Saturday, June 14, 2008
GOP convention adjourned
The Republican Party of Texas adopted the slate of delegates to the Republican National Convention this afternoon. Then it adopted a slate of presidential electors. Then, having completed all legally required business, the convention adjourned around 4:30 p.m.
Patterson at his wisecracking best
Jerry Patterson fired up the GOP crowd for John Cornyn yesterday, giving one of the more memorable speeches of the state convention.
He was introduced most aptly by the Tom Petty song "I Won't Back Down."
Patterson applied that description to Texas Republicans, maintaining "We will not be voting for Barack Hussein Obama."
He also quoted Mark Twain, saying, "I don't tell jokes. I just watch the Democrats and report the facts."
And of course he took the opportunity to criticize the media for misrepresenting stories involving him in the past, particularly controversies involving the Second Amendment, including but not limited to the most recent Christmas Mountains controversy.
"Government and the fourth estate also known as the media underestimate the ability of citizens to make good choices,” he said.
"If you don't read the newspaper, you're uninformed," he continued. "But if you do read the newspaper, you're misinformed."
He also compared John McCain to Barack Obama, saying McCain would "not back down" and that Obama's "'audacity of hope' is better described as an 'audacity of hype.'"
He was introduced most aptly by the Tom Petty song "I Won't Back Down."
Patterson applied that description to Texas Republicans, maintaining "We will not be voting for Barack Hussein Obama."
He also quoted Mark Twain, saying, "I don't tell jokes. I just watch the Democrats and report the facts."
And of course he took the opportunity to criticize the media for misrepresenting stories involving him in the past, particularly controversies involving the Second Amendment, including but not limited to the most recent Christmas Mountains controversy.
"Government and the fourth estate also known as the media underestimate the ability of citizens to make good choices,” he said.
"If you don't read the newspaper, you're uninformed," he continued. "But if you do read the newspaper, you're misinformed."
He also compared John McCain to Barack Obama, saying McCain would "not back down" and that Obama's "'audacity of hope' is better described as an 'audacity of hype.'"
For Republican National Committee, it's Crocker and Adams
The Republican Party of Texas has elected as Republican National Committee Man and Woman Bill Crocker and Cathie Adams respectively.
Crocker, an incumbent, is a Texas lawyer and a member of the Travis County Bar Association. He has a long Republican resume as a precinct chairman and election judge in Austin, among other things.
Adams is president of the Texas Eagle Forum and is an experienced Republican activist.
Borah Van Dormolen, the other candidate for the open seat as RNC woman, conceded to Adams even though the vote among the congressional districts was 21 to 11. Having three or more congressional district endorsements entitles a candidate to take the contest to the floor of the state convention. Paul Perry, having nowhere near 11, chose to do so. But Van Dormolen did not.
Van Dormolen was named a national at large delegate.
Crocker, an incumbent, is a Texas lawyer and a member of the Travis County Bar Association. He has a long Republican resume as a precinct chairman and election judge in Austin, among other things.
Adams is president of the Texas Eagle Forum and is an experienced Republican activist.
Borah Van Dormolen, the other candidate for the open seat as RNC woman, conceded to Adams even though the vote among the congressional districts was 21 to 11. Having three or more congressional district endorsements entitles a candidate to take the contest to the floor of the state convention. Paul Perry, having nowhere near 11, chose to do so. But Van Dormolen did not.
Van Dormolen was named a national at large delegate.
Speakers exhort convention crowd to vote in November
In anticipation of the national nominations committee’s report to the Republican Party of Texas State Convention, a series of get-out-the-vote speeches were delivered by Republican heavy-hitters. The first to take the stage was Texas Agricultural Commissioner Todd Staples. He expressed hope that the next president would “not punish hardworking taxpayers for their success,” and said that Democrats’ idea of change would bring about increased dependency on government. He said that the Democrats in federal government were “hiding from a national energy policy,” observing that when the Democrats took over Congress in January of 2007 the price of gasoline was $2.33 a gallon.
He also emphasized property rights, suggesting that students should learn the 14th amendment the way they have to learn the pledge of allegiance. (The 14th amendment says no one shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process.)
Following him was Roger Williams of Texas Victory 2008, whose goal is to increase voter turnout and ensure Republican success in the general election. He criticized the media for declaring the GOP to be “dead” in 2008. “Reports of our demise are greatly exaggerated, he said.
Williams was followed by Congressman Joe Barton, who again criticized the Democrats inWashington
Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson, and Justices Dale Wainwright and Phil Johnson followed, extolling the virtues of the rule of law, and emphasizing the duty of justices to interpret it and not write it anew.
Next came State Board of Education Vice Chairman David Bradley, flanked by fellow SBOE members Terri Leo and Gail Lowe. Bradley told frightening stories of school students who need calculators to find half of 24 and 4 times 3. He also took the opportunity to emphasize his belief in a Creator, rather than the belief that “our ancestors were apes.”
He also emphasized property rights, suggesting that students should learn the 14th amendment the way they have to learn the pledge of allegiance. (The 14th amendment says no one shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process.)
Following him was Roger Williams of Texas Victory 2008, whose goal is to increase voter turnout and ensure Republican success in the general election. He criticized the media for declaring the GOP to be “dead” in 2008. “Reports of our demise are greatly exaggerated, he said.
Williams was followed by Congressman Joe Barton, who again criticized the Democrats in
Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson, and Justices Dale Wainwright and Phil Johnson followed, extolling the virtues of the rule of law, and emphasizing the duty of justices to interpret it and not write it anew.
Next came State Board of Education Vice Chairman David Bradley, flanked by fellow SBOE members Terri Leo and Gail Lowe. Bradley told frightening stories of school students who need calculators to find half of 24 and 4 times 3. He also took the opportunity to emphasize his belief in a Creator, rather than the belief that “our ancestors were apes.”
What does the GOP rules committee have to hide?
Republicans who wanted to attend a meeting of the party’s rules committee were greeted by a rather ominous sign Thursday evening. “The use of any electronic recording equipment will not be allowed during any meeting of the rules committee including but not limited to video or audio recording.” After enquiring further, I was told that the committee passed a rule banning recordings. I believe the committee’s action is ill-advised, improper, and inconsistent with the principles of open government. I will explain my concerns in more detail later.
But in all fairness, I would say that Republican Party of Texas spokesman Hans Klingler handled my concerns (and a rather pointed question) on this topic diplomatically and professionally, which is in marked contrast to several of his predecessors.
“I don’t know that there is fear on anybody’s part,” said Klingler in response to my question on the matter. “As they pass these rules each convention, certain parameters are set up around those meetings. I think it is something that definitely is going to be addressed. You and I visited about it last night. And I know that, obviously, you are a 110 percent open meetings guy and we respect that. Obviously, the party in its platform also agrees with that. I think it’s something that will definitely be addressed and taken up, and I brought it to the chairman’s attention.”
I hope Tina Benkiser (the chairman of the Texas GOP) does take this seriously. Here’s why I disagree with the rules committee’s action:
1. It’s totally unnecessary. Yes, the current leadership of the party has its critics who are vocal. But recording meetings makes it harder – not easier – to misrepresent what was said.
2. Every local and state governmental entity in Texas is required to allow recordings at its meetings (Government Code, section 551.023). Why should the Republican Party do in the conduct of its affairs what its elected officials are prohibited from doing. Let me be clear here, I’m not necessarily accusing the GOP of breaking the law. But just because something might be legal doesn’t make it right.
3. The Republican Party of Texas accepts public funds to administer its primary, and its rules pertain to such matters as the allocation of delegates, selection of presidential electors, and review of the platform by the party’s elected officials. (The party should be careful about arguing it’s a purely private entity. The Texas Democratic Party made that argument in the early part of the 20th century when defending a segregated primary, something Republicans emphatically reject.)
4. The Legislature does have some requirements for transparency in the party’s operations, which shows this is not a purely private matter. The election code discusses the composition of the state executive committee (section 171.002), requires filing of the party’s rules with the secretary of state (section 163.005), requires notice to delegates of the party convention (section 174.093), and expressly requires admittance of the print and broadcast media (section 174.002).
5. Democrats don’t do this stuff. The Democratic Party had a very tense discussion over who would be a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. The meeting was conducted in public with tape recorders running, despite the disagreements and acrimony.
6. The rules committee’s actions create the appearance of a lack of transparency, which validates some of the claims the leadership’s critics make about the conduct of the convention.
The party is in a rather unique position. It’s not purely a governmental entity. The party could justify, for example, closing a meeting on which races to target financially. On the other hand, it’s not a purely private organization either, as it runs public elections.
The State Republican Executive Committee can’t have it both ways. Many of the party faithful believe that executive committee resolutions and the platform are the product of the elected representatives of the grassroots and as such merit an almost binding deference from the party’s elected officials. Well, the downside of elective office is one has to take recorded votes on controversial issues, which someone might criticize or voters might decide to use as a basis for not re-electing an incumbent. (The party in its own platform calls for recorded votes on all bills.) The party’s officers can’t expect the deference accorded to elected officials without the public accountability associated with elective office.
I hope the party addresses this matter on its own. If not, the Texas Legislature should address it in 2009 by applying the Texas Open Meetings Act to both major party conventions and any committees of those conventions.
But in all fairness, I would say that Republican Party of Texas spokesman Hans Klingler handled my concerns (and a rather pointed question) on this topic diplomatically and professionally, which is in marked contrast to several of his predecessors.
“I don’t know that there is fear on anybody’s part,” said Klingler in response to my question on the matter. “As they pass these rules each convention, certain parameters are set up around those meetings. I think it is something that definitely is going to be addressed. You and I visited about it last night. And I know that, obviously, you are a 110 percent open meetings guy and we respect that. Obviously, the party in its platform also agrees with that. I think it’s something that will definitely be addressed and taken up, and I brought it to the chairman’s attention.”
I hope Tina Benkiser (the chairman of the Texas GOP) does take this seriously. Here’s why I disagree with the rules committee’s action:
1. It’s totally unnecessary. Yes, the current leadership of the party has its critics who are vocal. But recording meetings makes it harder – not easier – to misrepresent what was said.
2. Every local and state governmental entity in Texas is required to allow recordings at its meetings (Government Code, section 551.023). Why should the Republican Party do in the conduct of its affairs what its elected officials are prohibited from doing. Let me be clear here, I’m not necessarily accusing the GOP of breaking the law. But just because something might be legal doesn’t make it right.
3. The Republican Party of Texas accepts public funds to administer its primary, and its rules pertain to such matters as the allocation of delegates, selection of presidential electors, and review of the platform by the party’s elected officials. (The party should be careful about arguing it’s a purely private entity. The Texas Democratic Party made that argument in the early part of the 20th century when defending a segregated primary, something Republicans emphatically reject.)
4. The Legislature does have some requirements for transparency in the party’s operations, which shows this is not a purely private matter. The election code discusses the composition of the state executive committee (section 171.002), requires filing of the party’s rules with the secretary of state (section 163.005), requires notice to delegates of the party convention (section 174.093), and expressly requires admittance of the print and broadcast media (section 174.002).
5. Democrats don’t do this stuff. The Democratic Party had a very tense discussion over who would be a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. The meeting was conducted in public with tape recorders running, despite the disagreements and acrimony.
6. The rules committee’s actions create the appearance of a lack of transparency, which validates some of the claims the leadership’s critics make about the conduct of the convention.
The party is in a rather unique position. It’s not purely a governmental entity. The party could justify, for example, closing a meeting on which races to target financially. On the other hand, it’s not a purely private organization either, as it runs public elections.
The State Republican Executive Committee can’t have it both ways. Many of the party faithful believe that executive committee resolutions and the platform are the product of the elected representatives of the grassroots and as such merit an almost binding deference from the party’s elected officials. Well, the downside of elective office is one has to take recorded votes on controversial issues, which someone might criticize or voters might decide to use as a basis for not re-electing an incumbent. (The party in its own platform calls for recorded votes on all bills.) The party’s officers can’t expect the deference accorded to elected officials without the public accountability associated with elective office.
I hope the party addresses this matter on its own. If not, the Texas Legislature should address it in 2009 by applying the Texas Open Meetings Act to both major party conventions and any committees of those conventions.
Some interesting highlights from the GOP platform
The Republican Party adopted its platform yesterday. Here are a few interesting highlights:
* Most of the core elements of the platform are the same as in prior years, though they are expressed a bit differently.
* Like the Democratic platform, the GOP document calls for increased consumer protections for eminent domain. Both, however, ignore the question of whether property owners should get compensated for diminished access to their property, which was why Gov. Rick Perry vetoed the bill.
* Speaking of vetoes, the platform endorses Rep. Gary Elkins’s (R-Houston) amendment calling for a three-day veto override session after the regular session has concluded. Perry is not attacked by name, but this is one of several examples of some very subtle messages the grassroots are sending to the governor.
* The platform calls for reforming and eliminating anonymous complaints at the Texas Medical Board. In other words, the GOP convention is taking sides in a very complicated fight between Houston physician Steve Hotze and the medical board, which The Lone Star Report has profiled in past articles.
* The platform endorses “treatment pending transfer” for those facing the end of life – a mandate that requires hospitals and physicians to continue life-sustaining treatment upon request unless another facility can be found for the patient. Current law allows physicians to withdraw treatment they believe is medically inappropriate after notice and review by a hospital’s ethics or medical committee.
* The platform condemns legislative efforts to mess with the elected State Board of Education and expressly opposes both trying to take power over the Permanent School Fund away from the board and replacing textbooks with computerized laptops.
* The platform expressly calls for repeal of the tax on gross margins.
* The platform opposes giving in-state tuition to illegal immigrants, calls for binding audits of institutions of higher learning by the comptroller, and calls for a complete review of the tuition deregulation law.
* The gambling provision is one of the strongest ever in the GOP platform. It opposes all forms of expanded gambling and lists almost all of the ones under consideration by name, in case legislators are unclear on the concept.
* The platform calls for an investigation of “any public official” who has used eminent domain or foreign funding for the Trans-Texas Corridor.
* The platform is probably the most socially conservative in a long time, which is saying a lot for the GOP. Homosexuality is described as a practice that “tears at the fabric of society, contributes to the breakdown of the family unit, and leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases.” Affirmative action is described as “racism disguised as a social value.”
* Most of the core elements of the platform are the same as in prior years, though they are expressed a bit differently.
* Like the Democratic platform, the GOP document calls for increased consumer protections for eminent domain. Both, however, ignore the question of whether property owners should get compensated for diminished access to their property, which was why Gov. Rick Perry vetoed the bill.
* Speaking of vetoes, the platform endorses Rep. Gary Elkins’s (R-Houston) amendment calling for a three-day veto override session after the regular session has concluded. Perry is not attacked by name, but this is one of several examples of some very subtle messages the grassroots are sending to the governor.
* The platform calls for reforming and eliminating anonymous complaints at the Texas Medical Board. In other words, the GOP convention is taking sides in a very complicated fight between Houston physician Steve Hotze and the medical board, which The Lone Star Report has profiled in past articles.
* The platform endorses “treatment pending transfer” for those facing the end of life – a mandate that requires hospitals and physicians to continue life-sustaining treatment upon request unless another facility can be found for the patient. Current law allows physicians to withdraw treatment they believe is medically inappropriate after notice and review by a hospital’s ethics or medical committee.
* The platform condemns legislative efforts to mess with the elected State Board of Education and expressly opposes both trying to take power over the Permanent School Fund away from the board and replacing textbooks with computerized laptops.
* The platform expressly calls for repeal of the tax on gross margins.
* The platform opposes giving in-state tuition to illegal immigrants, calls for binding audits of institutions of higher learning by the comptroller, and calls for a complete review of the tuition deregulation law.
* The gambling provision is one of the strongest ever in the GOP platform. It opposes all forms of expanded gambling and lists almost all of the ones under consideration by name, in case legislators are unclear on the concept.
* The platform calls for an investigation of “any public official” who has used eminent domain or foreign funding for the Trans-Texas Corridor.
* The platform is probably the most socially conservative in a long time, which is saying a lot for the GOP. Homosexuality is described as a practice that “tears at the fabric of society, contributes to the breakdown of the family unit, and leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases.” Affirmative action is described as “racism disguised as a social value.”
1st Court of Appeals throws out convention lawsuit
The First Court of Appeals has rejected an effort to get an injunction against the Republican Party of Texas. Wharton County GOP Chair Debra Medina and several other Republican activists had sued the party seeking to enforce a provision n the education code calling for the election of a permanent chairman of the convention before all other business. "Obviously, we think that we were following the convention rules and laws," said Republican Party of Texas spokesman Hans Klingler.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Hutchison slams Perry transportation policies
After extolling the virtues of President George Bush and Sen. John McCain, criticizing Sen. Barack Obama, and praising Sen. John Cornyn, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison took a swipe at Gov. Rick Perry's controversial transportation policies. The U.S. Senator, around whom speculation has swirled about a possible run for Texas governor, went after tolling already-paid-for roads in particular. She called tolls on existing highways "a violation of the public trust, and that's why I strongly oppose the Trans-Texas Corridor."
She applauded theTexas Department of Transportation's decision earlier this week to expand I-69 using only existing rights of way. "Thank goodness!" she said.
She also affirmed her support of Second Amendment rights and the War in Iraq. She assured the audience that "between now and Election Day, I will work my heart out for our Republicans, for the hard-working taxpayers in our state, for our brave men and women who are overseas right now risking their lives to keep us safe and free."
She also said that her goal is to take Dallas County back from the Democrats and keep Harris County.
She applauded theTexas Department of Transportation's decision earlier this week to expand I-69 using only existing rights of way. "Thank goodness!" she said.
She also affirmed her support of Second Amendment rights and the War in Iraq. She assured the audience that "between now and Election Day, I will work my heart out for our Republicans, for the hard-working taxpayers in our state, for our brave men and women who are overseas right now risking their lives to keep us safe and free."
She also said that her goal is to take Dallas County back from the Democrats and keep Harris County.
Cornyn speaks
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn spoke to the convention today, running the gambit of conservative political issues. He faces challenger State Rep. Rick Noriega (D-Houston) in the race for the U.S. Senate. Noriega spoke last week at the State Democratic Convention. Today was Cornyn's turn.
Cornyn suggested that a lot of Republicans in Washington have strayed from conservative principles. He touted his conservative bona fides to the audience in. He echoed Newt Gingrich's sentiments, for the most part. He spoke against abortion and "immoral experimentation in the name of science." He spoke against illegal immigration and high taxes.
He promised to reduce the size of government, insist on transparency, make the government friendlier to the free enterprise system, and continue to support the war on terror.
Cornyn suggested that a lot of Republicans in Washington have strayed from conservative principles. He touted his conservative bona fides to the audience in. He echoed Newt Gingrich's sentiments, for the most part. He spoke against abortion and "immoral experimentation in the name of science." He spoke against illegal immigration and high taxes.
He promised to reduce the size of government, insist on transparency, make the government friendlier to the free enterprise system, and continue to support the war on terror.
Gingrich calls for oil drilling in U.S.
Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich spoke at the RPT convention calling on the U.S. Congress to repeal laws making it illegal to drill for oil in the several promising sites within the United States, including the Atlantic coast, the Eastern Gulf, and ANWR. He touted the slogan “Drill Here. Drill Now. Pay Less.”
He called at the convention attendees to sign the petition on the website AmericanSolutions.com, which calls on Congress to “act immediately to lower gasoline prices (and diesel and other fuel prices)* by authorizing the exploration of proven energy reserves to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources from unstable countries.” As he spoke this morning he said there were 680,000 signatures. There are now almost 730,000.
He also suggested that the president release a substantial portion of the strategic oil reserve, his one energy policy proposal that Sen. John Cornyn disagreed with.
He called at the convention attendees to sign the petition on the website AmericanSolutions.com, which calls on Congress to “act immediately to lower gasoline prices (and diesel and other fuel prices)* by authorizing the exploration of proven energy reserves to reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources from unstable countries.” As he spoke this morning he said there were 680,000 signatures. There are now almost 730,000.
He also suggested that the president release a substantial portion of the strategic oil reserve, his one energy policy proposal that Sen. John Cornyn disagreed with.
Huckabee exhorts party to return to moral roots
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee told the convention that it is important to resist what he called the "insidious" movement within the party to move away from social issues such as abortion and marriage and focus on economic issues only. He said the Republican party is strong "only when it remembers its roots of conservatism" -- pro-life pro-family etc.
He generously used religious imagery in his speech, referring to Jesus' rule to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." He suggested a connection between the size of government and the principles of its constituents. He said that when people do not follow the simple laws, like the Golden Rule, the laws have to become more complicated, and government grows. On the other hand, he suggested, when people are principled, there is less need for government intervention to deal with societal ills.
He generously used religious imagery in his speech, referring to Jesus' rule to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." He suggested a connection between the size of government and the principles of its constituents. He said that when people do not follow the simple laws, like the Golden Rule, the laws have to become more complicated, and government grows. On the other hand, he suggested, when people are principled, there is less need for government intervention to deal with societal ills.
Romney defends McCain
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney spoke to the press shortly before speaking at the Republican Party of Texas Banquet this evening. He defended Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain and declined to say whether he would accept a tap for vice president if it were offered to him, which he doubted. Romney extolled McCain as America's "foremost wastecutter." McCain has a record of consistently opposing earmarks and "pork."
Romney also observed that anti-war candidates like Sen. Barack Obama tend to have enthusiastic followings, but those do not always culminate in general election victories, as in the case of George McGovern. He also denounced Obama's economic plan, saying it would slow down the economy, where as McCain's would grow it.
Romney also observed that anti-war candidates like Sen. Barack Obama tend to have enthusiastic followings, but those do not always culminate in general election victories, as in the case of George McGovern. He also denounced Obama's economic plan, saying it would slow down the economy, where as McCain's would grow it.
Benkiser re-elected Republican Party of Texas chairman
Delegates to the Republican Party of Texas state convention re-elected Tina Benkiser as their chairman. Benkiser's opponent Paul Perry received the endorsement of three senate districts, and as such, was allowed to stage a floor fight. Benkiser received 3,884.53 votes, compared with 1,783.1 votes for Perry. It is a two-year term. Both Benkiser and Perry got to give a second speech today. Not much new in the speeches, but Perry defended his endorsement of Ron Paul for President saying that Ronald Reagan was considered by some a radical in 1976.
And now a word from RPT's convention sponsors
Since I blogged on the Democratic convention sponsors, it's only fair to mention the sponsors of the GOP convention. As I mentioned earlier, the utilties get high marks for bipartisanship. Texas Energy Futures and CenterPoint Energy sponsored both. Also, Verizon, A.T.&T. and Time Warner Cable sponsored both conventions as did Anheuser-Busch and Southwest Airlines and the Union Pacific Railroad. Sponsoring the GOP convention but not the Democratic convention were Lockheed Martin, empowertexans.com, and Johnson and Johnson. The Texas Hospital Association sponsored both. The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) sponsored both conventions. (We are generally surprised when and teacher organization sponsors the GOP convention.) Wal-Mart only sponsored the GOP convention. (Would Wal-Mart have been welcome at the Democratic convention?) That's the sponsorship picture.
Thoughts on the chairman's race
There are a lot of things that can be said about Tina Benkiser. Like every elected official, there are people who sing her praises and people who criticise her. That said, Benkiser is not a mouthpiece for leadership. Sure, she doesn't directly attack the party's elected officials (nor should anyone expect her to). But she has been a lot more independent of them than her predecessor, Susan Weddington. On several occasions, Benkiser has taken the grassroots concerns to the leadership and spoken out on the behalf of the base of the party, which is more than I can say of her predecessor. Here are a few examples where Benkiser has taken a public stand on key conservative issues that differ from the stands taken from the party's leadership:
* gambling -- when leadership was thinking of using expanding gambling to pay for school finance, Benkiser spoke out about the party's opposition to gambling.
* HPV -- When Gov. Rick Perry tried to do an "opt out" mandate, requiring sixth-grade public school girls to get a vaccine from the sexually-transmitted Human Papiloma Virus (HPV), Benkiser expressed her opposition immediately (as did GOP legislators).
* Eminent domain -- Benkiser did a statewide media tour highlighting the party's support for property rights and the need for more action on this issue. (Perry vetoed a bill in 2007 that would have given land owners more rights in the condemnation process.)
And I've probably left out a few examples.
I sympathize with some of the concerns raised by the people who are disagree with Benkiser. The party leadership since the late 1990s has been heavy-handed in some instances, and I can understand where they are coming from on some of their concerns. But I felt it needed to be said that -- despite criticism from some in the party accusing her of being a mouthpiece -- Benkiser has, in fact, stood up to the elected officials on at least three key issues.
* gambling -- when leadership was thinking of using expanding gambling to pay for school finance, Benkiser spoke out about the party's opposition to gambling.
* HPV -- When Gov. Rick Perry tried to do an "opt out" mandate, requiring sixth-grade public school girls to get a vaccine from the sexually-transmitted Human Papiloma Virus (HPV), Benkiser expressed her opposition immediately (as did GOP legislators).
* Eminent domain -- Benkiser did a statewide media tour highlighting the party's support for property rights and the need for more action on this issue. (Perry vetoed a bill in 2007 that would have given land owners more rights in the condemnation process.)
And I've probably left out a few examples.
I sympathize with some of the concerns raised by the people who are disagree with Benkiser. The party leadership since the late 1990s has been heavy-handed in some instances, and I can understand where they are coming from on some of their concerns. But I felt it needed to be said that -- despite criticism from some in the party accusing her of being a mouthpiece -- Benkiser has, in fact, stood up to the elected officials on at least three key issues.
BNSF sponsors Democratic convention but not Republican convention
When I was at the Democratic convention last week, I took note of who the corporate sponsors of the convention were. I assumed -- correctly -- that most of the corporate sponsors of the Democratic convention would also sponsor the Republican convention.
I thought I would catch one of the utilities playing only one side of the fence, because House Democratic Caucus Chairman Jim Dunnam of Waco killed a bill in the closing days of the 2007 legislative session that some of the utilities didn't like. Much to my surprise, almost all of the utilities who sponsored the Democratic convention did an equivilent sponsorship at the GOP gathering. (My apologies to the fine utilities that we have in Texas and the many fine people who work for them.)
Instead, I caught one of the railroads -- the BNSF (formerly Burlington Northern Santa Fe) -- sponsoring the Democratic convention and not the Republican convention. When I asked BNSF for comment, I received the following response from Joseph Faust: "BNSF has sponsored the Republican state convention in the past and will likely do so again in the future. This year we focused on the Democratic state convention in Austin for the first time. BNSF promotes a fair and balanced political process by supporting candidates and events of both major political parties."
I thought I would catch one of the utilities playing only one side of the fence, because House Democratic Caucus Chairman Jim Dunnam of Waco killed a bill in the closing days of the 2007 legislative session that some of the utilities didn't like. Much to my surprise, almost all of the utilities who sponsored the Democratic convention did an equivilent sponsorship at the GOP gathering. (My apologies to the fine utilities that we have in Texas and the many fine people who work for them.)
Instead, I caught one of the railroads -- the BNSF (formerly Burlington Northern Santa Fe) -- sponsoring the Democratic convention and not the Republican convention. When I asked BNSF for comment, I received the following response from Joseph Faust: "BNSF has sponsored the Republican state convention in the past and will likely do so again in the future. This year we focused on the Democratic state convention in Austin for the first time. BNSF promotes a fair and balanced political process by supporting candidates and events of both major political parties."
Chairman candidates make their case to convention delegates
Yesterday, the candidates for GOP chairman made their case to the delegates. Incumbent Tina Benkiser is being challenged by Paul Perry of Ellis County. Ellis's speech was largely a policy speech. He thrashed the Trans-Texas Corridor. He talked about making the party more responsive to the grass-roots and a party that follows its rules. Much of his speech was devoted to the Trans-Texas Corridor.
Benkiser discussed her approach to being chairman of the Republican Party. She talked about working for the grass-roots and how to run an effective party. She said she wanted to grow the party's infrastructure with integrity and promote conservative prinicples. She talked about going to Washington DC to help express concerns about immigration and her recent media tour to talk about protecting private property. Instead of speaking from the podium, Benkiser walked from side to side looking straight at the delegates, a technique that worked very effectively. She emphasized the need for "battle-tested" warriors to lead the party into the next election and highlighted her experience working for conservative ideas.
Benkiser discussed her approach to being chairman of the Republican Party. She talked about working for the grass-roots and how to run an effective party. She said she wanted to grow the party's infrastructure with integrity and promote conservative prinicples. She talked about going to Washington DC to help express concerns about immigration and her recent media tour to talk about protecting private property. Instead of speaking from the podium, Benkiser walked from side to side looking straight at the delegates, a technique that worked very effectively. She emphasized the need for "battle-tested" warriors to lead the party into the next election and highlighted her experience working for conservative ideas.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Dewhurst breaks major policy ground in speech
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst decided to give a policy speech to delegates at the Republican State Convention. Dewhurst called for passage of a constitutional amendment tightening the constitutional spending limit. He proposed limiting the increases in government spending to inflation and population growth, excepting federal mandates. (Perry mentioned this item in his speech as well.)
Dewhurst brought the house down with his attacks on the Texas Department of Transportation and the Trans-Texas Corridor. "For the last four years we've provided TxDOT $42 billion in cash and bond money. TxDOT needs to build roads, reduce congestion and stop making excuses!" Dewhurst said.
And the Trans-Texas Corridor? Folks, you can't build toll roads in rual Texas! For Heaven's sake -- don't mess with Texas private property rights!" Dewhurst added.
Dewhurst also called for either lowering the revenue cap on local government or putting a cap on increased property tax revenue. He also said he wants to look for alternatives to property tax funding and he said he wants to take a serious look at the margin tax next session.
Not surprisingly, Dewhurst's desire to pass a bill requiring picture identification to vote got prominent mention in the speech. (The question many have is what is more important to the Lieutenant Governor: passing the voter identification bill or the Senate's tradition requiring a two-thirds vote before bills are considered.)
For the most part, the speech was well-received. Dewhurst did get razzed by the crowd a bit when he suggested putting fingerprints and citizenship status on the magnetic strip on the back of a drivers' license. But his core points were well received and provide an interesting preview of his agenda for next session.
Dewhurst brought the house down with his attacks on the Texas Department of Transportation and the Trans-Texas Corridor. "For the last four years we've provided TxDOT $42 billion in cash and bond money. TxDOT needs to build roads, reduce congestion and stop making excuses!" Dewhurst said.
And the Trans-Texas Corridor? Folks, you can't build toll roads in rual Texas! For Heaven's sake -- don't mess with Texas private property rights!" Dewhurst added.
Dewhurst also called for either lowering the revenue cap on local government or putting a cap on increased property tax revenue. He also said he wants to look for alternatives to property tax funding and he said he wants to take a serious look at the margin tax next session.
Not surprisingly, Dewhurst's desire to pass a bill requiring picture identification to vote got prominent mention in the speech. (The question many have is what is more important to the Lieutenant Governor: passing the voter identification bill or the Senate's tradition requiring a two-thirds vote before bills are considered.)
For the most part, the speech was well-received. Dewhurst did get razzed by the crowd a bit when he suggested putting fingerprints and citizenship status on the magnetic strip on the back of a drivers' license. But his core points were well received and provide an interesting preview of his agenda for next session.
Rick Perry speech well received
Gov. Rick Perry addressed the convention this afternoon and gave one of the most effective speeches of his governorship. Perry started by mentioning the fire at the governor's mansion and emphasizing that the mansion will get restored. "It's a place where good people have pondered grand things for a great state," Perry said of the mansion. "And it will be again."
Perry then talked about how proud he is to govern a state where people respect human life. He highlighted the parental notification and parental consent laws he helped to pass. He then lauded the Texas economy and the state's record on job creation. Perry cited the 2003 legislative session as critical to the state's economic success, in particular tort reform and the decision not to raise taxes. Perry also called for a revised state constitutional spending cap.
One of Perry's better applause lines was on the subject of change. "When Democrats talk about change they really mean the change they'll be sucking out of your pockets, along with your dollar bills." He also pledged to support more police on the border and to oppose giving drivers licenses to illegal immigrants.
At the end, Perry brought in a group of musicians. He noted that "like a musical instrument with a unique and pleasing tone, we can only do so much alone" (then one musician plays). But if you assemble these instruments under the direction of an inspired leader, with an agreed upon song and a common purpose, you'll have more than a mob; you have a movement." (then a whole band starts playing)
The speech was well received. Here's the key. When Perry gave his State of the State address, he rubbed it in to the legislators. He made prominent mention of both the Trans-Texas Corridor and the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine (HPV) mandate, two of his policy initiatives that infuriate legislators and grass roots activists alike. This time he avoided both entirely.
Perry then talked about how proud he is to govern a state where people respect human life. He highlighted the parental notification and parental consent laws he helped to pass. He then lauded the Texas economy and the state's record on job creation. Perry cited the 2003 legislative session as critical to the state's economic success, in particular tort reform and the decision not to raise taxes. Perry also called for a revised state constitutional spending cap.
One of Perry's better applause lines was on the subject of change. "When Democrats talk about change they really mean the change they'll be sucking out of your pockets, along with your dollar bills." He also pledged to support more police on the border and to oppose giving drivers licenses to illegal immigrants.
At the end, Perry brought in a group of musicians. He noted that "like a musical instrument with a unique and pleasing tone, we can only do so much alone" (then one musician plays). But if you assemble these instruments under the direction of an inspired leader, with an agreed upon song and a common purpose, you'll have more than a mob; you have a movement." (then a whole band starts playing)
The speech was well received. Here's the key. When Perry gave his State of the State address, he rubbed it in to the legislators. He made prominent mention of both the Trans-Texas Corridor and the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine (HPV) mandate, two of his policy initiatives that infuriate legislators and grass roots activists alike. This time he avoided both entirely.
Highlights of statewide elected official's speeches
Most of the statewide elected officials addressed the convention today. Here are the highlights of their speeches:
Comptroller Susan Combs: Combs emphasized her support for transparency in government. "It's always your money," she said. Combs also emphasized how she has worked to save taxpayers money at the comptroller's office. She also called on the Republican party to commit to its core prinicples.
Attorney General Greg Abbott: The attorney general focused on the first and second amendments to the United States Constitution. He talked about how his office defended the Ten Commandments monument on the Capitol grounds. He also discussed the Second Amendment and his support for interpreting the Second Amendment as an individual right to keep and bear arms. The Texas Attorney General signed an amicus brief before the US Supreme Court supporting an individual right to keep and bear arms. His best applause line was when he told the convention that Barack Obama "has given us hope of an America without Hillary Clinton as president."
Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams: Williams emphasized the importance of a strong domestic oil and gas industry and the need for more domestic oil production. Williams emphasized the importance of nuclear power. He also warned that the "cap and trade" global warming bills pending in Congress would be extremely expensive and harmful to America's national security and economy. He blasted House Democratic Caucus Chairman Jim Dunnam (D-Waco) for killing the retail electricity bill (SB 482) in the 2007 legislative bill. The bill would have provided additional consumer protections and Williams put some of the blame on Dunnam for recent hikes in retail electric prices.
Comptroller Susan Combs: Combs emphasized her support for transparency in government. "It's always your money," she said. Combs also emphasized how she has worked to save taxpayers money at the comptroller's office. She also called on the Republican party to commit to its core prinicples.
Attorney General Greg Abbott: The attorney general focused on the first and second amendments to the United States Constitution. He talked about how his office defended the Ten Commandments monument on the Capitol grounds. He also discussed the Second Amendment and his support for interpreting the Second Amendment as an individual right to keep and bear arms. The Texas Attorney General signed an amicus brief before the US Supreme Court supporting an individual right to keep and bear arms. His best applause line was when he told the convention that Barack Obama "has given us hope of an America without Hillary Clinton as president."
Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams: Williams emphasized the importance of a strong domestic oil and gas industry and the need for more domestic oil production. Williams emphasized the importance of nuclear power. He also warned that the "cap and trade" global warming bills pending in Congress would be extremely expensive and harmful to America's national security and economy. He blasted House Democratic Caucus Chairman Jim Dunnam (D-Waco) for killing the retail electricity bill (SB 482) in the 2007 legislative bill. The bill would have provided additional consumer protections and Williams put some of the blame on Dunnam for recent hikes in retail electric prices.
Circling the wagons
Earlier, we wrote about the fairconvention.org website, the debate over the party rules, and the efforts by Ron Paul supporters to have more influence at the convention. Since we did that, it's only fair to talk about the other side of the equation.
The Pro-Life, Pro-Family Coalition includes representatives from most of the major social conservative organizations and, for the most part, supports the current leadership of the party. The group has endorsed Party Chairman Tina Benkiser for re-election. It has sent a mass-email to GOP activists. “Also,” according to a coalition e-mail, “an organized effort is underway to ‘take over’ the convention, trying to elect National Delegates who have declared that they will not support the Republican nominee...The current State Party Rules have worked very well for our conservative grassroots activists. Any attempt to change our Rules by those who do not hold to our pro-life, pro-family values must be opposed, and we would caution against any amendments that would substantially alter the current Rules.”
The group includes many heavy-hitters from the social conservative movement. Some of the key players in the coalition include (groups listed for identification only) Kelly Shackelford (Free Market Foundation), Merry-Lynn Gerstenschlager (Texas Eagle Forum), David Barton (former party vice chairman, Wallbuilders), Joe Pojman (Texas Alliance for Life), and many more.
The Pro-Life, Pro-Family Coalition includes representatives from most of the major social conservative organizations and, for the most part, supports the current leadership of the party. The group has endorsed Party Chairman Tina Benkiser for re-election. It has sent a mass-email to GOP activists. “Also,” according to a coalition e-mail, “an organized effort is underway to ‘take over’ the convention, trying to elect National Delegates who have declared that they will not support the Republican nominee...The current State Party Rules have worked very well for our conservative grassroots activists. Any attempt to change our Rules by those who do not hold to our pro-life, pro-family values must be opposed, and we would caution against any amendments that would substantially alter the current Rules.”
The group includes many heavy-hitters from the social conservative movement. Some of the key players in the coalition include (groups listed for identification only) Kelly Shackelford (Free Market Foundation), Merry-Lynn Gerstenschlager (Texas Eagle Forum), David Barton (former party vice chairman, Wallbuilders), Joe Pojman (Texas Alliance for Life), and many more.
Portrait vs. Landscape
We start our coverage of the Republican convention with a quick description of the building layout. (We did the same thing with the Democrats). The convention is on the ground floor of the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. The Democratic convention hall was like printing portrait. The podium was at the top of the page and there was a long series of rows of delegates thereafter. The GOP convention is like a landscape printout. It's lengthwise. The podium is in top, centered. The delegate seats fan around the podium. There is a large podium stage center for the main speaker, with a side podium stage right (of course) for an additional speaker. There are two large banks of tables on either side of the main podium for party officials. The exhibit area is easier to reach in this convention hall. It's just to south of the main convention floor.
Unlike the Democratic convention, there is no wireless Internet connection at the George Brown Center. So the Lone Star Report decided to co-sponsor the RightOnline.com blogger booth (which is part of the Americans for Prosperity Booth on the convention floor). I'll be blogging from this booth throughout the convention. Feel free to come by and visit.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Lawsuit against state GOP dismissed. Polland to appeal
Harris County Court at Law Judge Roberta Lloyd has dismissed the lawsuit against the Republican Party of Texas. The lawsuit, filed by several GOP activists, seeks to order the party to follow the Texas Election Code, which requires the election of a permanent chair of the convention before conducting any party business. The court ruled it did not have jurisdiction in the matter. The court had previously issued a temporary restraining order against the party, which has since expired. “For all of Gary Polland’s and Debra Medina’s histrionics, both have shown an incredible lack of understanding of the Party process or the Texas Election Code," said Republican Party of Texas Spokesman Hans Klingler. "The Republican State Convention has always and will continue to be conducted in full compliance with the law and the rules passed by the grassroots. If someone wishes to change the law, they have an opportunity next year when the Texas Legislature convenes. You would think two political operatives like them would know that?” Klingler questioned.
Gary Polland is the attorney who filed the lawsuit and a former chairman of the Harris County GOP. Debra Medina is the current chair of the Wharton County GOP and a plaintiff in the suit. Said Polland, "Instead of the party coming in and debating the issue on the merits, [the party] filed what I believe is a spurrious motion to say the court had no jurisdiction, even though the election code specifically says injuctive relief is one of the available options for people having trouble in having the election code followed." Polland added that the judge ruled that the proper remedy is not an injunction but a writ of mandamus, which is handled by appellate courts in Texas. Polland said he will file an emergency appeal with the Court of Appeals. "We are hopeful the Court of Appeals will follow the rule of law, and inform the court [it does] in fact have jurisdiction and the case can go forward." Polland said he has not decided whether to file for a writ of mandamus. He added the First Court of Appeals rejected the Republican Party's request for a writ of mandamus.
"In my statements, you don't hear any personal attacks or slams on anybody or their motives or anything else their doing," Polland said. "Our motives are very pure. Follow the law ... we want the rule of law followed by our party because we're better than the Democrats."
Gary Polland is the attorney who filed the lawsuit and a former chairman of the Harris County GOP. Debra Medina is the current chair of the Wharton County GOP and a plaintiff in the suit. Said Polland, "Instead of the party coming in and debating the issue on the merits, [the party] filed what I believe is a spurrious motion to say the court had no jurisdiction, even though the election code specifically says injuctive relief is one of the available options for people having trouble in having the election code followed." Polland added that the judge ruled that the proper remedy is not an injunction but a writ of mandamus, which is handled by appellate courts in Texas. Polland said he will file an emergency appeal with the Court of Appeals. "We are hopeful the Court of Appeals will follow the rule of law, and inform the court [it does] in fact have jurisdiction and the case can go forward." Polland said he has not decided whether to file for a writ of mandamus. He added the First Court of Appeals rejected the Republican Party's request for a writ of mandamus.
"In my statements, you don't hear any personal attacks or slams on anybody or their motives or anything else their doing," Polland said. "Our motives are very pure. Follow the law ... we want the rule of law followed by our party because we're better than the Democrats."
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