The lack of focus by many Republicans for this year's primary is disheartening and portends trouble in November.

A few examples, the current campaigns against endorsement sample ballot lists, many from respected sources. The sponsors of these campaigns have a simple motive; their targets haven't endorsed their picks in certain races, primarily the County Chairman's race in Harris County.

These naysayers would rather have a bitterly divided party than lose control of the Chairman's position.

We at TCR are focused on November and we repeat a pledge we made back in 2014, to support whoever the voters pick for Chairman. Unfortunately, in 2014 and 2016 the offer was spurned by the current, embattled Chair, Paul Simpson. You all know the results in 2016 - we lost everything. That's 0-43.

TCR Comment: Social conservative leader, Gary Bauer's (cwfpac.com) comments on the latest mass shooting are worth a read. A few points in public opinion polls as to why - 57% of adults say it's about complexities involving mental health treatment, just 28% blamed inadequate gun control laws. "While a lot of ideas are being floated right now, I have not seen one specific proposal being offered by the left in this rush to restrict rights."

"Rush Limbaugh recently made a sad but true point: The next mass shooter, probably the next five shooters, are already out there and most likely already have their weapons. There isn't much that could stop the next few school shootings other than armed guards.

"The left and its media allies want to ignore all the laws already on the books today. FBI regulations require it to follow up on calls with specific names and threats of school shootings. They didn't get one call - they got two calls and did nothing. The Bureau concedes that their protocols were not followed. Local law enforcement was called to Cruz's home more than 30 times in recent years, yet he had no criminal record.

"President Trump is open to strengthening laws related to background checks and mental illness. I think most Americans would gladly support that, but the devil is in the details.

"It is far more complex than it sounds. What level of mental illness should result in limits to a persons' constitutional rights? Would such laws deter kids or adults from going to a counselor in the first place?

"And why do we seemingly have so many more mental health issues these days? Is it the breakdown of the family? Does it have anything to do with the proliferation of pernicious violence and social media? Is it due to the constant cultural assault on faith and the idea that man is created in the image of God? Sadly, the left refuses to talk about any of these things."

This ad is now on the radio in Houston. Deceptively, it doesn't provide a lot of clarification. TCR's review indicates the use of the adjective "great" is misplaced, but to be fair, it depends on how one defines the word great.

A brief review of the HCRP under Paul Simpson:

1. HCRP lost every single countywide race in 2016, where around the country President Trump's coattails carried the day among Reagan Democrats.
   
   
2. The number of precinct chairmen have declined to a record 21st century low with Simpson.
   
   
3. The party finances are a mess with significant amounts of money spent on brick and mortar with little or no electoral success to point to.
   
   
4. Simpson is using party personnel to help run his reelection campaign.
   
   
5. Simpson's plan for the critical 2018 election is to reuse the failed plan of 2016. He learned nothing.
   
   
6. Simpson has pursued a vendetta against key social conservatives and their organizations, dividing the party.
   
   
7. Simpson's focus is on winning in March and not in November.
   
   
8. Simpson, in a desperate attempt to win in March is trashing his opponent and supporters.
   
   
9. Simpson forgot it's not about how much money comes in, but about winning elections.