Our shared history informs us that two days after General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant, ending the American Civil War, President Lincoln addressed a crowd outside the White House. In his remarks, the President showed his support for extending voting rights to disenfranchised African Americans, a suggestion which infuriated a racist and Southern sympathizer who was in the audience, the actor John Wilkes Booth. On Good Friday, April 14, 1865, Booth assassinated President Lincoln in Ford's Theater in a vain attempt to deny the ability of all Americans to vote.

On Tuesday, February 21st, early voting for the March 7th Primaries begins and all Texans will again have the opportunity to go to the polls and vote. Fittingly, early voting begins the day after President's Day: a day when all Americans reflect on the blessings that we have received from Divine Providence for the wise and just men who have led our country. Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Lincoln, and all the men that we honor were firm believers in the founding principles of our Republic. Namely, that government receives it's "just powers from the consent of the governed."  That principle relies on the doctrine that people must vote in order for our country to remain strong and free.

Reflecting on the precious right and voice that has been given to us, we should remember that men like President Lincoln - and an untold number of soldiers, sailors, and airman in our armed forces - have given their lives to ensure that right.

The torch of freedom and democracy has been delivered from men like President Lincoln, and I hope that the flame will burn in all our hearts until there shall no longer be any doubt that all men are created free and equal. With President Lincoln as a beacon of liberty, I seek to continue the positive march of enfranchisement for all Texans. This election will mark the first time that voters in every Texas County will find accessible voting systems in each polling place, ensuring that all Texans will be provided the opportunity to cast an independent, private ballot. 

I encourage all Texans to understand their voting rights and responsibilities. Take the first step by becoming an informed voter, and then go to the polls and cast your ballot in March and November.
 

I

He warned his audience that Republicans are starting to resemble Democrats when it comes to spending, and it's not enough that Republicans "feel bad when they do it." The consequences are potentially disastrous not only for the country, but for the party's political future. "The public expects Democrats to spend because that's what they do," Mr. Perry said. "On the other hand, they elect Republicans to stop that from happening, and if Republicans keep spending like Democrats, the public will elect the real thing."

While Mr. Perry was careful to praise President Bush for his "bold leadership" in the war on terror, many in the audience felt he wasn't excluding the president from this zinger: "We cannot objectively say that all is well with the Republican Majority. America needs more leaders who are willing to govern, and not just campaign, as conservatives."

For his part, Governor Perry has walked the walk when it comes to spending. He succeeded Mr. Bush as governor just as a recession began in 2001. Rather than raise taxes, he tackled spending and eventually arm-wrestled a $10 billion deficit to the ground through streamlining government services and eliminating outdated programs. Mr. Perry's speech was one of the hits of CPAC, and left many delegates speculating that he could be a dark-horse choice for president or vice president in 2008 if he wins re-election solidly this November.

(Mondays political diary WSJ  political news service)
 

- Leibnitz
 

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin.

But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all.

We have room for but one flag, the American flag. We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Theodore Roosevelt 1907

A More Complete Look At Teddy Roosevelt's Thoughts
 

Furthermore, it costs the taxpayers time and more money for the Pct 3 staff to send the paper work to County Court and for County Court staff to deal with these cases. In one instance, a Republican judge cited Baker for contempt because he refused to produce a file that had been appealed. Moreover, he does not allow the prosecutors assigned to his court to do their job and plea bargain with attorneys but instead, at the end of the docket just proclaims the client's sentence. “

“A judicial poll that sought to rate all judges in Bexar County was sent to ALL lawyers in Bexar County(~4500+) and was responded to by about 925 lawyers. The poll asked whether the judges worked hard, were punctual, followed the law, showed good judicial temperament, made impartial rulings, and whether the attorneys approved of the judges' overall performance. Lawyers were asked to rate a judge only if they have practiced in front of him/ her. Those lawyers that rated Judge Baker in the last four categories gave him 56%, 58%, 56%, 56%. His overall approval rating showed he was virtually tied as the third worst-rated judge in the county. Moreover, almost 100% more attorneys responded about Baker (over 350) than about the other JPs (200 and less in most cases).”

(Bob Behrens is challenging Judge Keith Baker in the Republican Primary.)
 

The Alamo City Republican Women Membership Drive is on Tuesday, February 21, 2006, 11:00 a.m., at the home of Marilyn & Dr. Day McNeel, 119 E. Kings Hwy. Special Guest: U.S. Senator John Cornyn.  

WE STRONGLY URGE YOU TO WELCOME SENATOR JOHN CORNYN and THANK HIM FOR HIS CONSISTENT LEADERSHIP IN WASHINGTON. THANK HIM ALSO FOR THIS TERRIFIC GRASSROOTS OUTREACH TO RANK-IN-FILE REPUBLICANS.

South Texas Republicans is offering Republicans and non-traditional voters another opportunity to get involved in Senate District 26. Justice Phylis Speedlin of the 4th Court of Appeals has agreed to be our inaugural guest speaker. Nelson Balido, Candidate for State Representative 125th District, will also be at this event. We will post more information about this function in upcoming newsletters. Many thanks to our donors for making this grassroots outreach possible.

Justice Phylis Speedlin, 4th Court of Appeals Place 7

Nelson Balido, Candidate for State Representative District 125

Date: February 23rd

Location: Fire Mountain at 7200 Bandera Road

Time: 6:30-8pm

Please contact Schuylar Crist skyskyrider@hotmail.com if you are interested in getting involved in this new organization.
 

Sponsorships are welcome and General Admittance Tickets will be $150 per person. Anyone interested can call 512/495-9522 OR E-mail NORMANPATART@AUSTIN.RR.COM

- William Penn
 

Education:

J.D., St. Mary’s University School of Law, 1986

B.A. - Government, The University of Texas at Austin, 1983

B.B.A. - Accounting, The University of Texas at Austin, 1982
 

Professional Experience:

Sole Practitioner in San Antonio, Texas (1995 to present)

Mental Health Master, Bexar County Probate Courts (2002 to 2005)

Assistant Criminal District Attorney, Bexar County (1987 to 1995)
 

Certifications and Honors:

Board Certified in Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization (since 1997)

College of the State Bar of Texas (since 2000)
 

Professional Associations:

President, San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (2004 to 2005)

Member, Vision Committee, San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Assoc. (2006 to present)

Director, San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (1999 to present)

Member, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (since 1996)

Member, Texas District and County Attorneys Association (since 1987)

Member, San Antonio Bar Association (since 2000)
 

Publications and Presentations:

Duties of the Ad Litem Attorney in Civil Commitment Proceedings, Bexar County Mental Health Seminars, 1999-2001

Expunctions, THE SAN ANTONIO DEFENDER, September, 2000 at p.7

Punishment and Sentencing, 1st Annual SACDLA Nuts & Bolts Seminar, 2004

Preservation of Error and Appeals, 2nd Annual Nuts & Bolts Seminar, 2005
 

Community Involvement:

Recording Secretary (2005 to present)

Age Commissioner (2003 to 2005)

Coach (2003 to present)

Alamo City Youth Soccer Organization (ACYSO)

Member, St. Luke Catholic Church

Member, St. Luke Catholic Men’s Club
 

Professional:

Michael S. Raign is the only candidate who is board certified to specialize in criminal law. Because of the strict requirements for certification, only one percent of the State Bar membership is certified to specialize in any particular field of expertise. This uniquely qualifies Michael S. Raign to serve the citizens of Bexar County in this important role. Michael’s experience as a prosecutor for eight years, and later, as a criminal defense attorney for ten years, has given him the balanced perspective needed to be a fair and impartial judge. Michael has demonstrated his abilities not only as a trial lawyer during more than 100 jury trials, but also as an appellate attorney.

Michael earned the respect of his peers, serving last year as president of the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (SACDLA).  Under Michael’s leadership, SACDLA experienced marked growth in membership, finances and activity.  Last year, SACDLA presented its first annual “Nuts and Bolts” Seminar, which has been accepted as the required course to qualify for criminal court appointments in Bexar County, as mandated by the Indigent Defense Act (SB7). Michael S. Raign was a featured speaker at last year’s seminar, and again this year. Michael remains active on the SACDLA board of directors.

Michael S. Raign also has been honored during the past four years to serve Bexar County as a Mental Health Master. While presiding over emergency detention and medication hearings for the mentally ill, Michael learned the devastating effects of mental illness on patients and their families. This experience proved invaluable, as statistics show a continuing increase in the number of mentally ill criminal defendants and a decrease in treatment alternatives.
 

Personal:

Michael S. Raign is a military brat, born at Luke AFB in Arizona. Michael’s father graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and entered the U.S. Air Force in 1958. Michael’s father flew more than 100 reconnaissance missions during the Vietnam war. Like most military families, the Raigns moved to a new duty station every four years. After living in Washington, D.C., during the Watergate era, Michael’s family moved to Lubbock, Texas, where he graduated from Monterrey High School.

Michael attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned bachelors degrees in accounting and government. He received his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law. While attending St. Mary’s, Michael began his career in public service as an intern for the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. After passing the bar exam, Michael became an Assistant Criminal District Attorney. Michael won several life sentences while assigned to the Career Criminal Unit prosecuting repeat offenders, and later, while assigned to the General Felony Unit. Michael has tried criminal cases ranging from Murder, Sexual Assault, Robbery, Burglary, Kidnapping, to Drug offenses and DWIs.

Since graduating law school, Michael has been a resident of San Antonio for more than 23 years. Michael is married to Sherie L. Gee, a career science teacher at John Paul Stevens High School in the Northside School District. They met through their mutual interest in soccer, a sport Michael has played since childhood. Michael and Sherie have a beautiful daughter, Kelsie, who also enjoys soccer. They are both active coaching their daughter’s soccer team. Michael also serves as Recording Secretary on the executive board of the Alamo City Youth Soccer Organization (ACYSO). Michael and his family are members of St. Luke Catholic Church, where Michael is an active member of the St. Luke Men’s Club.
 

The dramatic saga continues. First order of business is to address the latest rumor circulating about my favorite target of disdain, Dan Ramos. Word has been leaked by a reputable source that has ignited a firestorm of rumors that Mr. Machismo was locked out of the ACLU office for unauthorized use of equipment for his campaign for Democratic Party Chair. Sending out letters with the ACLU phone and fax number is certainly an unethical business practice at best. But then again, Ramos is not known for his intellectual prowess.

And finally the other piece of information also related to Dan Ramos is the law suit against the current Democratic Party Chair Rudy Casias, another intellectual midget. (No disrespect to small people) Good Democrats are holding their collective breath that the suit will not jeopardize the upcoming Primary. As the leader and instigator of the law suit, Ramos continues to show his lack of good judgment, timing and integrity. But enough said about the would-be dictator.

Early voting is upon us. Now the questions begin. What candidates will turn out the vote? Will the vote be a disappointment? Will the Republicans outvote the Democrats? Will the incumbents continue to win? What long shot candidate will stage an upset?

Here are the Republicrat’s early primary predictions:

1.) In the 118th on the Democratic side a runoff between Joe Farias and Larry Ricketts is possible. Then again Farias may win it outright

2.) In the 118th on the Republican side a runoff between George Antuna and Steve Salyer. Although Antuna is strong, don’t discount Salyer until the second round. Since Republicans tend to discount minority candidates unless they are the only candidate available, this race looks like a run-off

3.) In County Commissioner’s Court Pct. 2, Incumbent Paul Elizondo retains his seat over former Councilman Enrique Barrera

4.) 225th District Court Peter Sakai barely beats Ralph Lopez in a nail biter

5.) In County Court-at-Law #6 Incumbent Democratic Judge Phil Meyer and Republican former Judge Wayne Christian win their primaries and face off in November

6.) In County Court-at-Law #8, Democratic Incumbent Karen Crouch wins overwhelmingly over challenger and real nice guy Pat Montgomery

7.) In County Court-at-Law #9 Incumbent Judge Oscar Kazen trounces challenger Laura Salinas

8.) In Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2, Incumbent Saul Acevedo stomps challenger and perennial candidate Ricardo Martinez

9.) In Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 3, Incumbent Edmundo Zaragoza whips challenger Jess “Jay” Alaniz one more time

10.) In Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, challenger Linda Penn defeats incumbent Albert McKnight

11.) Bexar Democratic Party Chair candidate Carla Vela will embarrass “Mr. ACLU,” Dan Ramos so badly, it will make him weep

12.) District 28 Congressman Henry Cuellar will defeat former Congressman Ciro Rodriguez even with Rodriguez’s backing by organized labor in a heartbreaker

13.) State Rep. Carlos Uresti will squeeze by incumbent State Senator Frank Madla for an upset victory, now that the accusations are flying

14.) The large Southside vote will materialize and help State Rep. Carlos Uresti, but not former Congressman Ciro Rodriguez

That’s the moderate viewpoint. I AM Republicrat.
 

Contact: Peggy Venable 512/476-5905

AUSTIN - Texas taxpayers who want to know whether their state legislators "made the grade" can consult Americans for Prosperity-Texas' 2005 Taxpayer Protection Legislator Report Card, released today, which grades lawmakers on their efforts to restrain the growth of government. Legislators earning "A" grades for their votes to support taxpayer protections and to reduce taxes and spending in 2005 received "Defender of the American Dream" awards from the grassroots citizen group, while those with "F" marks have been relegated to the Texas "Taxpayer Hall of Shame."

"We're sending this report card 'home' to citizens so they can see how their legislators stack up when it comes to holding the line on spending, limiting the size of government, and empowering taxpayers," said AFP-TX Director Peggy Venable. "And while this report card may elicit both smiles and frowns, one thing is for certain – it will show taxpayers where there is need for improvement."

AFP-TX identified 20 key Senate votes and 13 key House votes that would have a significant positive or negative impact on the growth of state government. Among those were votes on misguided proposals to increase taxpayer-funded healthcare and reinstate the death tax; and, on the flip side, votes to give taxpayers greater control over the growth of property taxes and to implement appraisal cap legislation, which would limit the maximum average annual increase in the appraised value of all real estate for property tax purposes. 

Thirty-eight of the 150 members of the Texas House of Representatives earned scores high enough for an "A" grade and seven House lawmakers achieved perfect taxpayer voting records – all legislators earning scores of 90 percent or higher received a "Defender of the American Dream" award. Unfortunately, none of Texas' 31 State Senators achieved high enough marks for an "A" grade and 75 State Representatives and 11 State Senators received flunking grades for their votes against pro-taxpayer provisions and in support of bigger government.

"Our hats are off to the handful of State Representatives who voted for the interests of the taxpayers they represent," Venable concluded. "By boldly defending our hard-earned tax dollars against the ravenous appetite of big government, these citizen advocates have helped defend the right of all Texans to pursue their own American Dream."

The full report card, along with the key votes used to grade legislators, can be found below:

• AFP-Texas 2005 Senate Report Card   (html | .pdf)
• AFP-Texas 2005 House Members Report Card   (html | .pdf)
• AFP-Texas 2005 "Taxpayer Hall of Shame" Designees   (html | .pdf)
• AFP-Texas 2005 "Defenders of the American Dream"   (html | .pdf)

Also, you can find out which State Rep and Senate candidates have signed our pledges on a taxpayer bill of rights and prohibition on taxpayer funded lobbying at:

Mix N' Mingle with NRA-ILA Staff & Fellow NRA Members

Help Pro-Gun Candidates

How often do you get the opportunity to mix n' mingle with NRA-ILA Headquarters staff and fellow NRA members in your area, to earn FREE NRA items, and to assist with the efforts of pro-gun candidates seeking  office in your area? Well, on Saturday, February 25, you will have that opportunity and it will cost you NOTHING!

Please join NRA-ILA Headquarters staff, your fellow NRA members, and U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar and his campaign team for a few hours of socializing and protecting freedom.

This FREE NRA-ILA Grassroots "Mix N' Mingle" will be held:

Saturday, February 25

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

National Skeet & Shooting Association (Natl. Shooting Complex)

5931 Rofte Road

San Antonio, TX 78253

(210) 688-3371

Cost: FREE (includes food, beverage, materials, NRA fraternal items)

To reserve your seat for this event, please click here.