Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN TEXAS -- Although a newcomer to the political scene I have immersed myself with the same intensity and professional standards applied during my career in business and volunteer endeavors. When considering candidates and issues my initial step is due diligence looking to primary sources for verification or repudiation of information found in the media internet and correspondence.
This has included personally interviewing candidates traveling to Washington DC for the RNC Redistricting Conference and consulting election law. We do not have the luxury of making political decisions or taking action based upon incorrect reports.
When confronted with disparaging accusations about Texas House Speaker Straus I was concerned as some of the sources are identified as leaders in the Texas Conservative community. For Ronald Reagans 11th Commandment forbidding Republican infighting to be violated indictments of serious offenses are certainly implied. To the contrary simply checking the public record clearly proves these seemingly objective allegations false. A few of the numerous fallacious attacks
- http://www.ethics.state.tx.us: Joe Straus in fact did not support Democrat candidates for the Texas House. He in fact did contribute over $1 Million to incumbent Republicans and those in open races allowing other funding sources to focus on unseating Democrats. He also financially supported Republican Party of Texas and other Conservative organizations.
- http://www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/79r/pdf/79rday69final.pdf#page=16 Look at vote 676 Rep. Straus voted for the amendment which actually strengthened prohibitions on doctors performing third trimester abortions and was endorsed by Kyleen Wright President Texans for Life.
- http://www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/79r/pdf/79rday81final.pdf#page=11 The 2005 General Appropriations Act passed under Speaker Craddick. As a freshman legislator Joe Straus played no substantive role in its development other than voting on final approval of the budget. Note: Speaker Candidate Warren Chisum as well as 140 other members including a 2/3 majority of Republican members also voted for this bill. Governor Perry signed it.
Leading a State House with negligible Republican Majority first term Speaker Straus achieved
- Balanced budget including $1.6 billion reduction in general revenue spending the 2nd time this has happened in Texas since WW II;
- Tax cuts for 40000 small businesses subject to business margins tax;
- Set aside of $9.1 billion in Texas Rainy Day Fund.
Speaker Straus continues fiscally responsible efforts working with Governor Perry and Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst on spending cuts. With a near Super Majority Joe Straus is positioning for a staunch Conservative agenda including continued advocacy for Voter ID for which he voted in 2007 and placed on 2009 House Major State Calendar for floor vote prior to Democrats obstructionist chubbing" which killed it.
As Texas faces Reapportionment netting 4 Congressional Districts and Redistricting which will substantively influence electoral outcomes for the next decade we will be stridently challenged by the Obama Department of Justice. If Texas chooses the route of polarizing ideology in leadership and practice the 2011 Texas Maps will be in serious jeopardy from certain legal attacks by DOJ unions and extremist liberal organizations. Texas cannot afford to foolishly handle this vital task thus letting Courts determine our Maps.
It is imperative. Thinking Conservatives must look at the facts and the reality of our political horizon. Speaker Straus is well positioned to capitalize WITH the Republican Substantial Majority to limit government spending and taxation maximize electoral integrity with Voter ID and citizenship verification and secure fair electoral mapping for the next decade.
I ask you to stand as a voice of fact and reason rather than lies repeated so often they seem reality. While it is difficult to not ponder the motives of those initiating as well as manipulating the perpetuation of falsehoods among trusting Conservative communities focus on fact finding.
Truth is Joe Straus friend in judgment.
Susan Laue
- College Station Texas
- Presiding Election Judge Early Vote Ballot Board Signature Verification Brazos County
- Super Volunteer as described by Congressman Elect Bill Flores Texas CD 17
- Texas Liaison Lawyers Democracy Fund Redistricting Project Washington DC
- Delegate Texas Republican Convention
- Board Member Republican Women Brazos County
