Confession

TIME Magazine arrives in my mail each week, I think it's usually on Wednesdays. I usually throw it in the trash, without opening it's front page.

Today, I recognized the face (if not the photo-shopped 5 o'clock shadow) as my governor,Rick Perry. So I did open the front page and take the time to read David Von Drehle's article (with reporting by Mark Halperin and Hilary Aylton/Austin, Eric Dodds/NYC and Elizabeth Dias and Michael Scherer/DC).

Short of giving Perry the moniker of 'teflon Rick' (reminescent of Reagan) they make him out to be one lucky guy. They do a decent job of framing his upbringing as authentically small town Texan with the tongue in cheek quote from Perry depicting his hometown so small that it didn't exist.

But they set the stage for everyone, including the TEA Party and Republicans, to take shots at the front runner. With Perry's minute plus ad hitting the youtube blitz today contrasting "Zero v. Hero" the race is clearly on. If America wants bold contrasts in the presidential election, they will get it IF the Obama/Perry match up holds. Looks like the lamestream print media is doing its best to set it up for a contest.

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The 3 P's

After last night's Republican Debate, it occurred to me that there are two declared Republican Presidential Candidates and a possible Candidate-in-Waiting (or in the vascillating position of possibly running) who have a common thread, which I believe most will find agreement: Palin, Perry and Paul have changed the conversation in the past two years in American Politics.

Yes, my guess is that in any Republican gathering you could activists clearly on the side of one of the three current headlines-grabbing politicians. I believe that any Republican group would be comprised of ones who would vote for one of the three for President TODAY without reservation, though November 2012 is 14 months away.

It is my contention that Palin, Perry and Paul have clearly shifted the conversation about what is important to debate and bring to the table to discuss, no matter what the outcome of the November 2012 election. And I hope with all my heart that Barack Obama is a one term President...that any one of these individuals will bring a paradigm shift that modern politics has not experienced in modern times.

President Reagan re-connected us with our foundation and love of country. He motivated us to take a stand for our country and re-invigorated us to believe in ourselves again. Palin, Perry and Paul are asking us to ask hard questions about the very purpose of government and what we will do to keep our freedom.

While I do have my own personal preference for the next President of the United States, at this point in the election cycle, I believe that Republicans should be listening with ears that hear what the real message is from each of these people and ask simple questions: Will we be better off as individuals, as families and as a country if we follow the plan that this candidate is outlining? And does he or her have the track record of experience to lead the greatest country in the world out of this economic decline? This is THE election of our lifetime. Vote with your head, as well as your heart.

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The looming problem in the 83rd Sesson

A train wreck is coming in 2013 with the budget because of the planned deficit and because they did not deal with interior enforcement regarding illegal aliens. We will need those with clear vision, clarity of purpose, and bold courage to change the direction and focus of our wayward state legislature. Too much of our state spending is tied to pulling down federal dollars. The reckoning day is soon coming and will put added pressure on the states and local gov't.

~ JoAnn Fleming

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Travis County DA Race

http://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2011-07-22/d-a-race-lehmberg-vs-almost-baird/

Some would say that it's a little early for candidates to be publicly stating their campaign plans, but our Democrats are getting the early start by squaring off for Travis County DA.

While the Dems are beating up on each other, we're working under the radar.

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Term Limits

Speaking at the Virginia Convention in 1788, George Mason made the case for a citizen legislature grounded in reality:

“Nothing so strongly impels a man to regard the interest of his constituents, as the certainty of returning to the general mass of the people, from whence he was taken, where he must participate in their burdens.”

Unfortunately the vestiges of 'seniority' in Congress with committee assignments, etc. pull toward keeping term limits out of the question. But if it's good enough for the executive branch...why not in Congress?

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17th Amendment

The shift in power from the state governing bodies electing their Senators to the citizens voting state-wide to elect their Senators to go to Washington brought on 'unintended consequences' that effect us today. Hat tip to Frank Salvato who blogged about this unfortunate removal from the states to 'recall' one of its representatives who should be removed from office. Our founders knew the scrutiny of states would be able to choose the best representatives for their sovereign purposes.

Here are Frank's remarks which came under the heading of It's About Personal Responsibility

"17th Amendment, which moved the power of electing US Senators from the State Legislatures to the State citizenries. Prior to this, a US Senator was subject to recall by the State Legislatures. If the Senator was too inclined to cast his vote along political party lines, in favor of a special interest group or in any way that usurped the benefit of his State’s constituency, the State Legislatures could recall the Senator. In essence, prior to the enactment of the 17th Amendment, US Senators were legislatively charged ambassadors from their respective States to the Legislative Branch of the federal. Members of the US House were directly elected by the people (the People’s House) and US Senators represented the governments of the many States.

So, today, with the 17th Amendment in full force, we have a redundancy in the Legislative Branch that has led to moving our country toward a government system of Democracy, when, in fact – and for incredibly good reasons – our Framers and Founders established our country as a Constitutional Republic, one that uses a democratic electoral process, which, too, has a check and balance called the Electoral College.

Ever since the ability of the States to recall their US Senators was usurped by the 17th Amendment, and ever since the balance of federalism tipped to the federal government, thus encroaching upon the sovereign authority of the States as mandated by the 10th Amendment, people from one part of the country have become beholden to the votes of people from other parts of the country. Just as important, is that federally elected officials to Congress – especially US Senators – have become immune to any rebuke by their constituencies but for at the ballot box."

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The End is the Begining

With the decision of the Dan Neil Team to withdraw their election contest, thereby ending the pursuit of the full house vote on the election contest, Dan's election is officially over. HOWEVER, Travis County voters have been awakened to issues that should concern every voter and we at the Travis County Republican Party will be working diligently to do everything within our statutory (legal) power to assure the fair and legal elections take place in Travis County.

First step, get Photo Voter ID (SB 14) passed in the House. It has already passed in the Senate. And in order for the process to be completed smoothly, the SAME version of the bill (with NO Amendments) needs to pass the House. So we are supporting a YES Vote from ALL of our representatives (both Democrat and Republican) who stand with us to have another safeguard on fair and legal elections, increase the confidence of the voting pubic that their vote does count and provide a visible check at the point of making an in-person vote that the voter is in fact, the person whose name is on the record.

Today the bill was stalled by a technicality of one word and sent back to the Elections Committee...we know that any stalling technique imaginable will be used by some Democrats. Afterall, they "chubbed" with procedural nonsense for 5 days in the last legislative session. Some of those Democrats are not present in this session, because they got beat in November. But the slowing down of the process will continue, wasting precious time that could be spent on voting on other issues of pressing importance.

Stay tuned on the Voter ID. We expect it to pass, but are not taking anything for granted with this 82nd Legislative Session. BREAKING NEWS...the bill passed overwhelmingly in the House late into the night on Wednesday, but with a different version passing in the House reconciliation of the House and Senate versions must take place. We're making progress, but we're not there yet. Keep a close watch and I'll be updating.

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Dan Neil Election Contest

Representative Will Hartnett, Master of Discovery in the Neil Election Contest will present his findings on Wednesday, Feb 23 to the Select Committee on Election Contest, chaired by Rep. Todd Hunter. It will take place in the Capitol committee meeting room E1.010. It will only be testimony from Rep Hartnett in this meeting which begins at 1:00 pm.

The final hearing in which both the Neil and Howard representatives will be able to present information will be on Tuesday, March 15 at 1:00 pm in Room E1.010. There is a two hour limit set on testimony from each side and the public is invited to attend both sessions.

Please continue your prayers and contributions to support Dan. And wear the customary RED to show your support. Of course everyone is expected to show the proper order during the proceedings as everyone has shown in the past.

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We the People taking on ObamaCare

The Justice Foundation has filed a petition in Travis County requesting a permanent injunction to stop the State of Texas from spending tax dollars on the implementation of ObamaCare in the State of Texas.

Allan Parker, president of the Justice Foundation, is representing me individually and Grassroots America - We the People as Plaintiffs in the case. This is a bold move. It is a necessary move.

While we appreciate the bold public stands Governor Rick Perry and Attorney General Greg Abbott have taken to fight ObamaCare, we believe "the People" must go further while we wait for the now-declared unconstitutional Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to make its way to the Supreme Court of the United States. We do not want the State of Texas to spend tax dollars setting up the infrastructure for implementation of ObamaCare. While we hope some of the bills currently filed in the TX legislature to fight ObamaCare at the state level will prevail, given the game-playing and political dealing that goes on in Austin, we simply cannot depend on that legislation to stop ObamaCare in Texas. We simply cannot wait for our elected officials to do the right thing.

Here are two sources of information that give us great concern:

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott: Feds playing delay game on ObamaCare ruling

AG says anti-ObamaCare ruling likely to be heard by U.S. Supreme Court

We hope our action will protect the people of Texas. We hope our action will speed the process to get the case to SCOTUS. Frankly, the State Legislature needs to stay out of the Rainy Day Fund. Should -- God forbid -- SCOTUS not rule ObamaCare unconstitutional and should the Congress fail in completely defunding ObamaCare, that is when it will truly be raining in Texas and the Rainy Day Fund can be used while we wait to elect a new President and Congress that will get the job done.

Attached find our news release for today and a Fact Sheet that will more clearly set forth our position. I humbly ask for your support and your earnest prayers that Liberty will prevail. Please circulate this information should you deem it worthwhile.

Advancing Freedom,

JoAnn Fleming, Executive Director (volunteer)

Grassroots America - We the People www.gawtp.com

Click here to read Grassroots America Justice Foundation Suit Fact Sheet

Click here to read State Petition Obamacare Press release

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Neil Election Contest goes to the House Committee

February 11, 2011 5:08 PM

MASTER IN HD 48 CONTEST CONCLUDES DONNA HOWARD HAS WON BY FOUR VOTES
Rep. Will Hartnett (R-Dallas) says out of county voters and counting 4
unopened ballots cut into Howard's margin; adds that he's seen no
evidence of voter fraud or substantial errors.

UPDATED: We received late this afternoon the response from GOP
challenger Dan Neil's camp. Attorney Joe Nixon says that he looks
forward to taking his case to the HD 48 special committee. We reprint
his statement in its entirety below:

"We have received the Master’s recommendation, and we are in the
process of reviewing it. We have completed step one of this process,
and we intend to take our case to the committee. We believe the
evidence presented in recent hearings is worthy of a different
finding, and we are confident the committee will agree. This is an
excellent ruling to take to the committee. It shows that there are a
number of unresolved issues that need to be decided before anyone can
be declared the winner of this election."

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Neil Election Contest

UPDATE ON DAN NEIL ELECTION CONTEST

The Dan Neil campaign issued the following statement last night:

Monday was the last day of our hearing before the special master in our election contest in House District 48. Currently, we are down by 3 votes with a margin of error of 4 illegal voters. We also have voters who have lived outside the district for 2 years or more who voted in this election and voted for Donna Howard, while their voter registration was on suspense.

At this point, it is clear that we do not know who the winner of this election is. The only possible remedy is a new election.

The next step in the process is that Master Hartnett will report his findings to the committee by Friday. We will see what the Master reports and we will make a determination about our next step at that time. We intend to fight for this seat until the end.

Thank you for all your prayers and support.

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Condolences to AZ Victims and Families

RPT Extends Condolences to Victims and Families of Arizona Shootings, Condemns Attack

AUSTIN — This afternoon, RPT State Chairman Steve Munisteri, on behalf of himself as well as the Republican Party of Texas, issued the following statement on the news of the horrific shootings in Arizona.

"On behalf of the entire RPT, and all Republicans in Texas, I would like to extend our condolences to the families of the victims, and all those who have suffered as a result of today's events. I am personally asking all Republicans to pray for the speedy recovery of all who were injured or wounded in today's events, including Congresswoman Giffords. I also condemn in the strongest terms possible, not only this act, but any act of violence toward those who serve in elected office. At a grievous time such as this, we are reminded that whether we are Republicans or Democrats - we are all, first and foremost, Americans. Today, all Americans should be unified in their prayers for the victims and their families, and unified in condemning this terrible tragedy in our country."

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Dan Neil Campaign Challenge

If you want to support Dan Neil in his election challenge, please go to his campaign website to donate to help him pay for the necessary costs associated with the top-flight legal team he needs to pay in order for him to WIN this election contest for HD 48 http://www.texansfordan.com/ Please donate any amount that you can to help Dan in his continuing effort to make sure that ALL legal votes are counted in Travis County.

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RECOUNT on for Dec.1

The official recount will begin on Wednesday Dec.1 for HD 48 Neil Campaign.

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Parsing words...

Seems that reporters are eager to get the word 'recount' out there concerning the Neil Campaign. Essentially it is moving forward, but there are t's to cross and i's to dot. There is a specific timeline that I will explain as soon as we are in an official recount mode.

Happy Thanksgiving, All!

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HD 48 Update

Preliminary paperwork is being filed in anticipation of a recount, but reports of an official recount are premature at this point.

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Election Update...

After Provisional Ballots were counted from Election Day and all mail-in ballots as well, Donna Howard came out with 16 more votes than Dan Neil in HD 48! No official word yet on a re-count, but there are a few days left before it has to be officially requested. I will post as soon as an official word is available from the Neil Campaign.

And another development since the election: Judge Jeff Rose has been appointed to fill the term of Republican Judge Alan Waldrop (who resigned in Sept.) on the 3rd Court of Appeals. This is the same court inwhich Melissa Goodwin won her seat. So there will be 4 Republicans on the 6 judge court. Judge Rose will have to run for re-election in 2012, but the jurisdiction covers more than Travis County, giving him a better chance to retain this seat. Congratulations to Judge Rose!

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Travis County Stood up to be COUNTED!

Congratulations to Glenn Bass for retaining the Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2 in the able hands of a Republican. Retiring Judge Barbara Bembry will be missed, but the court will be in great shape with Glenn presiding. This was the last remaining Republican office holder in Travis County and the Democrats were itching to take out the Republican in that seat, but we held on to it for 4 more years!

Congratulations to Paul Workman for taking back HD 47 for the center-right and conservative constituents in SW Travis County. Paul will provide the type of level-headed, commonsense leadership that this portion of Travis County has been wanting and needing for years. We are delighted to take this position back as well.

Our HD 48 Dan Neil race is still an unresolved situation with Donna Howard up by 15 votes. Monday's vote count of Provisional Ballots from Election Day as well as the mail-in ballots that will be received on Monday afternoon will determine the final vote count. It may lead to a re-count. Stay tuned for this one. I will keep posting as the process develops.

Congratulations to Melissa Goodwin, 3rd Court of Appeals winner, who won in all the 23 counties in the jurisdiction. Her opponent won in Travis, but Melissa worked hard for her victory. Even the Austin American Statesman admits that the 3rd Court of Appeals will be in better shape with Judge Goodwin on board.

Ken Mercer and Marsha Farney kept the Republican presence on the State Board of Education, representing the south and north portions of Travis County respectively. Their races were hard fought and well run. We are delighted that Travis County will have the two Republican representatives on the board.

We had a great group of candidates who campaigned with integrity, vigor and courage!The most exciting result of the sweep of victories that the Republicans are celebrating is that we are very encouraged to stay in the fight in Travis County. We are looking toward the next election cycle to field strong candidates and stay in the uphill fight we have in Travis County.

It is not for the faint of heart to be a conservative in Travis County, but we will defend our principles and fight for more responsible government on all levels. We've only just begun to fight here in the stronghold of liberalism in Texas. We are not going to give up ground that we have taken in this election. Onward!!

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Williamson County Democrat Chairman RESIGNS!

PRESS RELEASE
10/19/10
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Gregory S Windham
512-656-7368
Gregory S Windham, WCDP Chair
Democratic Chair Resigns
Windham Endorses Republican in District 52

Georgetown, Texas - Recently elected Democratic Chairman, Gregory S Windham, announced his resignation from the Chairmanship today citing differences of opinion over the State and National Democratic Agenda and support of a Republican candidate as his reasons.

A Message to Democrats


It is quite apparent that many members of the Williamson County Democratic Party leadership are interested in following a more liberal national agenda than listening to the majority of their constituents here locally. As a fifth-generation Texan and longtime supporter of Conservative, Texas principles, I find myself isolated within the party ranks and unable to relay my message of fiscal responsibility, family values, free-markets, and fair play.


The divisive, rigid leadership with the State and local party have made it clear from the beginning of this term that they have no interest in my opinions; engaging in personal name calling, the marginalization of the Chair's voice, and claiming my Texas ideals are out of touch.


I have a hatred of tyranny and contempt for its tools and being that I cannot sit down quietly and allow my mind be used for the spreading of an agenda that will further divide our citizenry, I choose now to resign as Chairman.


I give heartfelt thanks to my many supporters whose tireless work helped me get elected to this position. I am sincere in my hopes that Williamson County residents will take control of the political process from the many hand picked representatives of the left who now hold the keys to our political process.

After several opportunities to hear the candidates for State House Rep 52, I have decided to support Larry Gonzales as the next Williamson County State Representative. Larry's experience, intelligence, and knowledge of the political process far exceed that of the Democratic candidate. He is a family man, business owner, and a gentleman willing to build bridges and represent his district rather than his party.

Texas and America are facing a perfect storm. We must work together, hand in hand, to guide our way to safe shores. The continual mockery of each others positions and platforms only deepens our internal wounds. Compromise is necessary and I urge all who have interest in Liberty and a zeal for truth to listen carefully to all opinions and, above all, practice the Golden Rule.

God Bless You and God Bless Texas

Gregory S Windham
Georgetown, Texas

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Austin City Council Pandering

TCRP Wants Real Representation in Austin
Posted by Dave Nalle on Oct 1, 2010 in Gallery |
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Austin City Council’s East Side Meeting is Just Cynical Pandering
Real Democracy in Austin Demands Single Member Districts

AUSTIN, TX. On Thursday, when the Austin City Council decided to hold one of their weekly meetings in East Austin, it was a cynical and inadequate response to the years of disenfranchisement which residents of many parts of the city have experienced under a government deliberately operated to represent only the interests of a political elite who live in a select group of downtown neighborhoods.
If they are concerned about giving all of the citizens access to government, then there is a much more effective solution than the occasional visit to historically neglected east Austin. What the people of east Austin need and deserve is more than an opportunity to address the council for three minutes from the floor. The citizens of Austin deserve actual representation on the City Council. What they need is direct representation in single member districts.
Austin has suffered for too long with government by the elite while most of the people are excluded. Our at-large system for electing council members concentrates control of all of the seats in the council in the hands of those who can turn out a core group of voters for their chosen candidates in every election, while the votes of other neighborhoods cancel each other out and never add up to a win. Travis County Republican Party Chairman Rosemary Edwards believes that “block voting produces a council whose members all think the same and vote the same, and who don’t represent the interests of the entire community.”
Pandering from our palatial new city hall is not the solution to this problem. Putting a token ethnic member on the council or holding a meeting in east Austin is not real change. Real change would be the establishment of representative democracy in Austin by letting each part of the city have its own representative and its own voice on the council. LULAC District 12 Director Marcelo Tafoya joins us in "insisting upon single member districts as the only way to create a truly representative city government."
The Travis County Republican Party joins LULAC and other community groups in urging that the City Council follow the recommendations of its own Charter Revision Committee in instituting Single Member Districts and giving the government of the city back to the people. If the city does not take this action we urge the state legislature to pursue the bill submitted last year by Senator Jeff Wentworth to require the city to be represented with single member districts like every other major city in the state.

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