Dan Patrick Responds to Outrageous Attack and Release of Medical Records from David Dewhurst

From Dan Patrick:

My Statement on Dewhurst's Attacks.....

The last 24 hrs have been some of the toughest in this campaign. David Dewhurst, who is trailing by a large margin in the polls going into early voting (which begins Monday), launched one of the dirtiest attacks anyone has launched on an opponent.

At first Dewhurst denied he had anything to do with the release of my medical records when I was treated for depression 30 years ago. He blamed former candidate Jerry Patterson for the release of records. However, in an e-mail sent out a few hours later in error to the media, Patterson clearly showed David was totally involved and knew everything that was happening.

I have never hidden the fact I struggled with depression in the 1980s, but I did keep the details private. They were personal as all medical issues are. I voluntarily entered a hospital in 1982 and then again in 1986 to treat my depression. The drugs that were prescribed for me in the hospital only made it worse. By 1987, through prayer, the love of my family and my doctor I was finally able to defeat depression. I have not seen a doctor or taken any medication for depression or any other mental health issue since 1987.

Millions of Texans have had an episode of depression or know of a family member who has. One reason I have talked about this issue on the radio over the years is to let people know there is no shame in asking for help or seeking treatment for depression. We must remove the stigma of seeking help for mental health. In most cases depression can be cured.

I have gone on to have a very productive and successful life for the last 30 years. My recently released medical exam shows I am in excellent physical and mental health as I have been for decades.

This has also been a test of my Christian faith. I open every speech with I'm a Christian first and conservative second. It's now time to live my faith through actions and not just words. There are two verses close to my heart that have kept me strong.

Isaiah 54:15 If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing, whoever attacks you will surrender to you

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you

My campaign has been focused on the issues, namely cutting property taxes and securing the border. Meanwhile Dewhurst has spent millions attacking me and to date not one single dollar on why he should be re-elected or on any issue. It's time to put an end to the dirty political tricks of David Dewhurst. It's the only way he knows how to campaign. We've seen it before.

I am the best candidate for Lt Governor. I am ready to serve and I ask for you vote. Early Voting begins Monday and election day is May 27th. You can get involved at http://www.danpatrick.org/

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)

Hypocrisy: Dewhurst Filed for Bankruptcy then Attacks Dan Patrick for Past Bankruptcy

Politics is, well, it is politics. If you can find something possibly negative about your opponent then you use it against him or her. I have no issue with that because it is important for voters to see where you rise above the other candidates in a race.

What I have an issue with is hypocrisy. I do NOT like it when a candidate does something wrong, but then bashes his opponents for doing the exact same thing. For example, if I voted to raise taxes it would be very hypocritical of me to bash someone for also voting to raise taxes while hiding the fact that I voted to raise taxes. That would be deceptive and flat out unethical. Now if I have never voted to raise taxes and my opponent did, then you better believe the people should know the truth that I do not raise taxes but my opponent did.

The 2014 Texas Republican Primary Runoff Election (May 27^th Election Day) includes a very heated race for Lieutenant Governor of Texas. The race has come down to Dan Patrick vs. David Dewhurst.

Dan Patrick is the clear conservative choice in this race. Patrick is endorsed by most conservative/tea party groups, and he also easily received the most amount of votes in the primary election. David Dewhurst knows he is losing the race so he has tried to attack Patrick. The problem is that David Dewhurst is attacking Dan Patrick for doing something that Dewhurst also has done! That is just hypocritical.

David Dewhurst attacks Dan Patrick over 28 year old Bankruptcy and back taxes even though Dewhurst had an even Bigger Bankruptcy than Patrick and Dewhurst also owed back taxes.

Fact: David Dewhurst and his companies have been involved in a bankruptcy case, a debt suit, tax liens and back taxes owed to the state. Dewhurst owed millions of dollars to creditors and the state through debts and unpaid taxes. If Dewhurst were to attack any other candidate for bankruptcy or tax issues, he must answer questions about his own bankruptcy, debt lawsuit and back taxes owed.

Fact: David Dewhurst’s business bankruptcy in 1982 listed debts of more than $7 Million, compared to Dan Patrick’s 1986 bankruptcy listing $816,000 in debts.

Fact: David Dewhurst and two of his companies were sued in 1983 by a Houston bank to recover an unpaid debt; Dewhurst was ordered to pay $832,805.

Fact: Dewhurst is a multimillionaire and he has yet to pay the people who worked for his failed 2012 US Senate campaign. David Dewhurst currently owes more than $1 million to vendors for services provided to his 2012 U.S. Senate campaign.

Fact: Dewhurst owed $1,542 in back taxes and fines to the Comptroller for unpaid franchise taxes relating to his company Trans-Gulf Supply. The company did not file a franchise tax return in 1984 and did not pay the state-required minimum tax. The company was subject to tax forfeiture in 1990. In 2000, the Comptroller’s Office informed Dewhurst that he owed use taxes on art and furniture he purchased in foreign countries.

Dan Patrick is the clearly the more solid, most outspoken conservative in this race.

This race is very similar to when conservative fighter Ted Cruz ran against David Dewhurst for US Senate. Sure, David Dewhurst is not a bad guy and not a liberal, but David Dewhurst just does not always put his foot in the ground and consistently stand for conservative values. Dewhurst is especially being hypocritical for attacking Patrick over things that Dewhurst is just as guilty of doing. Dewhurst likes to be a little friendlier to Democrats than what is needed. I understand wanting Democrats to be at the table and have a voice, but Dewhurst would go above and beyond and appoint Liberal Democrats and even liberal Republicans to key leadership positions in the Texas Senate. Even the big Wendy Davis “filibuster” to try to stop the new Texas Pro Life laws should have ended much sooner had it not been for Dewhurst not stopping it sooner. Dewhurst is no liberal, but Texas needs a conservative fighter who will go above and beyond. That is why I supported Ted Cruz over Dewhurst and that is also why I support Dan Patrick over Dewhurst in this Texas Lieutenant Governor Republican Primary Election May 27^th, 2014.

Dan Patrick for LT Governor has MOST Tea Party Support and Minority Community Support

Dan Patrick is the best conservative candidate in the race for Texas Lieutenant Governor.

It seems as though I am not the only person with that opinion.

Dan Patrick has easily gained the most Tea Party support of any candidate in the race.

Did you know that Dan Patrick has also gained an enormous amount of support from the Minority Community?

Minorities are actually very conservative in their beliefs. The problem is that the liberal Democrats have brainwashed them into believing that Republicans are bad.

The amount of support from the minority community that Dan Patrick has gained is very good and very important.

The following press release is from Dan Patrick and it goes into more detail about the support that Patrick is getting from the minority community:

Dan Patrick Expands Support in Minority Community

Wins Hispanic straw poll and endorsed by African American outreach leader

HOUSTON – Dan Patrick, the authentic conservative candidate for Lt. Governor, has received 24 TEA party endorsements because of his strong fiscal and socially conservative record.  His message of prioritizing border security, cutting property taxes and reforming our public schools has resonated with the conservative voters.  This message has also produced support from the minority community.

Today Dan Patrick received the endorsement of Bill Calhoun, Chairman, Texas Federation for Republican Outreach*.  Mr. Calhoun is a long serving leader in the Texas Republican Party and has been appointed as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business by both President Reagan and President Clinton.  He was also appointed to the Texas Advisory Committee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights by President George W. Bush.  His endorsement of Dan Patrick is largely based on their mutual desire to improve public education and provide more choice options.

“Everything that's wrong with public school education in Texas is a result of the Democrat's social policies.  For African American and Hispanic students, it has become a social atrocity that must be stopped!  School choice is a very important tool to give parents who are struggling with trying to get their children out of a low-performing school and put them on a pathway to prosperity.  Now is the time to give it to them.  Dan Patrick has been the undisputed champion of School Choice and he will get a bill passed in the senate.  That is why I'm supporting him.”

Last week, Republican Hispanic Citizens in Action met and heard from the candidates for Lt. Governor.  At the end of the meeting, the attendees voted in a straw poll and supported Dan Patrick over the other candidates.  The Republican Hispanic Citizens In Action (RHCIA) is Houston’s most active and fastest growing Republican Hispanic organization.  For more than four years RHCIA has been building a foundation of committed individuals interested in conservative government and promoting Republican candidates.

*Organization listed for informational purposes only.

Dan Patrick Rising while under coordinated attack by opponents, Democrats and trial lawyer

Dan Patrick is rising in the polls. This has sent his opponents and also liberals into a frenzy. A strong conservative like Dan Patrick taking control of the Texas Senate would be devastating for the Democrats. They are out to attack Dan Patrick because they know he will be devastating to them if he wins and implements a more conservative agenda.


The following is a press release sent to me from the Dan Patrick campaign:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	Contact:  Logan Spence
Tuesday, February 25, 2014	512-461-3448

The Curtain Pulled Back to Reveal Opponents Working with Trial Lawyers

Dan Patrick under coordinated attack by opponents and Democrats

HOUSTON – Ethics reports filed yesterday reveal trial lawyers and Democrats have donated heavily to Texans for Accountability PAC and Jerry Patterson in an effort to defeat authentic conservative Dan Patrick.  Todd Staples and David Dewhurst are acting in concert, echoing the false attacks in statements and in advertising.

Texans for Accountability PAC finally had to come out of the shadows and reveal their financial supporters in an ethics report.  Not surprisingly, it shows that the PAC is funded by Trial Lawyers and Democrat donors [http://204.65.203.5/public/605605.pdf] who have already given Jerry Patterson nearly $100,000.

Texans for Accountability was created with the sole purpose of opposing Dan Patrick.  On a tip from a Democrat politician in Houston, Patterson attacked Dan Patrick on false claims about knowingly hiring illegal immigrants and helping them gain citizenship.  The facts turned out to be that Dan did not personally hire the worker and that the worker presented fraudulent documents in order to be hired.

The letter that Patterson accused Dan of sending to the federal government in order for the employee to gain citizenship turned out to be a handwritten letter documenting the workers years of service.  The letter was not addressed to anyone, does not provide any context for its purpose and is not signed or written by Patrick.

Joining the cabal, Todd Staples and David Dewhurst have echoed these false claims in newspapers and in their own recent commercials.  At the same time, both candidates deny their record of supporting or expanding social programs for illegal immigrants.  Now the Texas Democrat Party is actively pushing their voters to work against Dan.

“I reject the corrupt political games by opponents and I am shocked that they would work with trial lawyers and democrat donors for their personal gain,” said Patrick.  “I will continue to focus on my record and my conservative agenda and let my opponents suffer the consequences of an electorate that is tired of politics as usual.”

###

Texas Conservative Digest Ranks LT Gov. Candidate Dan Patrick as a Top 3 Conservative

Dan Patrick is a Texas State Senator who is running to be the Texas Lieutenant Governor so that he can be in charge of the Texas Senate. The Texas Senate needs strong conservative leadership. Texas needs more guys like Ted Cruz who will boldly stand and fight instead of playing behind the scenes political games. Some people do not like Dan Patrick because he is very outspoken. Some would rather see fake handshakes with liberals and friendly gestures like appointing liberal democrats to chairmen positions in the State Senate. We are at war. It is time to charge the hill and take over the Texas Senate with a strong leader who will fight for conservative values no matter what. Someone bold and outspoken, like Patrick, is exactly the kind of person we need.

Since Patrick is running to be in charge of the Texas Senate, I believe it is fitting to look at his performance in the Texas Senate.

The Texas Conservative Digest ranked Senator Dan Patrick as the third best conservative in the Texas Senate last session. The only other two senators ahead of him in the senate are not running for the position of LT Governor. This means that Senator Patrick is the top Senator in the race for LT Gov.

The Texas Conservative Digest supports Dan Patrick in the race for LT Governor, but the Digest is just not able to endorse Patrick. Per their own policy, the Digest cannot endorse any candidates with less than a 90% score. Patrick is obviously one of the top 3 conservative Senators according to the Digest’s own ranking, and he is the top conservative in the LT Gov. race. Patrick barely missed the 90% mark and got an 87.2%. Although the Digest cannot officially endorse him, he is supported by the digest because of his top conservative ranking.

This high conservative ranking is just one more medal to add to Patrick’s long list of top conservative rankings. The non-partisan Mark P Jones Lib-Con ranking shows Patrick as the number one conservative in the Texas Senate last year, and Texans for Fiscal Responsibility has endorsed Patrick as well.

Dan Patrick to Debate Julian Castro - Super Conservative vs Super Liberal - EPIC Texas Style Showdown

I recently posted an article about Democrat San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro bashing Conservative Texas LT Governor Candidate Dan Patrick.

I called the attack against Patrick a badge of honor because anytime a conservative is attacked publicly by a liberal then it means the conservative is doing something good! It really means you are doing something for the conservative cause because Castro is a national Democrat star and a friend of Obama.

Well, after this little episode, Dan Patrick challenged Julian Castro to a debate. Patrick told Castro that talk is cheap and that he will go to San Antonio any day or time to debate the issue of illegal immigration.

This could be epic! Dan Patrick is a staunch conservative. Patrick is one of the most conservative State Senators and is known for being very outspoken. Castro is also the same way, except instead of being an outspoken conservative star, Castro is an outspoken Liberal star.

Well, the great news is that Julian Castro accepted! There is not date or time set yes, but I will post the date and time when it becomes available.

Below is the info that was posted on Dan Patrick's facebook page about the debate:

Dan Patrick

January 24

MAYOR ACCEPTS CHALLENGE TO DEBATE DAN PATRICK ON 
IMMIGRATION AND THE FUTURE OF TEXAS

Earlier this week Mayor Julia Castro personally tweeted me accusing me of being the most anti-immigrant candidate running for Lt Governor.

I responded that I would come to San Antonio anytime to debate this issue.

Last night he tweeted he would debate me and I responded that I was ready for fight for the future of Texas.

We are working now to set the time and date as soon as possible to have this important debate.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/1eZndrH

Obama’s Friend Julian Castro Attacks Dan Patrick – Patrick Gets Conservative Badge of Honor

As a conservative, it is considered a badge of honor when a high profile liberal attacks you. As a conservative, if you are doing something right you will be attacked by liberals and Democrats.

Dan Patrick must be doing something right then. Dan Patrick is running for Texas Lieutenant Governor. Patrick has been publicly attacked by one of Obama’s friends. A national Democrat rising star. A staunch liberal. San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro.

I learned about the attack against Patrick from Facebook. A friend of mine shared Dan Patrick’s Facebook status photo (see photo above).

Congratulations Dan Patrick, you have been attacked by Julian Castro. You must really be doing something right. The liberals are afraid of you. They know you will not back down if you win your race, and that means they do not want you to win.

I do not consider an attack from a liberal as a negative thing. I consider it a badge of honor for a conservative to be making liberals so mad that they publicly attack you.

I am sure that Castro does not like Patrick because Dan Patrick was rated as the most conservative Texas State Senator this year.

This attack from Castro appears to have be a result of Patrick’s strong stance on securing the Texas/Mexico border. Conservatives believe in LEGAL immigration so that people can come make a better life for themselves. On the other hand, conservatives also believe in securing the borders from sex trafficking, and drug smuggling, and gun smuggling, and illegal immigration. A good portion of illegal immigrants who sneak over are violent criminals. Castro and Obama know that these illegals who are criminals will likely vote Democrat in order to be able to get more government benefits and milk the system that hard working taxpayers pay into. By opposing illegal immigration and wanting to secure the border, Patrick has made Castro mad because Castro will have less people who can vote for him.

Hispanics do not believe in illegal immigration.  I know many legal immigrants from Mexico. They worked to become American and they pay taxes. They feel betrayed that they had to work to become a citizen, but many criminals have come over illegally and commit crimes and give all immigrants a bad name. Immigration is not the problem. Hispanics are not the problem. Illegal Immigration is the problem because a big part of illegal immigration involves criminal activity and trafficking. We must protect our borders and Dan Patrick will do that.

Below is the facebook status of Dan Patrick that was shared with me. Above is the picture that went along with Patrick’s facebook status.

Dan Patrick

Obama's handpicked convention Speaker & the Mayor of San Antonio, Julian Castro, attacked me tonight for defending our borders. I told him back that I was proud to stand up and defend our borders and that it was his friend Obama who caused this illegal invasion! Can you help me get 10,000 LIKES to stand up to Mayor Castro & the left wing's pro-amnesty lobby.

Dan Patrick Co-Sponsored Merry Christmas Bill to Protect Texas Schools and Christians from Lawsuits

As Christmas nears, I am reminded of the work that Texas State Senator Dan Patrick has done to stand up for our Constitutional, religious rights and freedoms. Texas Lieutenant Governor Candidate Dan Patrick co-sponsored the Merry Christmas Bill that was passed in the 2013 Texas Legislative Session. My own State Senator Robert Nichols filed the bill in the Texas Senate.

The war on Christmas was forcing schools in Texas to fear even mentioning the word Christmas. Teachers and even students were threatened with lawsuits for having a Christmas tree or wearing the colors green and red. Atheist groups and other anti-Christian organizations do not like the fact that Christmas is based on the birth of Jesus Christ. These anti-Christians felt that any celebration of Christmas in schools violated their religions rights. They are dead wrong. They can be offended all they want about Christmas, but the Constitution does not guarantee them the right to not be offended. The Constitution only prohibits Congress from forcing everyone in America to believe in a certain religion by establishing a national church. The Constitution goes on to say that the Congress can also NOT prohibit the free practice of religion. In other words, if an Atheist feels offended by a nativity scene or by a Christmas tree then too bad for the Atheist. The Christmas tree does not force the Atheist to become a Christian. The Atheist can be an Atheist no matter how many Christmas trees they see in a school. The Atheist has the right to be an Atheist. The Atheist does NOT have the right to not be offended because something they see goes against their religion.

Anyways, these Atheists and other anti-Christian groups have been suing and threatening to sue school districts that allow Christmas decorations. Dan Patrick took a stand against this attack on Christmas. Patrick co-sponsored the Merry Christmas Bill that allows School Districts, Teachers and Students the right to celebrate Christmas without fear of lawsuits. The Bill passed and was signed by Texas Governor Rick Perry.

Back when the Merry Christmas Bill was getting passed, Dan Patrick sat down and talked with Jonathan Saenz from Texas Values. They discussed Patrick's work to Stop Common Core and CSCOPE, but at the 8 minute mark into the interview they talked about the Merry Christmas Bill.

See interview video below:

Dan Patrick Continues Fighting for Texas School Reform - SBOE and Patrick agree in Graduation Reform Vote

The Texas State Board of Education voted in late November in support of education reform that is in line with what Dan Patrick has publicly argued for.

Even though the 2013 Texas legislative session is over, State Senator Dan Patrick (candidate for Texas Lieutenant Governor) has continued to push for better education standards in Texas. I have previously written about Patrick because he has been a leader in standing for conservative education reform. Patrick helped fight back against the liberal CSCOPE curriculum (which has still survived behind the scenes). Patrick fought for school choice and pushed for expanding the number of charter schools in Texas. Also, during previous sessions he has been one of the few legislators fighting to stop the 20% tuition tax on college students.

So what was voted on recently? Well, Texas is trying to reform Texas Graduation Standards in order to better equip Texas students for graduation and for getting a job after graduating. These reforms include 5 different graduation paths that students can choose to go down in order to graduate. Texas students have different minds and different talents. These different paths will allow students to graduate with more focus on the skills and trades that better suit them, while still getting a well rounded foundation. Not all Texas students go on to college and these customized plans will better prepare Texas Students for working in the real world once they graduate. Not all of these graduation paths require all advanced fields like Algebra 2.

Dan Patrick pushed to keep these different graduation paths intact and the Texas State Board of Education voted to keep them intact as well.

The following is an op-ed form Dan Patrick from late November regarding this issue:

Looking Beyond Algebra II

By Senator Dan Patrick and Hector Rivero

Graduation plans, curriculum, and testing in our state's education has been the source of hotly contested debates throughout Austin and across Texas. For years, students have followed an education system to prepare them for a four-year university track. We have seen progress in this area and increased the rate of students going on to universities. The problem has been that we have neglected the hundreds of thousands of students who have no desire to attend college and drop out of school as a result. What's more, we have neglected the hundreds of thousands of businesses that desperately need new skilled trade workers entering the workforce.

Jobs for Texas, a coalition of 21 industry trade organizations representing over 300,000 Texas employers was organized in response to this growing shortage of skilled laborers. Superintendents, teachers, and parents joined this effort to expand graduation options and reduce testing. Legislators in the Senate and the House heard the call loud and clear and took action to pass HB 5, which establishes a foundation graduation plan and five endorsements that students can choose. These new pathways will enable to students to work with their parents and counselors to design a graduation path that focuses on their skills and talents and better prepare them for college and careers.

The collaboration and unified effort behind this legislation was unprecedented. Unfortunately, much of the focus on this groundbreaking legislation has revolved around a single course: Algebra II. Since the beginning of this discussion, we have been accused of "dumbing down" education, and "reducing rigor," largely because the legislation does not require every student to take Algebra II.

No one in the Legislature or in the education and business communities has ever sought to "dumb down" our education system. Instead, we have always sought expanding options for students. The Legislature directed the SBOE to adopt additional rigorous math courses as options for students to take based upon their individual goals and talents, particularly in career and technology courses. More rigorous course options will provide opportunities for all 5 million public school students and prepare students for both college and career.

Research backs this up. State and national data shows students who take a sequence of career and technology courses are far less likely to drop out of school and are more likely to go into college. Other national math experts show the importance of students learning Algebra I and Geometry in depth, and then building on that foundation with additional math courses. Algebra II is simply not necessary for every student to advance in their education.

We all have the same goals, to provide rigor and relevance for all 5 million students in our public schools. If we provide all students the opportunity for rigor and relevance in school, and give them multiple graduation pathways, we will lower the dropout rate, have the workers needed for the future, and give more students an opportunity to live the American Dream.

Texas Lieutenant Governor Candidate Dan Patrick Rated MOST CONSERVATIVE State Senator by Rice University's Mark P Jones

No Surprise here. State Senator Dan Patrick, candidate for Texas Lieutenant Governor, has been rated as the MOST conservative State Senator in all of Texas for the most recent 2013 legislative session.

Dan Patrick is vying in the March 2014 Republican Primary election to be the leader of the Texas State Senate, the LT Governor. In Texas, if you are going to run for statewide office, you have to at least be able to present yourself as super conservative. Dan Patrick does not have to just present himself as the most conservative in the Texas Senate. He IS the most conservative, at least that is according to Rice University's Mark P. Jones in his most recent ranking of Texas State Senators from the 2013 Texas Legislative Session.

Why are the conservative rankings of Mark P. Jones so important? Mark P. Jones does the most comprehensive, non partisan conservative/liberal ranking in all of Texas. His Lib-Con scores are based off of EVERY single vote and it shows the voting differences between candidates from the most liberal to the most conservative.

This ranking system is very different from other ranking systems like Empower Texans or Texas Eagle Forum or Texas Right to Life. Those ranking systems are GREAT if you are looking for rankings of candidates based off of specific issues and votes dealing with fiscal conservatism, social issues, or pro life issues. These are all very important ranking systems and Dan Patrick is very high, if not at the very top, in all of them. These other rankings do not cover every single vote or issue though. That is where Mark P. Jones is so valuable. His rankings allow people to see the entire overview of how every legislator compares with each other when it comes to every vote taken.

Again, this is no surprise to me. I already know how conservative Dan Patrick is. Now, even the top non partisan, most comprehensive, non issue, scientifically based ranking makes it clear that Dan Patrick is the top conservative leader.

The following graph is from Mark P. Jones and it shows Dan Patrick at the top of the chart as the most conservative Texas State Senator for the 2013 Texas Legislative Session:

Michael Quinn Sullivan Defends Dan Patrick Against False Attacks from Todd Staples

the following is a press release that I got today from Dan Patrick:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	Contact:  Allen Blakemore
November 18, 2013	713-526-3399

Todd Staples Levels Another False Charge Against Dan Patrick

Michael Quinn Sullivan speaks out on the latest attack from Todd Staples.

HOUSTON – Last week Todd Staples, struggling mightily to impugn the record of his authentic conservative opponent Dan Patrick, sent out a misleading press release focusing on Patrick’s rating by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility in 2007.  Michael Quinn Sullivan, the leader of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, was quick to rebuke the fact-challenged claim.  In a statement, Mr. Sullivan said:

The fact of the matter is that in 2007 Sen. Patrick voted against the bloated budget and had the 4th-highest rating of all 31 senators on that inaugural Fiscal Responsibility Index.  Since then, Sen. Patrick has consistently ranked near or at the top of the Fiscal Responsibility Index and Texans for Fiscal Responsibility rankings.

By way of comparison, Mr. Staples’ legislative services pre-dates the Fiscal Responsibility Index, it should not be ignored that he voted for a 16% budget increase in 2001 and later – in 2006 – Staples voted to impose the gross receipts tax on Texas’ small businesses.

In Sen. Patrick, we look forward to having a lieutenant governor who has stood steadfast for commonsense budget and property tax reforms, while arguing consistently for making the state senate more transparent and responsive to the people of Texas.

“In debates and written statements, Todd Staples denies that he voted for in-state tuition, driver license’s, and free non-emergency healthcare for illegal immigrants,” said Allen Blakemore, campaign strategist for the Dan Patrick Campaign.  “His record is inescapable.  The Senate Journal shows he did vote for those bills in 2001 and 2003.” (see www.TalkIsCheapTexas.com)

“It is laughable to anyone who follows the Texas Senate for Todd Staples to suggest that Dan Patrick is not a conservative leader in that legislative body," added Blakemore.  “It’s another swing a miss for Mr. Staples.”

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Allen E. Blakemore

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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!