Support for Straus Crumbling

Representative Bryan Hughes, HD 5, released the following today:   
(HT:  Blue Dot Blues)

Today after much prayer and counsel, I formally withdraw my support for Speaker Joe Straus. I do this with no malice toward the Speaker or any other member.

Over the past several days I have heard from an increasing number of my constituents and supporters. Their unanimous voice has called for me to withdraw my support of Speaker Straus.

My decision, though not a light one, was made clearer after a phone call I received over the weekend from a member of Speaker Straus's leadership team. This member brought up the subject of redistricting and explained to me how that process would be used to punish those members not on Speaker Straus's list of supporters.

More specifically, this member told me that maps were already being drawn to get rid of Representative-Elect Erwin Cain (R-Sulphur Springs) and Representative Dan Flynn (R-Van), because they were not on the Speaker's list of supporters.
I was then told that I had nothing to worry about in redistricting, so long as I stayed on the Speaker’s list.

This conversation first saddened and then disgusted me.
Using the redistricting process for retribution reminds us of all that is wrong with politics. The Speaker's race should be decided not based on threats of punishment and not on promises of power, but on principle.

The people of Texas have chosen us to speak for them. As we prepare to cast our first vote on their behalf, we should lay aside our ambition for powerful committees, stand against the threats, and support the Speaker candidate who best represents our conservative principles.

Williamson County and Beyond

Wow, what a night!  Williamson County voters rejected Democrats and the liberal-progressive agenda by solid margins.  In what many thought would be a close race, Republican Larry Gonzales defeated incumbent Democrat Diana Maldonado with 57.45%, and all other Wilco GOP candidates won their respective races. 

Voters also rejected Round Rock's Proposition 1 by a mere 26 votes.  While I tepidly voted for Prop 1, the defeat is not really surprising.  Americans are suspicious of attempts to redirect any government spending right now, and residents are miffed that the Round Rock City Council voted to increase fees, 'adopt the effective tax rate,' (ie., raise property taxes,) and spend an additional $300,000 for a commuter bus service in 2011.  Hopefully this will serve as a wake-up call to city leaders who are not seriously trying to cut spending and taxes.

Statewide it looks like Republicans will hold a minimum of 97 seats in the Texas House, far more than pundits originally predicted.  Sadly, our neighbors to the south returned Mark "Obama" Strama in District 50, but other Central Texas Democrats Patrick Rose and Valinda Bolton were defeated by Republicans Jason Isaac and Paul Workman. 

Happily, Texans flipped three Congressional Districts from blue to red.  Republican Bill Flores defeated long-time Democrat Chet Edwards, and Francisco 'Quico' Canseco unseated Ciro Rodriguez.  In a win I confess I never saw coming, Republican challenger Blake Farenthold took a long-time Democrat stronghold from Solomon Ortiz in South Texas. 

It was a good night for Texas Conservatives, and an important victory in the battle for our country.  However, there is still much to be done.  I encourage all to remain informed and engaged.  Your nation is depending on it.

Williamson County Early Vote Totals

The Williamson County Elections Office released the Early Vote totals.  Larry Gonzales is leading with 59.31%, Diana Maldonado is at 37.52%, and Libertarian Charles McCoy has 3.17% . 

As expected, Governor Perry leads by 61.09%  (In Williamson County,) Congressman John Carter, has 82.91%, and Dr. Charles Schwertner has 84.63% (Carter and Schwertner had no Dem opponent.)  

Other totals for Williamson County candidates:

Marsha Farney for State Board of Education: 65%
State Senator Steve Ogden:  70%
Melissa Goodwin for 3rd Court of Appeals:  67%
Judge Suzanne Brooks for County Court at Law #1:  69%
Doug Arnold for County Court at Law #3:  68%
Cynthia Long for County Commissioner #2:  68%
Ron Morrison for County Commissioner #4:  63%

Stay tuned:  we'll see what happened on Election Day.

Not Quite Time to Celebrate...

I know many of you out there are positively giddy about the potential results of tomorrow's election, but I want to remind you that we haven't won anything yet.  While Early Voting totals indicate far more Republicans than Democrats are coming out this year, have no doubt that the Democrats are not giving up without a fight, and they are doing everything they can to turn out the liberal-progressive vote.  In addition,  there have been some allegations of voter fraud in Texas, and in Williamson County Republicans are investigating the possibility that a liberal group has been creating 'ghost boxes' for mail-in ballots and combing obituaries for dead voters. 

Of course one way to combat voter fraud is to score an overwhelming victory, and it is essential that we turn out every possible vote. 

If you have not yet voted, polls will be open tomorrow, Tuesday, November 2, from 7 am to 7 pm.  Also, please remember that you will only be permitted to vote at your precinct polling location.  You can look up your location at the Texas Secretary of State Website. 

If you have voted, take a few moments today to email or call those in your sphere of influence, or volunteer with a local candidate's campaign.  Most campaigns will be phone banking this evening. 

So, while we are anticipating big wins, please don't start celebrating.  Our work here is not yet done.