Ted Cruz: “Dewhurst was FOR in State Tuition for Illegal Immigrants before he was Against It”

"This is another Republican primary year conversion by David Dewhurst. He was for in-state tuition for illegal immigrants before he was against it.” – Ted Cruz

Securing the Texas/Mexico border is a very important issue for a long time, and it is a big issue that has come up in the current Texas Lieutenant Governor’s March 27^th, 2014 Republican Primary Runoff Election between Dan Patrick and David Dewhurst. It has been for a very long time that the border and illegal immigration has been an issue, but yet it seems as if nothing has been done. There were National Guard troops there at one point but they have been scaled back for some time now and Texas has not stepped in to do much to fill in the void. My brother served on the border for a year and personally witnessed battles and explosions along the border. This is Texas for crying out loud, why have we not been able to do anything significant to protect our border? I believe this lack of sufficient action reflects poorly on the current leadership. That is a key reason why Conservative Dan Patrick is challenging the current leadership. Is David Dewhurst a really bad guy or a liberal? No, but Texas needs leadership that will not back down and take Texas to the next level of getting things done instead of playing politics. That is why Texas elected Ted Cruz as our US Senator instead of David Dewhurst. I believe that most of us Texans would agree that Ted Cruz was the right man for the job and has done an amazing Job standing up for conservative values and fighting instead of compromising.

On top of a lack of meaningful border security, there has also been a lack of meaningful legislation to “stop the magnet” so to speak. In other words, we have to secure the border, but we also have to end the incentives that are a magnet for people coming over the border illegally instead of coming over the right, legal way.

Some supporters of Dewhurst will claim that Patrick or his supporters are not credible or are lying about Dewhurst on issues like the border and illegal immigration. Well how about listening to the words of our trusted US Senator Ted Cruz.

Ted Cruz pointed out Dewhurst’s hypocrisy during the 2012 U.S. Senate campaign.

During the campaign, Dewhurst said he would not have signed the in-state tuition bill. Based on Dewhurst’s actions as Lt. Governor, Ted Cruz said:

"This is another Republican primary year conversion by David Dewhurst. He was for in-state tuition for illegal immigrants before he was against it. The next Senator from Texas needs to be a strong conservative who knows what he believes. I strongly oppose in-state tuition for illegal aliens, and categorically oppose amnesty or preferential treatment for illegal immigrants" (Corpus Christi Caller Times, 09/27/2011).

 

David Dewhurst’s Record:

 

-  Dewhurst allowed for the expansion of in-state tuition of illegal immigrants. Senate Bill 1528 (79-R)

-  Dewhurst allowed for the expansion of free healthcare for illegal immigrants. Senate Bill 309 (78-R)

-  Dewhurst supports amnesty – what he calls a “path to legal status.” Senate Bill 309 (78-R)

-  Dewhurst reduced spending on the budget line items for border security and fighting criminal gangs.  LBB Report White Paper

 

Dan Patrick’s Record:

 

Demand Reimbursement from Federal Government

*SCR 6 (2013)- Demands reimbursement by federal government for border security costs (Dan co-authored).

Proclaims Texas’ dissatisfaction with the federal government’s inadequate efforts to secure the Texas-Mexico international border. Urges the Congress of the United States to reimburse the State of Texas in the amount of $221,600,000 for bearing the financial burden of the federal government’s responsibility to secure the Texas-Mexico international border. (Did not pass)

Prohibit Sanctuary Cities

• *SB 358 (2009)- Prohibits Sanctuary Cities (by Dan Patrick)

States that a local governmental entity may not enact a policy under which the entity will not fully enforce federal immigration laws. It further provides that if a local entity adopts such a policy, a private citizen will be able to file a writ of mandamus to compel compliance. The entity may also lose state grant funds if it adopts such a policy. (Did not pass)

• *HB 12 (2011)- Prohibited Sanctuary cities (Dan Co-sponsored).

The bill prohibits certain local government entities from undertaking certain actions that would restrict the enforcement of state and federal immigration law and by allowing the filing of a related citizen complaint. (Did not pass)

• *SB 124 (2011)- Prohibits Sanctuary cities (by Dan Patrick)

The bill prohibits certain local government entities from undertaking certain actions that would restrict the enforcement of state and federal immigration law and by allowing the filing of a related citizen complaint. (Did not pass)

• *SB 14 (2013(3))- Prohibits Sanctuary cities (by Dan Patrick)

The bill prohibits certain local government entities from undertaking certain actions that would restrict the enforcement of state and federal immigration law and by allowing the filing of a related citizen complaint. (Did not pass)

Increase Penalties on Illegal Immigration

• *SB 773 (2007)- Made illegal immigration a state crime (by Dan Patrick)

Would have created the offense of criminal trespass by illegal aliens (Class B) and prescribed certain procedures for arresting illegal aliens suspected of committing criminal offenses. (Did not pass)

• *HB 260 (2011)- Enhances penalties for human smuggling (Dan Sponsored).

Enhances state human smuggling laws to 2nd degree felony. (Passed)

• *SB 394 (2011)- Created a new offense for unlawful transport of illegal aliens (by Dan Patrick)

Would have created an offense of unlawful transport of an undocumented person. (Did not pass) 

Discourage Illegal Hiring Practices

• *SB 357 (2009)- Prohibits knowing employment of illegal aliens (by Dan Patrick)

Would create a prohibition against the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in the United States and the suspension of licenses held by certain employers for the knowing employment of those persons. (Did not pass)

• *SB 30 (2013 (1)- Prohibits the knowing employment of illegals (by Dan Patrick)

Would prohibit the knowing employment of unauthorized foreign nationals and to creation of a biennial report regarding reported violations. (Did not pass)

Remove social enticements to illegals

• SB 268 (2007)- Wire transfer fee revenue to fund border security.

 

Placed a fee on the wire transfer of small amounts of money outside the United States and dedicates the revenue to fund increased border security. (Did not pass)

 

• *SB 1464 (2007)- Canceled voter registration of non-citizens (Dan joint authored)

Would cancel voter registrations for non-U.S. citizens. Requires the secretary of state to cancel an individual’s voter registration immediately after receiving the list of persons excused from jury summons due to noncitizenship. This bill also requires the county registrar to send a written notice to those who have had their voter registration cancelled. (Did not pass) 

 

• *SB 1784 (2009)-Required lawful presence for getting a driver’s license (Dan  co-authored).

Would have required citizenship or lawful presence in the United States for issuance of a driver’s license, personal identification certificate, commercial driver’s license, or commercial driver learner’s permit. (Did not pass)

Enable local law enforcement

• *HB 13 (2007)-Created Border Security Council (Dan co-sponsored).

Would have improved homeland security in Texas by creating the Border Security Council, appointed by the governor. The bill provides that DPS has the primary responsibility to analyze and disseminate criminal intelligence information and to develop and operate a comprehensive intelligence database. Additionally, the bill authorizes private institutions of higher education to increase the security of their campuses and enforcement of state and local law. (Did not pass)

• *SB 1840 (2007)- Protected the right of law enforcement to inquire into immigration status (by Dan Patrick)

Protected the authority of a peace officer to inquire into the immigration status of certain persons after arrest of lawful detention. (Did not pass)

• *SB 268 (2007)-Placed a fee on money wired outside of US to fund border initiatives (by Dan Patrick)

Provided for an assessment of a 10 percent wire transfer fee on amounts up to $5,000 bound for foreign countries. This bill entitles U.S. citizens who pay this transfer fee to apply for a refund of the fee through the office of the comptroller of public accounts. Collected funds go into a border security account and authorizes its appropriation solely by the governor’s office for programs and initiatives to secure Texas’ international border. (Did not pass)

• *SB 11 (2009) – Gang enforcement bill (Dan co-authored).

Provides for criminal and civil penalties and enforcement options for individuals committing offenses related to gang activity; addresses post-conviction and post-adjudication provisions, provisions relating to an offense of graffiti, and matters relating to driver’s license restriction; provides for the electronic monitoring of certain criminal street gang members; and creates gang- free zones. (Did not pass)

• *SB 2584 (2009)- Required jails to determine citizenship status (by Dan Patrick)

Would require a sheriff or other officer in charge of a correctional facility to make a reasonable effort to determine a citizen’s status, if that defendant received in the facility has been convicted of certain felonies. (Did not pass)

• *SB 9 (2011)- Immigration Omnibus Bill (Dan joint authored).

The bill contains three main parts: a prohibition on sanctuary cities; required use of secure communities; and statutory authority for DPS to authenticate lawful presence when issuing state identification or driver’s licenses. (Did not pass)

• *SB 126 (2011)- Requires law enforcement to inquire into lawful presence (by Dan Patrick)

The duty and authority of a peace officer to inquire into the lawful presence of certain persons. (Did not pass)

• *SB 288 (2011)- Authorizes southbound checkpoints along border (Dan Co-authored).

Would authorize DPS to operate one or more southbound vehicle checkpoints near the international border of Texas for the purpose of preventing certain criminal offenses. (Did not pass)

• *SB 947 (2011)- Allows Border Patrol officers to arrest, search and seizure under the laws of Texas (by Dan Patrick)

The bill would grant a Customs and Border Protection Officer or Border Patrol Agent of the United States Customs and Border Protection or an immigration enforcement agent or deportation officer of the Department of Homeland Security the powers of arrest, search, and seizure under the laws of Texas as to felony offenses. (Did not pass)

Judge Strikes Down Texas Gay Marriage Ban - Barry Smitherman for Attorney General, and Ted Cruz, Respond and Stand with Traditional Marriage

Attorney General Candidate Barry Smitherman’s Statement on Judge Orlando Garcia’s Ruling Striking Down Texas Gay Marriage Ban:

The following is a press release from Barry Smitherman:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	Contact:  Jared Craighead
Wednesday, February 26, 2014	512-522-5601

Attorney General Candidate Barry Smitherman’s Statement on Judge Orlando Garcia’s Ruling Striking Down Texas Gay Marriage Ban

AUSTIN –Today Barry Smitherman issued the following statement in response to Judge Orlando Garcia’s ruling striking down Texas’ gay marriage ban:

“Marriage is between one man and one woman, period.  I am deeply troubled by Judge Garcia’s ruling that I know General Abbott will successfully appeal to the 5^th Circuit.  Some liberal, unelected federal judges with lifetime appointments seem to be missing the point that not only is there a rational basis for our constitutional definition of marriage, there is a compelling governmental interest in maintaining core Judeo-Christian values here in Texas.

From the founding of our Republic, states have always maintained the right to define marriage.  Whether it was a proscription on the ability of people to marry a first or second cousin or some other family member, or a prohibition on children getting married, states have always rightfully been the ones to define who could and who could not marry.  Federal judges’ attempts in the wake of the Windsor case to usurp that power from the states must be halted immediately.

I urge the 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn this disastrous ruling as soon as possible.”

For more information please visit www.BarryforTexas.com.

###


Ted Cruz's Statement on Judge Orlando Garcia’s Ruling Striking Down Texas Gay Marriage Ban:

The following is a press release from Barry Ted Cruz:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                          Sen. Cruz Press Office: 202-228-7561

Feb. 26, 2014                                                                                                  Sean_Rushton@cruz.senate.gov

News Release                                                                                            Catherine_Frazier@cruz.senate.gov

Sen. Cruz: Today's Ruling Invalidating Texas' Ban on Same-Sex Marriage is a Troubling Display of Judicial Activism

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, released the following statement in response to a federal judge ruling Texas' ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional:

"Today’s ruling by a federal judge, invalidating Texas’ ban on same-sex marriage, is a troubling display of judicial activism.  Our Constitution leaves it to the States to define marriage, and unelected judges should not be substituting their own policy views for the reasoned judgments of the citizens of Texas, who adopted our marriage law directly by referendum.  The court's decision undermines the institution of marriage, and I applaud Attorney General Abbott’s decision to appeal this ruling to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals."

Ted Cruz reaction to President Obama's 2013 State of the Union Address

Team Cruz wanted to share three items with you from the office of Senator Ted Cruz as you watch the State of the Union tonight.

1)  A link to a previous press release about the 5 questions Senator Cruz had going into SOTU and our shareable graphic showing Obama failed to provide answers.

2)  A link to a new WSJ op-ed from Senator Cruz about the President’s disturbing pattern of lawlessness that went live early this evening and will be in tomorrow’s paper.

3)  Senator Cruz’s full post-SOTU statement included in full below.

 

CRUZ: An effective President governs by consensus and persuasion, not with a pen and a phone.

Senator Cruz’s reaction to the President’s State of the Union Address

 

CRUZ: This evening, President Obama delivered a speech that shows he has lost the support of the American people. He is going it alone because, after five years of failed economic policies and broken promises, the public and their elected representatives aren¹t willing to go with him anymore.

 

We¹ve heard it before. The promises President Obama made to increase opportunity tonight are as empty as his promises that if Americans liked their plan they could keep it, that he would hold the IRS accountable for the illegal targeting of conservative groups, and that he would get to the bottom of what happened in Benghazi.

 

Under President Obama, economic inequality has increased.  The rich have gotten richer.  And those struggling are hurt the worst.

 

The millions of Americans who have lost their jobs know that, under President Obama, the real minimum wage is zero.  

 

Today, we have the lowest labor force participation in decades -- not since 1978 have this many Americans been out of the workforce.

 

President Obama is abusing his executive power because his economic policies have failed, and he is unwilling to change.  

 

Because Congress is not willing to make things worse -- to reduce jobs and economic growth even more -- the president has declared his intention to ignore the constitutional limitations on his power and simply go it alone.  Everyone--Republican, Democrat, Independent, or Libertarian--should be concerned about an imperial presidency, because unlimited power, without checks and balances, threatens the liberty of every American.

 

"I have a pen, and I have a phone," is not how laws are made under our Constitution.

 

A strong president governs by consensus and persuasion, not with a pen and a phone.

 

Americans deserve a President who will work in good faith with their elected representatives to follow the law of the land and to pass laws that reflect the will of the people.

 

The State of the Union would be far stronger for it.

--
Jon McClellan
Ted Cruz for Senate
http://www.tedcruz.org/

Poll: Ted Cruz 3rd 'most influential' world leader, behind Pope, Obama

Poll: Ted Cruz 3rd 'most influential' world leader, behind Pope, Obama

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has had the best year of any Republican and virtually anyone in the world, ranking third in Rasmussen Report’s new poll of the of the “most influential” people in the world, behind Pope Francis and President Obama.

In the new poll, Cruz, who made headlines for trying to dismantle Obamacare, was the pick for the most influential of 11 percent. The pope was tops at 23 percent, Obama second at 21 percent.

Among Republicans, Cruz was second behind the pope, with 19 percent calling the freshman senator and Tea Party leader the world’s most influential leader. Just 9 percent of Republicans said the same thing of Obama.

see full article here: http://washingtonexaminer.com/poll-ted-cruz-3rd-most-influential-world-leader-behind-pope-obama/article/2540748

Dan Patrick Fought to STOP Texas 20% Tuition Tax - Dewhurst's Chairman Killed Bill - Texas Lieutenant Governor Race Update

Dan Patrick is one of the few leaders in Texas to take a stand against the unbelievable Texas Tuition Set Aside, also known as the Texas Tax on College Student Tuition. That is right, in Texas of all places the State has a law that forces all college students to pay a MINIMUM 20% "tax" that is added to the college tuition that students pay. The tuition tax goes to pay for other people's college tuition. Even if the student is having to take out students loans to pay for their tuition, they still have to pay the tax which means they are taking out a loan to pay for another student's free tuition. UNBELIEVABLE! Texas students are being punished for taking a positive step forward and trying to get a college degree.

Texas State Senator Dan Patrick, who is running for Lieutenant Governor, is known to be a fighter for Texans and for Conservative Values. We all know the high profile issues that Patrick has stood up for like pro-life issues and gun rights issues. Most people have no idea though about the battle that Dan Patrick has fought to stop the Texas Tuition Tax. most people do not even know that there is a Texas Tuition Tax!

Texas Tuition Tax was Hidden. Dan Patrick Exposed it

The Texas Tuition Tax was a hidden tax. Students never had any idea that they were even being forced to pay it as part of their college tuition. When Dan Patrick got elected to the Texas Senate, he set out to go against the grain and expose and stop this tax. The first step in taking down the tax is to inform people about this outrageous tax. In 2009, Dan Patrick introduced and passed SB 1304 to force colleges to reveal to students that they were having a large portion of their tuition set aside to pay for other people's tuition. 

Dan Patrick's bill to STOP the Texas Tuition Tax was Killed in Dewhurst's Senate Committee

After exposing the tuition tax, Senator Patrick, along with Senator Birdwell, introduced SB 444 in 2011 to END the tuition tax. Patrick's bill never made it out of committee. Not only did many other Senators not support ending the Tax, but even the LT Governor David Dewhurst apparently did not care to end the tax because the bill never even made it out of committee. The Lieutenant Governor of Texas hand picks the chairmen of the Senate Committees. If the LT Governor wants a bill to be voted on by the Senate, the LT Governor can make sure the bill makes it out of committee for a full Senate vote.

I have always thought Dewhurst was a good guy. I believe that personally he is a conservative. We need a fighter though. This is exactly why I supported Ted Cruz for US Senate over Dewhurst. Ted Cruz boldly stands and fights for conservative values while Dewhurst, although he is conservative, does not stand up and fight like he should. I understand bi-partisanship, but many of his committee chairmen are some of the worst liberals in all of Texas. Many issues, like Patrick's Stop Texas Tuition Tax bill, are also left to die in Senate Committees without even being considered for a floor vote.

Thank You Senator Dan Patrick! I know that if you win the Texas Lieutenant Governor election in 2014 then you not hesitate to make sure conservative issues, like stopping the tuition tax, do not get killed in committee.

This Texas Tuition Tax is outrageous and conservatives in Texas need to spread the word about this tax and join in to help Dan Patrick in his efforts to stop it!

Ted Cruz Bill calls for 5 Million dollar Bounty on Heads of Benghazi Terrorists

Now we are talking. If this bill from Texas US Senator Ted Cruz passes, we might actually catch the terrorists who attacked the American Embassy in Benghazi, Libya. The United States of America frequently announces million dollar rewards for all kinds of wanted criminals. The most recent reward was created for information leading to the capture of a Mexican Drug Lord. These million dollar rewards work because, well, people like money and will give up information they know for money. So why has the United States NOT already put out a reward for information leading to the capture of the Benghazi terrorists? It is almost as if the Obama administration does not want to find the terrorists because it would expose even more about the botched ""anti Muslim video" cover-up by Obama's administration. Thank you Senator Ted Cruz for taking a stand and really putting forth an effort to find these terrorists.

The following is a press release from U.S. Senator Ted Cruz:

Cruz Proposes Bill to Offer Reward on Benghazi Terrorists

Contact: press@cruz.senate.gov / (202) 228-7561
Thursday, November 7, 2013

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today introduced legislation to require the Secretary of State to offer a reward of up to $5 million for information on the Benghazi attacks or information that leads to the capture and prosecution of a suspect.

"The State Department's Rewards for Justice Program exists to help the U.S. identify and apprehend its enemies, but the Obama Administration has not used it to pursue the terrorists who attacked our personnel in Benghazi," Cruz said. "This legislation enables the Secretary of State to offer a substantial reward for information leading to the apprehension and prosecution of the suspects who have been identified. U.S. investigators should have all available tools at their disposal to bring to justice those who murdered four Americans in Benghazi, including the first Ambassador killed in service since 1979."

The Rewards for Justice program has been a visible and successful element in the ongoing battle against terrorism. Since 1984, over $125 million has been distributed to more than 80 people.

To date, there has been no reward offered for the Benghazi terrorist suspects under the Rewards for Justice Program. Earlier this week, the State Department announced that they are giving out up to $5 million in exchange for info on drug lords. They did this without any new authorizing or appropriating legislation.

Last year, then-Senator Kerry and Senator Coons offered similar legislation to expand the Rewards for Justice program to help capture Joseph Kony. This bill passed the Senate unanimously and was enacted into law last year.

###

Sen. Cruz's Bill to Offer Reward on Benghazi Terrorists

Ted Cruz tops President 2016 poll at Values Voter Summit

Texas Senator Ted Cruz is still flying high after his brave showdown against Obamacare. He helped show the nation the problems with Obamacare and got the attention of everyone. This noble deed has not gone unnoticed. Ted Cruz was selected as the top Presidential Candidate for the 2016 election by the attendees at the 2013 Values Voter Summit.

from Fox News:

Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz decidedly won the presidential straw poll at the 2013 Values Voter Summit, solidifying his status among religious conservatives.

Cruz, a first-term senator and Tea Party favorite, has emerged as one of the Republican Party and conservative movement’s most dynamic leaders –  highlighted by his effort to defund ObamaCare.

Cruz, who appears to have presidential aspirations, took 42 percent of the vote, with Dr. Ben Carson and former Pennsylvania Sen. and GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum each getting 13 percent.

Though the 2016 race is years off, the annual summit in Washington is considered an early indication of how conservative voters are leaning.

“I just spoke with Senator Cruz and he wanted me to convey to you his deep appreciation for your enthusiastic and … that he was very grateful to know that there are Americans across the country who are standing with him as he stands for your values here in Washington, D.C.,” said Tony Perkins, the head of the Family Research Council,  which is hosting the three-day event, according to The Washington Times.

more here: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/10/12/cruz-wins-religious-conservatives-2016-straw-poll/

Dan Branch Tweet Takes Shot at Ted Cruz? Wants Republicans to Give in to Obamacare?

Texas Attorney General Candidate Dan Branch upset many conservatives yesterday over something that he retweeted on twitter. Given the current standstill in Washington, the post from Branch seemed to imply that conservatives, like Ted Cruz, should not stand so strongly against Obamacare.

I suppose I am not surprised. Dan Branch has a long record of teaming up with Democrats to oppose the majority of Republicans and conservatives during his time in the Texas Legislature. That man can NOT become our next Texas Attorney General. He will compromise with Obama in court instead of fighting tooth and nail against him.

Yesterday, Dan Branch retweeted a Ronald Reagan quote "I'd rather get 80% of what I want than to go over the cliff with my flag waving"

Any other time, in normal debates, this quote would ring true.

These are not normal times though. American is crumbling under an enormous amount of debt and Obamacare might be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Senator Ted Cruz and House Republicans have taken a stand against Obamacare in order to save America. The Republicans have even offered reasonable compromises like just delaying it for a year. The Democrats are not budging so that has led to a "government shutdown" which is really just a government slimdown.

Given the current government situation and the timing of the retweet from Branch, some believe that it was a jab at Ted Cruz and other conservatives who are holding the line against Obamacare. It would seem that Branch might want conservatives to give in more in order to end the shutdown. Branch is wrong though. Standing against Obamacare is not going to end with Republicans going off a cliff with our flags waving. Fighting Obamacare till the end will save America from the cliff that she is sure to go over if Republicans DO give in. So stand strong Ted Cruz and fellow conservative Republican Congressmen.

If Branch meant something else by the retweet then it sure needs to be clarified because many people saw it as invoking conservative hero Ronald Reagan as a plea to conservatives to give in to the Democrats instead of "going off of a cliff" while completely opposing Obamacare, even though the cliff is what standing against Obamacare is saving us from!

This kind of statement sure fits in with Branch's history of compromising conservative values. If you remember, Dan Branch was a member of the original gang of 11. These 11 Republicans teamed up with all of the Texas Democrat State Representatives to kick out the Republican House Speaker and pick a more Democrat friendly, pro-choice, moderate House Speaker Joe Straus.

I personally support Barry Smitherman for Texas Attorney General. He is a proven conservative statewide leader who has shown that he will stand for Texas and fight Obama without backing down.

Rush Limbaugh: Ted Cruz Wanted Friday Obamacare Vote because Saturday America is Watching Texas A&M’s Johnny “Football” Manziel

Senate Democrats had planned to use Johnny “Football” Manziel to distract people from the big Obamacare vote?

The cloture vote (vote to end debate) happened today (Friday 9/27/2013). The senate was originally pushing for a Saturday vote. This is the vote that Ted Cruz does not want to pass because when debate it closed, it only takes 51 votes to amend the continuing resolution and add back in funding for Obamacare. Republicans cannot stop Harry Reid from getting 51 votes to amend the bill, so Cruz is standing against closing debate so that way Harry Reid will be forced to allow Republicans a chance to sit at the table and have their voice heard in the Senate.

The U.S. Senate Democrats do not want you to watch and see them vote to fund Obamacare. They do not want you to see them amend the U.S. House’s Continuing Resolution. So what is their grand plan to have the Nation distracted during the vote? Johnny “Football” Manziel is their plan. According to Rush Limbaugh on his 9/25/2013 show, the Senate wants to vote on Saturday instead of Friday because the country will be watching Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel. That is one of the reasons, according to Limbaugh, that Ted Cruz wants the vote to be Friday instead of Saturday. Texas U.S. Senator Ted Cruz wants the nation to be watching when the Senate votes to fund Obamacare, and if the Senate votes on Saturday then the nation will be watching Johnny Manziel.

The Senate, after being called out by Cruz and Limbaugh, went ahead and had the vote Friday instead of Saturday. As expected, the Senate Democrats immediately voted (and passed) an amendment to fund Obamacare. It is still kind of amusing though to think about the Senate wanting to vote while the country is watching Johnny Manziel, haha.

Johnny “Football” Manziel has mesmerized the nation. This year he seems to be even better than last year, and he won the Heisman Award as a Freshman last year. Every game he plays as quarterback of Texas A&M University, he puts up amazing statistics and is known to wow viewers with spectacular plays against even the best teams. His recent game against Alabama was easily the most watched football games in many years. Most of the audience tuned in to see Johnny Manziel right as he was making a comeback and dancing around Alabama players in order to rally the game to a near tie finish against the number one team in the nation.

Barry Smitherman Stands with Ted Cruz to Defund Obamacare! Sign the Petition

Texas Attorney General Candidate Barry Smitherman released the following statement tonight in support of Ted Cruz:

What an honor for Texans to be represented by Ted Cruz in the United States Senate. Hold him in your prayers and thoughts as he fights to defund Obamacare!

If you're a Texan against Obamacare, sign your name to our petition: www.BarryForTexas.com/obamacare

Ted Cruz is making the argument for why the Senate should vote on the House Continuing Resolution that funds the government and defunds Obamacare. He intends to speak, as he said, until he is no longer able to stand.

Here is a link to watch LIVE…

http://www.c-span.org/Live-Video/C-SPAN2/

Here is what is happening. The U.S. House passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the government but defund Obamacare. The House sent the CR to the U.S. Senate. Democrat Senator Harry Reid has already declared that he will never allow the bill to be passed if it defunds Obamacare. This means that the Democrats will amend the Continuing Resolution before it gets passed out of the Senate. 

Texas Senator Ted Cruz is determined to defund Obamacare. Cruz knows that the Republicans in the U.S. Senate do not have the power to stop the CR from being amended to include the funding of Obamacare because it only takes a majority of the Senate to make an amendment.

In order to protest the funding of Obamacare, and to try to convince the Senators to pass the House CR without changing it, Senator Ted Cruz has started talking this afternoon and will not stop until he can no longer stand.

This is technically not a filibuster because Ted Cruz, by rule, bust stop talking tomorrow afternoon to allow the U.S. Senate to have a test vote.

Watch Ted Cruz LIVE NOW - Speaking Against Obamacare "until he can't stand"

Making the argument for why the Senate should vote on the House Continuing Resolution that funds the
government and defunds Obamacare. He intends to speak, as he said, until he is no longer able to stand.

Here is a link to watch LIVE…

http://www.c-span.org/Live-Video/C-SPAN2/

9.24.13 – 2:41 P. M.

Cruz vows filibuster ‘until I am no longer able to stand’

By Stephen Dinan
The Washington Times
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/24/cruz-vows-filibuster-until-i-am-no-longer-able-sta/
Sen. Ted Cruz began a talk-a-thon on the Senate Tuesday afternoon and vowed to keep speaking “until I am no longer able to stand” as he tries to halt President Obama’s health care law.
“I rise today to speak for 26 million Texans and 300 million Americans,” Mr. Cruz began.
He took to the floor armed with a big black binder, thick with papers, presumably to read as he talks.
He began at 2:41, and can talk up until noon tomorrow, when under the Senate rules he would have to stop and the Senate would proceed to vote on ending debate and bringing the spending bill to the floor.
The bill right now includes provisions to defund Obamacare, which Mr. Cruz supports, but under the rules Democrats can strip those provisions out with a majority vote. So Mr. Cruz is trying to block the entire bill — including the parts he supports — in protest.
===========

9.24.13 – Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. Mike Lee speaking on the floor of the Senate today about defunding Obamacare: http://www.c-span.org/Events/Senate-Debates-Continuing-Resolution-to-Fund-Govt/10737441638-1/

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9.23.13 – Palin: Light Up Capitol Hill Switchboards – Defunding Obamacare

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/09/23/Palin-Light-Up-Capitol-Hill-Switchboards-to-Defund-Obamacare

“Remember, we elected these senators precisely for moments like this. If they can’t do anything with the power we’ve given them through their elected office, then perhaps it’s time for them to retire and let someone else have a go,"  Palin said. "Opposition to Obamacare carried us to victory in 2010. And 2014 is just around the corner."

…Palin said it was even more important for Americans living in red states—like Alaska, Arkansas, Louisiana, and North Carolina—represented by Democrats to "politely" let their senators know there will be consequences at the ballot box if they vote procedurally to shut down debate in the Senate: 

Please call your senators and politely ask them to stand with Senator Cruz. This is especially important if your senator is a Democrat up for re-election in a red state in 2014. That would be Senators Mark Begich (D-AK), Mark Pryor (D-AR), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), and Kay Hagan (D-NC). Remind them politely that we are watching their votes very carefully and even a procedural vote that shuts down this debate will be regarded as a vote for Obamacare, and there will be consequences for them at the ballot box next year. The same goes for Republicans up for re-election. We definitely expect them to stand shoulder to shoulder with Senator Cruz through thick and thin.

…Palin reiterated, "We shouldn’t preemptively surrender the fight to those who rammed through this outrageously burdensome and unaffordable ploy for government control of health care even though some are trying to convince us that the fight is futile."

"Just because a fight isn’t easy, doesn’t mean it’s not worth fighting," she said.

…The number for the Capitol Hill Switchboard is 202-224-3121. Ask for your senator’s office. You can also find their contact information and contact them online at:   http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Donna Garner
Wgarner1@hot.rr.com

Texas GOP = GOOD; Democrats = "Hail Satan, I Hope You're Raped, Kill Babies"

The last couple of weeks in Texas have really exposed Democrats for who they really are, an unruly mob who, when they do not get their way, decide to disrupt the legislature; they oppose the strong majority of Americans by wanting to allow late term abortions; they send their children out to protest with vulgar signs; they call for women pro-life legislators and even call for their daughters to be raped, and they even chant "Hail Satan" as pro-life Republicans sing Amazing Grace. Congratulations, the Democrat Party has become Occupy Wall Street 2.0. I hope all you conservative Democrats are watching and realize that the Democrat Party is not for you. They do not share your values. The Democrat Party that you once knew has left you and has embraced radical liberal ideology.

The Republican Party is the Party for you. We are the Party that your values align with. The Republican Party Platform is a set of values that we can believe in because these values have made America great! Sure, sometimes I do articles that criticize the Texas GOP for not abiding by our good platform, but that is not because I do not like the Texas GOP, it is because I DO like the Party and believe in the Party Platform values and I know that the best way to keep the Party strong is to help keep it from straying from our values.

Here is the Shocking Truth of What the pro-abortion Democrats and their Mobs have done Over the Past Couple of Weeks:

While Republicans in Texas seek to ban late term abortions after 20 weeks because the little babies can feel pain when they have their little arms and legs ripped off, the Texas Democrats, with leader Wendy Davis, are doing everything they can to allow late term abortions to continue. Democrat Wendy Davis made national headlines when she delayed these pro abortion restrictions by filibustering the bill at the end of the 2013 Texas Special Session. The media tried to run with the story and make her out to be a heroine and make Texas look bad for trying to restrict late term abortions. This plan by the Democrats and the media backfired because, well, the fact is that the large majority of Americans are AGAINST late term abortions, Several states already ban abortions after 20 weeks and most countries also have abortion bans after even just 10 weeks. Why? Because even Democrats in America do not believe that people should be able to have abortions after the first trimester when the baby is already very developed and can feel pain and has a heartbeat and little hands and little feet. So this plan by Wendy Davis and the Media backfired. The people of Texas and even America do not stand with Wendy and they do not agree with the Democrats. The majority of Texans #Stand4Life. Wendy Davis had to get help from Obama to get tweets flowing from mostly other states to support her. Texas Senator Ted Cruz took a stand and pointed out that Wendy Davis does not speak for Texas. Conservative Konni Burton has stepped up to the plate to run against Davis in what will be a hotly contested race.

Knowing they were losing, the media and the Democrats tried to distract people by crying out sexism. Hey everyone, look, the Republican men are against women and us Women Democrats are standing up for women. The people did not buy into that distraction either. Why? Because the biggest proponents of this pro-life bill, and even the main authors of the bill, are WOMEN REPUBLICANS. these Women put forth the bill as a way to protect what is best for both WOMEN and unborn WOMEN both mentally and physically. Kermit Gosnell style abortion clinics are dangerous, unregulated, and unhealthy for women. Late Term Abortions are damaging to women who live with the regret of ripping apart a little baby who could feel pain, not to mention late term abortions are horrible for the baby who has to feel the pain and never gets a chance to live. And yes, although Wendy Davis and RINO Joe Straus did not like it, Governor Rick Perry was right, you got a chance to live and overcome the odds Wendy Davis, so why not let another little baby have a chance? Speaking of trying to play the sexism card, one Texas Democrat legislator, Leticia Van De Putte, even made the outrageous statement on the Senate floor "what does a woman legislator have to do to be heard over the men in the room" This was outrageous because it assumes again that only men are for pro life issues when many women legislators are for the pro life bills; it was outrageous because the reason she was not heard was because of HER PARTY's mob in the room making noise; and to top it all off her statement was outrageous because it was her Party and her friend Wendy Davis who denied WOMEN Republican legislators the ability to speak on the Senate floor when the women wanted to give an opinion on the issue during her filibuster. Thankfully, many of these GOP women legislators, like Dr. Donna Campbell, got on the national news and, as a women, let America can know that Wendy Davis does NOT represent the majority of women and pro life bills are not sexist and not just pushed by men but also by women.

The Democrat Party became an UNRULY MOB when they knew that they were not going to get their way. This mob did not like what the elected officials at the State Capitol in Austin, TX were voting on so they swarmed the Capitol and purposely disrupted the Legislature to keep them from being able to vote. They knew that that they could not win the majority of the hearts and minds of Texas voters who want to end late term abortions, so they decided to use Occupy Wall Street tactics to stop the vote. The chaos that ensued over the next several days included this unruly Democrat mob calling for women pro-life Legislators to be raped. Where was the mainstream media to protect these women Republicans who were being threatened with rape? Oh yeah, they are Republicans so who cares about protecting those women right? They paraded their children through the streets with vulgar, profanity filled signs that had written on it things like "If I wanted government in my V****a I would f**k a senator." Really? you have your kid hold that sign? The worst part of the kids holding signs is that these kids are holding signs that advocate for their parents being able to kill them, the kids.

And last but not least, when the unruly mob opposed a pro life woman speaking at the State Capitol and when they opposed the pro life people singing "Amazing Grace," the Democrat pro-abortion mob started chanting "Hail Satan." The video of this Democrat mob chanting "Hail Satan" made national media headlines because it was just so outrageous that it would be hard to believe without video. The official Church of Satan even came out and made a statement denouncing the Democrat mob chanting "Hail Satan." That is right, even the Satan worshipers think the Democrat pro-abortion mobs are too extreme for them.

So let me ask you again, do the Liberal Democrat actions and values represent who you are and what you believe? My guess is the answer is NO for most Americans. Take a look at the Republican Party. Our values and actions likely DO represent you better. We are for helping you find a job and support a family by helping create jobs and keeping taxes low. We are for supporting all humans whether black or white or old or unborn. We are for protecting America the enemies who want to attack and kill us because they hate our freedom.

Join us MONDAY July 8th, 2013 at 7p.m. for a PRO-LIFE RALLY at the Texas Capitol Building in Austin, TX. the lineup of speakers will be great from national pro life groups and advocates like former Governor Mick Huckabee to local State Leaders like Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

image from Texas GOP email

a life, not a choice

Senator Ted Cruz has Big Lead in 2016 Presidential Polls in Texas

from PPP:

-Looking towards the 2016 Presidential race, Texas voters are a lot more enthusiastic about Ted Cruz than Rick Perry. 27% of Republicans in the state say Cruz would be their top choice for the nomination to 15% for Jeb Bush, 11% for Rand Paul and Chris Christie, and 9% for Paul Ryan. Perry comes in 6th place at 7%, leading only Marco Rubio at 6%, Rick Santorum at 4%, and Bobby Jindal at 3%. While a plurality of Republican primary voters (42/39) want Cruz to run in 2016, an overwhelming majority (18/69) do not want Perry to.

more here: http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2013/07/texas-miscellany.html

Sen. Ted Cruz says Wendy Davis Does Not Represent Majority of Texans

from Texas Tribune:
http://www.texastribune.org/2013/06/28/evening-brief-texas-headlines-june-28-2013/

Cruz: Despite filibuster, Texas opposes abortion (The Associated Press): "Firebrand U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said Friday that most Texans still oppose abortion, despite the national stir caused by a Democratic filibuster 'and a handful of protesters' in the state Senate this week that blocked a sweeping bill to further limit the procedure. The tea party darling addressed the National Right to Life Conference in suburban Dallas. He was such a hit that when Cruz strode through a side door moments before he was scheduled to speak, the person on stage had to stop as the crowd cheered and climbed to their feet. Once at the microphone, Cruz called what happened in the state Legislature 'a battle.' 'If you listen to the media those rowdy protesters were adopting the popular view,' he said. 'Yet the simple reality is, 62 percent of Texans oppose late-term abortions.'"

Straus Publicly Attacks Gov. Perry and Supports Pro-Abortion Wendy Davis

Surprise! Only one quarter of Wendy Davis' Twitter and online support came from Texas 

Governor Perry Calls Second Special Session for Abortion and other things. Mob DOES NOT Win!

Dewhurst Says Straus Did not get Pro Life Bill to TX Senate in Time 

Sen. Ted Cruz Forces Obama to Appoint State Department Inspector General

from the Weekly Standard:

Earlier this week, Texas senator Ted Cruz pledged to block State Department nominees until the federal agency filled the vacant inspector general position. Almost two days later, the State Department nominated Steve Linick for the position, which has been vacant for nearly 2,000 days.

"The President's failure to nominate a State Department Inspector General since taking office in 2009 is unacceptable. The position has been vacant for almost 2,000 days. This is a crucial oversight position and should be a priority for an agency facing substantial management challenges," Cruz said in a statement released Wednesday.
"Until the President acts, I have notified Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell that I will place a hold on all State Department nominations."

read rest of story here: http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/state-dept-finally-fills-vacant-position-after-cruz-pledged-block-nominees_738139.html

Sen. Ted Cruz Applauds Shelby County v. Holder Supreme Court Decision Striking Voting Rights Act Provision

Sen. Cruz Applauds Shelby County v. Holder Supreme Court Decision

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) today released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder:

Today, the Supreme Court recognized the enormous progress made toward voting equality in the United States since the Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965. The Court rightly decided that the statutory standards used decades ago to subject democratically-elected state legislatures to second-guessing by unelected federal bureaucrats no longer survives constitutional scrutiny.

Today's decision also validates the hard work and personal sacrifice made by my late friend and former Texas solicitor general, Greg Coleman. Greg's tireless and brilliant advocacy on this issue no doubt paved the way for this result, and I am grateful for his principled legacy.

Ted Cruz’s Scathing Message to Obama: ‘Let Me Suggest a Simple Rule: Don’t Give Weapons to People Who Hate Us’

From The Blaze: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/06/20/ted-cruzs-scathing-message-to-obama-on-senate-floor-let-me-suggest-a-simple-rule-dont-give-weapons-to-people-who-hate-us/

Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) blasted President Barack Obama over his decision to intervene in Syria and send weapons to rebel forces.

Pointing out the obvious, Cruz warned that there were al-Qaeda elements supporting the rebels in the region. He also brought up reports of severe brutality and crime at the hands of the “rebels.”

“In recent weeks, a training video has been posted on an al-Qaeda website showing young rebel recruits in Syria singing, not only about overthrowing Assad,” Cruz explained, “but also how quote, ‘the World Trade Center was turned into rubble.’”

Cruz said the real goal of the rebel forces is to overthrow the Assad regime and establish and Islamic state.

“These forces are engaged with a deadly struggle with the Assad regime and President Obama has chosen this moment to signal that it is now suddenly in our vital security interests to intervene in Syria,” he said. “It seems far more likely a recipe for disaster.”
The Texas Republican said arming the Syrian rebels with guns and ammunition will only add to the problem.

“Regardless, let me suggest a simple rule,” Cruz said. “Don’t give weapons to people who hate us. Don’t give weapons to people who want to kill us.”

Cruz also took a shot at Obama for not pitching his plan to arm the rebels directly to the American people, instead having a White House spokesperson deliver the news.

Referring to a recent Pew poll, Cruz pointed out that 70 percent of Americans oppose arming rebels in Syria and do not want to get pulled into another conflict overseas.

“In a case where his policy is so at odds with the will of the people, it’s beholden on the President to make his case and persuade us that this proposed intervention is necessary,” Cruz added.

Featured image via AP

(H/T: Washington Examiner)

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Awesome Tweet from Senator Ted Cruz: Will Obama Background Check Syrians before giving them Guns?

Texas Senator Ted Cruz Tweet:

"Anyone know if President Obama intends to provide background checks on the Syrian rebels before providing them weapons?"

Poll: Ted Cruz more popular for 2016 presidential run than Rick Perry among Texans

from Caroline May of the Daily Caller: http://dailycaller.com/2013/06/18/poll-ted-cruz-more-popular-for-2016-presidential-run-than-rick-perry-among-texans/

Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz outpaces other potential 2016 Republican presidential candidates in Texas, according to a new poll.

The University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll found that in a match-up of other presidential primary possibilities, Cruz fared the best in Texas, even overtaking Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

In the poll, Cruz took 25 percent of the vote among self-identified GOP primary voters. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul came in second with 13 percent, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio was third with 11 percent, then Perry with 10 percent.

Read rest of article here: http://dailycaller.com/2013/06/18/poll-ted-cruz-more-popular-for-2016-presidential-run-than-rick-perry-among-texans/#ixzz2Wkmmqb4n