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Should Dallas Tea Party Support a Particular Candidate for Speaker?

 

As of today, there are now three candidates in the race for Speaker of the Texas State House:

 

Joe Straus of San Antonio (YCT rating : 67%) is the incumbent Speaker.

Warren Chisum of Pampa (YCT rating : 80%) was the original challenger to Joe Straus.

Ken Paxton of Plano (YCT rating : 97%) is the second challenger to Straus' speakership.

 

In the past, we have not supported particular candidates for any office.  We are restricted by law as to supporting particular candidates on a ballot, but the leadership election is a completely separate matter.  We are relatively free, under the law, to select a particular candidate for Speaker and rally behind that candidate.

 

Whether we do so is up to you.

 

So, here are two questions for your consideration:

 

1. Should the Dallas Tea Party consider formally supporting a particular candidate for Speaker of the Texas House?

 

2. If you believe the Dallas Tea Party should formally support a particular candidate for Speaker, who do you support?

 

Please share your thoughts here : http://dtpcoordinators.mojo4m.com/3893/

by Brett  2010-11-10 20:59:12
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1. Yes we need to support a Conservative for TX Speaker of the House.
2. Ken Paxton. He is the highest rated Conservative of the three people according to YCT, Heritage Alliance, and Empower Texans.
by Mark  2010-11-10 21:06:49
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This is our continued opportunity to influence for the conservative position. Let us win and influence at every turn and we can get this thing going in the right direction.
by Kensley Stewart  2010-11-10 21:12:49
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Whats the difference in supporting a candidate for Speaker and a candidate in Primary/General?
by  dea46  2010-11-10 21:13:43
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Two words, Ken Paxton!
Mike,
MTP
by Melvin  2010-11-10 21:20:12
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I support an effort from the Tea Party to influence state legislators to elect a conservative Speaker of the House. we need conservative people appointed to chairman positions of the most important committees. I don't know Ken Paxton, but the campaign I just worked for does not support Joe Straus.
by Bill Loflin  2010-11-10 21:22:55
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The important thing is to oppose Straus. I'm fine with supporting Ken Paxton,I respect no one in the Texas House more than him; I know nothing about Chisum. Lets do it!
by Melissa  2010-11-10 21:32:50
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I think we should endorse a candidate in this race. It's not telling voters who to vote for, it's telling our representatives what we want them to do. That's our duty and privilege.

We should wholeheartedly support Ken Paxton!!! He is my rep and I've been begging him to run! His record speaks for itself.
by Dennis Thrush  2010-11-10 21:35:08
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Yes, I think we should support a Conservative for the Speaker of the House. I will support Ken Paxton over the other two that have announced.
by Barbara  2010-11-10 22:09:25
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I'm not sure if we should support a particular candidate or not. I don't know enough about the issue to make a decision, nor do I know enough about the candidates to make a choice. I think we should consider that most people are center right, not far right. We have to remember that we have to have the middle to win, and we really need to win over the next few months and years. We can't win with just the far right. If we alienate the middle, we lose.
by Sylvia Guzman  2010-11-10 22:13:27
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Ken Paxton !
by Mary B.  2010-11-10 22:21:36
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We should wait until all the candidates have been announced and then vote on the one who supports our principles. Wat about the other Texas Tea Parties, are they in favor of endorcing a particular candidate? We should work as a united force.
by Deborah Muse  2010-11-10 22:26:10
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Ken Paxton. Period. End of story. And yes the Tea Party should endorse Ken Paxton. Thanks.
by  Lionking48  2010-11-10 22:39:37
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Yes-- KEN PAXTON
by Cathy Meyer  2010-11-10 22:42:58
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I think Kensley Stewart's question/challenge is a good one. Thanks Kensley. IF we publicly express our preference for Speaker of the House, IS THAT CAMPAIGNING or ENDORSING? Since our code of conduct is clear about not campaigning or endorsing, HOW, if any way, is this different or acceptable? I want this clear to all of us before we move forward, because we will need to be able to explain this to others in the future. I want the most conservative person in as Speaker of the House, but can we approach this while maintaining our code of conduct? Maybe...

Is openly voicing our preference for Speaker acceptable because we the people are not the ones voting? We have as a Tea Party communicated with our representatives how to vote on issues and when to take action on our behalf, so this this more like instructing them to vote on our behalf? Help me. Poke holes in my argument, please. It is essential that we have a clear explanation of our decision before we move forward. Than
by Lisa  2010-11-10 22:43:55
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YES - let's support a candidate!
My review of the YCT information shows that Mr. Chisum and Mr. Paxton voted differently on 2 issues: a statewide ban on smoking in establishments, and whether to appoint a council to oversee managing the Permanent School Fund (removing it from the State Board of Education). For the accurate verbiage you can go to http://www.yct.org/files/YCT_81st_session_ratings.pdf

Based on the fact that, apparently, several TP people (from other areas of the State) like Straus, I don't know how effective it would be to find out where some other groups stand...but the last thing I want is to split the TP groups in Texas. Neither of the above issues are make or break for me so I can go either way.

BUT WE MUST OUST STRAUS!
by  scofield  2010-11-10 23:45:45
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Cathy, your questions are certainly valid. And, I think once this genie is out of the bottle, it will never go back.
by Max Rhymes  2010-11-10 22:47:00
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Yes. Support Paxton, Plano.
by Ellen Lopez  2010-11-10 22:47:10
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1. Yes, we need to support a speaker candidate and
2. Paxton is a strong fiscal conservative without all the connections to the Craddick situation.
by Cathy Meyer  2010-11-10 22:47:29
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I just noticed that Melissa and I have the same basic idea about this -- that telling our representatives how to vote is not the same as us endording/campaigning for candidates running for office that we voters vote for.

Missed seeing that first time around, but glad someone else is thinking that way too.

What do the rest of you think?
by beverly   2010-11-10 22:56:28
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THE PRESENT SPEAKER NEEDS TO GO BUT I DON'T BELIEVE THE TEA PARTY SHOULD SUPPORT A PARTICULAR CANDIDATE.
by Cindy Hyltin  2010-11-10 22:56:51
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We know Ken better because he's from our area. Warren Chisum would be much better than Straus, but we don't know Chisum simply because he's not from our area. Now, the most important thing--OUST STRAUS. And, we would need to make sure that if the rest of Texas does not agree with us, then, we need to do all we can to make sure that Straus does not get in.
by Gail Spurlock  2010-11-10 23:26:45
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If you can support someone, please do, either Ken Paxton or Warren Chisum. I don't know which would be a stronger contender against Strauss, but if you do, that should be the choice.

Joe Strauss must go. He represents everything that is wrong with the Republican Party.

Best regards,
by Mimi  2010-11-10 23:39:05
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1. Absolutely yes
2. Of the three listed: Ken Paxton. My personal choice: Leo Berman.
by Barbara Harless  2010-11-10 23:41:13
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Should the DTP support a candidate for Speaker? Tough one because I don't know Warren Chisum but I do have experience with Ken Paxton and from conversations w/Ken, he has not shown to be afraid to stand up and out on constitutional principles. But what if DTP doesn't pick Ken to support? Tough call.
by Olivia  2010-11-11 00:16:34
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1) Yes
2) Paxton
by Mary  2010-11-11 03:41:12
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1. Yes
2. Paxton
by  kllyhope2001  2010-11-11 04:30:44
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Oh Yea, let' start right away.
Fro what I have seen, Ken wants Chisum to do it. I don't care-let's dump the ))))Rhino now!!!!!!!!!!
by Diana Wingfield  2010-11-11 05:53:54
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Yes! it is all out --- and we must support those with conservative values and stop Straus. He has done us no good! Without open support Ken may feel a little hung out to dry.
by Pamela Moore  2010-11-11 07:29:24
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Like most citizens, I don't know the candidates, however I believe we should be for the one most constitutional which appears to be Paxton but with these 3 contingencies:
(1) that we are able to explain to our members why backing a leadership candidate is very different than backing a candidates on a ballot;
(2)that Paxton can realistically be elected by his peers (or will our endorsement help split the conservative votes, thus reelecting Strauss; and (3) does Paxton have the SKILLS and RESPECT to work well amongst the legislators? If yes to all the above, let's do it.
by  dallasjarrod  2010-11-11 08:06:21
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No, the DTP should not endorse a candidate for Speaker. We, as individuals, can and should endorse and/or support at candidate, but the DTP should stay neutral. Personally, I don't want a select few making decisions such as this for the entire Dallas Tea Party. I know for a fact that I'm on the same page with Ken, Katrina, and Phillip on who should be the next speaker, and I'm sure they won't be the only ones making this call, but it would still feel like they're making the decision.

Whomever the next Speaker is, he or she will have to work with Tea Party activists, since we helped reclaim a massive majority for the Republican Party, so it would behoove us to state our expectations and allow them to declare their intentions with regards to our desired outcome in the next session.

Having said all of that, as of right now, I'm going with Paxton. I believe that he will provide an excellent example of that "conservative leadership" is all about to voters heading into the next
by Chuck Molyneaux  2010-11-11 08:29:34
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We are obligated to support a candidate and would be wise to support Ken Paxton.
by Joyce  2010-11-11 08:48:42
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Yes and Yes. We must identify those who are Rino's and those who betray us. It's not about personalities or "favorite sons." It's about people who will do the right thing, stand up for our principles, and not sell out or go along to get along. Joe Straus betrayed us. I went to Austin last session, several times, along with many others. We made calls, to Rick Perry and many others. You couldn't get anything done. We observed stalling tactics and antics on the floor. They made a mockery of sincere citizens concerned about illegal immigration. Joe Straus controlled the committees, the calendar, and the success or lack thereof of bills getting passed. Boot him out! Then, let's get behind whom we deem the best candidate for Texas.
by KWTX  2010-11-11 09:02:30
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A lot of excellent points made. I only have knowledge of Ken but he struck me as an honorable man and true to our conservative cause and his voting record supports that fact. I'm not impressed with Straus's record and I'm not thrilled with what I know about his tactics. I really don't want him to continue in the Speaker role. I agree that we don't want to split our winning TP team statewide but we worked too hard to bring about this majority to sit back and not provide support for a better House leader and one who will promote our values and those initiatives we strongly support and that we established as our foundational principles.
by Cyndee  2010-11-11 09:04:18
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Yes, I agree that we need to support a conservative for Texas speaker of the House. And Ken Paxton looks like the best choice.
by Adrian Murray  2010-11-11 09:05:49
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What you should be pushing for is a Republican-only caucus to select the speaker. Without that you are forcing Straus to align with the Democrats to retain his post - and he will do it. Forcing Straus to partner with the Dems will result in more Dems heading committees in 2011 and blocking more conservative legislation. Think it through, folks.
by richard dejohn  2010-11-11 09:21:09
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I think we should formally support both Chisum and Paxton and voice our disdain for Straus giving reasons for this position on the candidates
by richard dejohn  2010-11-11 09:21:09
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I think we should formally support both Chisum and Paxton and voice our disdain for Straus giving reasons for this position on the candidates
by Ed Devine  2010-11-11 09:27:55
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Yes, our movement must take action anywhere that doesn't conflict with the law. Instinct, and laziness will tell many Tea Party members that they should go with the Candidate with the highest YCT rating, but that may not necessarily result in a candidate that can garner enough votes to remove Strauss. Obviously, Joe Strauss is twisting arms, pulling every string, and undermining the other candidates in an effort to stay in power. This alone should disqualify him from consideration. We need to here what the objectives of all candidates will be if elevated to House Speaker. Strauss has eliminated himself from the competition for past grievous acts and the fact that he's already running down other candidates. We can all agree there is a candidate we can hate and oppose, what we need is to hear from the candidates, without them likewise running down Strauss, who we already recognize as someone to dangerous to remain Speaker.
by Ed Devine  2010-11-11 09:37:31
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Given the balance of those who support and those who oppose the DTP advocating in favor of a candidate for speaker, you may have stumbled upon what really the question. Arguably, the DTP should remain aloof from supporting candidates, and focus on policies and outcomes. However; it's overwhelmingly apparent that most Texans have no faith or trust in Joe Strauss. So, does opposing a candidate necessarily require that we, as the DTP, commit to an alternative candidate? Can't we simply advocate that Strauss not remain Speaker, and then give some direction and comparative information so that DTP members, as well as state TP members, can take action themselves? In hindsight, the DTP anointing any candidate might be a slippery slope. Doubtless, Strauss remaining Speaker would undermine so much of our hard work and achievements, and must be considered a threat. It's a tough call this one.
by Pam Colquitt  2010-11-11 09:31:42
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Absolutely,"yes" we (the Tea Party) should make a stand and support Ken Paxton as Speaker. He is an unwavering conservative - one of the few legislators who stood strong against Perry and Craddick on the margins tax increase several years back. He could not be bought off with a chairmanship. He stuck to his principles. In addition, Ken Paxton did not come from the Democratic Party as Chisum did and he is not a big spender as Chisum can be. This is our opportunity to demonstrate our strength and committment to the "true" conservative cause.
by Pat Regan  2010-11-11 09:35:22
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Suggest that as long as it is not Straus (or some other "compromise" RINO), let the Legislature define whether it is Chisum or Paxton, or even another with a high Conservative rating ready for leadership. But not Straus! He has acted against Tea Party principles and would continue to do so! Nor any others like him.
by Robert W Clark  2010-11-11 09:40:55
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Ken Paxton for should be supported for the position of Speaker. I believe he is head and shoulder better than Joe Straus. It is time to move the RINO, Joe Straus, out of the position and at next election out of office. We need honest conservative representatives like Ken Paxton leading the the house.
by Linda Adair  2010-11-11 10:06:40
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Yes, we need to tell our State Representatives that we want conservative leadership in the House.
I support Ken Paxton for Speaker of the House.
by lisa perdue  2010-11-11 10:21:40
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yes we should root for Paxton.

This is not a direct ballot vote of the poeple so I dont see it as endorsing a candidate WHATSOEVER

We may be a "bit " conservative on this issue of making sure we dont endorse a candidate.

YES we should absolutely "root" for Paxton
by Jeff  2010-11-11 10:23:08
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Perhaps we should become informed about the particular candidates and support one of them. The most important thing is that Straus' is not the Speaker.
I just read a letter from State Rep Bryan Hughes, in which he withdrew his support for Straus. The letter described a call Mr. Hughes recieved from a member of Straus' leadership team, where Mr. Hughes was told that republican reps Erwin Cain and Dan
Flynn would be punished through the redistricting process for not supporting Straus', but that MR. Hughes had nothing to worry about as long as he supports Straus'.
This type of corruption must be stopped.
We need to do whatever we can to prevent Straus' from being the speaker in the next session.
by  Kelly Sibley Cooper  2010-11-11 10:34:07
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Since this "endorsement" isn't for a ballot, and simply for the SUPER important role of speaker, I say YES lets make it known who we support; and KEN PAXTON all the way. I know him and have worked with him, he is by far the best choice. Prosper TP Coordinator.
by  dgscharp  2010-11-11 10:41:51
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Either is better than Straus but if we elect to support/endorse one; my vote is for Congressman Paxton.
by Lorre Macdonald  2010-11-11 10:47:38
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Yes, Paxton - must go with the most conservative candidate. Seems like a no brainer to me.
by Andrew Piziali  2010-11-11 10:48:31
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Regarding question 1, "Should the Dallas Tea Party consider formally supporting a particular candidate for Speaker of the Texas House?", no. The Dallas Tea Party, as an organization, should not support a particular candidate for Speaker because our job is to educate voters to make informed decisions and motivate them to tell their elected officials what to do. Our officials are, after all, their servants.

However, as individuals we should, of course, choose and support a candidate for Speaker.

Thanks for asking!
by Amy Knickerbocker  2010-11-11 11:08:40
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I'm all for using our influence to get a more conservative Speaker. Ken Paxton is an excellent option and I believe he's worthy of our full and vocal support.
by Glenda Allen  2010-11-11 13:51:17
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Ken Paxton all the way.
by Glenda Allen  2010-11-11 13:53:26
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Ken Paxton
by  Joline  2010-11-11 14:10:36
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Yes, we should support a candidate. This is not a partisan issue---they're all Republicans, and we are not voting. We only get to influence our own Representatives on this.
We should support Ken Paxton--the most conservative of the three.
by Darlene  2010-11-11 14:49:22
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In light of the Straus scandal that has just come to light through Rep. Hughes, I believe Straus needs to bow out and we need the most conservative speaker possible.I have no problem with the Tea Party supporting a conservative candidate.
by Lisa C  2010-11-11 20:21:27
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Yes. Paxton.
by David Darelius  2010-11-11 23:42:38
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1. Yes
2. Paxton
by James E Swirczynski  2010-11-12 04:05:29
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Yes we should say who we support. And it should be Ken Paxton
by Robert & Jean Howard  2010-11-12 10:03:52
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I vote for Ken Paxton.
by Patti  2010-11-12 12:02:53
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Now that i see the endorsement from Rep. Jodie L. I trust her perspective. That plus the voting record...yes, Ken Paxton. and absolutely NO, for Straus!!! I say we through our TP support to them most conservative representative based on our 5 core values. it appears from the voting record...that would be Ken Paxton. Heritage Alliance and Empower Texans have done a great job tracking these politicians...that seals the deal for me. thanks to DTP leadership for staying on top of this when all are exhausted from working before the elections! I admire your efforts! keep on keeping on!
by Sylvia Kingsbury  2010-11-12 12:07:08
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We should show support for Ken Paxton
by wil radford  2010-11-12 17:05:29
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I think the tea party should remain primarily neutral. It does it's best work as a vehicle representing and supporting the IDEAS that we all ascribe to. Should it get into supporting specific candidates, I believe this would weaken the coalition. Try this: put out a straw poll in cases like this, and let the members decide by voting. Publish the results for what they are. THEN, remind the members that our strength is in our ideas, and beliefs. From those we must never waver. This way we all remain free to back people as we see fit, as long as they support our beliefs.
by Conita Cramer  2010-11-13 09:20:49
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We should support the person who most nearly exhibits what we stand for. I have forgotten what YTC is but if it is our value system then we should support Ken Paxton
by Robert Bueker  2010-11-14 23:37:10
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The Dallas TEA Party should be the loudest supporter for a Republican House Caucas electing their own Speaker and Leader. The other party should not be able or allowed to elected the leader of the opposing party. Once that is established I believe the TEA members can call their own representatives and "express" who is the best choice. Additionally, if the TEA Party backs ONE candidate for Speaker, then who is the campaign treasurer of the Political Action Committee?
by bj bjorklund  2010-12-21 17:18:45
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yes- Ken Paxton
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