Cornyn Bill Would Rein In Mandatory Spending Of Social Security, Medicare, Saving Taxpayer Dollars

Legislation creates bipartisan commission to help end waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare and Social Security

"If we do nothing, in 30 years we won't have a dime of revenue to pay for anything except four programs: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and interest on the debt”

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, introduced legislation Wednesday mandating a review of the 75-year solvency of the Social Security and Medicare programs. The Cornyn bill would create a bipartisan commission which would provide specific legislative recommendations to the President and to Congress on ways to improve and strengthen the nation's largest entitlement programs.

"This bill creates a bipartisan commission to examine and provide real solutions to the growing entitlement crisis," Cornyn said. "The goal of the commission will be to review and analyze both the current and long-term conditions of Social Security and Medicare, and the bill provides expedited Congressional review on the commission's final report—followed by a vote on their recommendations."

The National Commission on Entitlement Solvency Act of 2006 will also be included as part of a comprehensive budget reform package, Stop Over-Spending (SOS) Act, that Senate Budget Committee Chairman Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) will introduce on Thursday.

"The federal budget today is already heavily weighted toward entitlement spending. And as people live longer and the baby boom generation retires, that spending will continue to eat up a larger and larger share of our budget," Cornyn said. "If we do nothing, if we let entitlement programs run on autopilot, in 30 years we won't have a dime of revenue to pay for anything else except four programs: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and interest on the debt. Unfortunately, the budget process today does not give Congress the appropriate foundation to tackle both today's deficit and tomorrow's unfunded obligations."

The 15-member commission would include three members appointed by the President, three by the Senate Majority Leader, three by the Senate Minority Leader three by the House Speaker and three by the House Minority Leader.

"While the idea of an entitlement commission is not a new idea in Washington, this bill also provides an expedited process that mandates Congress consider and vote on the Commission's recommendations. Once the commission completes its work, the Finance committee will have 30 days to produce a bill, which will be protected from any attempt to block a final vote, such as filibusters. Unlike previous commissions, these reforms will have to be acted on by Congress—not placed on a shelf."

Sen. Cornyn is a member of the following Senate Committees: Armed Services; Judiciary; Budget; Small Business and Entrepreneurship; and Joint Economic. He is also the chairman of the subcommittees on Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship and Emerging Threats and Capabilities
 

Hallettsville suspect allegedly brought wine coolers to meet 14-year-old girl for sex

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit investigators continued their pursuit of child sex offenders, arresting two men who allegedly used the Internet to solicit sex from children and obtaining a 10-count indictment against a Brenham man for possessing sexually explicit images of children.

Gary Wayne Bonorden, 50, of Hallettsville, was arrested when he showed up at a restaurant in Bastrop, bringing wine coolers to an alleged sexual rendezvous he had arranged with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl.

Christopher R. Kronshagen, 37, of Conroe, was arrested at a Sugar Land gas station when he allegedly showed up to meet what he thought would be a 13-year-old girl for sex.

A Washington County grand jury indicted Michael Patrick Sutherland, 39, of Brenham, on 10 counts of possession of child pornography. Cyber Crimes Unit prosecutors presented the case.

“Within minutes of logging online, sexual predators are on the prowl, downloading child pornography or luring young victims in Internet chat rooms,” said Attorney General Abbott. “These arrests send another signal to would-be child sex offenders that Texas law enforcement is online as well, protecting our communities and our children from sexual exploitation. I thank the Bastrop Sheriff’s Office, the Sugar Land Police Department, and Washington County District Attorney Renee Mueller for their work in assisting our Cyber Crimes Unit investigators and prosecutors to clean up the Internet for Texas families.”

Bonorden drove over 60 miles from Hallettsville to Bastrop for the alleged meeting. He was arrested for attempted sexual assault of a child.

Kronshagen was arrested for online solicitation of a minor. At the time of his arrest, Kronshagen was employed as a financial advisor for an investment corporation.

Cyber Crimes investigators conducted a search at Sutherland’s residence on May 17 after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Analysis of Sutherland’s computer revealed several images of child pornography. He was arrested May 19 and remains in the Washington County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bond.

Online solicitation of a minor, attempted sexual assault of a child, and possession of child pornography are third-degree felonies punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Attorney General Abbott has made pursuing sexual predators a top priority in his administration. The Cyber Crimes Unit, which targets online predators, has made 82 arrests since Abbott took office in December 2002. The Fugitive Unit, which locates convicted child sex offenders who have violated the terms of their parole and could be stalking children, has arrested more than 275 such offenders. His office also has obtained convictions against 42 men on child pornography charges.

To find out more about Attorney General Abbott’s efforts to crack down on sexual predators, visit the Attorney General’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us or call (800) 252-8011.
 

2006 is a critical year for our candidates, officials and party. Please help us today with a $10, $25, $100 or $500 donation so we can continue to cover our basic operating expenses. Every donation is recycled in support of our grassroots activities. Thank you in advance for your consideration. We thank you for your ongoing support.

Joe Solis/Founder and Director/South Texas Republicans

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South Texas Republicans/10004 Wurzbach, Suite 269, San Antonio, Texas 78230. Please include the name of your occupation. 
 

The Texas Legislature established GBRA in 1933 as a water conservation and reclamation district known as the Guadalupe River Authority. The Texas Legislature subsequently reauthorized the entity as the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority. GBRA provides stewardship for the water resources in its 10-county statutory district for the Guadalupe and Blanco Rivers (Kendall, Comal, Hays, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Gonzales, DeWitt, Victoria, Calhoun, and Refugio Counties). 

My predecessor was Fritz Schlather, a banker and businessman from Cibolo. The Schlather family was one of the first families in Guadalupe County to proudly call themselves Republicans. 

I am honored and look forward to serving the residents of Texas in this capacity.

South Texas Republicans Commentary: We salute and congratulate our friend Grace Kunde for this accomplishment.
 

Fellow Minutemen gather at the gazebo for a rally across from the Alamo. To the far left is Texas Chapter Leader Dr. Michael Vickers and his wife Linda, next to the young
lady at the microphone on the right is Ron James of the U.S. Citizens Alliance. Other Minutemen and supporters surround them.

From Left to Right: Schuylar Crist; Mrs. Ron James with her husband Ron (in orange vest and Marine Corps service hat; New York writer/photographer David; National Vetting Officer of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, Pat Byrne; Texas Chapter Leader Dr. Michael Vickers of Falfurias, Texas, the heart of the "Battle for the Border".

Dr. Michael Vickers (Right) shakes hands with Ron James (left) of the U.S. Alliance after being honored with a U.S. flag folded as those given at military funerals.

On June 14th, Flag Day was commemorated at the Alamo by several members of the Texas Minutemen Civil Defense Corps, including our own Schuylar Crist, who is a proud member of the San Antonio Chapter. Virtually everyone was fully decked out in red, white and blue in some manner. Media like KENS 5 Eyewitness News and also Univision, a local Spanish station, showed up to see what we had to say. Even a writer/photographer from New York named Dave came down with Marine Corps veteran Ron James of the U.S. Citizens Alliance to cover the event. A video is to be made of the ceremony as well, which will also include Schuylar in an interview.

Dr. Michael Vickers and his wife Linda of Falfurias, Texas, head up the State chapter of the MCDC, and is coordinating efforts to build chapters all over the state. Chapters already exist in the Coastal Bend area, Dimmit and Zavala Counties, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, as well as in the Hill Country and Bexar County.

During this celebration several people came forward to speak about the need for stronger border security and the sovereignty of our great nation. They also spoke of the need to honor our American Flag and not allow her to fall to the ground to be trampled on, literally or figuratively. Senator Cornyn also sent one of his staff members to recite a letter that the Senator had written for this event. All of our speakers were presented with a poem written by Ron James entitled “Don’t burn our flag today”, as well as a very special flag commemorating their service to the country in securing our borders. Dr. Vickers and his wife were also bestowed upon them, the special honor of receiving a triangular folded U.S. flag. This flag, folded 13 times is typically only given to the families of veterans at a military funeral.

"I was proud to be invited to speak at the ceremony, particularly since it was held a few yards from the Texas symbol for sacrifice and commitment. The pictures Mr. Crist took demonstrate the diversity of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps and I was proud to deliver a message of unity of purpose regardless of heritage or political membership. The volume of the MCDC message to our representatives increases as our membership grows." said Pat Byrnes, National Volunteer Vetting Officer, Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, Texas Chapter.

“I was pleased to see so many patriots from so many walks of life standing together to honor America and her flag. The strength of  America comes from our love of God, our diversity, and our common bond of loving her, and our willingness to protect her from those who seek to invade her, whether by illegally crossing our borders, or by acts of war and terrorism”, says Crist.

Do you know…The meaning of each of the 13 folds of the U.S. Flag?

The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country”, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country right or wrong.

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

The colors of the Flag may be thus explained: The red is for valor, zeal and fervency; the white for hope purity, cleanliness of life, and rectitude of conduct; the blue, the color of heaven, for reverence to God, loyalty, sincerity, justice and truth.

The symbolism of the Flag was thus interpreted by Washington: "We take the stars from Heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity representing Liberty."

If you would like to learn more about the Minutemen Civil Defense Corps, please click here!

State Chapter Contact Info
Dr. Mike Vickers
Texas Chapter Director
Phone: 361-325-5209
Email: fal_air_sofort@hotmail.com
 

Dear Pam,

I don't know if you receive the South Texas Republicans Weekly Newsletter. However, as soon as I saw this "Headline" about Railroad Commissioner Williams in this week's newsletter, I thought of you first and wanted to share it with you!

I primarily wanted to share it with you because of your comments about the too brief conversation you recently had with Commissioner Williams—and for the many other reasons we've discussed, especially as they concern the FutureGen Project, Gasified Coal Powered Fuel Cell Power Plants (such as Connecticut's 10-megawatt Fuel Cell Power Plant using FuelCell Energy's fuel cells), the Texas Hydrogen Highway that is now in place, the future Hydrogen/Alternative Energy Parks in San Antonio, Dr. R. Paul Williamson, Dean, College of Technology, University of Montana—and the many contributions he could make to all of the above if we can find the way to bring him to San Antonio...

Although I do not yet know Commissioner Williams' campaign director Corbin Casteel, I can CERTAINLY AGREE with the article's comments about Commissioner Williams' staff—just from how little I know from working with his communications director Jessica Markel and his scheduling director Veronica Perez—two TERRIFIC and well qualified individuals!

SPECIAL NOTE Re ERROR in the ARTICLE: The URL at the bottom of the article does NOT give you more information about Commissioner Williams! Rather than information about Commissioner Williams, the link takes you to a web page for a Michael Williams who is a unit production manager who got his start as an intern at Paramount Pictures, etc.

Commissioner William's Bio, for anyone wanting to know more about Commissioner Williams. More importantly, this link will also open up other web pages that will show all the things he has been and is doing for Texas, particularly in how he represents Governor Perry and the Railroad Commission as a member on the Southern States Energy Board, serves as chair of the Governor's Clean Coal Technology Council, and the leadership role he has been taking in the FutureGen Project—a leadership role that I believe has been responsible for Texas still having two of the 12 final U.S. sites (Odessa and Jewett) in the competition for the world's first emissions-free coal-fueled electric and hydrogen production plant; one that also will showcase clean-coal technologies and be a prototype for the cleanest fossil-fuel power plant in the world!

FutureGen Project is Commissioner Williams' webpage about the FutureGen Project, should any reader like to know more...

Respectfully,

Dub Smothers
 

Since the FutureGen Project is only going to be in one location, and will have a lot of government strings attached, it may be helpful to pursue the commercial market too, to hedge the bet and to ensure Texas stays on top. As you know, the technology is commercially viable at $30 a barrel. Texaco has sold their technology to GE and I think there are GE connections with the West Texas wind farms.

The bottom line that I have always preached (as Texas so well knows) is that our country’s future depends on those able to deliver the best energy and the best workforce, both of which are changing dramatically.

Take Care

Paul
 

By John Merrifield,
Professor of Economics
Director, Entrepreneurial Conservatism Institute

Thirty-six years ago, the first Earth Day energized the environmental movement. The event gave form and substance to long-simmering concerns about the environmental side effects of free enterprise. It empowered the leaders of the environmental movement to pursue safeguards through the political process.

Unfortunately, environmental leaders made a fundamental error at the outset. They misdiagnosed the problem. They attributed environmental problems to uncontrolled pursuit of profit, while the true source of the problems was poorly defined and un-enforced property rights. Consequently, they sought (with the best intentions) controls on behavior, rather than property rights corrections.

There were many easily vilified targets, and the most widely recognized tool of government is its police power, so public officials gladly accepted the increased power that came with the authority to prescribe the behavior of others. To environmental leaders and the public, it seemed quite sensible to have the government determine the best available control technologies, and then command polluters to install them (for example, the Clean Air and Water Acts), or demand that landowners consult with experts (for example the Endangered Species Act).

Despite their preference for a flawed approach, environmental leaders deserve credit for successfully going after the easy targets, and thereby achieving some major improvements. But subsequent resistance to reform was much less understandable or forgivable. Mounting evidence of failures to reach objectives, excessive costs, and rising public resentment should have at least led to an admission that command-and-control (CaC) approaches had become obsolete.

Except in the few cases where CaC is the only option, we should abandon the behavior-prescribing, CaC approach. Since the cause of most environmental problems is poorly defined or un-enforced property rights, environmentalists should be the first to support policies that strengthen property rights in environmentally friendly ways. That will allow environmentalists to harness, rather than fight, strong forces like the profit motive, and political support for property rights protection.
 

Thanks for the info and letters in the June 12th South Texas Republican. I just knew that Railroad Commissioner Williams was running for something, and I was hoping I could vote for him when he did! I'll just have to wait a few years.

Please let Mr. Cardone know that President Bush backed the Marriage Amendment because Texas' Proposition 2 passed with 3/4 of the vote and approval in all counties but one. Many other States have had similar results. The President can see that without strong legislation, the Courts will, in their now-accustomed high-handed manner, overturn the voters and our legislators.

I can tell you exactly what keeps Joseph La Follette from voting Republican: he's not a Republican. If he were, he wouldn't litter his letter with name-calling. He would understand that Republicans vote our consciences, just as we assume he does.

He would know that we consider his votes for Democrats to be votes in favor of the Judicial oligarchy and the redefinition of human life, marriage, partial birth abortion and "comprehensive" sex education, including Federally-funded contraceptives for our unmarried minor children, available without our consent or knowledge through Title X.

He would understand that CHIP comes from the taxes paid by many less-than-rich families who sacrifice in order to send their children to religious or secular private schools or home school. He would understand that it is not only the rich who love their children or who believe in limited government and personal responsibility. He would see these last two as the best way to ensure access to our elected officials.

As a pro-life Family Physician, I want to assure Mr. La Follette that Planned Parenthood clinics are not the only source of screening exams for cervical cancer. We are distributing $20 Million of the money we manage to get back from Washington to Federally Qualified Health Centers that provide a wider range of health care to indigent patients. PP really didn't need Texas' $20 Million since they reported a $65 Million profit to the IRS this year, including $880 Million cash for abortions.

The Republicrat is not "moderate" at all. In fact, he's far to the left of Texas Republicans. In case he doesn't understand: at Republican precinct, County, and State Conventions, the voters send forward the resolutions that end up in our Platform, including the call for the securing of our borders and the land of those who live in Texas from trespassers.

Personally, I can't wait for the opportunity to serve my State by monitoring part of the border on my laptop and reporting lawbreakers.
 

Featured Speaker: Valerie Ryder Corte, Temporary Acting State Representative R-TX 122nd

Date: Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: Water Street Oyster Bar, 7500 Broadway Street

Luncheon Cost: $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers

Membership Dues: $25 for 2006

Please RSVP to James Henderson at jamesbexargop@sbcglobal.net or 210-473-8145.
 

You go, guy! I've been getting your newsletter for a while and just never have dropped you a note to let you know what a great job you are doing. Pauken and I go way back and what he did at the convention and his article on HB3 was really sad! Thanks for not pulling any punches.

It is time to move down ballot and work on sending up good people through the ranks who won't cave on principle when they get to the top. It obviously won't be the Paukens and the Perrys of the world.

Keep up the good work!

Blessings,

Sandie 

Our group is about promoting people of principle not building an organization. So we are not so much interested in promoting us as the ideas and concepts of good governance and people of Principle, wherever we find them.   

 ACT in the front of the subject line means it went to general distribution.

- Circulation and publication encouraged ACT/RPT means it also went to Republican Delegates and Alternates from a previous cycle - circulation and publication encouraged

ACTKEY means it had a limited distribution to key contacts - often things in draft format or strategic or for comment (not necessarily ready for publication or endorsed - for information and comment only)

www.actinfo.net
 

Not only is there a groundswell backlash beginning against incumbents, there's statewide angst and outright anger about HB 3, the whole new tax on businesses whether they make a profit or not, and nationally, taxpayers have had it with the escalating price of gas and looming energy crisis. Yet, rather than observe this perfect storm and respond appropriately and swiftly to the will of the grassroots, the Governor's Transportation Commission continues to plow ahead with tolling every freeway it can get its hands on. Increasing the cost of transportation, especially in light of record high gas prices, is a recipe for economic disaster! Read this article about how nearly 60% of respondents say high gas prices are affecting their ability to keep their current standard of living (High Gas Price Article).

Businesses are struggling to keep their heads above water now (due to the explosive increase in cost of transporting goods) much less when they have to pay $2,000-4,000 a year in toll taxes per vehicle, even more for trucks (TxDOT documents show that they plan to charge $1 a mile for vehicles and $2.25 for trucks on one planned toll road in San Antonio). We're not talking about chump change like 50 cents or $1.00 here and there, we're talking exorbitant sums of money in the hands of foreign corporations using 50-year monopolistic secret contracts. Even Alan Greenspan (Greenspan) spoke out last week about the energy crisis saying it's hurting the economy. Any property tax relief we just got from the special session will be quickly negated by a $2,000-4,000 a year toll tax (per vehicle, not per household). 

The Transportation Commission showed its hand last week at its Texas is Open for Business summit in Austin. Aside from being obscenely crass in its approach to raiding our wallets, they made no effort to address the rising cost of energy and how that's affecting our economy and actually DECREASING driving (and congestion in some cases). Take a look ("workshop") at the "workshop" titles and you'll see where the Governor's new "innovative" financing approach (i.e., a new lifetime toll tax on our highways) is headed: pony up tolls or get priced off our freeways...Texas is for sale! It's going to backfire, too. Look what's happened to Republican Governor Mitch Daniels in Indiana whose job approval numbers plummeted after he sold the Indiana Toll Road to the same two foreign companies vying to buy the San Antonio starter system, Spain-based Cintra and Australia-based Macquarie (Cintra/Macquarie). He's fortunate it's not an election year for him, but it is for Governor Perry. 
 

The Texas Democrats concluded their state convention last week in Fort Worth to a somewhat excited group of activists. They attracted about the same number of delegates to their convention as did the Texas Republicans here in San Antonio the week earlier.

I have been told that the nominee for Democratic Governor, Chris Bell, actually delivered a dynamic speech to the convention. The problem he faces is name recognition even among Democrats. The question on every Democrats lips is, “Who the hell is Chris Bell?”

At the convention, Texas Democrats elected Graham attorney Boyd Ritchie Texas Democratic Party Chair. He beat gay activist and former State Rep. Glenn Maxey in a second round ballot.

San Antonio attorney Charlie Urbina Jones, a third candidate in the race, failed in his attempt to become the first Hispanic Party Chair, falling far short of making the runoff. Like Chris Bell, Jones’ name ID across the state is relatively unknown. Jones’ track record includes two failed previous bids for Bexar County Democratic Chair as well. 

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that Texas Democrats will capture any statewide races. It is not due to the Republican right wing agenda, but to the weak candidates fielded by the Democrats with no message to promote. Just saying “no” to Republicans doesn’t a message make.

It is very unlikely that any statewide Democrat will even win their native City or County in the process. It is just not in the cards.

Considering, for example, the Democrats have the self-proclaimed populist and local labor lawyer David van Os running for State Attorney General against incumbent Greg Abbott, the statewide pickings are slim. Even Bexar County Democratic voters think van Os is a radical and full of hot air.

It is said that if you yield the floor to Van Os for five minutes, he will stretch it into a 40-minute tirade. In local Democratic circles, he is referred to as, “Mr. Filibuster.”

About the only hope the Democrats have in winning a statewide race is an open slot on the 4th Court of Appeals. That race features two San Antonio natives, Democrat Dan Pozza versus former San Antonio District Attorney, Steve Hilbig.

Pozza’s wife, Karen, is a local sitting Judge. From what my Republican friends say, Hilbig is not the most popular Republican in Bexar County. Even as District Attorney he did not enjoy the popularity of the current D.A., Susan Reed, who not only has no real opposition, but is supported by many Democrats.

Pozza is rumored to have raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars from not only Democrats, but Republicans as well. That race looks to be the only glimmer of hope for the Party of the People.

Locally, Democrats can win races. Case in point: Barbara Zeldes, who is running for Probate Judge against incumbent Tom Rickoff. With years of experience under her belt in probate and strong community ties, she is a viable candidate with great credentials, engaging smile and broad base support.

For the last 13 years she has been an attorney for the San Antonio Police, and San Antonio Firefighters. She has represented them with legal matters surrounding family and probate law, guiding them through difficult issues surrounding wills, their estates and guardianships for seniors and children.

Women candidates should do well at the polls this year.

Despite the fact that Rickoff has name identification and comes from a family of civil servants, his time as a judge may be coming to an end. Unlike his brother Gerry, who serves as the County Clerk and has no serious opposition, Tom may soon be history.   

It has been observed by many Republicans that Rickhoff has been a no show at most Republican grassroots events over the years.  Many consider him to be a dinosaur in the party who is out of touch with the party.

He sounds like a number of Democratic elected officials like County Court-At-Law Judge Paul Canales, who is a no-show at Democratic events.

County Court Judge Monica Guerrero is another Democrat who should win re-election relatively easy. Guerrero has a good reputation for being fair among lawyers who practice in her court.

There is a persistent rumor floating that her opponent, Republican Genie Wright, teacher turned lawyer, is responsible for working behind the scenes to agitate a supposed lover’s spat with a former roommate of the Judge. Word is that the ploy may backfire on Wright.

I would openly challenge Wright to deny in writing that she had nothing to do with the recent legal episode. Maybe she should put this rumor to rest to restore her integrity. If the rumor is true, it would be unbecoming of a future judge.         

Only time will tell how that race will play out. Much can happen from now until November. Variables change, unforeseen events happen, and it is anybody’s guess which candidate might prevail.

That’s the moderate viewpoint. I AM the Republicrat.