Hurricane Rita And Republican Leadership In Texas
Commentary By South Texas Republicans

We would like to salute Governor Rick Perry, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, Attorney General Greg Abbott, our Railroad Commissioners, County Commissioners and other party officials who have demonstrated such incredible leadership in the past 7 days. A comparative analysis of our leaders versus those in Louisiana shows that we are truly blessed in many ways. Our statewide Republican leadership team was there for us when we needed them. Remember these individuals when they ask you for your vote in 2006.

Kudos to Governor Perry for asking citizens to pray for our fellow Texans. What a beautiful act of political incorrectness!!! Sir, you are Prince!! 
 

Thanks for your prayers and thoughts, as all our lives were spared. Rita has done heavy wind damage to Beaumont, then took a direct hit on our lake house on Sam Rayburn north of Jasper. It was a wild night riding it out. We have no power since midnight, but do have sewer, phone and water. There is 100 foot timber down all around us, but the only casualty here was my boat trailer.

We just got done clearing the road out of here with chainsaws since there is a woman trapped down the road ready to deliver a baby. I offered to help her if needed, so pray for my obstetrical skills if called upon. The wind is finally dying down and the rain has just stopped. We had the hardest rain and huge winds from 3 am to 11 am.

Word from Beaumont is window damage and water damage to the Bone & Joint office area but not our new hospital addition. Matt Lauer (NBC?) and other media personalities sheltered in our new specialty hospital in the second floor patient rooms. All hospitals south of here had to evacuate as they have no power, water pressure, and generators are failing. There is no flooding on my side of town, but there are reports of downed 100 foot pine and deciduous trees on my block. We do not know the status of our house. Reports are that the roads home are covered with trees and there is no gas.

I will not be able to send many more updates since I have limited battery. We will maintain contact primarily with Connie's sister Delinda and Scott Stephens. If you need an update or to get us a message call them at 830.931.3632.

Thanks again for your concern for our safety and especially for your prayers. Our life as taken a turn unanticipated a week ago, offering us another opportunity on our life's journey. We have much to be thankful for God's protection. 

Please share this good news with our mutual friends.

Connie and David Teuscher, MD
 

Paul Weyrich, Conservative Leader, quoted in the Wall Street Journal on 9/19/05

Welcome to the GOP NEW DEAL. Most of us loyal conservative Republicans joined because we believed in small, constitutional government and low taxes-let the free enterprise system work. Unfortunately, Ronald Reagan's (and our founding fathers) approaches have been abandoned. Under G.W. Bush, and a Republican Congress, in 2005(NO IRAQ WAR) spending is up by 7%, this on top of 30% in the previous 4 yrs. Now with Katrina, there is a race to see who is the most compassionate-not with taxpayers, but with anyone who could remotely be considered victim.

A recent Citizens Against Government Waste publication, gives all South Texas House and both Texas Senators only taxpayer lukewarm, to friendly-no taxpayer hero ratings. This taxpayer will remember their actions in the next election-especially when asked for contributions.

Ray Williams

Boerne,Texas

(Congressional District 23)
 

Government and the Family (The Need to Restore Basic Values)
National Television Address, July 6th
A Time for Choosing:  The Speeches of Ronald Reagan, 1961 1982
 

A lot of Bush supporters assumed the president would get serious about spending in his second term. With the highway bill he showed we misread his intentions.

From: 'Whatever It Takes'
Is Bush's big spending a bridge to nowhere?
Thursday, September 22, 2005 12:01 a.m. EDT

Ms. Noonan is a contributing editor of The Wall Street Journal
 

by Sara Elizabeth Payne, Enterprise, Celebrating outstanding women and minority business leaders. Published by the San Antonio Business Journal.  September 16,2005

- Commissioner Chris Mitchell won the Womens Leadership Award for Public Service.

South Texas Republicans Commentary:  We will continue to be very critical of our representatives in Washington, D.C. It is clear from all indications that they are out of touch with ordinary Texans. They do not work for Lockheed-Martin-they work for us. Tell your Representatives in Washington that enough is enough. Start leading like real conservative Republicans.

Lets send our representatives to Medina County so they can learn about accountability to the taxpayers from Commissioner Chris Mitchell.

Want to pay for Katrina? Slash legislative pork.
By Peronet Despeignes, Fortune Magazine, From the Oct 3, 2005 Issue

The location of the meeting is:

Sea Island Restaurant
11715 Bandera Rd at Bandera Point (Rt. 1604 and Rt. 16)
San Antonio, TX 78015

Come join us at our September 27th, 2005 meeting to hear
Grace Kunde discuss her campaign.

The meeting time is as follows:

6:30pm to 7:00pm - Social and networking time.  Dinner is optional and on your own
7:00pm to 8:00pm (time-certain) - Formal Meeting

Please RSVP your attendance to our Secretary Karen Stewart: Phone: (210) 488-3108 or email (gospursgo10@hotmail.com) her with your reservation

Commentary by South Texas Republicans:  Grace Kunde has been working really hard over the past 30 days.  We have seen her at countless grassroots events.  She wants and needs your support at this critical juncture.  Her opponent has over $90,000 in the bank right now.

Grace is actively meeting voters in the following counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Brooks, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, LaSalle, Mason, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Menard, Real, Starr, Sutton, Uvalde, Val Verde, Webb, Wilson, Zapata and Zavala.

Make phone calls for Grace. Host a tea party for your friends and neighbors so they can meet Grace. Send her $25 or $100.  Republican Women built the modern Republican Party of Texas.  We need to step up and support strong conservative women when they need our help.

Grace Kunde is our kind of people.  We can assure you that she is not owned by any law firm, legal bar association, corporation or political boss in the district. God knows we are in desperate need of independent Republicans who are in the game to do the right thing.

DINESH D'SOUZA:  "Iraq and the Dilemma of American Empire"

Book Signing Invitation from the Young Republicans of Bexar County

September 28th
6-7:30pm

Book signing 7:30-8:30

UTSA 1604 Main Building Auditorium room 0.104

Admission is free and the YRs will be reserving a group of seats based on RSVPs to this e-vite.

New York Times best selling author, Mr. DSouzas new book, Whats So Great About America examines various critiques of America, including the Islamic critique and the multicultural critique. It makes the case for an intelligent patriotism, based on an understanding of what makes America unique in the world. His earlier books include the New York Times bestseller Illiberal Education (1991) and The End of Racism (1995), Ronald Reagan: How an Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader (1997), and The Virtue of Prosperity: Finding Values in an Age of Techno Affluence (2000). His articles on culture and politics have appeared in Vanity Fair, Forbes, Harpers, the Wall Street Journal, Atlantic Monthly, the Washington Post, and the New York Times.

Mr. DSouza has been featured on numerous programs, including This Week with David Brinkley, Nightline, Crossfire, Firing Line, Good Morning America, and Politically Incorrect.

Mr. DSouza was senior domestic policy analyst at the White House during the Reagan Administration from 1987 to 1988. As a Young Americas Foundation speaker, Mr. DSouza has spoken at the top universities across the country. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College in 1983.

www.move4future.org

UTSA
6900 N. Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, TX View Map
 

On behalf of the Republican Party of Texas, we would like to thank you for your steadfast dedication to the Republican Party of Texas. Because of your hard work, Republicans have been entrusted with leadership of our great state. As a result, Texas has become a model for the rest of America. Please know how much we appreciate your sacrifice of time, talent and treasure for Republican principles.

It is with a servants heart that we all choose to serve our fellow conservatives and the great state of Texas. Your generous volunteer spirit and dedication to conservative values have truly set an example for future generations.

Senate District 25, Shirley Cooper, Bexar County: Shirley has been a loyal activist for many years. She always answers the call for help from candidates and the party. She has participated in all areas of campaigning and is a spirited debater.

Senate District 26, Paula Moore, Bexar County: Paula Moore has definitely gone above and beyond the call of duty as a political activist.  Without hesitation, she volunteered for the Texas Strike Force in 2004. She has always actively worked to elect Republican candidates. If you need a conservative activist on your team, this is the person.
 

My first race for the state senate resulted directly from John Tower approaching Norman Newton and the Associated Republicans of Texas.  He asked them do some analysis of election returns to find races where Republican Hispanics had done well in the past so that he might nominate Hispanic Republicans to run in races that had never been won by Republicans before. They did that analysis in Bexar County and found two races- one was the twenty-sixth senatorial district. We tried and thought we had recruited a Hispanic Republican, Ernesto Ancira, to run a senate race, and then at the last minute we found out that, while his business was in the heart of the district, his residence was two blocks outside of it. They literally came to me a week before that race and said, You have been such an effective advocate for why this race should be run and how it could be run that we would like you to run, Cyndi. So it sort of shifted from Hispanics to women.

Initially they said, File for office and see what you think, and then if you change your mind you can pull out. At that time, if you pulled out, somebody else could be nominated. They suckered me. Once they got your name on the line, there really wasnt any graceful way to say I changed my mind without really looking silly. When I counsel people who are thinking of running and when I am trying to recruit candidates now, I always tell them you need to run for office because of what you want to do in office not because you want to be the state senator or the county judge.

For more information:  www.politicalgrassroots.org
 

Therefore, we are pleased to announce that the 2005 Bexar County Republican Judicial Petition Singing Party is scheduled for Thursday, September 29, 2005 from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Aggie Park, 6205 West Ave. at NW Loop 410

We will have all of the participating judges and judicial candidates lined up and you can just go down the line and sign each petition -- and then enjoy the party. And best of all, the admission price is... It's FREE!!!!!!!!! The only cost to you is your signature!
 

We are Americans First

Alicia Rodriguez, President Cordially invites you to our General Membership Meeting Luncheon Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Guest Speakers: Mr. Robert Sanchez-Candidate for Congressman 20th CD joined by Mr. Joe Solis-State Republican Executive Committeeman Senate District 26, Republican Party of Texas 

Topics: The heart of the City and an Update and The Future of the Republican Party

Saturday, October 15th at Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant, 1526 S.W. Military Drive, 210-922-3511

1:00 P.M.  Social

1:30  3:00 P.M. - Program

Please, RSVP by October 14, 2005

$16.00 with RSVP; $18.00 w/o RSVP, at door

Marlyn 496-5024 Jane 691-9695 Alicia 682-3569                

Marlynfeliciano2005@yahoo.com
 

Austin  Susan Combs, the only announced candidate for Texas Comptroller, today applauded the recently released State Auditors recommendations for that office and pledged to work with the legislature to shape them into law.

At the same time, Combs also unveiled several tax collection reforms of her own and said a comprehensive plan will be developed and released later in the campaign.

Open and accountable government is a cornerstone of our democracy, Combs said. Open and transparent systems let the taxpayer know they are being treated fairly and uniformly. This open window on state government is vital to public trust and public confidence.

The tax collection reforms proposed by Combs are:

1. All policy changes will be disclosed on the website as new policy change so all taxpayers have the same knowledge. The policy changes are intended to be universal, including but not limited to private letter rulings, administrative law judge (ALJ) decisions, policy letters, overruling ALJ decisions and all other policy changes.

2. As of January 1, 2007, there will be no oral concessions made during audits. A policy change will be made in writing with full public disclosure. In audits, all future private letter rulings will be binding.

3. In addition to the taxpayer representative registry, there should be a decision registry where all final decisions of the Comptrollers Office are fully disclosed. This includes refunds granted and assessments reduced. Open records requests will not be necessary to obtain what the law deems public information.

Combs is a former prosecuting attorney. She has been elected and reelected Agriculture Commissioner in landslide victories. Combs also is a former state legislator. In that office, she was a leading advocate for private property rights, as well as education and juvenile justice reform.

SAVE THE DATE:  San Antonio Fundraising Reception for Susan Combs, Candidate for Comptroller

When:  Monday, November 14th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Details:  Please contact Sarah at 512-327-3345 or sarah@susancombs.com

TARGET 2005 in 2005!!! Your assistance is needed today!! Please help us distribute 2005 Susan Combs bumper stickers in Bexar County by December 31, 2005. FREE bumper stickers will be available at all Rough Rider and Stone Oak Republican meetings this year. Please contact Joe Solis if you would like bumper stickers sent to your club meetings for distribution. (SolisJoe@sbcglobal.net)

For political or non-official inquiries:
Friends of Susan Combs Committee
P.O. Box 160956
Austin, Texas 78716
Ph: 512-327-3345
Fax: 512-328-2194
www.susancombs.com
 

  
The following segments were featured in the 9/19/05 edition of the San Antonio Express- News. The name of the article is 'S.A. legislators are shelter volunteers: Van de Putte, McClendon are pitching in to help [Katrina] evacuees new neighbors. The author is Gary Scharrer.

[Democratic Senator Leticia] Van de Putte said she was impressed by the graciousness and gratitude from the displaced visitors. She also credited the Latino culture of mi casa es su casa for creating a welcoming atmosphere. Most of the evacuees told her that they plan to stay in Texas, she said. They are my new neighbors, and they are my new constituents, Van de Putte said.

To those who think tolls are an isolated issue on the north side on US 281 and Loop 1604, think again! The Alamo RMA (ARMA - tolling authority) not only changed the definition of an existing road to serve corporate interests over the public interest, they also added 4 new highways into the toll plan: I-35, 151, SR 16 (Bandera Rd.), and the extension of Wurzbach Parkway.

 The Transportation Commission passed a Minute Order on Dec. 18, 03 mandating that all new road construction (including lanes on existing highways) be tolled and they meant it! We're going to be suffering from toll suffocation and there are NO safeguards in place to protect taxpayers from unbridled toll taxes. You may be asking why? One of the reasons is that our federal government is handing out incentives through something called "toll credits" like candy to a baby. Do a Google search on toll credits and you'll get quite an education about why there's this sudden shift to toll only road improvements.

In Austin, they determined their toll lanes/roads aren't viable at $3.00/gallon for gas. We not only exceeded that price with Katrina, we're likely to top it and continue with staggering gasoline prices for the foreseeable future. Yet TxDOT marches on with the proliferation of toll roads unchecked even by our local officials who fought for a say in the process (like the MPO and ARMA).

Before we're saddled with a lifetime of tolls, shouldn't TxDOT be held to account for converting a perfectly good existing highway on US 281 and rebuilding it as a toll way? TxDOT's own original improvement plan for 281 to the county line would have totaled $96 million and now as a toll way in excess of $165 million (that's before they shifted the costs upwards 4 times in just the last 3 months!) with 14 lanes of pavement inviting astronomical maintenance compared to their less expensive, less invasive, more efficient plan with only 2 lanes of access roads. Fourteen lanes! They're just asking for a bottleneck at 1604 when 14 lanes become 8. It defies logic and fiscal sense!

It's almost humorous if it weren't so economically detrimental that TxDOT thinks if they just keep enhancing the number of frontage road lanes that the public outrage will go away. They refuse to face the issuethe taxpayers do not want, did not ask for, nor had the right to vote on these controversial toll roads, and the public outcry will not go away until they address the fundamental concerns with the way they're doing these roads.

Those concerns can be summed up like this.

Were being taxed without accountability to the voters. There is no cap on how much well be charged. There is no sunset on when theyll cease.

Our public roadways are being handed over to foreign corporations using secret agreements for up to 50 years. Were facing a gasoline price crisis, and were being double taxed for roads weve already paid for. Time for a taxpayer revolt! We dont need a new government entitlement.

For more information go to: http://www.TexasTollParty.com or email SA Director Terri Hall directly at: Terih@gvtc.com.
 

(This is the basically the Supreme Court of the criminal court system.)

Election Date: Republican Party primary in March 2006

Current Contenders who have contacted us:  State Representative Terry Keel and District Court Judge Robert W. Francis

This week, we will focus on Judge Robert W. Francis and his qualifications and biographical information.

Resume of JUDGE ROBERT W. FRANCIS, CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT NO. 3

Candidate for Court of Criminal Appeals in Austin, Texas

Last week, we posted State Representative Chris Keels resume in our newsletter. We are now featuring the resume of Judge Robert W. Francis of Dallas County. These two individuals are running for a position on the Court of Criminal Appeals. 

WORK HISTORY

1997 - PRESENT

-  State District Judge:  Criminal District Court No. 3 Dallas County

2001  PRESENT

-  Presiding Judge:  Dallas SAFPF ReEntry Court  

1991 - 1996

-  Private Practice of Law

1985 - 1990

-  Assistant District Attorney:  Dallas County District Attorneys Office

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

May 1985 Graduate- South Texas College of Law,  Juris Doctorate

May 1982 Graduate- The University of Texas at Austin, Bachelor of Business Administration/Finance

JUDICIAL HONORS & MEMBERSHIPS

Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist

-  Texas Board of Legal Specialization since December 1992

Texas Association of Drug Court Professionals

-  President in 2005

Texas College of the Judiciary

-  1st graduating class

State Bar of Texas:  Judicial Section

-  Criminal Justice Legislative Committee, 2004-2006

Texas Center for the Judiciary Member

College of the State Bar Member since 1991                  

LEGAL & COMMUNITY HONORS & MEMBERSHIPS

                                   Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

                                        -  President 1996

           National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers                      

           Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

           Texas District and County Attorneys Association

            Coppell Lions Club

            YMCA Indian Princesses
 

He will be learning a great deal from the best conservative minds in the country such as Vice-President Dick Cheney, U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, and Senators Mitch McConnell and George Allen. There will be hands-on sessions from grassroots activism to cutting edge media strategies. There will also be national TV, radio, and newspaper reporters covering the entire conference.

While there, Schuylar expects to:

1.) Recruit nationally recognized speakers for our Rough Riders of Bexar County Educational Series

2.) Build new relationships with national conservative organizations and individuals for South Texas Republicans, P.A.C.

3.) Utilize these contacts to gain support in terms of resources and finances for the P.A.C., and our South Texas Candidates at the state and federal levels

4.) Demonstrate the strength of the Republican Party in South Texas at the grassroots level

The costs to attend this event will be about $1,400. The package to attend all 3 conference days (including the Presidential and Reagan dinners) and gain admittance to the exhibit halls/book signings, will cost $425. The hotel room on location (Omni Shoreham in D.C.) will cost $555 (plus tax) for all 3 nights. Roundtrip airfare is expected to run about $400 (plus tax).

Ideally, he would like the funds available before November 1st, 2005. This would allow for plenty of time planning arrival and transportation while in our nations capitol.

It would take only 28 people giving $50, 14 people giving $100, 7 people giving $200. Of course any amount you can give will put him that much closer to his goal.

Checks can be made out to Schuylar Crist, and mailed to:

9570 Autumn Shade

San Antonio, Texas

78254

You may also reach Schuylar by phone at (210) 663-6093 or via e-mail at skyskyrider@hotmail.com

To find out more about the conference, go to cpac.org
 

Source: San Antonio Bar Association

Gov. Perry Appoints Price as Judge of 408th District Court in Bexar County (8/23/05)

The following clubs will be holding important events and South Texas Republicans encourages participation by local activists:            

Do you have event information?
You can reach Schuylar either by phone at (210) 663-6093 or via e-mail: skyskyrider@hotmail.com

Click here to view the calendar for details on these and other events