South Texas Republicans is proud to announce that Steve Salyer, our good friend, has decided to run for the 118th State Representative seat again. He will file at the Bexar County Republican Party Headquarters later this week. State Representative Carlos Uresti (D) is running against Senator Frank Madla (D) to capture his senate seat. This leaves the 118th wide open for the Republican Party. Click here to read a report by the San Antonio Express-News

The 118th runs from the northeast side to the southwest side of Bexar County. The new Toyota plant is in the district. Growth in the district is in the Northeast I-35/1604 area. These new homes are valued at more than $125,000. 

Steve Salyer received almost 44% of the vote in 2004 when he ran against Carlos Uresti, the Democratic incumbent. Uresti outspent Salyer almost 4 to 1 and Steve still got 44% of the vote. Our friend Steve block walked 9,000 homes and he won over half of the precincts. This is not going to be an easy race, but with hard work and grassroots support, Steve could be the first Republican elected to the 118th.

South Texas Republicans is thrilled that Steve has decided to run for this important position. Steve is a good family man and a strong supporter of the Republican Party and its values. This could be one of the most significant house victories in South Texas.  Let there be no doubt that Speaker Tom Craddick needs another ally in the House in 2006. We stand by Steve in this long march.
 

 It has been an honor to serve on the State Board of Education for the past five years. Much has been accomplished, such as ending the conflict of interests on the Permanent School Fund and raising the passing standards on the state accountability tests.

But there is much more to accomplish. We have greatly improved reading and math scores in our elementary schools. Now we must turn our attention to our secondary schools so that we turn out a higher quality high school graduate.

My announced opponent says that District 5 deserves a real conservative with real conservative family values that will support the party platform. I agree and look forward to an honest debate about this and other things. We both have voting records and stances on the issues. At the end of the day, voters will be able to recognize the only authentic, common sense conservative in this race.”

Commentary by South Texas Republicans:  Ken Mercer recently announced in our newsletter that he would challenge Dan Montgomery in the upcoming Republican primary. Boys and Girls, get ready for one spirited fight between these two good men. We spoke to Mr. Dan Montgomery a few days ago and he sounds like he is ready to participate in an “Iron Man” triathlon. He is really fired up. (Please do not give the man a “Red Bull” power drink the next time you see him. We could all be in big trouble.)

A spirited competition between these individuals is a good one for our party if they stick to the issues related to education. God forbid they get into an ongoing shouting match about which one is more conservative than the other one. How will you be a great member of the State Board of Education? How are you going to fight for the school children of Texas? Those are the only things that matter in this specific race.    

South Texas Republicans will be presenting the viewpoints of both of these two individuals. For the record, Mr. Dan Montgomery has been a reader and financial supporter of our organization for 3 years. 
 

We are pleased to announce that we had 22 guests at our recent meeting of the Westside Republicans. It was so nice to hold a Republican meeting with enthusiastic conservatives in that bastion of liberalism and leftist activism.  Why are we making this effort? Our goal is to show Westside voters that we are going to give them a real choice at the ballot box. We are committed to organizing more meetings in 2006.

Chairman Tina Benkiser of the Republican Party of Texas was able to join us for this special meeting. Our featured speakers included Gina Parker, Pastor Narciso Mendoza (pictured standing above to the left), and Dr. Robin Armstrong, SREC SD 11. We thank them for their time and their presentations.

Other special Guests: Rick Vela, South Texas Field Representative, Texans for Rick Perry & Liz Rudd, Grassroots Coordinator, Susan Combs For Comptroller Campaign

Commentary:  We would like to thank State Senator Jeff Wentworth for pointing this out to South Texas Republicans. Thanks also for reading our newsletter.
 

I met Judge Medina last week at a Pachyderm meeting in Dallas where he spoke. He's a GREAT candidate. I also attended the investiture of Judge Willett last week. I've worked with him since he was a staffer under former Gov. Bush. He's also AWESOME!

Governor Perry has made some TERRIFIC appointments to the Supreme Court.

Blessings,

Cathie Adams

Texas Eagle Forum

http://texaseagle.org/
 

The seated dinner is $30.00 per person. We also will do some fun things that will give our guests an opportunity to help raise money to buy our annual telephone cards to be given to our wounded military at BAMC. There will be a very short live auction as well as special Christmas ornaments that our guests will be able to buy. 

They have been archived for those of you who may have missed our recent issues. We are slowly growing our web page features. We encourage you to visit our web page for easy access to elected officials. Our service is free and open to the public.
 

Your opponents have approached us with the following complaint and question: “Terri Hall is always complaining about Toll Roads, but where is her plan to pay for new roads over the next 5,10 and 20 years?” and “Why doesn’t she offer some solutions to our transportation problems?”  Okay. There it is. I would like an answer by next Thursday afternoon. Your friends on the other side also want an “independent review” of your solution.

Comment: We continue to present both sides of the Toll Road issue. This open dialogue is important and critical in our party. Tell us what you think. 
 

Read about the gross fiscal mismanagement of our highway funds: http://satollparty.blogspot.com/

JUDGE WOLFF VULNERABLE

Judge Wolff made the talk of toll roads the centerpiece of his State of the County address this week. "Tolls are coming so get used to them" was his dictatorial mantra.  Judge Wolff's comments are deceptive and they're an OUTRAGE! It reflects the heavy-handed methods with which our elected officials govern this county and this state. There's a total disconnect between our elected officials and the PEOPLE they're supposed to represent. Over 70% of Texans are against the tolling of existing roads!

Judge Wolff is parroting the Transportation Commission's toll-only, narrow-minded thinking that's being rammed down our throats WITHOUT A VOTE OF THE PEOPLE! Tolls aren't a done deal until the VOTERS say it's done! Our grassroots citizen movement doesn't underestimate the power of the ballot box. With elections coming next year, WE NEED CANDIDATES TO RUN AGAINST TOLLERS, INCLUDING JUDGE WOLFF!

Judge Wolff called on the business community to "sell" tolls to the public. He thinks the opposition is because the public doesn't understand the plan. WRONG! We understand this is highway robbery which is why the PEOPLE REFUSE to allow it! Another example of elitism, he knows better than us. Highway interests are precisely who's been pushing this toll road scheme upon us because they're the ones who will profit off of what we've already paid for.

The conflicts of interest within the business community on this issue are exactly what makes the public suspicious of their attempts to push tolls. These secret 50 year agreements that amount to giving private companies monopolies over our PUBLIC infrastructure violate the public trust and our principles of open government. Yet this is what Judge Wolff and the business community is promoting.

Next, a controversial sales tax hike (called the ATD tax) was pushed through just last November that gives Bexar County the ability to get matching funds for highways just like tolls would do, and yet they're going to make San Antonians pay toll taxes for their lifetimes ON TOP of the gas tax and sales tax hike to pay for highways. That's THREE taxes for highways! They're holding us hostage just to drive to work, school, or shop!

Then, Judge Wolff FALSELY claims San Antonio's economic development is being hampered due to lack of highways. In fact, San Antonio ranks 5th in the nation in number of lane-miles of highway (http://www.publicpurpose.com/hwy-99ua-pcap.htm)! Our economic development isn't being hampered by lack of roads, but lack of interchanges and better intersections. San Antonio's economic development seems more hampered by excessive taxation than anything else! No Nation has ever TAXED themselves into prosperity, and the people who are bringing us the tolling of existing roads need to wake-up to this basic economic principle!

The cost will be enormous. TxDOT's own online survey quoted $.39 cents a mile for a 15 mile commute on Loop 1604. That's $5.90 ONE WAY to work, and more than $3,000 a year (and that's just the starting toll rate)! The median wage earnings in San Antonio (according to many studies) is slightly higher than $11 per hour. Judge Wolff is asking the median wage earner to spend more than 5% of their income on toll costs. Plus, we ALL pay the higher cost of goods for tolls since our HEB trucks and others will pass that cost onto us, the consumers.

Did the lottery solve our public school funding crisis? Have toll roads solved Houston's or Dallas' congestion and highway funding issues? NO! This toll mandate is an OUTRAGE and our grassroots movement is growing by the day. It's time to restore government to the PEOPLE! We need a taxpayer revolt and a statewide referendum process to redress our government for grievances such as this. If our Governor, the Legislature, and even our local leaders refuse to listen to the PEOPLE they are elected to represent (instead of the highway interests), then we need to be able to put this and other issues on the ballot ourselves.

Join the fight at http://www.TexasTollParty.com or email Terri directly at terrih@gvtc.com.
 

- Lincoln’s remarks in the first Lincoln-Douglas debate when examining the influence Stephan A. Douglas was having on the public (August 21,1858).
 

-  Tim Palmquist for District Clerk in Medina County

-  Texas Supreme Court Justice Phil Johnson: What we think of the Justice
 

Dear Joe,

After receiving a few e-mails about the fictional “Letter from Senator Cornyn,” I felt it necessary to express my opinion. My view is very different than yours. I advised you the week of November 13, 2005, you had gone too far when writing about Senator Cornyn. A phone call or letter to state your concerns would have been more appropriate.

I had the privilege to introduce Senator Cornyn at the Texas Federation of Republican Women’s State Convention in Corpus Christi. Contrary to what you said, Senator Cornyn and Mrs. Cornyn took time from their extremely busy schedule to attend the TFRW Convention. He cares about the People of Texas and the United States.

Senator Cornyn serves on the Judiciary Committee, Armed Services Committee and is the chairman of the Immigration, Boarder Security and Citizenship subcommittee: all demanding countless hours of work. Does he complain – NO!

If Senator Cornyn could meet with each and everyone in this state he would be there in a second but he can’t. Do I feel you need to communicate with him – absolutely! South Texas Republicans began with the idea to educate our readers on issues and encourage them to communicate their opinions with their elected officials. The tools to write directly to Senator Cornyn are at your fingertips.

Joe, I’m embarrassed you wrote such a letter. I hope in the future you’ll carry on STR’s goals as they began 3 years ago. In light of the current trend taken I feel it best that I be severed all ties with South Texas Republicans.

Let your voice be heard – write or call or e-mail ALL your elected officials. Communicate constructive criticism and compliment when you’re proud of what is being done.

Toni Anne Dashiell

Commentary by Joe Solis/ South Texas Republicans:  We respect what our former associate has to say about our fictional (SouthTexasRepublicans.com 11/14 and 11/21 issues) letter to Senator John Cornyn. This open dialogue demonstrates that there are two points of view with regards to what we expect from our U.S. Senators. We continue to believe that Senator Cornyn should have frequent and personal contact with his political base in South Texas via Town Hall meetings and club appearances. Staying away for 1,000 days is too much for us.

“Appeal to the middle” between election cycles and “run to your base” around election time is not good enough for us. Other people believe Senator Cornyn is too busy for his political base and he should spend most of his time in Washington, D.C. That is fair and reasonable if you have those expectations of your U.S. Senator. 

An Appeal for the Candidate Resources Committee of the Republican Party of Texas from Joe Solis, SREC, SD 26

Dear Friends,

The Candidate Resources Committee of the Republican Party is charged with providing support to the Republican candidates and officials. Last year, the committee distributed thousands of dollars to an assortment of qualified Republicans who applied for financial support. I was appointed to sit on this committee by Chairman Tina Benkiser. Committee members literally read and evaluated numerous requests by candidates and officials. Committee members distributed resources after several hours of candid and open discussions about these individuals.

I share Chairman Benkiser’s vision that we must continue to grow our party from the ground up. In other words, we must work extra hard to provide valuable technical and financial support to our candidates and officials in the smaller counties. Our state party can make an impact by allocating $250 to $1,000 donations to candidates for county judge, county commissioner, or sheriff. These are the future leaders of Texas who need our help now.

One of my obligations is to help raise money for our fund. I need your grassroots financial support so we can continue to help our candidates who, in turn, are helping us grow our party in the smaller counties. Your check for $10, $20, $50, $100 or $250 can make a massive difference. 

BONUS:  All donors to this unique campaign will receive a special invitation to a private reception in 2006. You will have an opportunity to meet a Texas county commissioner, a Republican Party of Texas leader, and one elected official. You will hear how your support is making a difference.

I have a $2,000 goal that I need to reach by December 9. Please contact me today and let me know how you can help us help a new generation of conservative Republicans who will need our support in 2006. You can make a difference today. 

Please mail personal checks to: Joe Solis/SREC 26/Republican Party of Texas

10004 Wurzbach, Suite 269, San Antonio, Texas 78230

Personal checks must be made payable to the “Republican Party of Texas.” Please provide name, address, Phone number, e-mail address, occupation and employer.

Thanks for your support. Invitations to the private reception will be sent via e-mail to all donors of this campaign.
 

Question:  How did John Tower become the Party’s candidate?

Answer:  He just plain wanted it. We didn’t want to talk him out of it. We just felt like he was gutsy enough to make a run for it. He said, ‘”I’m going to win this time. As long as I can get forty-three percent of the vote, then I have got something to build on.” He took chances. He had a statewide constituency. So in 1961, he was the lead guy. He fought and scrapped. He had been on the state committee and was the chairman of the platform committee. He was a good speaker, a good writer, and very determined.
 

The award is also meant to pay tribute to Senator John Tower for his incredible passion and vision for the Republican Party of Texas. 
 

Don is Texas’ newest member of the Court and will stand for election to this seat (Place 2 of the Texas Supreme Court) in the 2006 Republican Primary on March 7, 2006.

On Thursday, December 8, we are having a reception for Justice Willett at the home of Rob and Nancy Finney and hope you will join the “Host Committee” for the event. As a Host Committee member we would like to include your name on the invitation and ask for your commitment to give $5,000, $2,500, $1,000 or $500 to Justice Willett’s campaign. 

Before assuming the bench, Don was Deputy Texas Attorney General for Legal Counsel, where he served as chief legal adviser to Attorney General Greg Abbott on the complete array of major legal issues confronting Texas. Prior to that, he served President George W. Bush as Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Legal Policy at the U.S. Department of Justice. Before joining the Justice Department, he served as Special Assistant to the President in the White House.

Justice Willett is a native Texan, who grew up in the small town of Talty (population 32), near the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, and earned a triple major BBA from Baylor University and a J.D. with honors along with an M.A. in political science from Duke University.

Serving on Texas’ highest court, Justice Willett believes his role is to strictly interpret the Constitution and laws of this country and state, but he will not hesitate to honor his oath to preserve, protect and defend constitutional rights that have made our country free. 

We look forward to seeing you at the reception on December 8.

Sincerely,

Ricardo G. Cedillo, Nancy & Rob Finney, Murray Johnston, Cyndi Taylor Krier, Red McCombs  

Thursday, December 8, 2005

 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Home of Rob & Nancy Finney

481 East Olmos Drive

San Antonio, Texas

R.S.V.P.:  Contact Susan Lilly at (866) 789-9223 or by email to susan@lillyandcompany.com.
 

Send us potential leads by e-mail and we will write these individuals and ask them if they would like to receive our free newsletter. It is that easy. Send us 1, 3, 20 or 100 names and e-mail addresses. We will contact all of them and encourage them to join our movement. You can also encourage your friends to sign up be going to SouthTexasRepublicans.com.

Let’s be realistic about the media in South Texas. They are very hostile to conservatives, Republicans, evangelical Christians, and anybody else who espouses the values of the right. They do not cover us and they treat us (conservatives) like we are third-rate citizens. We must develop, cultivate and grow our own method of communicating and staying in touch.

During the Cold War, the Polish Solidarity Movement flourished using fax machines, grassroots involvement and flyers. We are in the same type of war, and we must count on ourselves through e-mail, web pages and blogs. Lech Walesa brought down the communists in Poland because he was aided by the Vatican and President Ronald Reagan. The Republican Party of Texas, political action committees and generous grassroots supporters are our allies in this important fight. 

It is your fight and our country that is at stake.

“Some are born to climb mountains, others to perform, Ciro was born to serve. Celebrate the man. Celebrate a 30-year legacy of public service.”  - Rodriguez  Invitation

The Ciro D. Rodriguez for Congress Committee is hosting a fundraiser for the former Congressman on December 11. The list of supporters is staggering. It includes 11 congressional representatives, State Representative Mike Villarreal, Bexar County Sheriff Ralph Lopez and four San Antonio City Council members. The entire “Born to Serve” Committee is a Who’s Who of the San Antonio political elite, including labor macho man Jaime P. Martinez, arts emperor Henry Munoz and advertising guru Ernest Bromley. One of the Co-Chairs is Frank Herrera, the sugar daddy trial lawyer. 

Friends, get ready to see one of the greatest and bloodiest political fights in the history of South Texas. The folks behind Ciro are absolutely determined to end the political career of Congressmen Henry Cuellar in 2006. I believe it was embarrassing for them that the former head of the Hispanic Congressional Caucus was taken out by a conservative Democrat who has worked with Republicans. They want revenge and they want it now.

It is personal for many of them and that is why this race is so important.

What should conservatives think about this race? Should we care? I say yes. A conservative Democrat is not going to bash President Bush every time he opens his mouth. A conservative Democrat is more willing to work the Republican house delegation on important house matters, including immigration. That is the problem here. Liberal Democrats consider Congressman Cuellar to be a traitor because he is open to working with the other side of the aisle. 

We look forward to a spirited campaign that will focus on the issues of the district. It would be awesome if we had a Republican who could compete in the district, but unfortunately, it leans very much to the left. Conservatives should not get involved in this race, but they should encourage conservative and independent Democrats in the district to vote in the right manner.

A note about another challenger in this race:

The San Antonio Express-News wrote the following about challenger Richard Raymond.

“Hoping to launch an early financial offensive against District 28 Congressman Henry Cuellar, challenger Richard Raymond reported raising more than half a million dollars in the past six months — with half of his war chest coming from loans.“

Raymond War Chest Article

A word about Cuellar’s “Hit Man”:  Congressman Henry Cuellar continues to employ P.R. celebrity and political junkie, T.J. Connally of Connally and Company.  This will be the mother of battles for T.J.  Why?  We think T.J. really wants to sock to the political elite of San Antonio. Beyond that, the man loves a good fight. This will be the race that will ultimately define his career as a political strategist. He must not sleep at night thinking about taking down Ciro.    

What do you think?  Write us.  – South Texas Republicans

http://cirodrodriguez.com/
 

A driver is stuck in a traffic jam on the highway. Nothing is moving. Suddenly a man knocks on the window. The driver rolls down his window and asks, "What happened?"  "Terrorists kidnapped President Bush and are asking for a $10 million ransom. Otherwise they are going to douse him with gasoline and set him on fire. We are going from car to car to take up a collection."  The driver asks, "How much is everyone giving on average?”

"About a gallon."

Does this mean it be better for our country if George W. Bush wasn’t around defending our nation against terrorists?  I just don’t get it.  What do you think?  Write us.
 

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


First Day Candidates May File For Public Office!!!

Date: December 3rd
 

Republican Business Women of Bexar County Monthly Meeting

Date: Thursday, December 08, 2005

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: Ocean Star Seafood & Grill, 1039 NE Loop 410, San Antonio, TX

Cost: $15

RSVP contact: Dee Brame at 210-493-5512 or  deeb@satx.rr.com

(All reservations must be made by noon, Tuesday, December 06, 2005.)
 

Hispanic Republican Women of San Antonio

Date: December 10, 2005

Time: 12:30pm-2:30pm

Location: Ocean Star Seafood & Grill, 1039 NE Loop 410, San Antonio, TX

Speaker: Retired Lieutenant Colonel 'Borah Van Dormolen, VP of Finance for Texas Federation of Republican Women

Cost: $16 w/ reservation; $18 without reservation

Contact: Marlyn 496-5024;  Jane 691-9695 Alicia 682-3569; Celia 492-8544

Please RSVP By December 8th
 

Bexar County Republican Women

Date: December 16, 2005

Time: 11am

Location: Sonterra, 901 Sonterra Blvd

Entertainment: "Singing Judges"

Cost: $16

Contact: Toni O'Mara at 479-7111

MEN WELCOME

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