Why I Endorse Barry Smitherman Texas Railroad Commissioner July 31st, 2012 Republican Runoff Election

VOTE TOMORROW!

2012 Republican Primary Runoff Election

Election Day: Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

Polling Places/Voting Locations open 7am-7pm


I have already written many personal endorsement articles this year such as Why Texas MUST Elect Ted Cruz for US Senate and also Why I Support Re-Election of Super Conservative James White for State Representative. I was gone for 3 weeks for Army Training, but now that I am back, here is another endorsement article for everyone to consider before election day TOMORROW!

Why I Endorse Barry Smitherman Texas Railroad Commissioner July 31st, 2012 Republican Runoff Election

 

I believe in Commissioner Barry Smitherman. I really do. I am not the kind of person who just goes along with the crowd. Anyone who knows me knows that I rock the boat all the time when needed. I am not supporting Barry Smitherman for election to the Texas Railroad Commission because he was appointed by Governor Perry, or because he is endorsed by many top Conservative organizations and individuals like David Barton, Cathie Adams, Texans for Life, etc. (See Full List of Barry Smitherman Endorsements at the Bottom of this Article) I support Barry Smitherman because, after many conversations with him, and examining his family life and professional/political history, I really believe that Smitherman is a solid conservative, Christian and a family man who is fighting for Texas and for conservative values. He does not just do his own thing and he is very responsive to concerns and questions from conservatives.

The ONLY thing negative I have ever heard about Smitherman has to do with Smart Meters and it is a big misunderstanding. When Smitherman led the PUC, the TEXAS LEGISLATURE passed smart meter legislation. NOT SMITHERMAN. Smitherman ran the PUC and smart meters was put in his lap after the Texas Legislature passed it with no objections from citizens or conservatives. It now appears that the Texas Legislature only looked at the good things about smart meters and might not have fully thought out the POTENTIAL consequences of spart meters. I am very upset, as a conservative, about the possible misuse of smart meters too, but the Texas Legislature is responsible for that and not Smitherman.

Smitherman is Working with State Rep. David Simpson to Allow Citizens to Opt-Out of Smart Meters

This is how you know a good elected official from a bad one. They listen. Recently there have been worries about the potential negative effects of Smart Meters that were not thought about when passed by the Texas Legislature. Smitherman did not pass smart meter legislation and he is not even head of the PUC anymore (He is Railroad Commissioner), but he is working to correct the problem by joining with Conservative State Representative David Simpson (TSA Anti-Groping Bill) to pass legislation making smart meters optional. Smitherman is LISTENING TO CONSERVATIVES and trying to correct the problems that the Texas Legislature did not think about. That is what a good conservative elected official should do!

I am not against Barry Smitherman's runoff opponent Greg Parker. I am FOR Barry Smitherman. I really do believe in him and believe he is fighting for us and for conservative values. I have friends who are voting for Parker and I have friends who are voting for Smitherman. Not everyone agrees on who to vote for 100% of the time and that is ok. We are still all on the same side and will continue to work together fighting for conservative values. I think Greg is a good guy and has a good road ahead of him. I look forward to working with him in the future. That being said, I thought Parker was originally running in the open Railroad Commissioner seat and not against Smitherman. I fully support Barry Smitherman and I like how Smitherman has fought for conservative values while appointed to Railroad Commissioner and I would like to see Smitherman elected to a full term. He always makes time to listen to regular people like me and even personally calls me to talk about conservative issues and explain what he is doing to stand for us.

I first met Barry Smitherman when I was on the State Republican Executive Committee for the Republican Party of Texas. Smitherman came to one of our SREC meetings and gave a passionate speech about how he is fighting for Texas, conservative values, and standing up against the EPA. My friend John at www.TexasGOPvote.com recorded the speech for me and posted it online so I could write an article about it and link to the video.

His message at this meeting was clear.

Obama’s New GREEN EPA Rules will cause Texas to shut down power plants, which will mean that homes could go without power (Lights and even Air Conditioning) in the middle of next year’s 2012 Texas Summer heat.

Texas is fighting tooth and nail to stop this rule form going into effect. Barry Smitherman is fighting too and he is part of every lawsuit that Texas has against the EPA.

Here is the article I wrote:

Texas Commissioner Barry Smitherman Says EPA will Turn off Power to Air Conditioners in Summer Heat

As time went by, I began to like Smitherman even more. He was very willing to work with conservatives to stand for our values and

Here is a video of Texas Railroad Commissioner Barry Smitherman talking to the SREC on October 1^st, 2011 about the EPA threatening to Turn off the Lights in Texas:

 

Heritage Alliance (including Liberty Institute, Eagle Forum, etc.) ranks Smitherman high on their Conservative Rankings

Railroad Commissioner, unexpired term - Republican

Parker, Greg (R)	Grade: B+
Smitherman, Barry (R)	Grade: A

Railroad Commissioner Barry Smitherman's Endorsers & Supporters:

​Governor Rick Perry
Attorney General Greg Abbott
Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples

“I am proud to endorse Barry Smitherman in the run-off election for the Texas Railroad Commission. He has demonstrated strong moral character and nothing symbolizes that character more than his 25 year marriage to Marijane and their commitment to protecting unborn life. Voters can feel confident that when they head to the polls and vote for Barry that he is a proven conservative and a man of integrity who will govern as such.” ~ Kyleen Wright, President, Texans for Life

"Barry Smitherman is a proven fiscal and social conservative. As the current Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission, Barry has worked hard to make the Commission more responsive and is leading the way to American Energy Independence. Barry is a leader we can trust because of his stellar character and personal integrity. As a proud homeschooler and father of four, Barry just celebrated his twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Barry Smitherman practices the conservative values he preaches. I invite my friends across Texas to join me in voting for Barry Smitherman for Texas Railroad Commissioner." - Cathie Adams, President, Texas Eagle Forum

"Barry Smitherman is a proven conservative who has served all Texans well. As a values driven conservative I find it easy to endorse his candidacy. I voted for him in May and plan to do so again in his run-off and in November." – Dr. Rick Scarborough

I am honored to support Barry Smitherman for Railroad Commissioner. Not only is he exceptionally skilled in all the issues surrounding the complex energy industry, he is also a strong, conservative man of faith committed to fighting Obama and the cultural liberals. Whether it be by suing to block unconstitutional actions by Obama bureaucrats, or by showing the world that even those in public office can still have a strong, 25-year marriage and successfully raise four children, Barry lives his values every day. Barry Smitherman is a competent, conservative public official who also demonstrates his faith and values in all his actions. I'm proud to support his bid for Railroad Commissioner." – David Barton

ORGANIZATIONS

Conservative Club of Houston
Conservative Republicans of Texas
Houston Realty Business Coalition
Texas Association of Business
Texas Association of Manufacturers
Texans for Lawsuit Reform
National Rifle Association
Texas Alliance for Life
Texas Association of Realtors
Texas Conservative Review
Texas Farm Bureau Ag Fund
Texas Home School Coalition
Texas Oil & Gas Association Committee
Texas Right to Life
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association PAC
Texas State Rifle Association
Sportsman’s and Animal Owners Voting Alliance

FORMER RAILROAD COMMISSIONERS

Victor Carillo
Michael Williams
Elizabeth Ames Jones
Charles Matthews
Barry Williamson

REPUBLICAN PARTY OFFICIALS

Borah Van Dormolen - Republican National Committeewoman

Robin Armstrong - Republican National Committeeman

Sue Evenwell, Mt. Pleasant SD – 1
Vicki Slaton, Sunnyvale – SD 2
Judy Parada, Montgomery – SD 3
Michael Truncale, Beaumont – SD 4
Megan Higginbotham, Georgetown SD – 5
Russell Martinez, Huntsville SD – 5
Glenda Bowles, Houston – SD 6
Rex Teter, Pasadena – SD 6
Mark Ramsey, Spring – SD 7
Valoree Swanson, Spring – SD 7
Candy Noble, Plano – SD 8
Sheryl Berg, Houston – SD 11
Dennis Paul, Webster – SD 11
Thomas Washington, Carrollton – SD 12
Bonnie Lugo, Houston – SD 13
Rex Lamb, Houston – SD 13
Davida Stike, Pflugerville – SD 14
Randy Samuelson, Austin – SD 14
Montie Watkins, Houston – SD 15
Vergel Cruz, Houston – SD 15
Randall Dunning, Garland – SD 16
Tina Gibson, Sugar Land – SD 17
Marvin Clede, Houston – SD 17
Ben Zeller, Victoria – SD 18
James Barnes, San Antonio – SD 19
Gayla Miller,Rio Frio – SD 19
Bob Jones, Corpus Christi – SD 20
Eric Opiela, Karnes City – SD 21
Janet Jackson, Clifton – SD 22
Linda Kinney, Dripping Springs – SD 25
Dr. Johnny Lovejoy II, San Antonio – SD 26
Marian Stanko, San Antonio – SD 26
Norma Tovar, Brownsville – SD 27
Russ Duerstine, San Angelo – SD 28
Jane Cansino, Lubbock – SD 28
Rena Peden, Ft. Worth – SD 30
Danny Pelton, Hico – SD 30
Tom Roller, Amarillo – SD 31

SENATE

Chairman John Carona – TX 16
Chairman Bob Deuell – TX 2
Chairman Robert Duncan – TX 28
Chairman Kevin Eltife – TX 1
Chairman Craig Estes – TX 30
Chairman Troy Fraser – TX 24
Chairman Chris Harris – TX 9
Senator Glenn Hegar – TX 18
Chairman Mike Jackson – TX 11
Chairwoman Jane Nelson – TX 12
Senator Robert Nichols – TX 3
Senator Dan Patrick – TX 7
Chairman Kel Seliger – TX 31
Chairman Tommy Williams – TX 4

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Representative Jose Aliseda
Representative Doc Anderson
Representative Rodney Anderson
Chairman Jimmie Don Aycock
Representative Leo Berman
Representative Dwayne Bohac
Chairman Dan Branch
Representative Linda Harper-Brown
Representative Cindy Burkett
Representative Erwin Cain
Chairman Bill Callegari
Representative Stefani Carter
Representative Angie Chen Button
Representative Warren Chisum
Representative Wayne Christian
Chairman Byron Cook
Chairman Brandon Creighton
Representative Myra Crownover
Chairman Drew Darby
Chairman John Davis
Representative Sarah Davis
Representative Joe Driver
Chairman Rob Eissler
Representative Allen Fletcher
Representative Dan Flynn
Representative John Garza
Chairman Charlie Geren
Representative Lance Gooden
Chairman Tuffy Hamilton
Representative Kelly Hancock
Chairman Rick Hardcastle
Representative Patricia Harless
Representative Charlie Howard
Representative Dan Huberty
Representative Bryan Hughes
Chairman Jim Keffer
Representative Phil King
Representative John Kuempel
Representative Jodie Laubenberg
Representative Lyle Larson
Representative George Lavender
Representative Tryon Lewis
Chairman Jerry Madden
Representative Dee Margo
Representative Doug Miller
Chairman Sid Miller
Representative Geannie Morrison
Representative Jim Murphy
Representative Rob Orr
Chairman John Otto
Representative Tan Parker
Representative Ken Paxton
Chairman Aaron Pena
Chairman Larry Phillips
Chairman Jim Pitts
Representative Four Price
Representative Debbie Riddle
Chairman Allan Ritter
Representative Charles Schwertner
Representative Connie Scott
Representative Kenneth Sheets
Representative Ralph Sheffield
Representative David Simpson
Representative Todd Smith
Chairman Wayne Smith
Chairman Burt Solomons
Chairman Larry Taylor
Chairman Vicki Truitt
Representative Randy Weber
Representative James White
Representative Paul Workman
Representative Bill Zedler
Chairman John Zerwas

Houston Chronicle Says Vote for "Moderate" Dewhurst because Cruz is "backed by Party's Right"

If the Chronicle is Endorsing Dewhurst because Ted Cruz is too Conservative Republican then Cruz is the guy for me!

 

Editorial: Who should fill Hutchison's boots?

Houston Chronicle

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

http://www.chron.com/opinion/editorials/article/Who-should-fill-Hutchison-s-boots-3560958.php

There's a torrid race in the Texas Republican primary to replace a Washingtonmonument. U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, the first woman to represent the state of Texasin the Senate, is retiring after three-plus terms of service in the world's most exclusive club.

Given a magic wand, we'd order up a replacement who would blend the skills ofHutchison with those of Lloyd Bentsen - with just a pinch of the calculated orneriness of Lyndon Johnson .

Our dream resume would read: collegial, well-versed on issues foreign and domestic, a tough bargainer who keeps his word; above all, skilled in the traditional Senate ways of civil give and take, and in tune with the needs and views of the millions who make up the Texas mainstream.

That's asking a lot. On the other hand, the winner of the Republican primary is likely to be the state's incoming junior senator, serving alongside Sen. John Cornyn.

This is no place for beginners. Hutchison's are big boots to fill and Texasis a big state with properly large ambitions for a prosperous future. Traditionally, our U.S.senators have had a big hand in shaping that future. That is what will be expected of Hutchison's successor, Republican or Democrat.

The Republican primary has drawn no less than nine candidates for the open Senate seat, with four rated as likely contenders: Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst; former state Solicitor General Ted Cruz; former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert; and broadcaster and former football star Craig James.

Of the four, our endorsement goes to Lt. Gov. Dewhurst, with a nod of acknowledgment to Leppert's well-conceived candidacy.

Cruz, a serious thinker, and James, a likable personality, do not exhibit the inclination to operate within the traditional Washington system of respectful give and take that has been noticeably absent in recent years.

We understand that the two men, and their backers on the party's right, wear this take-no-prisoners approach like a badge of honor. But we don't believe it's helpful; indeed, we view it as a large part of the problem in Washington. And we think David Dewhurst is uniquely qualified to work with collegiality to bring results that most Texans want: budget cuts and a sustainable approach to trimming the $16 trillion deficit; federal assistance that helps us to keep our air and water clean and our children healthy; reasonable regulation in cooperation with state agencies that helps our state to fully develop the natural resources such as oil and gas from shale that offer such promise in an environmentally responsible way.

The David Dewhurst we are endorsing is the man who has served ably in Austinfor more than a decade, first as land commissioner and then as lieutenant governor. By our lights, Dewhurst's service, particularly his leadership of the Texas Senate, has been a model of respectful efficiency. His is a record of fairness and willingness to reach across party lines to do what is best for Texas.

Along with House Speaker Joe Straus, Dewhurst has been a welcome stabilizing influence in an often stormy and polarized legislative process. Isn't that what's called for in a divided Washington? We think it is.

We're also very aware of the vilification Dewhurst has received for being a "moderate" Republican, as if the very word were a slur. It is not. We'd note that most of this has been revved up in seemingly endless electronic hit jobs manufactured by Washington-based Super PACs.

Viewing these broadsides only convinces us that those who thought them up have a tin ear for the Texasway of working across the aisle made famous by Gov. George W. Bush and the late Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock, and embraced by countless disciples in Texas public office through the decades. No Texas Republican need apologize for being a moderate.

In the primary season, we have regretted to learn that Dewhurst has failed to attend many opportunities to press the flesh with voters and engage with his chief rivals. That is not decision-making worthy of a man who would be U.S. senator from Texas.

Nor is his failure to meet with editorial boards at newspapers around the state. These traditional venues are an essential public service. They also lay the groundwork for our leaders in Washington to communicate effectively with those back home.

We've known David Dewhurst, a Houstonian, since before he came into public life. We appreciate his experience as a successful businessman and his service in Austin. We commend a vote for David Dewhurst for U.S. Senate to Republican primary voters.

Why Texas MUST Elect Ted Cruz US Senate (Video) July 31st, 2012 Runoff Election

Earlier this year, the big race I was involved in was to help get black, super conservative, Republican State Rep James White re-elected after White was attacked by Speaker Joe Straus via redistricting. White ended up beating a Straus Chairman, Mike "Tuffy" Hamilton.

Now my focus has shifted to the US Senate race. This race is very important. It is a runoff election between David Dewhurst and Ted Cruz. The Runoff Election Day is July 31st, 2012.

Texas MUST elect Ted Cruz for US Senate July 31st!

Let me first say that I do not hate David Dewhurst or think he is a liberal or a bad guy. I hope that no David Dewhurst supporters take this article the wrong way. There are two men in the race and we have to pick one of them. I have picked Ted Cruz. I do not have anything against any supporters of David Dewhurst. We are on the same side trying to fight Obama and the liberals. We just disagree about who the best person for the job will be. I really do believe with all my heart that Ted Cruz is the better of the two for the US Senate. Not only do I believe that Ted Cruz is better, I believe that Ted Cruz is a person that AMERICA NEEDS.


We Need a Conservative Fighter, Especially after the Supreme Court just upheld Obamacare as an ObamaTAX

America is at a critical crossroads. The federal government is out of control. Too many politicians believe that compromise is the way to solve problems. Well, I believe that compromising our conservative values is what has allowed us to end up in the position we are in now.

We do not need to compromise. We need to draw a line in the sand and say that we WILL cut spending, we WILL stop Obamacare, we WILL stop attacks on Christianity, we WILL defend states rights. We not only need someone who will stand strong, we also need someone who can articulate and defend our conservative values and explain why we believe what we believe. Now that everything goes to the Supreme Court, it is especially important that we elect leaders who can effectively argue for conservative values all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Ted Cruz is that man. Ted Cruz is a man who stands for conservative values and does not compromise. He can, and has fought for conservative values all the way up to the Supreme Court and WON!

I do believe that David Dewhurst has conservative values, but I also believe that David Dewhurst has been in office a long time and has worked himself up to a position as LT Governor where he has had to work with both sides and sometimes compromise in order to get things done. Dewhurst has had to play nice with both sides on many occasions. For instance, when Dewhurst has decided who his committee chairmen will be, he typically has given the positions to both liberal Democrats and Republicans instead of just trying to put all conservatives into the chairmen positions. Also, when Dewhurst found out that the federal government was threatening to shut down air traffic if we passed the TSA anti-groping bill, Dewhurst campaigned against the TSA bill instead of standing up for the bill and telling the feds to bring it on. Well, nothing against Dewhurst or his conservative values because I do believe he is conservative and a good guy, but I do not want to chance sending someone up to Washington who might compromise, back down, or play the political system as the only way to get things done.

I want to send a new, fresh face to Washington who will not go along with the other side. I want someone as our new US Senator who is going to draw the line in the sand and fight for conservative values with no compromise. America NEEDS someone like this! We will not save America from the destructive path it is heading down unless we drastically change the people in office and elect new fresh faces who have nothing to lose, who will rally enthusiastic conservatives behind him, and who will fight for conservative values.


The following youtube video is a speech I recorded of Ted Cruz speaking in Beaumont, TX.
Click this link to watch video if video player does not display at the bottom of this article http://youtu.be/v58QsGzMQTs

Please watch this video and pass this message along!

In this video, Cruz goes over his rock solid record of arguing for conservative values in front of the United States Supreme Court and WINNING important cases involving everything from Gun Rights to States Rights to keeping the Ten Commandments Monument at the Texas State Capitol building!

Ted Cruz has been endorsed by ALL top conservative leaders and conservative groups including Sarah Palin, Jim DeMint, Senator Rand Paul, Phyllis Schlafly, Glenn Beck, Senator Rick Santorum, David Barton, Sean Hannity, Cathie Adams (Eagle Forum), Congressman Ron Paul, George P. Bush, Peggy Venable (Taxpayer Advocate), Senator Pat Toomey, Former U.S. Attorney General Ed Meese, Mark Levin, as well as numerous other Conservatives.

We need a strong, outspoken, articulate leader like Ted Cruz in the United States Senate.

Vote Ted Cruz for US Senate July 31st, 2012 Texas Republican Primary Runoff Election