Veteran Texas lawmaker brings practical message to Alaska
Texas state Rep. Jerry Madden had no particular expertise to offer when the Speaker of the House there asked him to chair the Corrections committee in 2005. His contact with the criminal justice system was limited to a few traffic tickets. He was an engineer, not a lawyer. His marching orders included this one: “Don’t build new prisons. They cost too much.” Read more
Winning the Battle, but Losing the War
As president of the conservative caucus in the Texas Legislature, I have traveled nearly 7000 miles this year to rally grassroot conservatives all over the great state of Texas. The urgent message I’ve shared with folks is one that hasn’t been spoken about much until just recently. Of all the pressing matters confronting our state and national governments, redistricting is the single issue that will most significantly impact every policy decision for the next ten years. And the outcome of those decisions about health care, taxes, immigration, the economy and education will all affect you and your family. Read more
Washington Targets Texas, Usurping State’s Rights
By State Representative Ken Paxton
McKINNEY, Texas – While the American public has become accustomed to Congress adding unrelated riders & pork to Federal Spending Bills, Texans may be surprised to learn that certain Congressional Members specifically targeted Texas last week, making particular demands on our State while simultaneously circumventing Texas’ State’s Rights for funding public education. Read more
President’s Message: Deepwater Horizon
I would like to thank Chrysti Bryant for her hard work chairing the committee that put together our wonderful float for Fourth of July Parade. The artwork for the float was done by Chrysti and Stephanie Casson who did all the painting. PRW owes a special thanks to Denise Midgley and her husband Jim who have for the past 4 years let us decorate the float at their home. In addition Jim designed, built and put together the framework that we have used every year. This year he even built a special covering over the entire float so we wouldn’t have to work in the rain! Those of us who decorated the float especially appreciated that. And we made the front page of the Plano Star Courier to boot!! Be sure to check out the pictures included in this newsletter and on our brand-new website: www.planorepublicanwomen.org. Read more
Texas Prepares for Effects from Oil Spill
By State Representative Ken Paxton
Last week, Governor Rick Perry announced that Texas is prepared to respond to any effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill along the Texas coast. The State Operations Center has remained at an increased readiness level and the State continues to work with federal and local authorities to track the spill and prepare contingency plans. Read more
Republican Party of Texas Elects Steve Munisteri Chairman
June 12, 2010
For Immediate Release
The Republican Party of Texas has a new chairman. At its 2010 convention in Dallas Saturday, the more than 5,000 delegates on hand voted to elect Steve Munisteri of Houston chairman of the state party. Chairman Munisteri sounded a note of unity upon taking office Saturday afternoon. Read more
EPA’s Takeover of Air Quality Permitting Only Undermines Texas’ Effort
By State Representative Ken Paxton
This week, Governor Perry and other state lawmakers attacked the recent decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take over air quality permitting for up to forty refineries and facilities in Texas. Read more
When All Else Fails, Elect Conservatives!
By Denise McNamara, Texas Insider Exclusive
Hurricane season is here, and while a lot could happen between now and November, the Democrats may be facing a Category 5 storm. Republicans lead by 8 points in the latest Rasmussen generic ballot poll, and 64% of Americans believe that our country is on the wrong track. Read more
President’s Message: Securing Our Borders
On April 23, 2010 Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed SB 1070 into law and since then has been under siege by the unhinged left and the Obama administration. The interesting thing about this law is that it pretty much mirrors federal law in that is already on the books or in other words, it merely makes state crime what is already federal crime. And 70% of Arizona’s citizens support this law. What really amazed me was having Mexican president Felipe Calderón tell the American people during his May 19, 2010 visit to the White House that “We will retain our firm rejection to criminalize migration so that people who work and provide things to this nation will be treated as criminals. And we oppose firmly the SB 1070 Arizona law [as] … discriminatory.” What a hypocrite! Has anyone had the nerve to ask him what happens when one enters Mexico illegally? It makes what happens to illegals caught here look like a “walk in the park.” Read more
Texas is Best State for Business
NCPA
In the Chief Executive’s annual survey of best and worst states for business, conducted in late January of this year, 651 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) across the United States again gave Texas top honors as the best state for business. The Lone Star State was followed closely by North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Conversely, the worst state for doing business was California, followed by New York, Michigan, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Read more
Join Congressman Sam Johnson & Dr. Frank Luntz on June 7th
Dear Friends,
I am pleased to announce that on Monday, June 7th, the Nostradamus of Pollsters, Dr. Frank Luntz (shown at right), will serve as my special guest for a dinner at the Westin Galleria in Dallas. Read more
Jerry Madden’s 3rd Annual Legacy Golf Tournament
2010 Republican State Convention Update
source: Neal J. Katz, SREC, Senate District 8
The 2010 Republican Party of Texas (RPT) State Convention will be held at the Dallas Convention Center on Friday and Saturday, June 11th and 12th. The following information should be of use to you if you plan to attend: Read more
President’s Message: Freedom… It Isn’t Free!
Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Glenn Beck, Laura Ingram –they have all said that November 2010 is THE MOST CRITICAL ELECTION OF OUR LIFETIME! I heard that sentiment again at the TFRW board meeting in Austin when State Representatives Wayne Christian and Phil King spoke to the board about the critical need to “grow” our Republican majority in the Texas House. Representative King is a member of the Texas Conservative Coalition. Phil King is the chairman of GoPac Texas. You can learn more about both organizations at www.txcc.org and www.gopac-tx.org and I highly recommend that you visit both these websites and learn more about what they are doing. Would it surprise you to know that the Democrat National Committee has 20 paid operatives in the state of Texas working toward making Texas a “blue state” by 2012, if not sooner? What might surprise you even more is that the Republican National Committee has NONE! It is downright stupid to assume that Texas is solidly red and will remain so. The Democrats are fielding candidates in just about every statewide race, including several Supreme Court Judges. And in Collin County, the Democrats have 5 candidates: District Attorney, County Judge, County Court at Law Judge, County Commissioner and Justice of the Peace. It is critical that we get out the vote in Collin County and push the “straight ticket” vote. From the top of the ticket to the bottom, Republican candidates are depending on us to get folks to the polls. Read more
Liberal Bill White’s Mouth Misfires (Again)
Liberal Bill White’s Mouth Misfires (Again)
RPT Update 04/23/10
Earlier this month, Democratic nominee for governor, liberal Bill White, accused Gov. Perry and the Texas Republican leadership of engaging in “Soviet-style” budget management, when they announced efforts to trim the state’s budget across the board. Coming from the nominee of a party that is spending the country toward bankruptcy and is increasingly insinuating itself into every single facet of American life, that was a bit rich. Read more
Rep. Jerry Madden Honored for Support of DWI Courts
MEDIA ALERT
CONTACTS:
Nicole Chardavoyne, nchardavoyne@gorvis.com, 202-306-7139
Mark Hey, Mark.Hey@house.state.tx.us, 512-463-0544
State Lawmakers Honored for Their Support of DWI Courts
National Center for DWI Courts and Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. Thank Rep. Madden and Sen. Seliger for Their Work to Prevent Drunk Driving Read more
More on Obamacare….
Dear Friends:
Americans want, need, and deserve a United States Congress that reflects the will of the hardworking taxpayer, but the recent passage of the $2.6 trillion healthcare bill reiterates the Democrats’ arrogant disregard for the interests of the American people. Read more
Primary Runoff Results
Election Summary Report
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RUNOFF
Summary For Jurisdiction Wide, All Counters, All Races
Combined Accumulated Totals
Registered Voters 415353 – Cards Cast 19420 (4.68%)
Precincts 179 – Precincts Reporting 179 (100.00%)
Support Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Fight to Overturn Obamacare!
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has long fought for your Constitutional rights, and now he is waging the fight of his career. Attorney General Abbott has joined his colleagues from 13 other states in filing a constitutional challenge to Obamacare, the health care takeover bill that the Democrats passed against the objections of most Americans. Attorney General Abbott’s lawsuit could spell the end of Obamacare. But he needs your support. Read more
President’s Message: In Memory of Denise Short Smith
This has been one of the most difficult messages I’ve had to write. By the time our newsletter is published it will have been three weeks since I got a call late on Sunday night that Denise Short Smith had passed away unexpectedly on Thursday evening, March 18. I had just visited with Denise at our monthly meeting on Tuesday and it was almost impossible for me to believe that she was gone. Read more
Will History Repeat Itself? We are Counting On It!
By State Representative Jerry Madden
U.S. history shows us that when political forces of arrogance have forced unpopular government expansion on the people, those very people rise up and lead the charge of “not on my watch”. Then the government of misdirection has been soundly defeated in the next election cycle. Read more
April 13th Runoff Election Candidates
Following is the list of candidates who will appear on the Republican primary runoff ballot on April 13, 2010. The names are listed here in the order in which they will appear on the official ballots for Collin County.
Attorney General Abbott Challenges Health Care Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2010
CONTACT Press Office at (512) 463-2050
Attorney General Abbott Challenges the Constitutionality of Federal Health Care Takeover
AUSTIN–Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and 12 state attorneys general today filed a legal action challenging the constitutionality of the recently enacted federal health care law. The bipartisan legal challenge explains that the new law infringes upon Americans’ constitutionally protected individual liberties; encroaches upon the states’ constitutionally guaranteed sovereignty; forces states to spend billions of additional dollars on entitlement programs; imposes an unconstitutional tax; and violates the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Read more
Project Code Red
Dear Friends,
As one of my supporters, I want to share with you the latest effort to stop Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama’s government takeover of health care: Project Code Red. Read more
Who can vote in the Runoff?
Correcting the Rumors’ and Misinformation About the Runoff Election
You Can Vote in the Runoff if Registered and Did Not Vote in a Different Party Primary
With an unusually high number of runoff elections in Collin County and across the state it is not surprising that there a great deal of interest in exactly who can vote an in which runoff election. Read more
Freedom Council Meeting
Fellow Patriots:
Please join Congressman Sam Johnson for his next Freedom Council meeting on Saturday, March 13th from 9:30 – 11:00 am at the Collin College Central Park campus in McKinney. Read more
Republicans Celebrate, Recognize Volunteers
What a great time and place in which to be a Republican,” said Collin County Republican Chairman Fred Moses. “Our event raised over $100,000 on gross table sales alone and our ticket sales were up 60% over last year. In these tough economic times it is a true testament to the strength of our party for our numbers to have increased so dramatically,” Moses said. Read more
President’s Message: Congratulations Primary Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the March 2 primary election. But we are not quite done. We have a runoff and the candidates that will be on the ballot are listed below. Early voting for the Primary Runoff Election begins on Monday, April 5th and runs through Friday, April 9th. Election Day is Tuesday, April 13, 2010. Read more
2010 Primary Election Early Voting Totals
Primary Election Early Voting Daily Totals (by Party & Ballot Type)
| Date | Republican In Person Voters |
Republican By Mail Voters |
Democrat In Person Voters |
Democrat By Mail Voters |
||||
| February 16, 2010 | 1,727 | 417 | 149 | 22 | ||||
| February 17, 2010 | 1,581 | 72 | 187 | 1 | ||||
| February 18, 2010 | 1,595 | 52 | 172 | 2 | ||||
| February 19, 2010 | 1,927 | 48 | 187 | 6 | ||||
| February 20, 2010 | 2,320 | 55 | 231 | 4 | ||||
| February 21, 2010 | 781 | 0 | 99 | 0 | ||||
| February 22, 2010 | 1,976 | 36 | 199 | 1 | ||||
| February 23, 2010 | 2,269 | 110 | 214 | 1 | ||||
| February 24, 2010 | 2,713 | 67 | 257 | 1 | ||||
| February 25, 2010 | 3,547 | 68 | 374 | 2 | ||||
| February 26, 2010 | 6,642 | 65 | 589 | 1 | ||||
| Subtotal | 27,078 | 990 | 2,658 | 41 | ||||
| Total | 28,068 | 2,699 | ||||||
2010 Primary Election Early Voting Locations, Dates, and Times
Collin County Republican Party Early Voting Locations
Important Note: Eligible Collin County registered voters (with an effective date of registration on or before March 2, 2010) may vote at any of these early voting locations. Read more
2010 Primary Election Locations & Sample Ballots
Election Day Polling Locations and Sample Ballots
When voting on election day, you will need to attend the specific polling location that is servicing your precinct. All polling locations will be open for voting from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 2nd. Read more
President’s Message: The Tide is Turning
The tide is turning. We’ve had solid victories electing 2 Republican governors (Virginia and New Jersey) and the new REPUBLICAN senator from Massachusetts, Scott Brown. However, we must not be cocky or complacent. As I said in a recent email: “It ain’t over until the fat lady sings, and she’s not singing until November 2010; and she’ll still have one more high note in November 2012.” Once the primary is over, the push to November begins and our job as Republican Women is to continue to educate and reach out to those who are unhappy with the Democrat policies and the direction of the country and bring them into the Republican Party. I am encouraged that so many who have never taken a real interest in politics have found their voices. An engaged, EDUCATED electorate is what we need. When you educate yourself as to the issues and where the parties and the various candidates stand on those issues, you are empowered. Each of us influences a group of people who ask our opinions and advice. And if you are able to influence how those people vote because of your knowledge, you can make a difference because you not only influence their vote, they will also pass that information along to their friends. This is how elections are won. Think of how the Mighty Texas Strike Force has been able to help Republican candidates in other states in past general elections. Read more
2010 Primary Election Candidates
2010 Lincoln Day Auction Photos
Photos of the items available at the 2010 Collin County Lincoln Day Auction. Read more
County Judge Keith Self Recognized for Fiscal Responsibility
Presenting the Official 2009 “Naughty and Nice” List
source: Americans for Tax Reform on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 10:55 AM
Drop Plans for Gov’t Takeover of Health Care
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Janet Poppleton
CONGRESSMAN HALL URGES DEMOCRATS
TO DROP PLANS FOR GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER
OF HEALTH CARE
WASHINGTON, DC . . . As the House of Representatives reconvened today following the holiday break, Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX/4) reiterated his opposition to a government takeover of health care and issued the following statement: Read more
March 2nd Republican Primary Ballot Order Determined
Today the Collin County Republican Party announces the results for the ballot order for the Republican Primary Election to be conducted on March 2, 2010. The ballot order for all Collin County Republican Party contested elections was determined at a special statutory meeting of the Executive Committee of the Collin County Republican Party on Wednesday, January 6, 2010. Lots were drawn at random by the candidates, members of their families or campaigns, or Executive Committee representatives. Read more
Appraisal Reforms Taking Effect in the New Year
This week, Governor Rick Perry issued a press release about several new laws that take effect today, January 1, 2010, which relate to important reforms to the appraisal process that will benefit property taxpayers. There were four bills in particular that were passed last legislative session as well as two measures passed by the voters during the last constitutional amendment election in November that Governor Perry highlights in his press release. Below is an overview of each of these efforts to improve the appraisal process. Read more
President’s Message: How Safe Do You Feel?
Happy New Year! 2010 is going to be a watershed year for this country. Will conservatives put aside their differences and stand together to put our conservative Republicans back in office and replace the Democrats and RINOs or will we allow personal agendas to override the more important issue of getting our country back? I pray that we can bring the Tea Party and the Republican Party together for a victory in 2010 that will “knock their socks off”!! Read more
Happy TAX Year!
From the Heritage Foundation…
While millions of Americans are more than ready to put 2009 behind them, they should know that Congress failed to reauthorize dozens of tax breaks for individuals and businesses before the Members scurried home for the Holidays. These “expiring provisions” affect every American in one way or another as individuals or businesses. By allowing them to lapse, Congress has enacted tax increases at time when these taxpayers can least afford it. Read more
Congressman Johnson recognized as “most admired” Republican in the House
In a poll conducted by the National Journal this week, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.—Texas) was recognized as the “most admired” Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Journal polled Congressional and political insiders.
“This is a great honor, and I am grateful to be able to serve my country everyday as the representative from the Third District of Texas,” said Johnson, a 29 year Air Force veteran and prisoner of war for nearly seven years in Vietnam.
The full article will be published on Friday, December 11, 2009. For a sneak peak please visit visit http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2009/12/insiders_love_w.php.
Borah Van Dormolen Elected Texas National Committeewoman
TFRW Congratulations Borah Van Dormolen, TFRW immediate Past President, who was elected Texas National Committeewoman at the SREC meeting Saturday December 5, 2009. Read more
CBO Analysis: Reid Bill Will Increase Family Premiums By $2,100 a Year
Senator Cornyn: That may not be much to Washington elites, but it would be devastating for middle class families and small businesses
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today released the following statement regarding the non-partisan and independent Congressional Budget Office’s fresh analysis on the effect of the Reid health care bill on health care premiums: Read more
President’s Message: The U.S. “Motley Crew’s” Accomplishments for 2009
Here we are at the end of 2009 and the first year with President Barrack Hussein Obama ensconced in the White House and the Democrats firmly in control of both houses of Congress. So what has the “motley crew” managed to do in these 12 months? The President has flown all over the world (at taxpayer expense) while bowing to various world leaders and apologizing profusely for America at every stop. And he has provided those interested in blowing us to smithereens with a time table in Afghanistan. Wonder how that would have worked if President Roosevelt and told the Axis Powers “We will begin withdrawing all out troops on December 7, 1942 regardless of how the war is going? The Democrats in Congress with the help of some so-called Republicans are in the process of spending us into bankruptcy with “Obamacare” and “Cap and Trade” waiting in the wings to create even more debt and job loss. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, “To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.” But, in my opinion, this bunch has one very important accomplishment: the awakening of the American people who as I said last month, have been “asleep at the wheel” for way too many years. Can we take back our country? November 2, 2010 will either “make or break us”. FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION! The fate of our nation does lie in who is elected on that day. This is one election year that no one can afford to ignore or sit out. If you do, you are complicit in what happens after that and how dare you complain! Read more
Thanksgiving Message from President Lincoln
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.
Read more
Representative Ken Paxton Signs 2nd Amendment Amicus Brief
Texas Representative Ken Paxton
Representative Ken Paxton joined a large bipartisan group of state legislators and other elected officials from all 50 states who have signed an amicus curiae, or “friend of the court,” brief supporting the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) position that the Second Amendment must be upheld by the states through the Fourteenth Amendment. Read more
Governor Sarah Palin coming to Collin County
Governor Sarah Palin will be signing her new book at Legacy Books, in the Legacy Town Center at the northeast corner of the Dallas North Tollway and Legacy Drive, on Friday, December 4th from 11am to 2pm.
According to the press release issued, Governor Palin will sign her books without any personalization, and does not intend to give any presentation or speech.
Townhall Meeting
You are Invited to a Town Hall Meeting with State Representatives Angie Chen Button and Jerry Madden, featuring the Texas Conservative Coalition, the conservative caucus of the Texas Legislature, Thursday, November 12 at 6:30pm, at the City of Richardson Civic Center 411 W. Arapaho Road, Richardson, Texas.
Please RSVP online at http://buttonmaddentownhall.eventbrite.com/.
Health Care Reform Protest Locations
Late last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi dropped a nearly 2,000-page bill down on Congress and is demanding quick action on it. This bill is a disaster in the making. If passed, it will cost Texas 15,000 jobs by having the government shut down doctor-owned hospitals. It will introduce a government-run health care option that threatens to destroy private insurance as we know it. It will raise your taxes, and it will increase your insurance premiums, and it will put bureaucrats between you and your doctor. Veterans groups oppose this bill, fearing that paying for this gigantic new entitlement will rob our veterans of the benefits that they have earned defending our country.
President’s Message: 10 Minutes
I looked back at the articles that I’ve written this past year and with the exception of January, all have dealt with the horrendous damage that President Barrack Hussein Obama is doing to our country: massive spending bills (which included “pay backs” for Obama’s pet causes such as ACORN and Planned Parenthood), multitudinous czars that are not vetted and nor accountable to anyone except the “Prez”, cap and trade, and healthcare. And “The One” hasn’t even been in office for a full year! What does give me hope, however, is the resurgence of the American people who after at least 50 plus years of sitting by and watching from the sidelines as government grew and our freedoms diminished have suddenly awakened from a stupor. Read more
1 in 4 Texans Has Unclaimed Property
By State Representative Ken Paxton
One in four Texans has unclaimed property, and Texas is currently holding more than $2 billion in cash and assets that need to be returned to the rightful owners. Unclaimed property can be any financial asset that appears to have been abandoned by the owner for three years or more and includes items such as uncashed dividends, payroll checks, cashier’s checks, stocks, mutual fund accounts, bonds, utility deposits and other refunds, bank accounts and safe deposit box contents. Read more
Climate Change Video
Check out Lord Christopher Monckton On the Climate Change Treaty on YouTube.
How Texas Lives Within its Means
By Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst
Given recent comments about our state’s budget, I feel it is time to separate fact from political fiction. The fact is, in stark contrast to the U. S. Congress, the Texas Constitution requires the Legislature to balance the state budget every two years, and that would have happened with or without any federal stimulus dollars. Read more
Early Voting Has Begun
There are 11 constitutional propositions on the ballot. Voters want to be prepared when they go to vote and have been asking where to find information about the propositions. Following are two links to reliable sources that we hope you will find useful.
For voting locations and times visit: www.co.collin.tx.us/elections/index.jsp
North Collin County Republican Women’s Club
On October 5, 2009 at 7pm, the North Collin County Women’s Club will have as their guest speaker Debra Medina. The meeting will be held in Pikes Hall at CCCC-Central Campus in McKinney on Highway 380. All elected officals and candidates will be allowed 1 minute to speak on stage.
President’s Message: Seeing Red
Nowadays, if you criticize President Barack Hussein Obama’s plans to reform healthcare, etc, you are suddenly a racist. And while I understand that the purpose of this is to stifle debate, it still irritates me beyond belief. Former President Carter (an embarrassment to the presidency and to the South) basically called the Americans at the town hall meetings racist. Oh, he has denied this, but I’ve listened to what he said several times and he can attempt to explain this away all he wants, but I know what I heard. The “drive by” media never passes up an opportunity to use the race card when they don’t like what is being said about Obama’s plans. Read more
Sen. Cornyn Requests Open Investigations & Public Hearings on ACORN’s Criminal Activities
Sends Letter Signed By 27 Republican Senators
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, today sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, with the signatures of 27 fellow Republican Senators, requesting that he instruct pertinent Senate leaders to open investigations and hold public hearings to determine the full extent of ACORN’s criminal activities and the sources of all federal funds that ACORN and its affiliates receive, directly or indirectly. This follows Sen. Cornyn’s effort last October to request a criminal investigation into ACORN. Read more
Sam Johnson calls for Senate confirmation for White House Czars.
“Rein in the czars!”
Today on the floor of the House, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd District, Texas), citing an urgent need for transparency and accountability with the presidential appointments of czars, announced his support of legislation that would withhold funding from any czar not confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Read more
Welcome to Texas, Madame Speaker: An Open Letter to Nancy Pelosi
By State Representative Ken Paxton
Dear Madame Speaker,
I want to be one of the first to welcome you to Texas for your fundraising visit on Saturday in Austin. You should feel at home as you drive from the airport to your event, passing by businesses that were once located in your home state of California and being greeted by the smiles of friendly Californians who now call Texas home. Read more
Governor Perry Appoints Wheless to the 366th Judicial District Court
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Raymond “Ray” Wheless of Lucas judge of the 366th District Court of Collin County for a term to expire at the next general election. Read more
Amnesty & Immigration: The social, economic & political issue of our time!
You are invited to meet one of the nation’s leading immigration experts, MARK KRIKORIAN.
Admission: FREE, but seating is limited! Read more
Hands Off Texas
The Democrat National Committee is setting its sights on making gains in Texas in 2010, in particular, they want gains in the Texas House of Representatives. For the first time in many years, they are bringing their National Committee to Texas…they will be meeting in Austin on September 10-12, 2009. As Texas Republicans, we have an answer to that . . . Hands Off Texas! Read more