Texans for Honorable Leadership

Official 2010 Gubernatorial Endorsement.

2010-02-15T18:24:00.000-08:00

Well, without any further fanfare, Texans for Honorable Leadership is hereby endorsing Rick Perry for Governor of the Great State of Texas. Granted, this is not the strongest of endorsements, since Perry has had his share of screwups. But, why is he being endorsed? Simple--there are two reasons. First, because through the economic crisis that has swept the country, Texas has maintained one of the strongest economies, and lowest unemployment rate, and I think at least some of the credit should go to our Governor. The main reason is that there simply is no one else whom I can support. Larry Kilgore is a joke. Debra Medina supported Ron Paul, which in my mind makes her a joke as well. Kay Bailey Hutchinson claims to be a fiscal conservative, even though she voted for the 700 billion dollar bailout. She is also pro-choice (don't believe me? Go here), and I absolutely refuse to support a pro-choice candidate under any circumstances. So, in light of the other options, vote for Rick Perry for Governor!

Interview with Larry Kilgore

2009-08-12T19:44:00.002-07:00

Q: I have read some on Wikipedia about you, but it was pretty limited, so tell me about
yourself. Schooling (primary and secondary)? School age programs and awards? Family? Career?

A: I was born and raised in Amarillo Texas across the street from Mesa Verde Elementary School where I attended school in the first grade. Due to the United States government forced busing program, I attended Robert E Lee Elementary three miles away during second through sixth grade. I attended Travis Junior High, Palo Duro High and Amarillo College. I was very involved in the Royal Ambassadors Program at First Baptist Church. I was employed at Sutphen's BBQ, Peking Chinese Restaurant and McKenzie's Interior Design.

At age nineteen I enlisted in the United States Air Force. After completing basic training, I attended electronics school at Keesler AFB. I served in Lajes Field, Portugal and Cheyenne Mountain NORAD. While at NORAD I volunteered to wear a key to participate in the launch of nuclear weapons if so ordered. After serving in the Air Force as a NCO, I started a career in wireless communications.

In 1989 I married my virtuous wife, Valerie. We have three teenage children. My 17 year old daughter and 15 year old son have graduated from home school and my 13 year old son is participating in athletics in government (public) school.

Q: You got 150,000 votes last election (in round numbers), how did you do it? How big was your campaign? Are you trying to replicate the "magic"?
A: Actually I received 226,649 votes in the 2008 Republican Primary. Money raised totaled 0.03% of what the opponent received. However, votes received totaled 18.5% of what the opponent received. The reason there was such a large vote percentage for myself without the advantage of large donations was due to Texans' desire for freedom via secession. And secession is still my main issue.

Q: Against Rick Perry raising $4 million in just 9 days, do you think you are a good enough fundraiser to compete?

A: Perry or Hutchison will win the fund raising war. However elections are won by votes and not by money.

Q: Do any "big name" Texans support you?

A: One thing I like about social networks is the ability to quickly identify supporters. And all of them are important, even the "small name" people.

Q: Texas Secession--why?

A: Washington continues to ignore the 10th amendment and Texas is not in a suicide pact with the US government. Until Texas independence, Washington's mandates on transportation, education, housing, health care and family issues will continue. Texas GOP Platform page 8 and 20: "We support state sovereignty reserved under the Tenth Amendment and oppose mandates beyond the scope of federal authority. We support downsizing of the federal government in order to re-establish states’ rights."

Q: Do you really consider the state to be a slave to the US?

A: Yes. 76% of the Texas budget is education, health & human services. And we receive federal funds for these programs only if we obey their mandates. Texas government has been overruled by US on the issues of alcohol, drugs, abortion, adultery, marriage, sodomy, death penalty, education, housing, employment, etc. Texans currently have no jurisdiction on Security, Immigration or Trade Agreements. Texans are forced to participate in Social Security & Medicare. Yes, Texans are slaves to the US government.

Q: Would the US really let its second largest state just leave?

A: The USSR peaceably separated and the USA can accomplish the same feat. The US Congress will need to work on a separation plan so the US government will be prepared to fairly and equitably divide assets & liabilities with states that request independence.

Q: Besides Texas Secession, what sets you apart from the other candidates?

A: Secession is so huge an issue that all others pale in comparison. I have not heard the other candidates speak about issues involved in running a new country with a new constitution.

Q: Perhaps I should rephrase that. Besides secession, what are your "pet peeves"?

A: Unlike my opponents I actually have a plan that will allow local communities to make decisions for themselves on the issues of Education, Health Care, Criminal Justice, retirement, etc. The other candidates may want to do something about these issue, but I am the only one offering a viable solution.

Q: What do you think of the other candidates (Perry, Medina, Hutchinson)?

A: Any of the candidates mentioned would probably do a wonderful job leading the nation of Texas via the parameters provided in the new Texas constitution. However, unless they pursue secession they will just become a slave governor reporting to their US masters.

Q: Do you honestly think you can win, or are you just trying to pull the discussion your way?

A: 2006 was Goliad. 2008 was the Alamo. 2010 is San Jacinto.

Q: If someone wanted to donate money or volunteer for your campaign, how would he/she go about it?

A: To volunteer or donate please visit www.larrykilgore.com or email info@larrykilgore.com or call 817-453-5744.

Heads-up

2009-08-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

I am just giving all of y'all a heads up, keep watching the blog--in the next couple of days, I will be posting an interview that I was able to conduct with Larry Kilgore (candidate for Texas governor).

Minor(ish) Candidates for Governor

2009-07-09T01:33:00.000-07:00

Debra Medina:
I must admit, I had never heard of Debra Medina until someone commented on a post of mine, and told me to check her out. So, I did. Unfortunately, I could not find out too much about her, but what I did was this. She is from Beeville Texas, with two children. Her education includes a Nursing Degree from Baptist Memorial Hospital System, and a Bachelor of Science and Business Management from Le Tourneau University. Apparently she is currently the President/CEO of Prudentia, a medical claims management firm. She is the chairwoman of the Wharton County Republican Party. As far as I can tell, she has never held office. Reading the "issues" section of her website, she sounds like pretty typical Republican fare. That is until I read two things, first she wants Texans to use ballot initiative to force Republican candidates to support, or at least not harm, the Republican platform. The second is that she was the state director for Ron Paul's Campaign for Liberty. Now, I have this thing against Ron Paul since he and his supporters usually come across as moonbats. And before the election, I would have supported the ballot initiative idea, but I saw that the Democrats have a winning idea with allowing people to adjust to their districts, to be able to take the other party's turf. So, that is two strikes against her, in my book. However, it is still to far away from the election to pass judgement, so I will wait, and learn more about her before I decide who I am gonna support.

Larry Kilgore:
You can sum Larry Kilgore up in two words: Texas Seccession. I do believe that is enough to say about him, but I will give you his background regardless. He is from Amarrillo. He served in the USAF from 1984-88. He has run for a variety of offices, from congress (in CO) to US Senate against John Cornyn, but has never won. Here is a complete list:

Colorado Republican Primary HD40 1994
Colorado Republican Primary HD40 1996
Colorado Constitution Party General Election HD40 1998
Texas Republican Primary HD93 2004
Texas Republican Primary Governor 2006
Texas Republican Primary US Senate 2008
Texas Republican Primary Governor 2010

It is not to early to make a call about Kilgore: no. While I respect that he is very religious, seccession is absolutely the wrong course of action to take, at the moment.

Kinky Friedman
How could it be a race for Gov without him? Well, he is running again, this time around trying to get the Democratic nomination. Kinky was born in 1944, and was a singer/comedian, as well as a novelist, and a columnist for Texas Monthly. He gained notoriety for his 2006 campaign for Governor, featuring the themes of "How Hard Could It Be?" and "Why The Hell Not?" He gained 12.6% of the vote, to come in fourth. He has also run (1986) for Justice of the Peace in Kerrville, but, predictably, lost. As I said, he will be running as a Democrat, which is good, since many of his ideas are more towards the Democratic side. He is pro-choice, anti-death penalty, and pro-gay marriage. And being a joke, he should be a perfect fit over there.

KBH-1 Perry-0

2009-07-08T02:45:00.001-07:00

Well, as I mentioned yesterday, Perry suddenly reversed his much ballyhooed position on not taking any stimulus money. To be fair to both campaigns, I asked both KBH, and Rick Perry, for a statement on this development. In six minutes flat I had a response from KBH's people. As of yet, I have not heard from Perry's people. I daresay if the rest of the campaign is run like her blog contact people, this race is gonnna be no contest. Anyhow, the campaign sent me a link to a video they made. They also sent this statement: "Rick Perry must get confused keeping all of his hypocrisy straight. Yesterday he spoke by phone and practically begged Vice President Biden for the same stimulus dollars he pretended to blast over the weekend at the TEA Parties. This is yet another reminder that all you get with Rick Perry is politics."
So, if Gov. Rick ever responds, I will be sure to bring it to you. And "if" is the operative word in that sentence.

Perry Bailout Drama

2009-07-07T10:52:00.001-07:00

Perry has changed his mind about accepting the bailout money, even asking VP Biden when we are getting it. Waiting on comments by the campaigns...

Dan Patrick for Gov?

2009-07-03T15:01:00.001-07:00

Well, I found this petition slightly humorous. It asks Dan Patrick to run for Governor of Texas. Stated goal was 100,000 signatures, whereas actual received signatures was...11. Perhaps all the rumors about Patrick running are a little overgrown?

Empty Holster Solidarity

2009-03-29T21:09:00.001-07:00

Well folks, I have been gone from writing for a while, due to an incredibly hectic school schedule. However, I thought I should pass along this little tidbit. The Texas Legislature is having a bill (HB 1893; SB 1164) that would allow people with a concealed carry permit to carry on a college campus. We have seen what happens when guns are not allowed (Virginia Tech) and we have seen armed classrooms remain safe (Israel, Thailand, and Utah, law school shooting a few years ago). So, I think in solidarity, not protest, all students should carry an empty holster on campus while the bill is being debated.

Corrupt Democrats

2009-01-23T20:56:00.000-08:00

Well, I have told all my friends that I was going to give Obama a chance, going in with an open mind to see how he would do. Well, it took him just three days to tick me off. What did he do? I am glad you asked. He removed the rule that would prevent US tax dollars from being used to fund international abortions. Next up on the list, after his claims that he was going to be this new, transparent, ethical administration, Obama is already bending the rules to allow a lobbyist to serve as Deputy Secretary of Defense. So, everyone says that the first 100 hours are critical to setting the tone for the rest of the administration. Is this what I have to look forward to for the next 8 years? Talking a good talk, and then undoing what you just did less than 2 days? This is not good for our country. On this note, the only media that has gotten an interview with him since he became President was the company (ABC) that spent millions hosting a ball for him. This has created what some reporters are calling a "Pay to play system." Oh, and the Feds are raiding a contractor that Democrat Jack Murtha steered more than $100,000,000 to. Can anyone say corruption?
In other news, Bobby Jindal is not doing much to clamp down on the rumors of a Presidential run when he is getting the top speaking slot for the NRCC, a spot usually taken by former President Bush.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T11:59:00.001-08:00

Well, every year we have a time set aside where we leave the politics behind, spend time with our families, and remember the Reason for the Season, that is the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. So, with that note, I will wish you a blessed holiday, and resume the political bickering after the holidays are over.

Texas Governor's Race 2010 (Continuation)

2008-12-17T14:53:00.000-08:00

Well, I must admit something to you. I incorrectly predicted which race would be the really big one. I assumed that it would be for the Governor's Mansion, but I was wrong. The big race for 2010 (or a special election before that) is for Kay's Senate seat. Several of my main ideas for candidates have announced, or are discussing a run for her Senate seat (Michael Williams, Roger Williams, Greg Abbot, David Dewhurst, Bill White, etc). So, this post will conclude my analysis of the Governor's Race. I will soon start analyzing the Senate race.

Kay Bailey Hutchinson

Kay Bailey Hutchinson. Everyone has been talking about her. But who really knows who she is? Hutchinson was born on July 22^nd, 1943. She was raised in Texas City. She went to University of Texas, and got a Law degree. She was unable to get a job as a lawyer, and so she started working for a Houston news channel as a reporter. In 1972, she was elected to the State House, its first Republican woman. In 1990, she was elected to the office of State Treasurer. This was in a Republican year, which also swept Perry into office. Her big break came in 1993, when Lloyd Bentsen resigned his seat to become Secretary of the Treasury. In the election to finish his term, she won with 29%. In the runoff, she won 67% of the vote. Hutchinson cruised to easy victories every time she has run for re-election. In 2006, she became chairwoman of the Republican Conference, widely considered to be the number 3 position in the Republican leadership ladder. In 2008, she announced that she would not seek re-election to her leadership post, and that she would retire in 2010. On December 4^th, she formed an exploratory committee for a gubernatorial run in 2010.

Hutchinson is an extremely popular Republican who stands a good chance of defeating Perry. Perry really has only one issue that h can use. Kay Bailey Hutchinson is mildly pro-choice. This is unknown to most Republicans, and is a serious problem if they can be told that she is. She was a member of WISH List, which is the largest PAC for pro-choice Republican women. She has stated that she does not believe that abortion should be outlawed, and that Roe v. Wade was the correct decision by the Supreme Court. This is extremely alarming for me, as an ultra-conservative. I am extremely unhappy with Rick Perry, but I simply cannot support someone who is pro-choice. I will feel a little more sure about her if she resigns her seat. Soon.

Texas Governor's Race 2010

2008-12-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

2010 Texas Gubernatorial Candidates

With the election over, it is time to start looking at the future. I will start discussing the 2010 gubernatorial election. I will be discussing each candidate, posting my article on each, one at a time. I will order the article with the first part being a biography of the politician, and the second part being my analysis of their chances. One thing is for sure: this election is going to be a battle of heavy weights, and it will be played for keeps. At the time of this writing, it appears that at least three of our most powerful politicians will be running, leaving only one of them an office when this is over. This will also create some room for younger politicians to move up the political “food chain” into the vacant offices.

Rick Perry

Rick Perry was born on March 4^th 1950, near the family ranch in Paint Creek, Texas. He received his Eagle Scout, and then went to Texas A&M University to study Animal Science, hoping to become a veterinarian. Becoming a veterinarian didn’t pan out, but he did spend time as a yell leader at A&M, a coveted position. After school he spent five years piloting C-130s in the Air Force. In 1977 he returned to the family ranch to take up the family trade. In 1984, he won his first public office, as a state representative. He was elected as a Democrat. He remained a Democrat until 1989, when he was passed up for a leadership position, and then switched parties. In 1990, an up and coming political consultant named Karl Rove saw an empty suit where he could put hi talents to work. Perry became one of his creations, and ran for his first statewide office, winning a surprise victory for the position of Agriculture Commissioner against a popular incumbent. This was one of the first signs that the Democrats’ control of the state was starting to fade. In 1998, Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock announced that he was retiring, and Perry announced that he would run for the seat. Now, in many lesser states, the office of Lieutenant Governor is nothing more than an honorary, meaningless office. However, in Texas, the Lt. Governor is more powerful than the Governor, because no legislation can come to the Senate floor, and sub-sequentially be passes, without his personal approval. This puts him in an excellent bargaining position. He served in this office until 2000, when Governor George Bush resigned to become President. Perry survived his re-election, coasting to a 58%-40% victory even though he was outspent by more than 2 to 1. One of his more controversial issues was his role in forcing through the new redistricting plan that was masterminded by Tom Delay. He also pushed through a plan for a new superhighway from Dallas, through Austin, to the Mexican border. This was approved, but two years later, was stopped by the state legislature. The most controversial issue, was when he signed an executive order requiring all Texas teenage girls to receive the HPV vaccination. This made the conservative state incredibly angry, with the state legislature overturning his order with an almost unanimous vote. He won re-election in a 4 way race, with a 39% “majority”. This has caused his nickname of “Governor Goodhair” to be replaced with “39% Perry”. On December 21^st, he will become the longest serving governor in Texas history.

Perry has many problems with the conservative base of the Republican party, and must survive a definite nomination battle. However, he does have a few advantages. First, is that he has a fundraising advantage, with over insert number million dollars. Second, he is the sitting governor of the state which will cause many loyalists to vote for him. Third, he is 100% pro-life, which is in opposition to one of his primary opponents.

Kay Bailey froms exploratory committee

2008-12-04T21:06:00.000-08:00

Well, no surprise, but Kay Bailey Hutchinson has formed an exploratory committee to look into a possible gubernatorial run. So, everybody knew that she was going to do this, so the fight is now on. Personally, I am waiting to see if she resigns her Senate seat to prove that she really wants this job. If she does not, she may have a hard time convincing me to support her.

I'm Sorry

2008-12-01T19:59:00.001-08:00

I must apologize for the infrequency of my posting after the election. There are two reasons. First, I am in the middle of finals, and don't have a ton of spare time. The bigger reason is that I am just semi-depressed about the election outcome, and then Republican's hypocrisy over the auto bailout. However, it is time to start looking to the future, and I will start posting soon. Stay tuned for talk of the 2010 Texas political shakeup, and what the GOP should do nationally to revive their image.

Cornyn for President!

2008-11-08T08:11:00.001-08:00

Wow! In a couple of my last few posts, I mentioned "Cornyn '12". I had no idea that anyone else was echoing my sentiments until I read this (courtesy of the Houston Chronicle):
"[Running for Chairman of the NRSC] has prompted speculation that the senator [Cornyn] may establish a donor base that could position him for an eventual run for president."

This is incredibly exciting! This is just what the Republican Party needs to cure its woes. John Cornyn has the classic combination conservatism. He appeals to BOTH fiscal, and social conservatives (As opposed to McCain, Huck, Giuliani), he has no significant flip flops (Romney...), and sounds very intelligent in media interviews *cough* Palin*cough*.

Go Cornyn '12!

UPDATE: was reading the news and saw this. Popular governors don't go to Iowa right after an election when their candidate lost, without a very good reason. Looks like it is time to add another to the hunt, 4 years before the election...

John Conryn Releases New Website!

2008-09-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

On Monday, the John Cornyn campaign will release their newly redesigned website. This will be in conjunction with the release of several tv ads, that you will be able to view on the website. As a Blogger For Cornyn, I was granted access to the new site, and can assure you that it looks like it will be a much better thought out design from the original. If you have a blog and would like to become a Blogger For Cornyn, and have your blog added to the blogroll, then email: vincent@johncornyn.com with the name of your blog, and its URL.

McCain is rising in the polls

2008-09-06T13:06:00.001-07:00

McCain is only 2 points (on average) behind Obama! Just 4 days ago, he was behind by 7. John McCain also set a world record by having more people listen to a single political speech than any other time in American history. He had 4 million more people watching than did the Olympic Opening. The convention averaged having 4 million a night more than the Democratic Convention. And 10 million more than the average night of American Idol. So, John McCain is generating interest, which usually results in positive movement.

Obama Supporters Want $10 a Gallon Gas

2008-08-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Hey,
In this new video of protesters on Capitol Hill, Obama's supporters want $10 a gallon gas! Watch the video here.

Go GOP!

2008-08-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

Well my friends,
The House Republican Party is at it again: they are continuing their protest of the Democrat's refusal to deal with allowing the US to increase domestic oil production. The protest is having a one-sided debate on the unlit House floor. The protest started on Friday and had something of the flavor of a revival meeting. The protest will continue for an undetermined time. Finally I am proud of something the GOP is doing. If you support it, I would urge that you donate to the Congressional Campaign Committee at: https://www.nrcc.org/donate/default.asp?ID=3

Noriega's Buddies Welcome Obama To Houston

2008-07-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

Rick Noriega and his trial lawyer friends are rolling out the red carpet tonight for Barack Obama.

The AP reports Obama “heads to Houston for two high-dollar private fundraisers.”

One event host is mega-trial lawyer, and close confidante of Rick Noriega, Richard Mithoff who held a fundraiser for Noriega just last month.

Noriega is sure to be there, pledging his undying devotion to the most liberal member of the United States Senate.

Please click here now to donate to John Cornyn, a real representative of Texas values.

It will send a loud and clear message to Rick Noriega and all his deep-pocketed liberal buddies…Texas values are not for sale!

Obama is the latest national, big-money Democrat to embrace Rick Noriega.

Senator Chuck Schumer, head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said in a recent press release that Noriega “has a real shot this November.”

The man who refuses to allow a vote on giving Texans real relief at the pump, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said recently, “This is the year. Rick is the candidate to defeat John Cornyn and finally turn Texas back from Red to Blue once again.”

Noriega recently traveled to Washington D.C. to plead his case to big money Democrats to invest in his campaign.

He spent the next weekend hob knobbing with high dollar Democrat donors on Martha’s Vineyard.

Texans deserve a Senator that represents them and their values, not one beholden to east coast, elitist, ivy league liberals.

Click here to contribute to a real Texan who represents real Texas values…John Cornyn.

Texans need someone who is more concerned with lowering gas prices and reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil than they are with filling their campaign coffers.

John Cornyn is just that man. Please contribute $15, $25 or $50 now to make sure Texas values are represented in Washington.

17 Years Old=Second Class Citizen

2008-07-30T14:24:00.001-07:00

Memo to Senators Kay Baily Hutchinson, John Cornyn, Congressman Mike McCaul, and respective staff personnel (as well as all other interested parties):
I am fed up with being a second class citizen because I am not 18! Allow me explain: I must pay taxes, but I cannot vote (taxation without representation); I can earn money, but I can't invest said money; I can buy a book, but I can't sell a book; I can put money in a bank account, but I can't take it out; I can buy a cell phone, but can't get service for it; I am taxed, but I can't voluntarily contribute to a campaign; I could go on and on, but I will stop. And BTW all of this is because of either State or Federal Law. Either don't do things like tax me, or allow me to have the privileges of citizenship as well!

Noriega Flip-Flops on Energy

2008-07-24T08:03:00.001-07:00

Well my friends,
After months of saying that we cannot "drill our way out of this problem" of high gas prices by drilling offshore and in ANWR, Rick Noriega has flip-flopped. He has now stated that he IS in favor of drilling offshore, and that he would have to "Take another look" at drilling in ANWR. I guess his problem is just that he can't think of anything better than Cornyn can. Well, unless you count pulling all our military out of Iraq and then drilling there for our oil, which he advocated.

Noriega Releases Energy Plan--or Lack Of

2008-07-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

Rick Noriega has just released an ad on Youtube promoting his energy policy. You can watch the video here. What this ad boils down to is, Rick Noriega has NO energy policy. He spends almost the entire video attacking John Cornyn. Just as a note, he finds that he can only spend 38 seconds talking about this extremely important issue. Of course, he says how gas prices have risen $2.64 since John Cornyn took office, but I noticed that he does not mention that $1.72 (65%) of that amount has been in the last two years, coinciding with when Democrats took power. He also says that John Cornyn has opposed alternative energy, which is an outright lie. Rick Noriega opposes drilling in ANWR, opposes nuclear energy, opposes clean coal, opposes increased refineries. He is the one who opposes creative solutions to our energy crisis. You can watch Cornyn's videos on the issue here. I encourage you to watch all of Cornyn's videos. Who do you think will be the most capable to deal with our energy problems, Senator John Cornyn, or State Representative Rick "I can't figure this out" Noriega?

Does Rick Noriega Support Trial Lawyers Over National Security?

2008-07-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

AUSTIN, Texas—A bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate is set to pass legislation today to modernize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), allowing American intelligence professionals to gather critical additional information to detect and deter terrorists. Yet U.S. Senate candidate Rick Noriega opposes the measure, putting him far outside the mainstream and on the opposite side of most Texas Democrats in Congress.

Noriega objects to a provision in the FISA reform that prevents lawsuits against telecommunications companies that acted in good faith at the request of the administration and monitored potential terrorist communications. Thanks in part to disruption of terrorist planning, the U.S. has not suffered another domestic attack since Sept. 11, 2001.

“What is more important to Rep. Noriega—the safety of the American people, or his close relationship with trial lawyers?” asked Kevin McLaughlin, spokesman for U.S. Sen. John Cornyn’s re-election campaign. “There is only one group that would benefit from the vindictive, frivolous lawsuits that Noriega is trying to protect. That is the trial lawyers who would bring massive suits against companies attempting to act in the national interest.”

Noriega is a longtime, dependable recipient of trial lawyer campaign donations. And several recent fundraising receptions staged by his cash-starved campaign have been hosted by trial lawyers such as Fred Baron (Dallas), Richard Mithoff (Houston), Robert White (Odessa) and Clay Jenkins (Dallas).

Noriega has come up with inventive reasons to justify his trial lawyer-friendly position. For example, in a campaign video last week, he made the novel accusation that he opposes monitoring communications between terrorists because he suspects national security authorities eavesdropped on conversations he had with his wife!

“When we got on the computers to wake up our families on that Christmas Day, I suspect that the government probably listened in on my and Melissa’s conversation because it was communication between two countries,” Noriega said in the video.

Noriega apparently believes the National Security Agency (NSA) was eavesdropping on his conversation via the Terrorist Surveillance Program. It is a comment that, at best, reveals an unpardonable misunderstanding of the FISA program. At worst, it is a reckless charge levied in an attempt to mislead Texas voters. No mainstream news outlet has reported a similar charge made by any other serviceman. It appears Noriega is the only federal candidate, Republican or Democrat, to throw this wild idea into the political mix.

The FISA reform bill is the product of extensive bipartisan negotiations and is widely supported by a majority of Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate. “This legislation strengthens the ability of our intelligence agencies to conduct lawful surveillance of foreign targets,” said U.S. House Intelligence Committee Chairman U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-El Paso, last month.

In addition, U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., said that without these measures our intelligence will be “degraded.” The Director of National Intelligence said that if the bill is not approved, the U.S. would lack the necessary tools to intercept communications between foreign nationals.

Only four members of the 32-person Texas congressional delegation voted against FISA modernization. Among those joining Senator Cornyn in supporting this legislation include Reps. Chet Edwards, Henry Cuellar, Al Green, Gene Green, Nick Lampson, and Silvestre Reyes, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

In advocating the compromise, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn has cited an incident in Iraq last year that demonstrates need for FISA reform. Three U.S. troops were kidnapped in Iraq, south of Baghdad, by al Qaeda terrorists. The U.S. military immediately launched a search and rescue operation.

Within hours, a new source of information was discovered that required electronic surveillance of phone conversations. Then, a maze of complicated U.S. laws kicked in, stopping progress on the new lead for nearly 10 long hours. U.S. rescue efforts were complicated as government lawyers were forced to sort through a legal quagmire to develop “probable cause” for electronic surveillance. Read this New York Post story for more.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has continually urged Congress to pass FISA modernization legislation to make sure our intelligence professionals have the necessary tools to keep America safe.

Rick Norieaga's Energy Plan

2008-07-01T20:32:00.001-07:00

This week, Senator Cornyn’s opponent Rick Noriega finally announced a plan to deal with our nation’s soaring energy costs. After weeks of ambiguity on his ideas for a solution, Noriega finally admitted we need to start drilling – but only in Iraq!

As the Midland Reporter-Telegram reported: “Noriega said Tuesday that America should not try ‘to drill our way out of this problem’ of soaring gasoline prices but instead rely on Iraqi oil and alternative energy sources.” (Campbell, 6/25/08)

Yes, you read that right. Rick Noriega wants to increase our dependence on foreign energy sources. In explaining his “plan,” Noriega wants us to rely on a country that he claimed for a year is in a “civil war” and insisted that U.S. troops immediately withdraw from Iraq.

Despite the bizarre nature of Noriega’s strategy, it was not just a one-time thought. During three other campaign appearances in the Permian Basin, he repeated his desire to drill in Iraq – including at a press conference in Odessa and at a meeting with the Midland Democrats. The San Antonio Express-News stated that throughout the day “Noriega repeated his call for exploiting Iraq's oil.” (Ratcliffe, 6/27/08)

Of course, once the people of Texas heard about this bizarre and illogical “plan” and began to voice their strong opposition, Noriega tried to wiggle his way out of the comments by claiming he was joking. W. Gardner Selby reported in the Austin American-Statesman: “Noriega's campaign insisted Thursday that the candidate was kidding. Spokeswoman Holly Shulman said: ‘He was clearly joking.’” (Selby, 6/27/08)

So this troubling and unbelievable explanation on Noriega’s part begs the question: was Rick Noriega really making jokes about drilling in Iraq? Watch the video of one of the many times he discussed this plan. You be the judge.

Texas Governor's Race 2010 Part 1

2008-06-25T16:07:00.000-07:00

Texas Governor’s Race 2010

The race for Governor in 2010 has started to have almost as much speculation as the 2008 elections. I will discuss many of the possibilities. These fall onto two groups: announced, and potential candidates. I have split it into two groups to publish.

Announced Candidates

Rick Perry

Rick Perry is, at the time of this writing, the only announced candidate. Rick Perry is currently the longest serving Governor in Texas history. His candidacy for a third four-year term is unprecedented in Texas, in fact, he had to announce, after his official announcement, that he was indeed really running. He won his last general election victory with only thirty nine percent of the vote. Since he became Governor in December of 2000, he has become characterized as a RINO, Republican In Name Only. He did, in fact, only become a Republican in 1989 after being passed up by the Democrats for a leadership position in the Texas Legislature. He has served the state as a Texas Legislator (1984-90), Agricultural Commissioner (1990-98), Lieutenant Governor (1998-2000), and Governor (2000-Present). Quite a resume. He has hurt his support among conservatives with his support for the Trans-Texas Corridor, support for raising the business tax (to lower the property tax), and his Executive Order requiring all young ladies eleven and older to be immunized for HPV. The word on the street is that Perry, or as his opponents call him, Governor Good Hair, will not be re-nominated by the Republicans.

Non-Committal Possibilities

Kay Bailey Hutchinson

Kay Bailey Hutchinson is the senior Senator from Texas. She was first elected to the State House in 1972, where she served until 1976. After that, she served as State Treasurer from 1990-1993 (that office was dissolved in 1994). She was elected to the Senate in June 1993 where she is still serving. She has been making noises about running, however, there is a large chunk of conservatives who will not support her because she is mildly pro-choice. It is widely thought that she will be the Republican nominee, and since she won re-election with 62% of the vote, she would probably be elected.

John Cornyn

John Cornyn is the junior Senator from Texas. He has served as San Antonio District Judge (1984-90), Texas Supreme Court Justice (1990-97), Attorney General (1998-2002) and Senator (2002-Present). Unlike most of the people listed here, Cornyn has made absolutely no indication that he will run. He is, however, the dream candidate of the very large, very powerful, conservative faction of the Republican Party.

David Dewhurst

David Dewhurst is currently serving as Lt. Governor of Texas. He is widely thought to be considering a run. His main problem is that he has been seen as being to cozy with lobbyists. However, if he does not run he will most probably be forced to fight a fierce fight for re-nomination for Lt. Governor.

Dan Patrick

Dan Patrick is the State Senator from District 7, in Houston. Patrick is seen by many as the savior of the Republican conservatives. He owns two radio stations, one in Dallas, and one in Houston, so he is able to spread his message pretty easily. He has shown his political muscle in the defeat of his political enemy, Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale. This did anger many conservatives around the state. He has also opposed the attempt by popular Houston State Representative Charlie Howard to run for a State Senate seat. One of his supporters has put a fifty foot sign along I-10 urging a Draft Dan Patrick movement, an organization has also been founded for this purpose, however, it has never left the ground. Dan Patrick would be a very formidable candidate.

EDIT: I am aware that Google makes this the landing page when reading about the Texas Governor's Race. However this article is quite old. For your convenience, here are the links to newer summaries of the race.

Minor Candidates: http://texansforhonorableleadership.blogspot.com/2009/07/minorish-candidates-for-governor.html

KBH: http://texansforhonorableleadership.blogspot.com/2008/12/texas-governors-race-2010-continuation.html

Rick Perry: http://texansforhonorableleadership.blogspot.com/2008/12/texas-governors-race-2010.htmla

EDIT: For the official Texans for Honorable Leadership Endorsement, go here: http://texansforhonorableleadership.blogspot.com/2010/02/official-2010-gubernatorial-endorsement.html

Barak the Short Sighted

2008-06-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Well my readers,
The liberals in the country seem ready to crown Barak Obama King. So, I have decided to add the second part. You know, William the Conquerer, Philip the Bold, Charles the Confessor. So, after Obama's remarks about offshore drilling taking to long, I have decided to crown him Barak the Short Sighted. Honestly, does everything in life have to happen right now. Obama says that offshore drilling would not be fully online until 2030. Fine, hasn't he ever heard of setting things up for your children? Doing something that may not help you? I guess not, but I worry about the day when (If) King Barak is elected. All hail Barak the Short Sighted. (I hope not.)

The Voice of Texas

2008-05-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

An organization, The Voice of Texas, has been founded to draft Dan Patrick for Governor. This e-mail has been circulating from their founder, John Thompson:

I just wanted to introduce myself. I am John Thompson from The Woodlands. I am a local Republican and I am sick of how liberal our party is getting. To take matters in to my own hands I started [The Voice of Texas]. The purpose for this website is to draft Senator Dan Patrick to run for Governor of Texas in 2010. As you know Governor Perry thinks he's done a great job securing the border and establishing the business tax - and he deserves another term. Is he your type of Republican?

Senator Hutchinson thinks she's done a great job ignoring Ramos and Compean, killing the border fence, and supporting McCain/Kennedy. Is she your type of Republican?

I think you understand why we need a real conservative to take control of this situation. Please join me in supporting Senator Dan Patrick. I am the only person running this group and I am turning to the local Republican clubs to get word out before the convention. I am hoping to raise some money so that we can distribute materials at the convention.

Well Mr. Thompson, I do not agree with Governor Perry or Senator Hutchinson on the issues, but what makes you think that our type of Republican uses his radio station to bash and defeat a fellow Conservative? Our type of Republican should fit the Christian principles. He should not be greedy for more power, he should not carry a grudge, he should not be lying about a another Christian on the radio. In short, Dan Patrick is not our kind of Republican.

Pelosi Premium

2008-05-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

This is being talked about a lot, but I thought i would write about it too. When the Democrats were campaigning in 2006, Nancy Pelosi said that they would lower gas prices if elected. The average price of gas? $2.33 a gallon. The average price now? $3.72 a gallon. How much longer can Americans trust the Democrats?

Join THL

2008-04-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

If you want to help restore civility to Texas politics, than join Texans for Honorable Leadership. To join, just e-mail: texansforhl@gmail.com

Leadership

2008-04-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a quote from John R.W. Stott, a British writer and theologian,

"The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve."

This is what I have been saying all along. Dan Patrick is not fit to lead. Plus, Patrick won what may be considered a rigged election. More on that coming later.

Is Dirty Politics Good for America?

2008-03-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

I have been told recently that "dirty politics" is just part of the "American Way" and is perfectly normal. I personally believe that deception, and dirty tricks are not good for our country. Why would an honorable, upright man volunteer to have himself and and his family dragged through the mud. Lied about. Attacked. Is this the best system to pick our rulers? I think not. Our system, where "dirty politics" is business as usual, is desperately broken, and we need to fix it. We need to bring "Honorable Leadership" back to Texas and America!

Why Dan Patrick is not an Honorable Leader

2008-03-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

Using the Three Principles of Honorable Leadership, we can deduce that Sen. Dan Patrick is not an honorable leader.

He has violated Principle 1 by working tirelessly to have the Hon. Corbin Van Arsdale defeated. Representative Van Arsdale's offense? Endorsing Joe Nixon for Senate in the District 7 race in 2006.

He has violated Principle 2 by trying to build a political machine in Texas, instead of letting Democracy work its way.

Dan Patrick has violated Principle 3 by constantly blackmailing and threatening other statesmen.

Alexander Hamilton said in Federalist no. 9, "If a single member should attempt to usurp the supreme authority, he could not be supposed to have an equal authority... Were he to subdue a part, that which would still remain free might oppose him with forces independent of of those which he had usurped, and overpower him before he could be settled in his usurpation."

Dan Patrick, that part "which still might remain free" is here to "overpower [you] before [you] can become settled in [your] usurpation". Texans, stop corrupt, power-hungry politicians! Join Texans for Honorable Leadership to bring a higher moral tone to politics!

The Three Principles of Honorable Leadership

2008-03-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

We have established "The Three Principles of Honorable Leadership" to use when examining a candidate to see if he is an honorable leader.
Honorable Leaders MUST:

Put what is best for Texas above personal or political gain.
Do what the state needs, not what lobbyists or other political powers want.
Lead by example and persuasion, not by threats and political punishment.

Texans Want a Change in Leadership!

2008-03-08T12:52:00.000-08:00

Fellow Texans,
In the past day, the amount of visits to this website has been multiplied by 9. This should show us, and Senator Dan Patrick something: Texans are ready for a change in leadership styles! We don't want someone who claims to be a "freethinker", and then tries to force his "free-thinking" on everybody else. We don't want a leader who leads, not by example or persuasion, but by threats and bullying others. Texans want Change! Texans want "Honorable Leadership", not someone who wants to use his office to settle some old political scores, not someone who will do anything to keep power rather than do what is best for Texas and its people! To Dan Patrick: Your days in office are numbered! To everyone who supports honesty and justness in politics: join Texans for Honorable Leadership, and then tell all your friends about it, and all your friends' friends! We will stop this underhanded rule by Dan Patrick!

Texans for Honorable Leadership is Founded

2008-03-05T17:28:00.000-08:00

Fellow Texans,
I have recently learned that Texas State Senator Dan Patrick was involved in the defeat of the Honorable Representative Corbin Van Arsdale. I have no problem with defeating liberal Republicans, my problem is that Rep. Arsdale is a strong conservative, endorsed by groups such as the Texas State Rifle Association, the NRA, the Texas Alliance for Life, Texas Right to Life, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, and the Texas Homeschool Coalition. So what was Rep. Arsdale's offense? He endorsed a House colleague (Joe Nixon) over Dan Patrick in 2006, for the open District 7 State Senate Seat. Now, 2 years later, Dan Patrick is continuing his private war with Van Arsdale by making sure he was unseated. There are also reports that he threatened Rep. Patricia Harless with a similar fate if she tried to help Rep. Arsdale survive this coup.
In response I, Joshua Hebert, am hereby founding Texans for Honorable Leadership. THL will fight to restore civility in politics, and stop political bullies from defeating conservative incumbent Republicans.