I continue to be astonished by the strength of the Toll party movement. Over a year ago, we were privately admonished by local leaders in San Antonio for publishing the work of Terri Hall and the San Antonio Toll Party. We felt they had something to say.

The Toll Party “Tipping Point” occurred when State Representative Carter Casteel was defeated at the hands of anti-toll candidate Nathan Macias. That is when everything changed. Think about that: An established state representative is taken out by anti-toll activists who knocked on thousands of doors spreading their message.

The Trans Texas Corridor issue has evolved. It is really about power in politics. I believe Texans are troubled about how these major decisions are made in Austin. Both conservatives in the cities and rural Texans are beyond livid about this issue. That is important. 

I get the impression conservatives have come to the stark realization that ordinary Texans are essentially powerless when they are against massive corporations including Zachry, based in San Antonio, and Cintra located in Spain. 

It is the classic story of the powerful versus the people.

They have lobbyists that you will never have. That’s the reality.

It is about globalization and the wealthy interests behind them. Based on what I have seen and heard, people are also furious about our own government taking the land of our Texan children and grandchildren and shipping the quasi deeds back to the old Spanish Empire.

Yes, it is personal and it is real.

Billions of dollars are at stake. I am talking about your money.

It is sad that Texans are fighting Texans over this issue.

Our leaders in Austin have put us in that position.

I have a solution.

Hold a referendum election on the T.T.C. in January 2007. 

Trust the people.

Let Texans vote on this specific issue.

I know this is wishful thinking. Why?

Your voice means nothing to many of our elites in Austin.

That my friends is the real tragedy of this issue.

Vote your values this year.
 

Ancira Chrysler Jeep

10807 IH-10 W @ Huebner Road

For more information, please contact Jan Clepp @210-229-9591 or jan@henrybonilla.com
 

As a result, this year’s 21st Congressional Election is a SPECIAL ELECTION. Seven candidates from various political parties will appear on the ballot.

This means that STRAIGHT PARTY VOTES do not apply toward the Special Election.

Since there are two concurrent elections, the Special is first on the ballot and will require a separate vote. Then the General Election will follow with the straight party ballot on the General Election. Therefore, you will need to vote in BOTH elections. To vote Republican in the Special Congressional Election you MUST go directly to the part of the ballot labeled “Special Election,” which will be at the top of the ballot and select the individual candidate (Lamar Smith – R).

Unlike the General Election, if no candidate receives more than 50% there will be a runoff! Since there are seven candidates in this race, YOUR VOTE IS ESSENTIAL to help avoid this situation!

If you use an electronic machine and accidentally skip the Special Election, the computer will alert you that you have made “No Selection.” But if you are using a paper ballot you will not be given a reminder to change your selection.

Election Day, November 7, is fast approaching, and we need your support to AVOID A RUNOFF! We are less than 10 DAYS away from Election Day, and we need your support to AVOID A RUNOFF!

If there is anything that we can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact us. We greatly appreciate everything that you do and understand the value of your time! Please understand how grateful we are for everything that you have done and will continue to do!

Below are a few important dates to remember:

November 3rd – Last Day of Early Voting

November 7th – Election Day
 

When:  October 30, 2006 (Monday)

Where:  Cici's Pizza, 12822 W IH 10,  San Antonio, TX 78249-2271, (210) 558-1006

Cost:  FREE

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sponsors: Joe Solis/South Texas Republicans, Alamo City Republican Women and Quico Canseco

Diane Rivera Professional Experience:

• Sole owner of the Law Office of Diane M. Rivera
• In practice from 1995 to present
• Ten years of dedication to the practice of family and juvenile law including:
• Hundreds of contested family law and juvenile law matters to include jury and non-jury trials, mediations and arbitrations
• Ad Litem representation of children
• Representation of parents on the abuse and neglect docket
• Fluent in Spanish

Diane Rivera Web Page:  http://www.dianerivera.com/
 

We would like to thank RG Griffing of the San Antonio Lightning for publishing our newsletters in his online newspaper. His readership has skyrocketed over the past 3 years. We can attribute the bulk of our web page hits to our presence on his web page.
 

I don't care if Roy doesn't want to support him for whatever reason but can't he keep his opinion private? Roy makes it into these ads strictly because he was GOP county chair and it shows the candidate has bipartisan support.

What are we going to do with Roy?
 

Thursday, 9 November 2006,

11:30 - 1:00 p.m.

(Networking 11:00 a.m.)

Location: San Antonio Country Club; 4100 North New Braunfels Ave

Cost:  $17.00 

(Please make check payable to RBW and mail to Ruby Marvin, RBW Treasurer, 1627 Hawks Ridge, San Antonio, TX, 78248-1705)

Guest Speaker: Robert Blake, San Antonio Area Director for Texas  Border Volunteers.

For reservation, contact Dee Brame at 210-493-5512 or email  

deeb@satx.rr.com
 

I'm not complaining. Save your speech for the naive newbies who are dumb enough to believe whatever they do will make a difference. 

I'm fed up. I'm not going back until we have another option.

If the house burns to the ground, so be it.
 

Schuylar Crist Set Wraps Up First Week In Pennsylvania!

Schuylar Awaits His Chance To Shake Hands With First Lady Laura Bush While She Signs Autographs At a GOP Rally

Senator Specter of Pennsylvania Takes A Moment To Pose With Schuylar During A Visit To Victory 2006 Headquarters In Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

(L to R) US Senator Norman Coleman of Minnesota, Rebecca  (Mom), US Senator Susan Collins of Maine, Schuylar (Me)

Our first exciting week in Pennsylvania has come to a close! We have made THOUSANDS of phone calls, prepared over 100,000 mailers and so much more to ensure a successful Get Out The Vote Campaign in the Keystone State.

We had the great pleasure of meeting Jim Matthews, who is running for Lieutenant Governor alongside Gubernatorial Candidate and Pro Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann just a few days back. During the GOP Rally (where the First Lady's picture was taken above), we had the chance to hear Congressman Jim Gerlach, Senator Rick Santorum, Gubernatorial Candidate Lynn Swann and Lieutenant Gubernatorial Candidate Jim Matthews. All of these men seem to grasp clearly what it means to be Conservative Republicans, and we are honored to do our part to help them stay in or get into office in 2006. My mother and I had the distinct honor of helping to prepare specifically for the First Lady's arrival.

About midweek, our headquarters was visited by 4 U.S. Senators: Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Norman Coleman of Minnesota.

Also during this first week, we witnessed some of the dark side of politics. Mom pulled off 4 'Bush Puppet' stickers from campaign signs for Rick Santorum. Later in the week, people were spotted pulling up and tearing up GOP campaign signs.

We look forward to what this final week holds for us in Pennsylvania, and indeed across this great nation!

SPECIAL COMMENTARY BY SCHUYLAR CRIST!

I am Precinct Chair for #2076 in Bexar County, and as all of you know, I am also the Media Director for South Texas Republicans, PAC. I am disheartened at the apparent apathy and complacency of Conservatives in South Texas, particularly in Bexar County. What happened to having the courage of one's convictions? We only fail ourselves, when we fail to stand for what is RIGHT! We have a wonderful group of CONSERVATIVE candidates, yet block walking logs remain empty. Candidate's campaign yard signs fill the rooms in HQ, and phone bank cell phones (at PARTY EXPENSE) lay on a table. We have taken initiatives no one else has, but we cannot do it without YOU! We have provided the tools, we have provided the information....but it is up to YOU South Texas to use what you have been given. We can take NOTHING for granted. We have to fight for everything we have. There is no reason at all to fly the white flag.

By betraying our values, we betray our nation! If we do not get our posteriors in gear, we will lose the fight to the Liberals. We cannot afford to put our heads in the sand! If we do...it leaves our backsides vulnerable to the inevitable whuppin' those backsides will receive. If we lose this election...when we look to point the finger of blame, we need do nothing but look directly into the mirror!
 

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

October 30, 2006

With politicians lauding education improvement and promises to do better through additional tinkering with our public school system, this is an especially opportune time for a ‘Nation at Risk’ reality check. K-12 education is still the national emergency announced by the 1983 Nation at Risk report produced by a bipartisan, blue ribbon national commission, and reinforced by a 2001 national commission report on national security, and by published pronouncements by President Bush’s former Education Secretary, Rod Paige, and Assistant Secretary Gene Hickok. Federal, state, and local tinkering with the ‘system’ hasn’t accomplished much. With the passage of 23 years since ‘Nation at Risk’, we’ve let down most of another two cohorts of schoolchildren; most of the 100 million children that are now severely under-educated (for what we spent and what they need) young adults. This is not just an inner city problem. For the roughly $11,000 per year (2005 $$) we spend on the average public school user, even the top performers could/should have done even better; most of them a lot better. We ‘mainstream’ the top students (= bore and dumb down) to avoid lowering the self-esteem of the less talented.

According to the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress (“The Nation’s Report Card”), the average Texas eighth grade science and reading scores are below the national average of a nation at risk!!! The 8th grade Texas math scores are just barely above the national average. For most subjects and most states, the NAEP trends are a flat line. Typically easier state tests sometimes show improvement when the NAEP scores do not. NAEP does not yet regularly publish a wide array of results for 12th graders, but in virtually all instances where older children are tested, the results are worse than for younger children. The longer children are in the system, the smaller the share that performs up to an objective standard for what a child of that age ought to know.

So, with that in mind, exactly how are Texas eighth graders doing? In reading, 24 percent are proficient!!! 31 percent are below basic!!! In math, 25 percent are proficient!!! 28 percent are below basic!!! In science, 21 percent are proficient!!! 47 percent are below basic!!! This is the situation after years of promises and much frenzied effort to make the current K-12 system work better. How can anyone imagining themselves to be a public servant or a leader respond to such numbers with more policy tinkering? The fundamental tenets of the current system are in complete denial of what we know about how children learn and how people generally respond to the incentives inherent in our current education funding and governance methods. We need a complete overhaul of the system. Is there anyone out there ready and willing to carry this message to the general public; to risk their political career to lead a misinformed, under-educated public to support the needed policy changes, namely to exploit freedom and free enterprise to create the relentlessly improving diverse menu of schooling choices we need to serve a diverse student population? The Entrepreneurial Conservatism Institute aims to support such leaders with the information they need to sell effective policies, and then enact and implement them.
 

Texans For Lawsuit Reform- A Conservative's Biggest Enemy By Mark McCaig/Houston, Texas

Although these races provide the Republican Party with realistic opportunities to build upon their House majority, many Republicans may be surprised to learn that their biggest enemy in winning these elections is a group that claims to represent conservative values - Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR).

During this election cycle, TLR has endorsed eight Democrats seeking election to the House. Out of this group, seven are facing Republican opponents. All seven of these races are in districts that George W. Bush carried in 2004.

In House District 3, which covers parts of northeast Texas, incumbent Democrat Mark Homer is facing a rematch against businessman Kirby Hollingsworth in a district where President Bush beat John Kerry by a more than 2 to 1 margin. Hollingsworth came within a fraction of a percentage of defeating Homer in 2004 and is generally regarded as one of the strongest challengers seeking election this year. Despite a voting record far more liberal than his district, TLR endorsed Homer and has also contributed several thousand dollars to his campaign.

They are also endorsing other rural Democrats such as David Farabee, Chuck Hopson, Patrick Rose, and Robby Cook against more conservative Republican challengers in very conservative swing districts. TLR’s support of Democrats this year is not limited to rural moderates.

In District 50, incumbent Democrat Mark Strama is facing Dell executive Jeff Fleece. Strama won election in 2004 with less than 50% of the vote against a troubled incumbent in one of the few areas of Travis County that President Bush won. Although he has voted like other Austin liberals, TLR has also chosen to support Strama against a viable conservative challenger. Mike Villarreal, a liberal San Antonio Democrat facing only a Libertarian challenger, has also received TLR’s endorsement.

In contrast, TLR has declined to endorse some of the House’s elite conservatives, Robert Talton and Bryan Hughes. With their long track records of conservatism, these incumbents do not need TLR to legitimize their conservatism, but TLR’s silence in their races speaks volumes.

Due to the extremely competitive nature of these races, every dollar spent by a candidate plays a significant role in helping get his message out. The contributions from TLR and its supporters that have funded the Democratic candidates in these races could very well make a difference in which candidate will be elected to the Legislature.

While TLR has been very successful into fooling conservative voters that they are an organization driven by conservative principles, their active support of liberal Democratic candidates against viable conservative challengers is further proof that they are nothing more than a special interest group funded by insurance companies and wealthy businessmen that has absolutely no interest in promoting ideological conservatism.

Furthermore, when one observes TLR’s specific policy priorities, it becomes crystal clear that its primary concern is obtaining legal protections (i.e. corporate welfare) for narrow business interests at the expense of Texas consumers, individuals, and taxpayers. They are also intent on limiting an individual’s constitutional right of access to the civil justice system and weakening a jury’s ability to render a fair and reasonable verdict based on the unique facts and circumstances of a case. TLR’s agenda is not consistent with conservatism, and conservative activists should view them with a strong degree of skepticism.

The prospect of passing conservative policy next legislative session is contingent upon the success of the Republican candidates in these swing districts. TLR’s actions have far reaching implications on many issues that are important to conservatives such as property tax appraisal caps, limited government spending, private property rights, and illegal immigration. A solid Republican majority will need to exist to properly address these pressing matters. This simply will not occur if TLR gets its way in these elections.

Although it masquerades as a conservative organization, TLR’s actions during this election only serve to undermine the hard work of true conservative grassroots activists and the principles of limited government and personal responsibility they promote. This behavior will hopefully serve as a wakeup call to conservatives across and cause them to realize that TLR is only concerned with the interests of its benefactors and not hard working Texans.

Mark McCaig, a Houston resident, is a longtime conservative activist and the former Chairman of the Texas Republican Alliance. He can be reached at mark@markmccaig.com.
 

Party elites still behave as though Perry is a going to easily slide to re-election blatantly ignoring that over 60% of Texans want him out! He is the most unpopular Governor in recent memory and has driven the Republican Party into disparate shambles. This issue WILL NOT GO AWAY and the PEOPLE WILL get new leadership and TRUE representation no matter how many elections, bills in the legislature, or lawsuits it takes. Our politicians are sold out to special interests that have their hands in the public trough. Bloated, abusive, and special interest government will come to an end…our Republic depends on it.

Know who voted to toll you, print out our full candidate endorsement list and bring it with you to the polls: http://satollparty.com/post/?p=426.
 

This is a series by an anonymous political insider in Bexar County. The views of this author do not represent the views of South Texas Republicans. 

One week of early voting already completed and it appears that more people are voting in this election than expected. The first four days totals were over thirty thousand. It is hard to say whether the base is getting out for either party or the “throw the bums out,” mentality is kicking in.

My sense is that having already voted early, and watching others go into the voting booth, I have the distinct feeling that some incumbents are in trouble.

When I went to vote, I found myself wading through 16 pages of ballot. Since I don’t vote straight party ticket, it took me awhile. Apparently, those around me didn’t appear to vote straight ticket either.

People really took their time and were slow in moving away from the voting booths. This leads me to believe that they were crossing over and not just pulling a lever. In my book that doesn’t sound good for the officials who have been in office a long time. I reiterate that for some incumbents that does not bode well.

This past week, I noticed that the political ads exploded onto my screen in record numbers throughout the day. It is going to be an interesting election cycle.

Before I present my predictions, I have to say that the cross over support some candidates are receiving is heartening. This past week I viewed an ad for Democratic Judge Al Alonso that highlighted former Bexar County Republican Party Chair Roy Barrera speaking in behalf of the Judge. Not bad if you ask me, Judge Alonso!

But, then again, Barrera has a reputation for crossing over and endorsing Democrats. I have heard Republicans refer to him as a RINO. (Republican In Name Only) He also endorsed Margaret Montemayor for District Clerk recently. Way to go Roy Barrera.

However, then again, turnabout is fair play since former Bexar County Democratic Party Chair Gabe Quintanilla endorsed DA Susan Reed.

I guess if Democratic southsiders like Helen Dutmer can endorse George Antuna and Henry “the Horrible” Bonilla, why not the other way around?

For the past two weeks, I have mentioned that an eastside Democratic official was supporting Lamar Smith in the 23rd Congressional race. Well that fire is aflame this week.

According to Burnt Orange, the liberal blog, Ben Alexander not only supports Smith with a huge sign in his front yard, but they are reporting that he accepted a ten thousand dollar payment to work for him as well.

The rumor is that the state headquarters is under siege with emails and calls to lean on state officials demanding Alexander’s resignation.

The report goes on to quote Alexander as defending himself by saying he can support whomever he wants to support. That is true unless you hold an official position as a Democratic Party official.

According to Texas Democratic rules, they quite clearly state that a Democratic official within the party structure cannot support or endorse an opposing party or nominee or a non-Democratic candidate seeking an office. The punishment is swift and the violator is encouraged to resign.

It is time to predict the winners and the losers.

Starting with the Governor’s race, I predict that Governor Rick Perry will lose to either Chris Bell or even the Grandma. While this prediction defies logic, I am going out on a limb and say he will lose.

Maybe I am hallucinating or a good candidate for Fantasy Island on my part. I am counting on disgruntled Republicans to do the right thing and kick him to the curb. How do you spell increased business taxes, Trans Texas Corridor and outsourcing to lobbyists and friends?

Obviously, it is a no-brainer to say that Lt. Governor David Dewhurst will win re-election. It is probably a no-brainer to say no Democrat will win at the state level including the irascible & filibustering Democrat David Van Os for Attorney General. Unfortunately as good, a candidate as Barbara Radnofsky is for Texas Senator, it ain’t gonna happen.

In the Fourth Court of Appeals, all incumbents will again win and I predict that Democrat Dan Pozza will nudge Republican Steve Hilbig to win the Place 4 seat.

While Hilbig has better name ID having served as Bexar County DA, Dan Pozza is the better candidate with Republican backing and endorsements. The “testosterone twins” won’t make a blip on the radar screen. Women rule in those races. 

Moving on to local races, we go to the State Senate races that include District 19 & 25. In the 19th, I will stick with Carlos Uresti who I predicted would upset Frank Madla and will now defeat Dick Bowen. I picked Bowen in his primary too.

I see re-election for Jeff Wentworth over Kathi Thomas in the 25th. End of story. In the State Reps races, all incumbents will win to include Joaquin Castro, despite all his recent negative coverage.

Larry Stallings, candidate, in State Rep. District. 122nd will come up short, even though he received the Toll Party endorsement and showed himself to be worthy opponent of Frank Corte.

I have stated all along that George Antuna would take District 118th over Joe Farias. I have not changed my mind.

In the DA’s race, women once again take center stage. Eddie Bravanec is too young, too immature, and nobody knows him including Democrats. Voters respect Susan Reed and she will take it in a cakewalk. That race is another no-brainer.

In the congressional races, we start with District 21. Lamar Smith will win without a runoff. Democrat John Courage will most likely finish no better than third. With the dead dancer in the race, & African-American candidate Tommy Calvert, it doesn’t look good for Courage. It never did.

In the 23rd, I will go out on a limb and say that there will be a runoff between Henry “the Horrible” and challenger Ciro Rodriguez. Ciro will barely make it into the runoff because of his name ID and then the second round is a prediction for another day.

I see Henry Cuellar in a no contest for the 28th as well as Charlie Gonzalez in the 20th. That is not rocket science.

Next on tap, we have the county judges. Again all the incumbent county judges will retain their seats. That includes Judges Al Alonso, Paul Canales, David Rodriguez, Tim Johnson & Monica Guerrero.

In the open seat for County Court #6, Democrat Ray Olivarri will nudge Republican Wayne Christian. Christian lost his seat last time due to his sister’s missteps (she was serving as a judge at the time).  Ray Olivarri upset a sitting judge in the primary. That race was one of only three I miscalculated. 

In the District Courts, once again, most incumbent judges will retain their seats. That includes Rene Diaz, Janet Littlejohn & Michael Peden.  Peden will stomp opponent Milton Fagin like a bug.

In the 408th District Court, there will be an upset when Democratic challenger Larry Noll defeats incumbent Richard Price. In the open seat on the 225th bench, Democrat Peter Sakai will defeat Marialyn Bernard in one of the tightest races on the ballot.

In the County Probate Court #2 there will be another major upset of huge proportions. Democrat Barbie Scharf-Zeldes will unseat long term Judge Tom Rickoff. It couldn’t happen to a lazier guy.

On the other hand, Brother Gerry Rickoff will soundly defeat Tim Ybarra for the County Clerk’s office & Democratic District Clerk Margaret Montemayor will defeat her opponent Dr. JoAnn Ponce Gonzalez.

During the Democratic Primary, I picked 13 out of 16 candidates who won that primary. I also predicted some Republicans who would win their primary. Let’s see how well I can do this time. Either I am astute or I haven’t a clue. Only time will tell.

That is the moderate viewpoint. I AM the "Republicrat".