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The great conservative era in Texas politics was to be an era where common sense conservative programs and principles would be followed and implemented. Instead, we have been disappointed, let down, and victimized by a political bait-and-switch.
This last Legislative session was by far the worst of the GOP Era.
What happened, what went wrong and what can we do about it?
In simple terms, the GOP era has been hijacked by the lobby in Austin with the cooperation of too many GOP legislators elected as conservatives, but voting otherwise in Austin. The loyal conservative legislators are there, but unfortunately they are in the minority in both houses. When you understand that, you know why we failed on a lower appraisal cap, the Governor's budget reform and spending controls, voter ID, reform of higher education admissions without "diversity" quotas, a pilot program for school choice (couldn't even get it for special needs children), and real reform of out of control state agencies.
Instead, we had the spectacle of a political brawl in the House over who should be Speaker for the last two weeks of the session, while critical bills were dying left and right.
So what to do? TCR feels we need to make sure we elect conservatives who will not wilt in Austin and stay true and weed out those GOP imposters now in office or who are candidates in the future.
You get that by accountability. The Republican Party of Texas can deliver this with a simple Compact with Texas for the 2008 election. The compact can be presented to candidates and officeholders seeking a pledge of support for the compact and down the line be reminded of their pledge, rated on their votes and defeated if they sell us out. Maybe then they will get the message from us.
Republican Fundraising: Bad News, Good News
By Kathy Haigler, Guest Commentator
BAD NEWS: The RNC is in difficult times with its donor program. Why? Because its fundraising efforts are tied to people and personalities (as reported in the Washington Times). When ratings are up, donations are up. When the President goes against mainstream America on issues like immigration, donations plummet.
GOOD NEWS: The Republican Party of Texas officers just reported to the State Republican Executive Committee last weekend that our fundraising efforts are better than ever. Why? Because Chairman Tina Benkiser ties fundraising efforts to Republican principles. Whether personalities succeed or fail, our conservative principles remain strong and the grassroots continue to support them.
And in addition, although RPT's major donor program is strong and stable, the strength of RPT's fundraising is the huge, consistent base of small donors. The Republican Party of Texas is the perfect example of strength through grassroots and principle. While the RNC's financial woes demonstrate the weakness of the top-down style of putting all the eggs in the basket of fallible officials.
We have much to be thankful for in our Texas Republican leadership.
Kathy Haigler is a Precinct Chair, Election Judge, and SREC member from Harris County.
Immigration Reform
The defeat of the Senate bill was no surprise, so what now? The present broken system of immigration, the continuing failure to control our borders, entry visas and enforcement of our present laws means we have a de facto ongoing amnesty program.
TCR believes we need to enforce first and end illegal immigration now. Then we need to look at cleaning out of America those illegals who are criminals and gang members. Then we need to bring into America those immigrants we choose and make it easier and less time consuming to do so. Then, we can decide what to do with who is here.
Finally, those who want to be here need to learn English, the American system of government, and about our wonderful culture.
Simple and straightforward.
Houston Voters:
An Opportunity in City Council Race
To our Houston subscribers, you have a great opportunity to elect a common sense, conservative Republican to Houston City Council. Your vote can and will make a difference in this low turnout election.
TCR endorses Roy Morales for At-Large Position 3. Roy Morales, a Retired Lt. Col (USAF) supports ending the sanctuary policy in the City of Houston and will eliminate Day Labor centers. Last week, Roy's opponent was quoted as saying this about illegal immigration, "We should welcome people and take care of them", (KPRC Channel 2, June 3, 2007). It shows the stark contrast between liberal Democrats and the rest of the voting public. Roy has also been endorsed by former candidate and Houston Police Officer Tom Nixon and by the Harris County Republican Party Executive Committee.
Roy is the only candidate talking about real solutions to the increasing crime and murder rate. For the last two years, Roy has been calling attention to the radio interoperability between law enforcement agencies. He believes that the ability for these agencies to communicate with each other in life and death situations is critical to the safety of our citizens.
TCR believes that Roy Morales is the most qualified person to hold the at-large position that Republicans have held since 1991. Let's make sure that we keep this seat Republican. Remember, Early Voting ends on June 12th (Tuesday) and Election Day is on Saturday, June 16th. If you have not voted, please go cast your ballot for Lt. Col. Roy Morales for Houston City Council, At-Large Position 3.
COMING (Friday, June 29, 2007 at 8 pm) on Channel 8 PBS in Houston, Texas - The Connection - Red, White & Blue, featuring TCR Editor Gary Polland and liberal commentator David Jones with special guest House Speaker candidate Rep. Sylvester Turner. Coming soon, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst.
About Your Editor
Gary Polland is a long-time conservative and Republican spokesman, fund-raiser, and leader who recently 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 tenth year of editing a newsletter dealing with key conservative and Republican issues. The last six years he has edited Texas Conservative Review. Gary is a practicing attorney and strategic consultant. He can be reached at (713) 621-6335.
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