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Newsletter: Breaking the "Dewhurst Code" After 8 Years (Exclusive) Commentary by Joe Solis/South Texas Republicans     (Picture Source: David Dewhurst web site)   Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst is a mystery. I call it the "Dewhurst Code."   He is close to us, but he is still so far way. The man is a leader in our political orbit but he seems to be in another universe. Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst wants to be our next Governor. He has been in public office for 8 years, but he is still a mystery to me. Think about this.  Can you define "Dewhurstism" i.e. his political philosophy? Yes, we know he is for lower taxes, tort reform and other Republican issues. We also know he was instrumental in passing the Texas version of "Jessica's Law." What else?  The "Dewhurst Code" is the mystery that needs to be explored. Who is this man?  What does he stand for?  What is his real passion? His ability to unravel the mystery will determine success or failure when he runs. Let me give my personal take.  The "Dewhurst Code" is grounded in the fact that the man is such an opaque leader.  The crystal ball is not clear at all.  It is fuzzy because you get the sense that there is an invisible wall between him and the public. This is what really concerns me. I also get the impression that he feels that he is smarter and more sophisticated than we are.  The grassroots, in his opinion, does not understand the issues.  We complain and gripe about things we know little about.  The grassroots is too emotional about issues.  We're the masses in need of a prime minister.  (The kind that wear 18K gold French cuff links and $200 crisp shirts from Saks.) That is why political people say the following things about him in private: "He is different."  "The man does his own thing." "I know him, but I don't really know him." Why is this significant for Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst? That is an easy one.  Texans like to feel that their Governors are one of them.  Ponder the following for a few moments.  Governor Ann Richards was one of us even though she was a liberal in a red state.  She charmed Texans with her back slapping, her jokes, her battle with alcoholism, her personal history and her outgoing manner.  It was effective enough for her to get elected to this position.  Governor George W. Bush had the same magic.  He owned the issues that we care about: reforming our educational system, getting our crime situation under control and growing business in Texas.  He also brought Latinos to the table by being himself.  He talked about his battle with alcoholism in an open manner.  There was no mystery to him.  Let me tell you one person who does not have this challenge: Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.  She is the person who will most likely face off with Mr. Dewhurst for the top position in a few years.  She is transparent in her own way.  This is refreshing because you feel like you know her.  It is hard to explain. Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst must overcome this hurdle soon. The "Dewhurst Code" must be broken if he wants to move upward.  That is the one big challenge that he faces after 8 years. Who is David Dewhurst? I don't know. Breaking the "Dewhurst Code" is the answer.

Alamo City Republican Women Host Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst in San Antonio:  Tuesday, December 18, 2007.  11:00 a.m. at Oak Hills Country Club.  Contact for reservations by Friday, December 14:  Alamo City Republican Women meet at Oak Hills Country Club on the third Tuesday of the month September through May at 11:00AM. Frequently we change due to golf tournaments at the country club so be sure to check the calendar. For reservations please call Carolyn at 493-6210 or Barbara at 342-5482. If you E-mail acrw.reservations@gmail.com please give your phone number and full name. Meeting cost for members is $17.00 with a reservation, $20.00 without. All guests are $17.00. Men are welcome at all events. Article Segment from Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau Dewhurst getting tips on public speaking Schwarzenegger's trainer is giving the lieutenant governor lessons Nov. 21, 2007, 8:17PM By GARY SCHARRER Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau AUSTIN - If Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst sounds new and improved the next time he steps before a political audience, chalk it up to some public speaking lessons. The former CIA officer-turned-businessman-turned- politician has taken several public speaking lessons from a Californian speech trainer to improve his communication skills. Dewhurst is meeting with the same speech trainer who provides speaking tips to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. "Like a lot of people in politics, the lieutenant governor is always looking to improve how he communicates with his constituents to be the best communicator that he can be," said Mike Wintemute, Dewhurst's director of communications. Public speaking can be one of the trickiest challenges for any politician, Wintemute said. "You can be a very good speechmaker, but there's always ways to improve and I know that the lieutenant governor is always interested in becoming more effective in his role," Wintemute said. Link to original article:

Richard J. Karam           Christopher J. Weber        Edward L. Pina                                Daniel Y. Kruger         Bernard Wm. Fischman             Gilbert Vara                                  Larry Bruner                  Robyn Traywick                Ryan C. Moe        Invite you to join them at a Fundraising Reception Honoring Judge Marcia Weiner Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 1   The Ariel House * 8118 Datapoint(South of Wurzbach Rd.)   Thursday, November 29, 2007 * 6-8 p.m.   $35/person Or help defray campaign costs by joining the Host Committee at one of the following levels: $100/couple * $250/couple * $500/couple * $1000/couple   RSVP: 497-5405 or Return Reply Card Or www.judgemarciaweiner.com   PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN to Marcia Weiner Campaign,  929 Manor Dr., SA, TX 78228,  OR CALL: 210/497/5405 or reply to www.judgemarciaweiner.com.    Pol. Adv. Pd. for by Marcia Weiner Campaign for Justice of the Peace, Mary M. Thomas, Treas., 929 Manor Dr., SA, TX 78228 Meet Judge Weiner JUDGE MARCIA S. WEINER JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PRECINCT 2, PLACE 1 Judge Marcia Weiner has been a resident of San Antonio since 1956, when her husband, Dr. Bernard K. Weiner, was transferred to Lackland Air Force Base. Judge Weiner is an attorney, teacher, wife, mother of three daughters, grandmother and a great-grandmother. She and her husband have also adopted two retired greyhound racers named "Hard Times" and "Journey." Judge Weiner earned her BA degree and lifetime teacher's certificate summa cum laude in 1965, followed by her Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1970, from St. Mary's University. She is licensed to practice law in all Courts of the State of Texas and the United States District Court, Western   District of Texas and maintains her membership in the College of the State Bar of Texas. She is also a Fellow of the San Antonio and Texas Bar Foundations. Judge Weiner began her legal career in 1971 with The Department of Housing and Urban Development. She worked for HUD for over 26 years, retiring as Chief Counsel. She was named the most outstanding HUD Chief Counsel in the United States. She has received numerous awards for elevating federal women's careers and for significant contributions to the advancement of equal opportunity. A member of the Probono College of the State Bar of Texas, Judge Weiner was recognized for making outstanding contributions to the delivery of legal services to low-income Texans in 1999. In November of 2000, she was elected the first female Justice of the Peace ever elected in JP Precinct 2. Shortly thereafter, she was appointed to be the Justice of the Peace representative to the Countys Bail Bond Board. Judge Weiner was recognized in 2002 by the Northwest Noon Business and Professional Club as a "San Antonio Woman to Watch" and was named "Texas Woman to Watch" by BPW of Texas 2002-2003. In 2004 she was appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas to be a member of the Code of Judicial Conduct Committee for the purpose of rewriting the Canons of Ethics for judges throughout Texas. She was the only Justice of the Peace in the State to be appointed to this prestigious committee. In 2006, Judge Weiner was appointed by County Judge Nelson Wolff and Mayor Phil Hardberger to be part of the Judges Children's Diversion Initiative to address critical issues concerning children and families in trouble. And, in 2006 she was elected "Woman of the Year" by the San Antonio Chapter of the American Business Womens Association.

Young Conservatives of Texas at UTSA Host Congressman Lamar Smith This Week Message from Laura Elizabeth Morales   Thank you for your continued fight in the conservative movement!  The Young Conservatives of Texas is a non-partisan youth organization dedicated to spreading the conservative message through grassroots activism, lobbying, campaign work, and releasing the oldest legislative ratings in the state.  We have chapters across the state, including one at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The UTSA chapter of YCT is just over one year old and in that short of time we have been named the 2007 Chapter of the Year and have been nominated for a University Life Award for our continued efforts to promote conservatism at UTSA. On behalf of the 2007 Chapter of the Year I would like to extend an invitation to you to join the Young Conservatives of Texas on Wednesday, November 28th at 8pm in welcoming Congressman Lamar Smith to the University of Texas at San Antonio.  Congressman Smith will be addressing the current immigration policies, including the DREAM Act and other incentives that are given to illegal immigrants, such as the in state tuition issue in Texas. Congressman Smith's message is something different from the usual liberalism that is taught by our professors. The room is being confirmed by the university but as of now it will be at the Ski Lodge of the UniversityCenter on the 1604 Campus. We'd love for as many people to attend as possible!  If you'd like some more info, let me know!  I would also greatly appreciate this message being passed on to anyone you know who may be interested in listening to Congressman Smith's lecture. Cheers, Laura Elizabeth Morales lauraelizabethmorales@gmail.com (956) 821-7925 Chairman - Young Conservatives of Texas at UTSA Director of Public Relations - Young Conservatives of Texas   Congressman Lamar Smith: Democrats Fail to Protect America  WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives passed the RESTORE Act of 2007, a Democrat-sponsored bill that overhauls the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The final vote was 227-189.  "Democrats today failed to protect the American people by ignoring urgent requests from the intelligence community to update tools and modernize laws governing intelligence gathering," stated Ranking Member Smith. "The RESTORE Act undermines our national security and increases the risk of a future attack on our country."  "Democrats are playing politics by claiming that this bill 'restores' checks and balances," continued Smith. "But politics should never come before national security. This bill restores nothing but a legal loophole for terrorists and spies. Today's vote comes at the expense of our national security." "Contrary to Congress's intent when FISA was originally enacted, this bill requires the government obtain a court order to conduct surveillance of overseas targets," said Smith. "The implications of this requirement alone could be catastrophic." "The RESTORE Act requires intelligence officials to obtain a court order to conduct surveillance on Osama Bin Laden, but does not require one to conduct surveillance on an illegal immigrant," Smith added. "The bill gives terrorists overseas more rights under the law, than individuals inside the U.S. That is simply absurd." "This bill does nothing to protect America, nothing to preserve civil liberties and nothing to promote national security," concluded Smith. "So what does this bill do? It ignores 30 years of precedent in intelligence gathering and panders to special interests groups. Americans would be better served if lawmakers listened to their requests, rather than playing politics with the safety and security of our nation." Republicans introduced a Motion to Recommit that would address three critical concerns in the legislation. First, the current bill requires intelligence officials to obtain a court order to conduct surveillance on Osama Bin Laden, but does not require one for illegal immigrants in the U.S. The Republican motion ensures that the law does not provide greater protections to terrorists than individuals in the U.S., regardless of their legal status. Second, the motion preserves the ability of the intelligence community to conduct surveillance on Osama Bin Laden, Al-Qaeda, the Iranian National Guard and other terrorist organizations to protect America from imminent attack. Finally, the motion adds the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a specific terrorist organization. Democrats opposed these common-sense proposals by a vote of 194-222. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard carries out military operations outside of Iran, including insurgent activities in Iraq against U.S. Armed Forces, and is responsible for the export of terrorism to other terrorist organizations in the Middle East. A report released from the International Atomic Energy Agency today found that Iran could be closer to a acquiring a nuclear weapon than previously believed. According to the report, Iran may be as little as a year to 18 months away from having enough uranium to produce a nuclear weapon.

PRESIDENT RONALD W. REAGAN Remarks at a United States-France Ceremony Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, D-day   President Reagan giving speech on the 40th Anniversary of D-Day at Pointe du Hoc, Normandy, France.6/6/84. June 6, 1984 Mr. President, distinguished guests, we stand today at a place of battle, one that 40 years ago saw and felt the worst of war. Men bled and died here for a few feet of -- or inches of sand, as bullets and shellfire cut through their ranks. About them, General Omar Bradley later said, ``Every man who set foot on OmahaBeach that day was a hero.'' No speech can adequately portray their suffering, their sacrifice, their heroism. President Lincoln once reminded us that through their deeds, the dead of battle have spoken more eloquently for themselves than any of the living ever could. But we can only honor them by rededicating ourselves to the cause for which they gave a last full measure of devotion. Today we do rededicate ourselves to that cause. And at this place of honor, we're humbled by the realization of how much so many gave to the cause of freedom and to their fellow man. Some who survived the battle of June 6, 1944, are here today. Others who hoped to return never did.  ``Someday, Lis, I'll go back,'' said Private First Class Peter Robert Zanatta, of the 37th Engineer Combat Battalion, and first assault wave to hit Omaha Beach. ``I'll go back, and I'll see it all again. I'll see the beach, the barricades, and the graves.'' Those words of Private Zanatta come to us from his daughter, Lisa Zanatta Henn, in a heart-rending story about the event her father spoke of so often. ``In his words, the Normandy invasion would change his life forever,'' she said. She tells some of his stories of World War II but says of her father, ``the story to end all stories was D-day.'' ``He made me feel the fear of being on that boat waiting to land. I can smell the ocean and feel the seasickness. I can see the looks on his fellow soldiers' faces -- the fear, the anguish, the uncertainty of what lay ahead. And when they landed, I can feel the strength and courage of the men who took those first steps through the tide to what must have surely looked like instant death.'' Private Zanatta's daughter wrote to me: ``I don't know how or why I can feel this emptiness, this fear, or this determination, but I do. Maybe it's the bond I had with my father. All I know is that it brings tears to my eyes to think about my father as a 20-year-old boy having to face that beach.'' The anniversary of D-day was always special for her family. And like all the families of those who went to war, she describes how she came to realize her own father's survival was a miracle: ``So many men died. I know that my father watched many of his friends be killed. I know that he must have died inside a little each time. But his explanation to me was, `You did what you had to do, and you kept on going.''' When men like Private Zanatta and all our allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy 40 years ago they came not as conquerors, but as liberators. When these troops swept across the French countryside and into the forests of Belgium and Luxembourg they came not to take, but to return what had been wrongly seized. When our forces marched into Germany they came not to prey on a brave and defeated people, but to nurture the seeds of democracy among those who yearned to be free again. We salute them today. But, Mr. President, we also salute those who, like yourself, were already engaging the enemy inside your beloved country -- the French Resistance. Your valiant struggle for France did so much to cripple the enemy and spur the advance of the armies of liberation. The French Forces of the Interior will forever personify courage and national spirit. They will be a timeless inspiration to all who are free and to all who would be free. Today, in their memory, and for all who fought here, we celebrate the triumph of democracy. We reaffirm the unity of democratic peoples who fought a war and then joined with the vanquished in a firm resolve to keep the peace. From a terrible war we learned that unity made us invincible; now, in peace, that same unity makes us secure. We sought to bring all freedom-loving nations together in a community dedicated to the defense and preservation of our sacred values. Our alliance, forged in the crucible of war, tempered and shaped by the realities of the postwar world, has succeeded. In Europe, the threat has been contained, the peace has been kept. Today the living here assembled -- officials, veterans, citizens -- are a tribute to what was achieved here 40 years ago. This land is secure. We are free. These things are worth fighting and dying for. Lisa Zanatta Henn began her story by quoting her father, who promised that he would return to Normandy. She ended with a promise to her father, who died 8 years ago of cancer: ``I'm going there, Dad, and I'll see the beaches and the barricades and the monuments. I'll see the graves, and I'll put flowers there just like you wanted to do. I'll feel all the things you made me feel through your stories and your eyes. I'll never forget what you went through, Dad, nor will I let anyone else forget. And, Dad, I'll always be proud.'' Through the words of his loving daughter, who is here with us today, a D-day veteran has shown us the meaning of this day far better than any President can. It is enough for us to say about Private Zanatta and all the men of honor and courage who fought beside him four decades ago: We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be free. Thank you. Note: The President spoke at 4:33 p.m. at the Omaha Beach Memorial at Omaho Beach, France. In his opening remarks, he referred to President Francois Mitterrand of France. Following the ceremony, President Reagan traveled to UtahBeach. Source:  THE RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY

"The Republicrat PLUS" (A Moderate Viewpoint) This is a series by 3 anonymous political insiders in Bexar County and one in Webb County. The views of this section do not represent the views of South Texas Republicans PAC.   My dear readers, I have been so busy preparing for Thanksgiving dinner and the shopping season. I'm happy to report that Macy's brought back their "Red Apple" sales. I'm so happy about them. They are wonderful. You should go to the SouthPark mall location. They have wonderful designer items on sale. All the Mexican Nationals buy the good stuff at North Star Mall. That is why you can never find that stuff on sale. Okay, let's down to Southside politics for the moment. State Senator Carlos Uresti is keeping the Bexar County Courthouse really busy.  The San Antonio Business Journal is reporting in their November 16th edition that Senator Carlos Uresti has filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Gonzales Hoblit Ferguson LLC.  This is online information about the case against his former employer. Cause Number: 2007CI16361 Name: CARLOS URESTI Litigant Type: PLAINTIFF Style: CARLOS URESTI vs. GONZALES HOBLIT FERGUSON LLP Court: 166 Date Filed: 10/29/2007 Docket Type: BREACH OF CONTRACT Case Status: PENDING This is information about the law firm: "Gonzales Hoblit Ferguson enjoys an outstanding reputation in all areas of the law with our primary focus in the areas of personal injury, premises liability, products liability, insurance defense, mass toxic tort and health care litigation. Over the years, GHF has developed the necessary expertise and experience to defend its clients in these areas of the law and to effectively produce outstanding results. GHF's vast litigation experience and their ability to coordinate large scale legal projects makes them the "go to" lead counsel litigation team in our geographic area." The judge who will be hearing the case is none other than Judge MARTHA B. TANNER; 166TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT; BEXAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE; 100 DOLOROSA, 4TH FLOOR; SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS78205; (210) 335 - 2501.  From her web site: "Formerly, a practicing attorney for 23 years with extensive trial experience.  Reputation for conducting a fair and honest trial.  Strong financial management skills. Positive, hardworking and an excellent communicator, she has a Reputation for ability and fairness in community, resulting in cases solved quickly with least expense to clients." This is information about divorce between Carlos and Yolanda.  This case is being heard by Republican Judge David A. Berchelmann. Cause Number: 2007CI10148 Name: CARLOS I URESTI Litigant Type: PETITIONER Style: CARLOS I URESTI vs. YOLANDA A URESTI Court: 037 Date Filed: 07/09/2007 Docket Type: DIVORCE Case Status: PENDING Judge David A. Berchelmann; 37th District Court; Phone Number: 210 335-2515; Fax Number: 210 335-0595; Mailing Address: 37th District Court; Bexar County; Courthouse; 100 Dolorosa, 4th floor; San Antonio, Texas 78205  Judge David A. Berchelmann has become a fixture at Bexar County Democrat fundraisers and events.  He is currently being challenged by Amber Liddell Alwais. This young lady is completely out of her element by taking on an establishment courthouse icon. The man is well liked by Republicans and Democrats alike. Connected Democrats are not happy with this young lady because she will most likely stir the Bexar County Republican base and party which is perpetually in a state of apathetic decline and indifference to judicial races. Challengers against popular incumbents Republicans are not a good thing for Democrats. Republicans have all but lost all the County Courts at Law positions. They have a slight edge at the District Courts, but there is no guarantee. Judge David. Berchelmann could be taken out with a strong turnout among Democrats, but not likely. Last year, assorted Republican Judges including popular Judge Rene Diaz were taken out.  Let me get back to Carlos Uresti.  He has become a San Antonio media darling as a result of his work with child abuse issues over the past few years. The endless allegations featured by R.G. Griffing in the San Antonio Lightning and the whisper campaign about his involvement with young aides have gone nowhere in the past 5 months. Big media and Carlos have cut a private deal based on what we see. Big Media will ignore the stories about his personal challenges if he continues to talk about child abuse issues.  It is a marriage made in heaven.  (This is one marriage NOT in divorce court.) What else can I talk about?  The race for Sheriff has one more participant. His name is Andy Lopez.  Let me tell you about him. Andy is a quiet, unassuming guy who doesn't say very much in a crowd. He even campaigns with his girlfriend on occasion. He is the only other candidate on the Democratic side who stands a chance of winning the nomination. It is very possible he could end up in a run off with frontrunner Amadeo Ortiz. Amadeo shows up to most functions with an entourage of Bexar County Sheriff's Deputies. He was even seen at the recent Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner serving food with his 90 year-old plus mother. (Amadeo and his staff should have left their campaign t-shirts at home.) Andy is beginning to show up to those same political functions with his crew of constable deputies at his side. On the other hand, the other candidate in the Democratic Primary is Larry Ricketts who has suddenly disappeared from the political scene. Some call him a no-show. Larry has no crew to follow him, except his wife and even then you don't see much of her. Even some of his ardent supporters don't show up to his events. Larry, you might remember has the reputation as a perennial candidate with the likes of Milton Fagin, Rhett Smith and Lauro Bustamante. Rhett and Lauro are both running again this time. Like Larry, Rhett has run on both the Democratic and Republican banner. Some would call that an identity crisis. Lauro certainly doesn't know when to quit. It is rumored he has been at odds with the criminal justice system at least once in the past. Andy too has run before but not near as often as Larry and the other regulars, and the long list of Democratic perennials. Andy hasn't achieved perennial status so far. On the Republican side of the coin you have Chris Milam who expresses good social skills and offers a good resume for the job. Unfortunately it is not likely a Republican will win the Sheriff's race, despite his exemplary qualifications. It is only too true that the best qualified candidates do not always win. I have droned on too much this week. Let's save some of the good gossip until next week. Until then, that is the moderate view, I AM the Republicrat.   That is the moderate view, I am the Republicrat Plus!

Thanks for reading the new edition of South Texas Republicans.  We welcome your comments, complaints and suggestions.  Joe Solis, Founder and Director  (SolisJoe@sbcglobal.net)