Midland Reporter Telegram
Speaking to more than 150 at the Midland County Republican Womens meeting Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said hes running for the U.S. Senate with the hope he could help implement on the federal level some of the policies used in Texas.
If Texas was an island you couldnt move me out of this job with dynamite but its not Dewhurst said explaining his decision to enter the race for Kay Bailey Hutchisons seat.
If Washingtons policies more closely reflected those of Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said Wednesday the country would be in a lot better shape.
Dewhurst said during the meetings and town halls hes conducted hes hearing people agree with him. They want to see less government spending and a more stable regulatory climate.
Everywhere I go businesses are sitting on cash he said. Theyre scared to death.
He said Obama is continuing to talk about new taxes new regulations and the potential of additional creatures being added to the endangered species list which does nothing to stimulate the economy.
He wants America to look like one of the Western European socialized countries he said. Im not a shouter but Im mad. This is ridiculous.
Having worked with the state Senate during 2002 when there was a $10 billion deficit and during 2011 when the shortfall was more than $20 billion Dewhurst said hes prepared to make the difficult decisions.
When the Legislature started to cut spending in 2002
Dewhurst said many were talking about adding a state income tax to solve the problem. However he said
lawmakers were able to balance budgets without new taxes which is what hed like to see in Washington.
I dont want to see America go the route of Greece or Italy Dewhurst said.
Those who disagree with the cuts under Dewhursts leadership in Texas say education and health care cuts were too excessive.
On the state level Dewhurst said hes been focused on his role as lieutenant governor and for the past 10 weeks as the sitting governor.
Since the end of the Legislative session hes charged the interim committees to work on water plans that could involve conservation initiatives and supply issues.
How do we handle this better in the future? he said.
In the coming months Dewhurst said hell also be appearing in debates with other Senate candidates as well as continuing to campaign. Former Solicitor General Ted Cruz and former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert are among the candidates.
We need the very best people we can get to take up this battle and go to Washington Dewhurst said.
Rhonda Lacy who was inducted Wednesday as the 2012 president of the Midland County Republican Women said whether in Congress or the office of president the coming year will mark one of the more important ones when it comes to elections.
She charged those at the meeting to get involved and to back Republican candidates even if they might not agree with them on every point.
All of our Republican candidates are much better than the alternative and we need to unify behind them Lacy said.
Kathleen Thurber can be reached at kthurber@mrt.com.
