Taxpayer Group Announces Endorsements

AUSTIN Texas – The Empower Texans PAC today released its list of endorsements in the 2008 primary season. All of the candidates were endorsed for their commitment to tax relief limiting the growth of government and reforming the property tax appraisal process.

The Empower Texans PAC is the state general political action committee of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility and EmpowerTexans.com.

The PAC’s treasurer Michael Quinn Sullivan said the endorsements included the 25 taxpayer “Heroes & Champions” identified by TFR’s Fiscal Responsibility Index and 11 candidates who are either challenging incumbents or are in open-seat districts. The endorsements are for the primary election only.

“Each of these candidates has expressed a firm commitment to protect Texas’ taxpayers and pursue policies that will empower all Texans” said Sullivan. “We’re pleased to offer them our endorsement.”

The PAC will be engaged in each of the races.

“Texas’ taxpayers and fiscal conservatives are eager for legislative leadership focused on tax relief budget reform and spending limitations” he added.

Sullivan said the organization was purposeful in deciding the endorsements and will be equally so in determining levels of support to be offered. He said the endorsements were based on incumbent voting records and the questionnaires all candidates were sent in December and January.

The PAC will make additional endorsements and re-consider endorsements made for the primaries in the months leading up to the general election.

Incumbents: The TFR Heroes & Champions
State Rep. Leo Berman of Tyler
State Rep. Wayne Christian of Center
State Rep. Joe Crabb of Kingwood *
State Rep. Gary Elkins of Houston
State Rep. Dan Flynn of Van
State Rep. Bryan Hughes of Mineola
State Rep. Carl Isett of Lubbock
State Rep. Jim Jackson of Carrollton
State Rep. Jodie Laubenberg of Parker
State Rep. Nathan Macias of Bulverde  *
State Rep. Sid Miller of Stephenville
State Rep. Ken Paxton of McKinney
State Rep. Debbie Riddle of Houston
State Rep. John Smithee of Amarillo
State Rep. Bill Zedler of Arlington *
State Rep. Betty Brown of Terrell *
State Rep. Rob Eissler of The Woodlands
State Rep. Charlie Howard of Sugar Land *
State Rep. Bill Callegari of Katy
State Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale of Houston *
State Rep. Linda Harper-Brown of Irving
State Rep. Brandon Creighton of Conroe
State Rep. Larry Taylor of Friendswood
State Rep. Phil King of Weatherford *
State Rep. Tan Parker of Flower Mound
* Has a challenger in the primary.

Challengers
Joe Hnatek (HD83) in Lubbock against Delwin Jones in the Republican Primary
Tom Annuziato (HD99) in Fort Worth against Charlie Geren in the Republican Primary

Open Seats Primaries
Leonard Surratt (HD20) in Williamson County – Democratic Primary
Randy Weber (HD29) in Brazoria County – Republican Primary
Bryan Daniel (HD52) in Williamson County – Republican Primary
Michael Pearce (HD55) in Temple – Republican Primary
Mark Shelton (HD97) in Fort Worth – Republican Primary
Randall Dunning (HD112) in Garland – Republican Primary
Joe Agris (HD134) in Houston – Republican Primary
Ken Legler (HD144) in Houston – Republican Primary
Elias De La Garza (HD145) in Houston – Democratic Primary