YCT Releases Endorsements in Republican Primary

Young Conservatives of Texas ^ | February 25, 2004 | David Rushing

[anymouse]

Austin, TX - The Young Conservatives of Texas announces its endorsements in the March 9th Republican primary for which early voting continues until March 5. The full list of our endorsements in contested primary races is below, followed by comments on selected candidates and links to lists of early voting locations in Texas' largest counties:

YCT 2004 REPUBLICAN PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS

STATEWIDE

Supreme Court, Place 5: Justice Steven Wayne Smith

Railroad Commission: Victor Carrillo

Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2: Judge Larry Meyers

Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5: Judge Cheryl Johnson

Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 6: Judge Mike Keasler

CONGRESS

District 1: Wayne Christian

District 2: Clint Moore

District 3: Sam Johnson

District 4: Ralph Hall

District 7: John Culberson

District 9: No Endorsement

District 10: Michael McCaul

District 11: Bill Lester

District 17: Arlene Wohlgemuth

District 24: Kenny Marchant

District 25: Rebecca Armendariz-Klein

District 31: John Carter

STATE SENATE

District 31: Kel Seliger

STATE HOUSE

District 1: Mark Graves

District 3: Jeff Cunningham

District 7: Dave Alford

District 9: Roy Blake

District 12: No Endorsement

District 16: Monte Lane

District 17: Jay Yates

District 28: No Endorsement

District 35: Eric Opiela

District 45: Alan Askew

District 50: No Endorsement

District 53: Harvey Hilderbran

District 56: Charles "Doc" Anderson

District 58: Sam Walls

District 71: Bob Hunter

District 78: No Endorsement

District 81: Jason Moore

District 93: No Endorsement

District 96: Bill Zedler

District.132: Bill Callegari

District 133: Joe Nixon

District 137: Ann Witt

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

District 6: Terri Leo (Houston and surrounding areas)

District 8: Barbara Cargill (Longview and surrounding areas)

District 14: Gail Lowe (Waco and surrounding areas)

SELECTED TEXAS COURTS OF APPEALS*

*YCT endorses in those courts of appeals races in which we are able to gather sufficient information about the candidates.

Fmr. Judge Ernest Garcia, 3rd Court of Appeals, Place 4 (Austin, San Angelo, Temple)

Justice Bob Pemberton, 3rd Court of Appeals, Place 6 (Austin, San Angelo, Temple)

Justice Felipe Reyna, 10th Court of Appeals, Place 3 (Waco and surrounding areas)

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YCT State Chairman David Rushing stated, "For Texas Supreme Court, YCT is proud to once again endorse incumbent Republican Justice Steven Wayne Smith . A proven and principled conservative, Justice Smith initiated and won the Hopwood lawsuit that ended unconstitutional racial quotas in admissions 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 because it produces an unaccountable, and often liberal, judiciary."

McCaig noted, "Justice Smith supports traditional marriage and the right of individual Texans to own a gun. He is committed to strictly enforcing the parental notification law. Last year, Justice Smith ruled that the Texas Constitution does NOT require the 'Robin Hood' property tax redistribution 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."

McCaig said, "In Congressional District 1, we were faced with a very difficult decision between several capable candidates. While both Justice Louis Gohmert and John Graves are impressive, we endorse State Rep. Wayne Christian because of his exceptional track record of advancing the conservative cause. During the last legislative session, Rep. Christian received the highest YCT rating of any legislator and his career rating of 94% places him among the top five legislators on our Historical Honor Roll."

In Congressional District 17, YCT is pleased to endorse State Rep. Arlene Wohlgemuth . Rushing commented, "Rep. Wohlgemuth has been the leading conservative voice in Austin when it comes to reducing wasteful spending on social programs. With the federal deficit ballooning, Texas needs Rep. Wohlgemuth in Congress to help bring fiscal sanity to the federal government. Wohlgemuth will also stand up for the Second Amendment, fight illegal immigration, and work to protect human life."

In Congressional District 11, YCT endorses conservative Professor Bill Lester . McCaig observed, "Dr. Bill Lester is the clear conservative choice. Lester supports a strong national defense, parental choice in education, the right to life, lower taxes, the repeal of extreme environmental regulations that hamper domestic energy production, and President Bush's plan for private investment accounts for young workers as an alternative to the failing Social Security system."

Rushing stated, "We are pleased to endorse former Amarillo Mayor Kel Seliger for re-election to the State Senate in District 31. A longtime leader in civic and charitable causes, Seliger supports reducing taxes, imposing the death penalty on convicted murderers, and keeping the concealed handgun law. He opposes a state income tax and homosexual marriage. YCT has been a pro-life organization for over two decades and we are confident that Seliger will fight to protect unborn children."

YCT endorsed challenger Jason Moore in House District 81. Rushing stated, "We are pleased to endorse Jason Moore. He is challenging Rep. Buddy West, who scored only 65 in YCT's 2003 Legislative Ratings. Moore will oppose a state income tax and wasteful spending, bringing the new conservative leadership Odessa needs to the Texas House."

In the race for State Board of Education in Houston's District 6, YCT is pleased to endorse Terri Leo . McCaig commented, "Terri Leo is a shining light for conservatives throughout the state. Like Gail Lowe, who we are also endorsing, Leo has worked to correct textbooks containing errors that negatively misrepresent American history and substitute environmental alarmism for sound science."

YCT has also endorsed candidates in selected court of appeals races. Rushing stated, "We are delighted to endorse former judge and accomplished attorney Ernest Garcia for the 3rd Court of Appeals based in Austin. Garcia is a highly principled conservative who will never legislate from the bench."

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."

Voters who are not sure which district they live in can visit the Vote-Smart website and enter their nine digit zip code to find out who represents them at all levels of government. This site also features biographical data, voting records, and ratings of elected officials by YCT and other groups, as well as information on candidates.

YCT endorsements reflect a consensus of the organization. This year, over 30 YCT members participated in our endorsements process, interviewing candidates at locations throughout the state, reviewing candidates' answers to our detailed questionnaire on policy issues, and deliberating for many hours to make informed choices.

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 Fox News, and in The Washington Post and The New York Times.

YCT held its annual statewide convention Feb. 20-22 in Fort Worth, which was attended by over 100 members, alumni, and conservative leaders. Speakers included Congressman Joe Barton, Congressman Pete Sessions, and State Senator Dr. Bob Deuell.

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, Tarrant County Community College, Hardin-Simmons University, and Stephen F. Austin University.

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EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS IN TEXAS' LARGEST COUNTIES

Harris County

County Website (PDF) http://www.harrisvotes.org/docs/earlyvotingposterenglishrevised.pdf

Houston Chronicle (HTML) http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2415263

Dallas County http://www.dalcoelections.org/march92004/earlyvoting.htm

Bexar County and Surrounding Counties http://news.mysanantonio.com/global-includes/printStory.cfm?xla='saen'&xlb=400&xlc=1130799

Tarrant County

List of Locations (PDF) http://www.tarrantcounty.com/elections/lib/elections/ev/schedprim_04.pdf

Map of Locations (PDF) http://www.tarrantcounty.com/elections/lib/elections/ev/392004/evprimarymap2004.pdf

Travis County http://www.co.travis.tx.us/county_clerk/election/20040309/early.asp

Williamson County http://www.wilco.org/electinfo5.htm

Collin County http://www.co.collin.tx.us/elections/election_information/EarlyVotingCalendarWithLocations030904.html

Fort Bend County http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/county_services/elections/early_voting_schedule.cfm

Montgomery County http://www.co.montgomery.tx.us/election/EVpri2004.shtml

Denton County http://elections.dentoncounty.com/go.asp?Parent=678&Link=679

Lubbock County (PDF) http://www.lubbockgop.org/EarlyVotingSchedule2004.PDF

Midland County http://www.co.midland.tx.us/elections/history/20040309/EarlyVoting.asp

El Paso County http://www.co.el-paso.tx.us/elections/2004-03-09/earlyvoting.htm

Hidalgo County http://www.valleyrepublicans.com/Election_Information.htm

Galveston County (PDF) http://www.co.galveston.tx.us/County_Clerk/documents/early_vote_locations.PDF

McLennan County http://www.co.mclennan.tx.us/elections/392004primary.html

Potter County http://www.co.potter.tx.us/countyclerk/_private/evoting_runoff_special_04.htm

Bell County http://www.bellcountytx.com/election/

Nueces County (PDF) http://www.co.nueces.tx.us/countyclerk/elections/early_vote_calendar.pdf

Ector County http://www.co.ector.tx.us/annex/elections/EARLY%20VOTING%20SCHEDULE%20for%203-9-04.htm

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Please email any questions or comments to YgTxConservative@netscape.net or call YCT State Chairman David Rushing at (713) 408-3606.

We encourage you to forward this message to your friends and family.

[anymouse]

Please post other endorsement lists so we can compare.

[anymouse]

Texas FReeper election ping.

[EternalVigilance]

Here are some of Dr. Bill Lester's endorsements:

Young Conservatives of Texas
The Club for Growth
Texas Farm Bureau Ag Fund
ProLife Midland
Texas Homeschool Coalition PAC
Dr. Alan Keyes
Faith, Family and Freedom PAC
Life and Liberty PAC
Life and Liberty Coalition
Patriot PAC
Former State Representative Bob Turner
Tim Lambert, Texas GOP National Committeeman

District 11 has a shot at having one of the best conservative congressmen in the country.

http://lester2004

[EternalVigilance]

I've met Jason Moore, who is taking on a RINO incumbent state rep in Odessa.

I'm VERY impressed with him.

Solid, solid conservative young man. He has a very smart and supportive wife, too, which don't hurt. ;-)

[anymouse]

Yes, Jason is a good guy. He is currently State Chairman of the Texas Young Republicans.

[Flyer]

*Election PING!*

As always, a FReep mail will get you on or off this Houston topics ping list.

[MeekOneGOP]

[SwinneySwitch]

Free Market Foundation Voter's Guide.

http://www.freemarket.org/portal/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=80&op=page&SubMenu=

[EternalVigilance]

LOL...I should have known that!

My ignorance is showing...

;-)

I hope and pray that he wins. I'll be spending ALOT of time in the next week in that district, and will certainly do all I can.

[EternalVigilance]

We've said all along that Mike Conaway's claim that he is a 'proven conservative' was bogus.

His answers to the Free Market Foundation's questionaire answers surely show that.

Thanks for sharing it.

[SwinneySwitch]

Texas Christian Coalition Voter Guides.

http://www.texascc.org/vg04counties.htm

[EternalVigilance]

Either Conaway lied on the Christian Coalition questionaire or something.

They let him off the hook on the abortion question, claiming that he is pro-life with the exception of the life of the mother, but that is absolutely untrue.

He makes a leftwing RAT 'health of the mother' exception, in fact.

At least they pinned him him down on his support for amnesty for illegals.

Sometimes Christian Coalition really pisses me off. Talk about an utter failure of supposedly conservative leadership.

And if Conaway wins, the whole country gets stuck with this RINO for ten to twenty years.

[GeronL]

I don't care who they endorse, when they choose Ralph Hall they lost me.

[writmeister]

YCT lost me when they endorsed Cheryl Johnson for reelection -- unless, of course, YTC thinks that criminal defendants do not have enough rights and unless YTC opposes capital punishment.

My suspicion is that noone at YCT has ever practiced criminal appellate law and simply chose to endorse incumbents without any thought. Of the three judges YTC endorsed, only Keasler is actually a conservative.

[COEXERJ145]

I still can't decide who to vote for in the primary to be the Republican nominee in U.S. House District 17. There are three Republicans running for the right to face Chet Edwards this November. I don't want to pick someone using the "Anyone But Chet Edwards" mentality and send a RINO to Congress. On the other hand, I don't want to pick someone who doesn't stand a chance against Edwards.

No matter who the nominee is, they're going to have a very hard time defeating Edwards. Too many older people see him as a "conservative Democrat" and will vote for him even though they're Republicans or conservative Independents. The Democrats in my area are happy as can be because they're confident they'll soon have a Rat representing us in the House instead of a Republican.

[Gracey]

YCT shocked me also.
Comments from the DA of Williamson County, Texas:

I frequently get asked about the candidates for the Court of Criminal Appeals. That court is the final appeal in Texas for criminal cases, including death penalty cases. As a young lawyer, I worked on the staff of that court and came to understand that many people are unaware of its existence and importance in criminal law. I strongly recommend the following persons in the Republican primary:

Lawrence "Larry" Meyers (Place 2)
Patricia Noble (Place 5)
Michael E. Keasler (Place 6)

Here is a little more on Noble:


"Make The Noble Choice"

Why should you vote for me? Because my opponent's voting pattern is described in the Texas Lawyer, as "frequently ruling for defendants." (See Texas Lawyer, August 25, 2003). The article is titled "Prosecutors Suffer Setbacks". My experience and my expertise set me apart from this pattern and make me the best choice for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 5.

Read the rest here: http://www.nobleforjudge.com/

Patricia Noble is currently an Assistant District Attorney for Dallas County and has been practicing criminal appellate law in that office for eighteen (18) years. Highly qualified and dedicated to her profession, Noble has had more than 25 published cases out of the Court of Criminal Appeals. Among those cases are many in which Noble successfully argued that prior law, which had resulted in convictions being overturned, should be changed to achieve fairness in criminal trials and appeals throughout the state, as the following results demonstrate:

. Allow courts to uphold convictions of pedophiles who have attempted to commit sex offenses against children they have met via the internet, in cases where undercover officers have posed as those children. -Chen v State, 42 S.W.3d 926 (Tex. Crim. App. 2001)

. Allow courts to uphold convictions despite technical defects in alleging offenses which were not objected to before the trial began, and in amending the instruments which allege offenses. -Studer v. State, 799 S.W. 2d 263 (Tex. Crim. App. 1990); Riney v. State, 28 S.W.3d 561 (Tex. Crim. App. 2000

. Allow courts to uphold convictions based, in part, on evidence of the defendant's prior bad conduct which had been admitted to help establish proof of the offense by now requiring a defendant to make specific objections and show how the evidence has an unfair effect, if any.
-Montgomery v. State, 810 S.W. 2d 372 (Tex. Crim. App. 1991)

Education

Patricia Noble earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern California College, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and Woman of the Year in 1969. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from The American University in Washington D.C. in 1982, the same year she chose to move to Texas.

[Gracey]

What's your issue with Ralph Hall. He's more conservative than many Republicans. I'd be highly upset if the didn't support Ralph Hall, a very decent man, who helped impeach President Clintoon.

[BUSHdude2000]

YCT's endorsements are a fraud. In state house 137 they picked a 63 year old nut case instead of a person in his late 20's who is extremely conservative. The young conservative also attended their sham interviews which the 63 year old candidate felt she was too good for, so she skipped it. With the exception of about 3 races, I will be voting the other way.

[GOPcapitalist]

I heard that they let some extremely naive and incompetent members at UH (3-4 girls they recruited recently) cast the deciding votes on several Houston races. They also picked Clint Moore in the District 2 race. Clint's conservative but he's also a long shot perrenial applicant who declares his intention of running or applying for every single office under the sun - RR commissioner, national committeeman, department of the interior, state rep, and now congress. The only real choice in that race is Ted Poe and I advocated him to the YCT board in my own recommendations...but those same stupid girls at UH decided to put more faith in the HOUSTON PRESS because it had an anonymous story (and one planted by Blakemore at that) alleging that Poe had an extramarital affair.

They also seem a bit too enthusiastic to back McCaul in District 10. I know he's probably the least bad of the frontrunners there but the guy is a career bureaucrat and is NOT something that generally gets me excited when looking for a congressman. If they wanted to back the true most conservative candidate in that race they should have endorsed Pat Elliot, or otherwise endorsed McCaul with less of the enthusiasm. Also, I don't know why they endorsed Johnson on the Court of Criminal Appeals.