Barry Smitherman is ONLY Candidate endorsed by Both Texas Right to Life & Alliance for Life

On December 20th, 2013, Texas Alliance for Life released their pro-life endorsement of Barry Smitherman for Texas Attorney General. This endorsement means that Barry Smitherman is the only candidate in the Texas Attorney General race to be endorsed by BOTH Texas Right to Life and Texas Alliance for Life.

I previously wrote an article about Barry Smitherman being endorsed by Texas Right to Life. You can read that article here.

Below is the press release from Texas Alliance for Life regarding their endorsement of Barry Smitherman:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Demcember 20, 2013

Austin, TX — Texas Alliance for Life PAC strongly endorses Barry Smitherman for Texas Attorney General. We are confident that Smitherman is the best candidate to lead the Office of Attorney General, which is critically important to defending Texas’ pro-life laws from attacks in the courts.

For years, Smitherman has actively supported the pro-life movement as an individual, showing that protecting the right to life is a among his core convictions.Barry is a fourth generation Texan who grew up in a working class neighborhood on the east side of Houston. It is there that his parents taught him the value of hard work and a strong Christian faith. He worked his way through college and law school and earned degrees from Texas A&M University, The University of Texas School of Law, and Harvard. Barry Smitherman won statewide election to the Railroad Commission of Texas in November 2012 with 74% of the vote. He was previously appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Commission in July 2011.“I am honored and grateful for the endorsement of the Texas Alliance for Life PAC,” said Smitherman. “I’m proud to stand with these Pro-Life champions from all across Texas and appreciate their confidence in me to vigorously defend our strong Pro-Life laws. As the only proven prosecutor and experienced litigator in this race, Texans can have confidence in me that our strong Pro-Life laws will be upheld,” concluded Smitherman. 

Barry Smitherman's Outstanding Conservative Record - Texas Attorney General Race

Smitherman has a record. His record has given him an A rating from the NRA. His record has given him an endorsement for Attorney General from Texas Right to Life. He has refused office budget increased and has even reduced his overall state agenct budgets and saved Texas Taxpayers over 130 Million Dollars. He has a record of being a tough prosecutor which will serve us well as he moves forward to use the AG's office to help secure the Texas border with Mexico. He has a record of being a staunch defender of the state's economy against a federal government that has declared war on the people and economy of Texas. He has sued Obama 7 times already to defend the Texas Oil ad Gas Industry. He has a record of being able to manage large executive branch agencies of government and apply the law as it is written.

Opponents of Barry Smitherman like to say, "He doesn't have a legislative record where we can judge him by how he votes." Well guess what... Ted Cruz didn't either. What Barry Smitherman does have is a record that proves he has the skills that will be required of the next Attorney General of Texas.

the following article is by Bob Price originally posted at Texas GOP Vote

Earlier this week we looked at the legislative record of State Representative Dan Branch and found a surprising record where he offered an amendment to a bill that would have expanded third trimester abortion rights in Texas. This illustrates why a candidate's record is important. Opponents of Smitherman like to point out that he does not have a legislative voting record. I think that is a pretty weak argument. Records are important, but you don't have to be a legislator to have a record. Berry Smitherman has a strong and easy-to-find record of public service to the people of Texas.

Smitherman is asking the people of Texas to elect him to be the next Attorney General of Texas. An executive branch of government position that requires many different skills. Certainly different skills than those required to be a legislator. Let's take a look at some of those.

Smitherman served as a prosecutor in one of the greatest District Attorney's Offices in this nation, the Harris County District Attorney's office. While there, he established a strong record of prosecutions, particularly in the area of domestic violence and drunk driving cases. One of the functions of an attorney general is to oversee prosecutions like the one today where Attorney General Greg Abbott's team secured a major human trafficking conviction. During an interview I conducted with Smitherman in September, Smitherman pledged to use the full prosecutorial powers of the Attorney General's Office to assist local prosecutors and law enforcement officers who protect the border regions of Texas, where drug cartels and human traffickers run rampant.

Our state is under continuous attack from an over-reaching and over-regulating federal government. As Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission, Smitherman has a solid record of acting as a litigator to protect the extremely valuable energy industry from attacks by the ObamaThugs in the Environmental Protection Agency. In this capacity he has sued the ObamaThugs seven times protecting jobs, families and the Texas Economy.

Barry Smitherman Talks to Voters in Fort Bend County

Also as Chairman of the Public Utility Commission, Smitherman has a record of being able to manage a huge executive branch agency in the Texas government. He has a record of being able to hire good managers to carry out the laws of the state handed to his agency by the Texas Legislature and Governor.
Smitherman earned an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association because of his record as Railroad Commission Chairman where he established policies to allow Railroad Commission employees to carry concealed weapons while on duty. Often times these workers are in remote locations where help could be far away.

Having gathered executive management skills is a record that will serve the people of Texas well as the Texas Attorney General's Office is a vast complex agency, which must be staffed and managed by someone who has a proven record of being able to do so. One needs only look at the Obama Administration to see what happens when you elect an executive manager with no management experience.

Barry Smitherman Speaks at Reagan Dinner in San Jacinto County

Smitherman has a record. He has a record of being a tough prosecutor which will serve us well as he moves forward to use the AG's office to help secure the Texas border with Mexico. He has a record of being a staunch defender of the state's economy against a federal government that has declared war on the people and economy of Texas. He has a record of being able to manage large executive branch agencies of government and apply the law as it is written.

Opponents of Barry Smitherman like to say, "He doesn't have a legislative record where we can judge him by how he votes." Well guess what... Ted Cruz didn't either. What Barry Smitherman does have is a record that proves he has the skills that will be required of the next Attorney General of Texas.

Related articles:
Barry Smitherman saved Texas Taxpayers OVER $130 MILLION – Slashed Spending, Cut Budgets – Attorney General Race Update
Texas Right to Life Endorses Barry Smitherman for Attorney General
Smitherman REJECTS Budget Increase - Paxton, Branch APPROVE Increases - Texas Attorney General Race
Paxton and Branch Missed Hundreds of Votes in Legislature – Texas Needs a Full Time Attorney General
Statement by Barry Smitherman in response to USDOJ Challenge to Texas Voter ID Law

Texas Right to Life Endorses Barry Smitherman for Attorney General

Barry Smitherman, Texas Attorney General Candidate, and current chairman of the railroad Commission, is one of the STRONGEST opponents of Abortion I have ever met. He is strongly pro-life and would vigorously defend the rights of the unborn to live and the pro-life laws in Texas. Smitherman is so pro life that he just just enthusiastically endorsed by Texas Right to Life.

Press Release below from the Smitherman Campaign:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	Contact:  Jared Craighead
Monday, September 30, 2013	512-522-5106

Texas Right to Life PAC Endorses Smitherman for Attorney General

AUSTIN – Today the Texas Right to Life Political Action Committee informed Barry Smitherman that it was endorsing his candidacy for Attorney General.  Texas Right to Life is the oldest, largest, and only statewide Pro-Life organization in Texas.  They are the Texas affiliate of the National Right to Life Committee with representation on their board of directors.

“The Texas Right to Life endorsement is such an honor for me and I’m so grateful for the work they do to protect life in our state,” said Barry Smitherman, Republican candidate for Attorney General.  “I always have and always will stand shoulder to shoulder with Texas Right to Life promoting Pro-Life policies and as Attorney General I will defend good Pro-Life pieces of legislation like HB-2 that are constantly under assault from radical pro-choice organizations.”

Barry Smitherman is an unwavering supporter of life and takes every opportunity to passionately speak in support of life.  On March 2, 2013, Barry spoke to the Texas State Republican Executive Committee about why it’s so important for our federal and state governments to protect life.

Texas Right to Life endorsement may be viewed at www.TexasRightToLife.com.

More information about the Smitherman Campaign is available at www.BarryForTexas.com.

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http://www.scribd.com/doc/172171261/PR-13-09-30

http://bit.ly/18l03dw

We Need YOU at Pro Life Rally Monday July 8th, 2013 in Austin, TX!

Pro-Life Rally in Austin, Texas, Monday, July 8, at 7:00 p.m. CDT

from Concerned Women For America LAC:

Texans Stand for Life - Join us in Austin for Pro-Life Rally - July 8 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord …. (II Timothy 1:7 & 8a) Now is the time for every person who fears God and wants our country to have laws that respect His principles to stand up, travel to Austin and let your presence and your voice be counted. Monday, July 1, the Omnibus Pro-life bill (HB 2) was presented on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives. It was read for the first reading and then assigned to committee. It was heard in the State Affairs Committee on Tuesday, July 2. After many hours of testimony, the bill was passed out of the committee on an 8-3 party line vote. Now the bill will go to the full House for a vote. That could happen as early as Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. A companion bill, SB 1, has been referred to Health and Human Services and is being heard on Monday July 8th at 10am. WE NEED YOU! Monday, July 8, at 7:00 p.m. six pro-life organizations in Texas are asking pro-life Texans to join them on the south steps of the Texas State Capitol for a giant Pro-Life Rally. We need you to be the voice for the unborn. We are excited to have a wonderful line-up of pro-life leaders and elected officials. The list of speakers includes: Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar - TV personalities from 19 Kids and Counting Gov. Mike Huckabee and Mrs. Janet Huckabee - Radio and TV talk show host and former Governor of Arkansas Dr. Robert Jeffress - Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Dallas Former Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave - Vice-President of Government Affairs, Susan B. Anthony List Penny Nance - CEO and President of the Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott Lt. Governor David Dewhurst Members of the Texas House and Senate and other elected officials Please plan to join us on the south steps of the Texas State Capitol on Monday, July 8, at 7:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you! Please invite and share this with all your friends. Participants are encouraged to wear blue in support. Event Sponsors are: Concerned Women for America Heidi Group Texans for Life Texas Eagle Forum Texas Right to Life Texas Values Event Details: Pro-Life Rally Date: Monday July 8, 2013 Location: Texas State Capitol Building 112 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78701 Time: 7 p.m. CDT

from JoAnn Fleming:

Please send this information out ASAP.  The Occupy Movement for Pro-Death cannot be allowed to monopolize our State Capitol.

Note:  We need some TEA Party/9-12/Grassroots leaders to help with a few tasks on Monday and later in the week.  Melissa with Texas Right to Life will be sending me more info over the holiday weekend.  Please let me know ASAP if you can be at the Capitol Monday morning even if you cannot stay for the rally Monday evening.  Just e-mail me & I will send you any details over the weekend.  jafleming3@juno.com  Liberty!  JoAnn

Friends,

Background:  The following article explains what happened last week with the pro-life bill that would have prevented abortions of babies at 20 weeks and older (five+ months).  SB 5 would have held abortion clinics to the same high standards of other medical facilities which perform operations.  This would prevent clinics of horrors in Texas that mirror that of the convicted murderer Kermit Gosnell.    

The failure to pass the bill did not have to happen.  See the following article to get an idea of what actually went on.  Watching the proceedings, anyone could see it was out of control and Lt. Gov. Dewhurst did not have order and was not insisting upon it.

http://www.texastribune.org/2013/06/26/dewhurst-critical-failure-large-audience/

The Occupy crowd is still here.

By now you have likely heard that the pro-death mob inside the Texas State Capitol chanted "hail Satan" while the pro-life groups gathered  to sing "Amazing Grace."  Planned Parenthood ran ads on Craig's list to hire people from all over the country to come into our capitol to protest a bill that would shut down clinics such as the one in this article.  They are the Occupy crowd - apparently with no other job.

Caution:  These articles are very disturbing and graphic, but are evidence that we have our very own murder mills at work in Texas where late-term abortions are performed.  This kind of evil needs to be run out of Texas.

http://blog.chron.com/bigjolly/2013/05/will-houstons-version-of-kermit-gosnell-be-investig ated-and-charged/

http://veneremurcernui.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/dear-lord-another-gosnell-this-time-in-tex as/

Pro-lifers: We need you in Austin!

Please plan to come to Austin Monday morning.  Warning: if you cannot cope with being in close proximity to crude, vulgar, rough people who come as close to spewing venom as we've ever seen, this isn't the scene for you.  But if you can rely on your faith to hold up under tense situations, we need you.  More details on where and when to meet at the Capitol will come over the weekend.   JoAnn will be in Austin all next week and is coordinating with Texas Right to Life on volunteer tasks we'll need help with on Monday.   

From Texas Values: Stand for Life Rally at the Capitol Monday eveningwith Mike Huckabee & others

The time is here for Texans to take a stand for life! Please join us for a pro-life rally on Monday July 8 at 7 p.m. on the south steps of the Texas State Capitol. We are asking every Texan supportive of life to come to Austin to stand in unison in protection for the unborn and women. Bring a bus, fill vans, bring your church - bring everyone willing to take a stand for life. Please make plans to attend and wear blue in support! 

  

It is critically important that pro-life Texans have a large presence at the Capitol next week. It is expected that the Pro-Life Omnibus Bill, HB 2, could be heard on the House floor as early as Tuesday. It also is anticipated that the Senate version of the bill, SB 1, will have a committee hearing as early as Monday morning. This life-saving bill will protect the unborn after 20 weeks and protect women who choose abortion by placing reasonable regulations on clinics in Texas. 

Date: Monday July 8, 2013  

Location: South Steps of Texas State Capitol Building 

Time: 7 p.m.  

Speakers: Gov. Mike Huckabee, The Duggars family, First Baptist Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress, CWA President Penny Nance, March for Life President Jeanne Monahan, and our leading pro-life state elected officials and leaders.

  

Please join us as we continue to stand for those that cannot stand for themselves!   

Update on Pro-Life Omnibus Bill: HB 2 Passes House Committee

  

Just after midnight last night, the Pro-Life Omnibus Bill, HB 2, passed the House State Affairs Committee on a vote of 8-3. Over 3,500 people registered a position on the bill, with 2,181 signing in to support the bill. We thank the thousands of pro-life Texans who came to the Capitol yesterday and packed the committee hearing and several overflow rooms. It was truly an inspiring show of support for life. We also thank the many women who shared powerful testimonies with the committee about how they had been harmed by abortion.  

It is expected that HB 2 could be heard on the House floor as early as next Tuesday, July 9. It is also anticipated that the Senate version of the bill, SB 1, will have a committee hearing as early as Monday morning, July 8.Please continue to contact your State Representative and Senator on this issue. 

Photos, videos & articles of this week's events 

http://www.texastribune.org/2013/07/01/video/

http://www.texastribune.org/2013/07/02/first-day-second-session-slideshow/

http://www.texastribune.org/2013/07/02/house-panel-meets-move-abortion-restrictions-forwa/

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JoAnn Fleming, Executive Director (volunteer), Grassroots America - We the People  www.gawtp.com

Chair - Advisory Committee to the TX Legislature's TEA Party Caucus

(903) 894-7204 home office or (903) 360-2858 cell

Governor Rick Perry adds big Pro-Life bills to Texas Special Session

The Texas regular legislative session ended less than a month ago. Unfortunately, all the big pro-life bills were killed by the leadership of Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus. Joe Straus is not pro-life and has openly stated that abortion is not a serious issue and only a wedge issue. In fact, yesterday Joe Straus told the media that he had "no comment" when he learned about pro-life issues being added to the special session by Perry. Straus sure does not sound very excited about the bills that, if passed, would do things like prevent abortions after 20 weeks because of preborn pain and also force abortion facilities to have medical facility standards or shut down.

As soon as the regular session was over, there were calls from grassroots conservatives all the way up to LT Governor Dewhurst asking Perry to add important anti-abortion bills to the Texas Special Session that Perry was expected to call. Texas Right to Life even got dozens of Texas State Representatives to sign a letter urging Perry to add pro-life issues to the Special Session. Thankfully, we have a VERY pro-life Governor. Yesterday, Rick Perry added abortion legislation to the list of approved bills that can be passed out of the special legislative session that was called by Governor Perry.

According to Texas Alliance for Life, these special session pro-life bills include:

1.      Increase abortion facility safety standards to shut down Gosnell-like abortion providers in Texas,

2.      Require the 18,000 RU-486 abortions performed each year be done according to FDA safety standards,

3.      Require physicians who perform abortions to be qualified to treat life-threatening complications after botched abortions, and

4.      Protect unborn children who can feel pain from the horror of abortion.

According to the Beaumont Enterprise, Perry made it clear Tuesday he hasn't forgotten the kind of ideological topics that are close to the hearts of his conservative base, saying in statement:

"The horrors of the national late-term abortion industry are continuing to come to light, one atrocity at a time. Sadly, some of those same atrocities happen in our own state."

"In Texas, we value all life, and we've worked to cultivate a culture that supports the birth of every child," Perry said. "We have an obligation to protect unborn children, and to hold those who peddle these abortions to standards

Texas Right to Life had this to say:

All the major Pro-Life organizations across Texas have been working on a coalition-supported bill.  State Senator Glenn Hegar (R-Katy) filed SB 5, a bill that improves safety standards at abortion facilities and establishes the state’s interest in protecting the lives of preborn children who feel pain.  Representative Jodie Laubenberg (R-Rockwall) is the House sponsor and has filed the House companion, HB 60.

Elizabeth Graham of Texas Right to Life said, “Governor Perry has been a faithful champion for the rights of the most vulnerable in our state, and he has always welcomed and sought opportunities to protect life.  We laud his efforts and the constant commitment of Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst to safeguard pregnant women and their unborn children while holding abortion clinics accountable.”

The Director of Texas Alliance for Life released this statement yesterday in response to the news of Governor Perry adding pro life bills to the special session:

"We are grateful to Gov. Rick Perry for adding protection of mothers and unborn babies to the issues considered in the special session," said Joe Pojman, Ph.D., Executive Director of Texas Alliance for Life. "We believe that the recent allegations against Houston abortion physician Douglas Karpen, along with conviction of Kermit Gosnell, highlight the urgent need for pro-life legislation to be passed quickly. We cannot allow these atrocities to continue for two more years when we have the opportunity to address them right now."

Below are some of the recent articles I posted that are related to this Special Session announcement from Governor Perry:

Texas Speaker Joe Straus Killed ALL big Pro-Life Bills in 2013 - Straus is a Pro-Choice DISGRACE

Speaker Straus Killed Pro-Life Bills so Texas Right to Life and GOP Reps ask for Special Session


TX Dem. Reps Praise Speaker Straus for Blocking Abortion and Gun Bills this Legislative Session

TX LT Gov. Dewhurst requests Special Session for Abortion and Gun Bills that Straus Killed

TX LT GOV David Dewhurst: Stopping Texas Gosnell - Baby Murderer

Sen. Ted Cruz: Investigate Abortionists in U.S. including Houston TX Doc Accused of Killing Babies AFTER Birth

Another Gosnell? Texas Abortion Doctor Accused of Murdering Babies AFTER Birth - Twisted Heads Off

Governor Perry Supports Texas Preborn Pain Bill to Ban Abortions after 20 Weeks

Texas Speaker Joe Straus Killed ALL big Pro-Life Bills in 2013 - Straus is a Pro-Choice DISGRACE

Joe Straus, Texas Speaker of the House of of Representatives, has KILLED all important Pro-Life bills in the 2013 Texas Legislative session. Joe Straus is not pro-life and NEVER has been. Straus has stated to the media that abortion is not a serious issue and a wedge issue.

Straus and his House Leadership prevented the Texas House of Representatives from even being able to vote on these bills. These bills, among other things, would prevent abortions after 20 weeks due to the fact that unborn babies can feel pain that early. Another bill that was killed would have created higher health standards for abortion clinics and would have helped prevent abortionist like Kermit Gosnell who run Hitler style murder houses where babies are born alive and then murdered. In fact, a Houston abortionist has recently been exposed for murdering babies in gruesome fashion (like twisting their heads off) after they have been born alive. Joe Straus is a DISGRACE to all Texans and cares not for the genocide of innocent babies.

We can only hope that Texas Governor Rick Perry adds these pro-life bills to the agenda of the Special Session.

Straus killed the pro-life bills this session because he had to throw a bone to his Democrat friends who he teamed up with to help him win the position of Texas Speaker. In fact, Democrats have come out and praised Joe Straus in recent weeks for killing pro-life and pro-gun legislation this session.

Texas LT Governor David Dewhurst has called on Governor Perry to add these Pro-Life bills to the Special session agenda after Straus killed them in the House. Specifically, Dewhurst has requested SB 25 which would outlaw abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. SB 537 which would force Texas abortionists to abide by the same regulations as those governing ambulatory, or outpatient surgical centers. SB 1198 which would require Texas abortionists to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the abortion facility. These bills passed the Texas Senate but did not even make it to the House floor for a vote.

Texas Right to Life sent a letter to Governor Perry signed by 62 Texas pro-life State Representatives. The letter asks for Governor Rick Perry to add pro-life bills to the 2013 Special Session agenda. The bills requested to be added to the Special session are bills that Texas Speaker Joe Straus asked his leadership to kill during the 2013 regular legislative session.

Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus has shown his true colors this legislative session (2013). Last session (2011), Straus had to ward off massive attacks from conservative groups that said he was a fake conservative and not pro life. In order to ward off the attacks, Straus allowed some of the big conservative bills to pass through unopposed. Do not be confused though, Straus NEVER stood for ANY of the pro-life bills in 2011, he ONLY did not allow them to be killed. There was a super majority of Republicans and he would not have been able to stop the pro-life bills in 2011 anyways. To be honest, with a super majority of Republicans in 2011, there should have been a bunch more even stronger pro-life bills passed. For such a conservative state, Texas is really behind other states that have already passed much more restrictive abortion laws like 20 week unborn pain abortion ban bills and even bans on abortions when the heartbeat can be detected.

Straus might have gone along with some pro-life legislation last session for political reasons, but that is not the case this session as 2013 has been an absolutely underwhelming legislative session. Joe Straus purposely did not let any controversial bills make it to the House floor for a vote. That means, even with a near super majority of Republicans, the biggest conservative bills of the session went nowhere because they did not even make it out of the committees run by Straus appointed leaders. Why? Well, Joe Straus is a friend of the Democrats. He got elected by the Democrats when he first took over the Speaker position. The Democrats were mad that some of the good conservative bills were allowed to be passed last year. Last Session, Straus threw some bones to conservatives by allowing some of the conservative legislation to be passed (although many conservative bills last session were still killed). Not blocking some of the big conservative bills allowed Straus to keep his power in the Republican controlled House because there are enough moderates Republicans and Democrats to outnumber the conservative Republicans.

Well, the dog and pony show of last year is over and now that he kept his power, he could care less about conservative legislation and now has to switch sides and throw some bones to the Democrats this session. He has done just that. Straus has allowed his committee leaders to kill MOST of the top conservative bills of the session (not just pro life) before they even can get out committee for a full floor vote.

Speaker Straus Killed Pro-Life Bills so Texas Right to Life and GOP Reps ask for Special Session

The following is a letter from Texas Right to Life sent to Governor Perry signed by 62 Texas pro-life State Representatives. The letter asks for Governor Rick Perry to add pro-life bills to the 2013 Special Session agenda. The bills requested to be added to the Special session are bills that Texas Speaker Joe Straus asked his leadership to kill during the 2013 regular legislative session. Joe Straus did not want any controversial bills to pass because he wanted to make the Democrats happy. No controversial bills means Joe Straus killed the important pro-life bills.

The following is the letter from Texas Right to Life to Governor Rick Perry:

Friend ---

Texas Right to Life is so proud of the Pro-Life Whip in the Texas House of Representatives, Representative Bryan Hughes, who drafted and circulated the following letter for signatures from his colleagues to urge Pro-Life Governor Rick Perry to again lead on protecting Life.  62 of the 150 House members joined Pro-Life Whip Hughes on the letter.

If a special session is called (after the enormously disappointing 83rd Regular Session that ends on Memorial Day during which no Pro-Life legislation was passed), Governor Perry may call legislators back to address some unfinished business.  Along with the 62 legislators, Texas Right to Life considers the approximately 80,000 tiny Texans who will be aborted this year to be unfinished business.

Pro-Life legislators are frustrated and saddened about being denied the opportunity to pass laws that protect the health and safety of women and safeguard our most vulnerable unborn Texans.  Our Pro-Life State House members are eager to work - even if they have to stay longer in Austin - with our Pro-Life Governor and Pro-Life Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst to enact new Pro-Life laws during a possible special session.

May 24, 2013

Dear Governor Perry,

Thank you for the strong stands you take for life and for liberty.  The undersigned members of the House share your commitment to protect the sanctity of human life.  Despite an overwhelming pro-life majority in the House, not a single pro-life bill filed during this 83rd session reached the House floor.

Since pro-life values are fundamental to us, and since the majority of Texans share these convictions, we are not willing to give up the fight.  In the struggle to defend life, we cannot take a day off - much less a legislative session.

In light of the increasing likelihood of a Special Session, we ask that you exercise your constitutional power and add pro-life bills to the call.

More specifically, we ask that you add the following matters to the call:

1.Protection of pain-capable unborn children from abortion at 20 weeks gestation;

2.Protection of women and unborn children by requiring abortion facilities to meet the same health and safety standards as ambulatory surgical centers; and

3.Protection of women and unborn children by requiring abortion doctors to secure and maintain privileges at an emergency room within thirty miles of the facility where they commit abortions.

4. Legislation ensuring that any Health Insurance Exchange (whether state or federal) set up in Texas does not include coverage for abortion.

On these matters of life, the will of the people has been frustrated thus far in the Regular Session. By adding these fundamentally important issues to the special session agenda, you can enable your pro-life House Members to defend innocent human life.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of our request, and thank you for your service to Texas.

Sincerely,

Representative George Lavender
House District 1

Representative Dan Flynn
House District 2

Representative Cecil Bell, Jr.
House District 3

Representative Lance Gooden
House District 4

Representative Bryan Hughes
House District 5

Representative Matt Schaefer
House District 6

Representative David Simpson
House District 7

Representative Jim Pitts
House District 10

Representative Kyle Kacal
House District 12

Representative Lois Kolkhorst
House District 13

Representative Steve Toth
House District 15

Representative Brandon Creighton
House District 16

Representative Tim Kleinschmidt
House District 17

Representative James White
House District 19

Representative Marsha Farney
House District 20

Representative Greg Bonnen
House District 24

Representative Dennis Bonnen
House District 25

Representative Rick Miller
House District 26

Representative Ed Thompson
House District 29

Representative Geanie Morrison
House District 30

Representative Scott Turner
House District 33

Representative J. M. Lozano
House District 43

Representative Jason Isaac
House District 45

Representative Harvey Hilderbran
House District 53

Representative Jimmie Don Aycock
House District 54

Representative Charles "Doc" Anderson
House District 56

Representative Trent Ashby
House District 57

Representative Rob Orr
House District 58

Representative Jim Keffer
House District 60

Representative Phil King
House District 61

Representative Larry Phillips
House District 62

Representative Tan Parker
House District 63

Representative Ron Simmons
House District 65

Representative Van Taylor
House District 66

Representative Jeff Leach
House District 67

Representative Drew Springer
House District 68

Representative James Frank
House District 69

Representative Scott Sanford
House District 70

Representative Charles Perry
House District 83

Representative Phil Stephenson
House District 85

Representative John Smithee
House District 86

Representative Four Price
House District 87

Representative Jodie Laubenberg
House District 89

Representative Stephanie Klick
House District 91

Representative Jonathan Stickland
House District 92

Representative Matt Krause
House District 93

Representative Bill Zedler
House District 96

Representative Craig Goldman
House District 97

Representative Giovanni Capriglione
House District 98

Representative Stefani Carter
House District 102

Representative Linda Harper-Brown
House District 105

Representative Pat Fallon
House District 106

Representative Angie Chen Button
House District 112

Representative Cindy Burkett
House District 113

Representative Bennett Ratliff
House District 115

Representative Dan Huberty
House District 127

Representative John Davis
House District 129

Representative Bill Callegari
House District 132

Representative Jim Murphy
House District 133

Representative Tony Dale
House District 136

Representative Dwayne Bohac
House District 138

Representative Debbie Riddle
House District 150

Click and follow this link to download this urgent letter -->
Yours for Life,

Elizabeth Graham
Director, Texas Right to Life

ACTION ALERT: NO on SB 303; the Texas Death Panel Empowerment Act

the following is from Cahnman;s Musings: http://acahnman.blogspot.com/2013/04/action-alert-no-on-sb-33-texas-death.html

Via Texas Eagle Forum re: SB 303 by: Dr. Bob Deuell
"The Texas Medical Association (TMA) is supporting this bad bill: Texas SB 303.

Despite opposition by numerous pro-patient activists, the Texas Senate Health & Human Services Committee passed SB 303 this week. This sets up a showdown on the floor of the Texas Senate, with patient rights in Texas hospitals hanging in the balance.

SB 303 allows hospitals to impose "do not resuscitate" orders and cause their patients' deaths without the consent of patients or their families.

The death panels predicted by Sarah Palin become a reality in this bill, as it authorizes hospitals to set up and control decisions to end patients' lives. As soon as Medicare or Medicaid payments on a patient expire, hospitals can insist on pulling the plug, even when patients could recover. Hospitals will try to coerce physicians to do what the hospitals want, not what is best for the patient.

Whom should Texans thank for this abomination? The Texas Hospital Association and its minion, the Texas Medical Association, insist on passage of this bill, and Senators Jane Nelson, Joan Huffman, and Bob Deuell push the THA and TMA agenda as they do every session.

But there are 31 Senators and this bill can still be blocked and defeated. Hospitals and the TMA have less influence on the floor of the Senate than in the Health Committee. Please contact your Senator and urge him or her to stand up for patients, and join the growing list of opponents to this death panel bill, SB 303.”

Please ask your Senator to VOTE NO on SB 303, the death panel bill."

 Texas Right to Life has more here.

 Contact YOUR Texas Senator here.

Governor Perry Supports Texas Preborn Pain Bill to Ban Abortions after 20 Weeks

Governor Perry has come out in support of a bill that was filed for the 2013 Texas Legislative Session called the Preborn Pain Bill. The Preborn Pain Bill, if passed, would outlaw abortions after 20 weeks because that is when it has been proven that unborn babies can feel pain. You cannot hurt animals without going to prison because the non-human animals can feel pain, so why in the world would we allow unborn HUMANS have to suffer the pain of being tortured and torn apart?

the following is from Texas Right to Life:

At a press conference hosted by Texas Right to Life on Tuesday, Governor Rick Perry urged Texas legislators to support Texas Right to Life's flagship bill for the 2013 Texas legislative session, the Preborn Pain Bill. The Preborn Pain Bill will protect babies in the womb who can feel pain from the torture of abortion by prohibiting abortions from being committed at 20 weeks gestation and later.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Governor Perry:  The ideal world is a world without abortion. Until then, we're going to pass laws to ensure that abortion is as rare as possible under existing law...

This session, I'm calling on the legislature to strengthen our ban on that procedure, prohibiting abortion at the point a baby can feel the pain of being killed. We have an obligation to end that type of cruelty. 

And I'll be clear: my goal, and the goal of many of those joining me here today, is to make abortion, at any stage, a thing of the past. 

While Roe v. Wade prevents us from taking that step, it does allow us -- the states -- to do some things to protect Life if we can show there is a compelling state interest. Now, I don't think that there is any issue that better fits the definition of "compelling state interest" than preventing the suffering of our state's unborn. We cannot, and will not, idly stand by while our unborn are being put through the agony of having their lives ended.

Elizabeth Graham:  Texas Right to Life is so honored that Governor Perry would highlight Texas Right to Life's flagship bill for the 2013 legislative session...

We're very excited that pre-born children who can feel pain will be spared from this barbaric and gruesome procedure next session in 2013. Please show your support to your elected officials to pass this bill, and join us next spring when Governor Perry signs the bill after it passes.

TX Rep. James White: Disproportionate # of Black Babies Killed by Abortion - Black Pastors MUST Take Stand



David Bellow, James White, Rick Perry

 My Super Conservative Texas State Representative James White spoke with Texas Right to Life last month. In this interview, he pleaded with black pastors to take a stand against the genocide (abortion) that is killing a disproportionate number of black babies compared to other races.

the following is from Texas Right to Life:

In Texas, African Americans make up 13 percent of the population, yet account for 25 percent of all abortions in the state. 

On the flip side, the community holds conservative views on abortion, attends church more than the average American, and readily mixes religion and politics, according to Pew Research Center.  Flip the coin again, and you’ll find that black voters overwhelmingly vote for political candidates who are pro-abortion.

 

State Representative James White, a Pro-Life, black conservative in the Texas House of Representatives, spoke to Texas Right to Life about these contradictions within the African American community.

 

“When you look at the disproportionate number of black babies...killed by abortion,” lamented Representative White, “obviously, it’s a failure in public policy, but it’s a failure within our communities, within our churches, among our black men.”

 

Representative White specifically challenged black pastors for not doing enough to stop the genocide in their communities.  “The civil rights movement started out of the church...so any kind of social, political, economic change within the black community will probably initiate from the church,” he said.

 

Representative White foresees change, but slowly, as the black community becomes more aware that the socially liberal policies of leaders like President Obama have not -- and will not ever -- benefit African Americans. 

 

“I think that all of us as Americans are proud that we have elected the first black president. But at some point you have to be truthful...about his impact on blacks.”

 

“African American voters, at a rate of 95 percent [in 2008]...participated in electing the first black president, but economically, socially, nothing has really changed for the betterment of black voters,” White emphasized. 

 

Representative White anticipates that once African Americans decide that “they can no longer be soiled by the pro-death, anti-God, anti-religion philosophy of the most outspoken Democrats and liberals,” the community will embrace Pro-Life political leaders.