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Volume XI Number 11 - Updated May 17, 2012     RSS Feed   

A Periodic Newsletter for Committed Texas Conservatives

In This Issue

In The Race For Harris County District Attorney, The Verdict Is Clear

TCR 2012 Republican Primary Voter's Guide

TCR Endorsement Editorial

TCR May 2012 Statewide Edition

Red, White and Blue
MyFoxHouston
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Daniel Lemkuil For Sheriff

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What's Ahead

Hard Hitting
Conservative Commentary
 
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TCR 2012 Republican Primary Voter's Guide
Read the 28 page Edition Online


Thoughts This Fortnight

In The Race For Harris County District Attorney,
The Verdict Is Clear

District Attorney Pat LykosOne of the most hotly contested races in this year's Republican primary election is for Harris County District Attorney. The race's position near the bottom of the ballot is no indication of the office's importance to the people of Harris County who look to it as one of the critical first steps in the quest for justice in criminal cases. The office, which employs approximately 300 assistant district attorneys and an equal number of support staff, prosecutes over 100,000 criminal cases per year.

This year, the incumbent, Pat Lykos, is challenged by former judge Mike Anderson. The race quickly escalated to a proverbial bareknuckle street fight with long-time activists taking sides quickly in the polarizing race. Unfortunately, for those taking Anderson's side, he has stumbled more than once and has been on the defensive for past actions and bad decisions.

For example, while serving as a Judge, official records show that Judge Mike Anderson granted probation to criminal illegal aliens. This news is devastating to the Anderson campaign considering the intensity with which law and order Texans oppose illegal immigration.

Another Anderson misstep involves the case of Henry George Wolfberg, a convicted child molester who appeared in Mike Anderson's court and was released on probation, which allowed him to subsequently molest two more children. Anderson makes excuses for the release, but when two young lives are scarred forever, excuses are worthless.

The third strike for Anderson is his refusal to confirm or deny that he issued judicial bypasses (approval) to allow teenage girls to get abortions without the consent of a parent. When Anderson was asked the question on television, he hemmed, hawed and sputtered before finally seeking a hiding spot behind privacy issues (even though he was never asked about a specific case or individual) - although if he had never granted the procedures, there would be no privacy issues to begin with. Pat Lykos, on the same program, emphatically stated that she had never issued a judicial bypass to allow a minor child to have an abortion. For any Republican who claims to be pro-life, this issue alone should end the debate.

These are three serious strikes against Anderson, any one of which should make Pat Lykos the clear choice for re-election to the office of Harris County District Attorney. Anderson's fatal flaws notwithstanding, Lykos is an impressive candidate and effective District Attorney. She is a former Houston Police Officer attorney, judge and now Harris County District Attorney who has spent her career on the side of justice; it is almost impossible to get that kind of perspective and depth of experience in a public servant.

The quality of Lykos' character has been evident in her tenure as Harris County DA during which her policies have reduced the number of drunk drivers on the road, helped create a new crime lab and established innovative programs like a cold case unit which apprehends fugitives long overdue for justice.

Pat Lykos has done an exemplary job achieving justice, implementing innovative solutions, making the best use of tax dollars and restoring integrity to an office that had suffered a black eye to its reputation before she took office. It's no wonder Republican Party officers are lining up to support DA Pat Lykos. From TCR's perspective, the verdict in this case could not be more clear - Pat Lykos is not only the best choice for Harris County DA, she is the ONLY choice for Harris County DA.

TCR Endorsement Editorial

Unlike other publications, personalities, slate cards, etc. that endorse candidates and leave you to wonder about the basis for their endorsements, TCR spells it out, giving our readers the facts to support our decision.

U.S. Senate

David Dewhurst - The proven conservative in this race who, as Lt. Governor, has consistently demonstrated his common sense principles. What we like most about Dewhurst is his consistent support on key conservative issues that goes back over 30 years. He is both a proven fiscal conservative with experience balancing our state budget and a social conservative whom we can trust.

Texas Railroad Commissioner

Christi Craddick - Strong conservative pedigree and smart as a whip. She is in the vanguard for the next generation of GOP leadership in Texas. Has a strong and diverse background including oil and gas experience.

Texas Railroad Commissioner, Unexpired Term

Barry Smitherman - On the job for us today. Visionary conservative leader on energy policy for Texas and has a well-developed plan for energy independence for the U.S.

U.S. Supreme Court Of Texas Pl. 2

Don Willett - This incumbent is a hard working independent conservative who does the right thing. Prior to being appointed to the court, he was legal counsel to Attorney General of Texas and a Fifth Circuit Law Clerk.

Supreme Court Of Texas Pl. 4

John Devine - A former conservative State District Judge and also a long-time conservative activist, best known for fighting to keep a copy of the "Ten Commandments" displayed in his courtroom. Supported by almost every grass-roots conservative group in Texas. He will not be a legislator in robes, but will follow the law.

Texas Court Of Criminal Appeals Pl. 8

Elsa Alcala - Conservative success story; she is a Hispanic woman who is and has been an outstanding prosecutor, State District Judge, Court of Appeals Judge, and who is now sitting on the Court of Criminal Appeals. Her reputation, well earned, is tough but always fair.

Congress - District 2

Ted Poe - One of the top conservatives in Congress, always ready to fight for our principles. A former top-rate State District Judge who is a level-headed leader for now and the future. Hawk on spending who would go further than the Ryan budget plan.

Congress - District 7

John Culberson - The original Jeffersonian Republican, former conservative State Representative and strong conservative in Congress. He is fighting for major tax reform and is a big reason the Katy Freeway was fixed.

Congress - District 8

Kevin Brady - This incumbent has ascended to the distinguished House Ways and Means Committee and is a solid vote in Congress. Brady stays in touch with constituents, commuting to Washington on a weekly basis and holds over 50 town hall meetings a year.

Congress - District 22

Pete Olson - Olson is a highly decorated naval officer who defeated Democrat Nick Lampson in 2008 to return the seat to Republican control. National Journal has ranked this smart and well-educated (BA from Rice and JD from UT) Congressman as the 7th most conservative member of the House.

Congress - District 36

Stephen Takach - In a field of 12, this Baytown businessman, accountant and financial adviser stands out from the crowd. His business and financial experience are desperately needed in Washington to tackle the snowballing debt crisis. This outsider is the obvious choice and a refreshing alternative to the "rogue's gallery" of career politicians and carpetbaggers - 3 of whom don't even live in the district - who are running for this new congressional district.

State Board Of Education - District 6

Donna Bahorich - Even though she is unopposed in her race, she is worth mentioning as a rising political star. Bahorich, a long-time Republican activist, a former staffer for Senator Dan Patrick and officer of the local GOP, is smart, effective and personable; she has a bright future on the Texas political scene.

State Board Of Education - District 7

David Bradley - This businessman and former Eagle Scout is the overwhelming favorite of conservatives in his re-election bid to the SBOE based on his conservative record. His opponent, a former Democrat, is backed by more moderate factions.

State Board Of Education - District 8

Barbara Cargill - This 8-year veteran, who currently serves as chair of the SBOE, promotes the basics of education - grammar, phonics, spelling, composition, etc. Her traditional values paradigm and promotion of issues such as abstinence and traditional marriage have earned her the overwhelming support of the conservative base.

State Senator District 11

Dave Norman - Norman is a retired army officer (aviation) and a businessman whose leadership skills and business experience will be great assets in the Texas Senate.

State Representative District 127

Dan Huberty - Elected in 2010, Huberty was named "Rookie of the Year" by Texas Monthly magazine for his leadership during his freshman year in the House. His business experience and five years of service on the Humble ISD board are a solid foundation for his role in the Texas House.

State Representative District 129

John E. Davis - Elected in 1998, this unassuming incumbent has amassed a record of solid votes and continues to champion the issues of illegal immigration, ending regulatory overreach and cutting taxes on small business.

State Representative District 133

Jim Murphy - This scrappy and personable candidate, who was first elected in 2006 but defeated in 2008, returned in 2010 to take his seat back. His tenacity and business sense has earned him positions on the influential Ways and Means, Small Business, and Economic Development committees.

State Representative District 149

Dianne Williams - A self-described "traditional conservative," Williams is a long-time grassroots activist who promises to be tough on border security, taxes, budget and voter integrity issues.

State Representative District 150

Debbie Riddle - Riddle has been a conservative leader from day one in the Texas House. She has attracted national attention for her outspoken leadership on issues such as illegal immigration and voter ID legislation.

District Judge - 11th

Bruce Bain - Has over two decades of civil trial and mediation practice. Also, he is a bright Republican who has worked advance for President George W. Bush.

District Judge - 61st

George May - A "real" lifelong Republican who became a precinct chair at age 18 and worked for the Reagan 1980 campaign. A former law review editor at the University of Houston Law School and has been an outstanding litigator in and out of civil courts for decades. He is a great choice, ready from day one.

District Judge - 127th

Sonya Aston - Experienced litigator, lifelong Republican (really) and at one time was a legal counsel to conservative hero, Paul Bettencourt. A good choice.

District Judge - 129th

Chris Gillett - Civil attorney and trained mediator is the choice here. He will also be a great Judge.

District Judge - 133rd

Sharon Hemphill - Overwhelmingly well qualified, she brings a breath of fresh air. Staunch, active Republican who will help elect the whole ticket.

District Judge - 151st

John Wittenmyer - A 35-year civil litigator who is the type of seasoned lawyer we need on the bench. Another candidate ready from day one.

District Judge - 152nd

Don Self - Brings extensive legal and small business experience to the bench. A Navy Veteran who holds a Masters of Law degree. Also, active in the community with Leadership Houston, and the Boy scouts.

District Judge - 164th

Bud Wiesedeppe - Tough name, wonderful candidate and experienced litigator with a great Republican pedigree. Practices law with GOP conservative icon, Judge Paul Pressler. He will be a great Judge for us.

District Judge - 174th

Robert Summerlin - Has extensive experience on both sides of the docket having served as a prosecutor and defense lawyer, which better prepares him to serve on the bench. Supported by a Who's Who of conservative and Republican leaders; he will be a tough but fair jurist.

District Judge - 177th

Ryan Patrick - An outstanding and well respected prosecutor who has been a GOP activist for years. Support for him is overwhelming.

District Judge - 179th

Lana Shadwick - The overwhelming choice of Republican and conservative activists. In fact, she has more endorsements than any other down ballot primary candidate this cycle and for good reason. As conservative icon Paul Bettencourt says it, and better than we can, "Lana Shadwick is qualified to be a criminal court judge, and she is also qualified as a Republican. For 20 years, I have known her to be a conservative Republican who, like us, has been working hard for our core values. Her experience as a judge and prosecutor make her the most qualified. She is like a true Republican judge."

District Attorney

Patricia Lykos - She is the common sense, no nonsense, conservative incumbent. With the economic crisis we faced, and tight county coffers, she is a leader who prioritized fighting serious crime and diverting our children and young offenders so we don't create a lost generation with criminal records on every case. The crime rate is down in the Houston area and the programs for non-violent offenders have reduced recidivism. Her opponent wants to reverse all the progress made to go back to the "good old days" of the Rosenthal era, which no thinking Republican should want. He also has flip-flopped on reforms and refused to answer whether, while a Judge, he permitted teen abortions without parental consent, while proclaiming he is pro-life! With Pat Lykos, "no" was her simple answer, "I never granted an abortion by-pass." We can trust Pat Lykos.

County Civil Court At Law #2

Theresa Chang - Distinguished attorney with a record of public service. She was a division chief in the Harris County Attorney's Office and is the conservative choice here.

County Attorney

Robert Talton - A hard-nosed, no-nonsense conservative who will bring integrity back to an office that, when run right, is a watch dog for the citizens of Harris County. As a former conservative state legislator, judge and city attorney, Talton has what it takes. His late entry opponent, Leslie Johnson, is an interesting candidate for the future, but not this year and not against this proven conservative.

County Sheriff

Ruben Monzon - The most impressive resume in a very crowded field; this former undercover DEA agent and US Marshal appointed by President Bush has a breadth and depth of both field and management experience that can restore strength and effectiveness to the HCSO.

Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector

Mike Sullivan - Currently the leading conservative on the Houston City Council. Also longtime Republican activist who will bring energy, wisdom and a record of fighting for the taxpayer and for smaller, efficient government.

County School Trustee, Pos. 3, At Large

Mike Wolfe - Wolfe has been a conservative standard bearer on a number of issues at the HCDE and led a successful campaign to rename the administration building after Ronald Reagan.

County School Trustee, Pos. 4, Pct 3

Kay Smith - A long-time conservative Republican activist who is passionate about education. She will be a solid conservative vote.

County Commissioner, Pct 4

R. Jack Cagle - A former judge and long-time conservative activist, Cagle has been immediately effective since taking over this seat last year, following Jerry Eversole's departure. He was a great pick by Judge Ed Emmett and is a great pick on Election Day.

Constable, Pct 5

Phil Camus - This incumbent has been a proven and effective leader. His leadership and record have earned him the overwhelming support of elected officials, activists and GOP leaders.

Harris County Republican Party Chairman

Jared Woodfill - This incumbent deserves re-election for his record of results. Woodfill has kept the local GOP active and winning elections and has kept the local party "in the black" financially during tough economic times.

TCR May 2012 Statewide Edition
Read Online

TCR on the Air

Red, White & Blue featuring TCR Editor Gary Polland and liberal commentator David Jones, Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and replaying Sundays at 5:00 p.m. on PBS Houston Channel 8 and on the web at www.houstonpbs.org.

Upcoming shows:
05/18/12: "Unprecedented Power" with Author Steven Fenberg.
05/25/12: "Flagrant Conduct - Lawrence v. Texas"

For a fun feature go to www.houstonpbs.org and under Red White and Blue, you can see commentary about the show and its guests by Gary and David each week. The current show as well as past shows are also available on YouTube.

About Your Editor

Gary Polland is a long-time conservative and Republican spokesman, fund-raiser, and leader who completed three terms as the Harris County Republican Chairman. During his three terms, Gary was described as the most successful county Chairman in America by Human Events - The National Conservative Weekly. He is in his fourteenth year of editing a newsletter dealing with key conservative and Republican issues. The last eleven years he has edited Texas Conservative Review. As a public service for the last 8 years, Gary has published election guides for the GOP primary, general elections and city elections, all with the purpose of assisting conservative candidates. Gary is also in his ninth year of co-hosting Red, White and Blue on PBS Houston. Gary is a practicing attorney and strategic consultant. He can be reached at (713) 621-6335.

© 2012 Texas Conservative Review
The Texas Conservative Review is published as a public service by Gary Polland
Phone: (713) 621-6335 Fax: (713) 622-6334 E-mail: Gary
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