Posted on 02/12/2004 2:51:16 PM PST by SwinneySwitch
Austin, TX- Today, the Young Conservatives of Texas announced its endorsements in the March 9th statewide primary races for which early voting begins on February 23.
YCT State Chairman David Rushing stated, "For Texas Supreme Court, Place 5, YCT is proud to once again endorse Republican Justice Steven Wayne Smith. A proven and principled conservative, Justice Smith initiated and won the Hopwood lawsuit that ended unconstitutional racial quotas and preferences at the University of Texas. On the Texas Supreme Court, Justice Smith has distinguished himself as a fine jurist who refuses to legislate from the bench."
Mark McCaig, YCT Communications Director, added, "Unlike his primary opponent, Justice Smith supports the right of voters to elect judges to the Texas Supreme Court. YCT has long opposed moving to an appointment system such as the one used in Massachusetts and other liberal states that often produces an unaccountable judiciary dominated by the liberal elite."
McCaig noted, "Justice Smith courageously went to court in 2002 to defend the right of the public to cast an informed judicial ballot. In a historic ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed with Justice Smith that judicial candidates should be allowed to share their judicial philosophy with voters. This victory has enabled Justice Smith to tell voters that he believes in the sanctity of human life, the right to own a gun, and that the Texas Constitution does not require the "Robin Hood" socialized school finance scheme."
In the race for Texas Railroad Commissioner, Rushing stated, "YCT is pleased to endorse Republican Victor Carrillo. As a geologist, attorney, and former Taylor County Judge, Carrillo brings a wealth of valuable experience to the Railroad Commission. Carrillo is a strong fiscal and social conservative and will continue to serve Texas with distinction on the Railroad Commission."
Finally, in the races for the Court of Criminal Appeals, YCT endorsed Republican incumbents Larry Meyers, Cheryl Johnson, and Mike Keasler.
Rushing concluded, "For more than twenty years, the YCT endorsements have served as a seal of approval for true conservatives seeking public office. We are honored to lend our support to a distinguished group of conservative leaders who will promote real conservative values in Texas government. In the next few days, we will release our endorsements in congressional, legislative, state board of education, and court of appeals races."
YCT only endorses in contested primary races. YCT members who work for elected officials do not participate in the endorsement decisions in their races.
The Young Conservatives of Texas, a non-partisan conservative youth organization, has been fighting for conservative values for more than two decades in the Lone Star State and publishes the most respected ratings of the Texas Legislature. In the past year, YCT's conservative student activism has been featured on Good Morning America, Nightline and CNN, and in The Washington Post and The New York Times.
YCT will hold its annual statewide convention Feb. 20-22 in Fort Worth, which will be attended by over 100 members, alumni, and conservative leaders. Speakers will include Congressman Joe Barton, Congressman Pete Sessions, and State Rep. Dan Flynn. For more information on the convention, please contact YCT Vice Chairman for Events Jon Gimble at (254) 498-7995.
YCT has chapters at Texas A&M University, West Texas A&M University, Baylor University, University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, University of Texas at Dallas, University of North Texas, Hardin-Simmons University, and Stephen F. Austin University.
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