Beto O'Rourke Remains Coy About Gubernatorial Run

[#TexasPolitics365]

Former Democratic presidential hopeful Beto O'Rourke is remaining mum on whether he will be running for governor of Texas, leaving Texas Democrats frozen.

In May, it was reported that O'Rourke was considering a run for governor to unseat Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

"I've committed myself to this fight for the right to vote and preserving our democracy in America," O'Rourke told The Dallas Morning News, referring to his work with civic engagement organizations. 

O'Rourke recently raised $600,000 for Texas House Democrats in DC who fled the state to avoid voting on a Republican election reform package.

If he runs for governor, it will be his third run for statewide elective office, having lost a US Senate and presidential race.

(Full story here.)
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#Texas Land Commissioner Bush Sue Biden Administration Over Unfinished Wall

[#TexasPolitics365] 

Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is suing the federal government for halting construction of a border wall begun during the Trump administration.

The Bush family member and Texas attorney general hopeful announced Wednesday, the latest Republican-led lawsuit against the Biden administration

(Full story here.)
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Deputy AG Tweets Gymnast Was "Selfish" To Quit Olympic Team

[#TexasPolitics365]

One day after withdrawing from the team competition, Houston’s Simone Biles announced that she would not be competing in the individual all-around final.

While millions of people have expressed their support of her strength and decision to be open and honest about the importance of mental health, one Texas elected official had a different opinion.

In a now-deleted tweet, Aaron Reitz, the Texas Deputy Attorney General called the accomplished gymnast a “selfish, childish national embarrassment.”

His comments were denounced by the Attorney general's office. 

It's unclear whether the controversial statements will affect the future political ambitions of Reitz, who is rumored to be contemplating a run for state senate.

(Full story here.)
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Abbott Deploys National Guard To Border

[#TexasPolitics365]

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday ordered the National Guard to help local law enforcement with arresting migrants as the state continues to see an influx of people crossing the southern border.

Abbott sent his request for more "manpower" to mitigate border crossings in a letter to Maj. Gen. Tracy R. Norris of the Texas Military Department, according to The Texas Tribune.

"To respond to this disaster and secure the rule of law at our Southern border, more manpower is needed - in addition to the troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and soldiers from the Texas National Guard I have already deployed there - and DPS needs help in arresting those who are violating state law," the letter stated.

In June, over 180,800 illegals attempted to cross the southern border, a record.

(Full story here.)
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Ellzey Defeats Trump-Endorsed Wright In Special Election

[#TexasPolitics365]

Voters in North Texas delivered an upset Tuesday, picking GOP state Rep. Jake Ellzey to fill a vacant House seat over a candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Ellzey beat fellow Republican Susan Wright, the widow of former Rep. Ron Wright, 53 percent to 47 percent, when the Associated Press called the low-turnout, Republican-vs.-Republican runoff. 

Though Ellzey was better funded, Wright leaned heavily on her backing from the former president, who often plays kingmaker in Republican primaries.

Wright received the endorsement of the state Republican executive committee. Ellzey, a Republican state representative, fought accusations that he was not a "true conservative" and received the endorsement of former Texas Governor Rick Perry.

On Tuesday night, Wright posted on Twitter:

"Special elections are special, and this one was no exception. I want to congratulate Congressman-elect Jake Ellzey on his victory. I am praying for his success & wish him well. I will never forget the kindness the people of #TX06 have shown Ron & I for so many years. Thank you."

(Full story here.)
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AG Paxton Gets Trump Endorsement For Re-election Bid

[#TexasPolitics365]

Former Pres. Donald Trump has offered his endorsement to Attorney General Ken Paxton in an email, crediting the attorney general for opposing “vicious and very dangerous Radical Left Democrats” as well as unnamed “foolish and unsuspecting RINOs,” or Republicans In Name Only.

The former president said Paxton is strong on Election Integrity, possibly referencing Paxton’s December lawsuit that sought to invalidate President Joe Biden’s victories in multiple swing states, and his office’s aggressive approach to prosecuting voting-related crimes.

His endorsement overlooks Paxton's opponent, George P. Bush, who has been friendly to the former president, despite him savaging Bush's father Jeb Bush in the 2016 presidential primary election.

On Facebook, Bush reacted by posting, "I’m running for Attorney General because Texans deserve integrity and honesty from the office of Texas’ top law enforcement official. Texans deserve a candidate without a laundry list of existing and potential criminal indictments."

Test of Trump's endorsement is below: 

(Full story here.)
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Fleeing Democrats In DC Raise Funds, Struggle To Remain United

[#TexasPolitics365] 

With six of the fleeing Democratic legislators in Washington DC coming down with covid-19, and criticism mounting, the State party's attempt to detail the special session of the state legislature seems to be faltering.

Former Senate and presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke raised $600,000 for The fugitive legislators, presenting it in the ballroom of the Washington hotel in which they are staying. The political gamble is expected to cost 1.5 million dollars, which Democrats say they are raising privately.

The fleeing Democrats are fundraising Nationwide for their cause, and have reportedly raised more than $250,000.

Meanwhile, Dallas Democrsts were on Twitter this weekend asking people to send "care packages" to the legislators, who remain holed up in their hotel rooms, shunned by national political leaders out of fear of getting Covid-19 from them. 

Many of them were pictured on a private chartered jet flying to Washington without wearing face masks.

There is also dissension within the 50 or so legislators, as several of them criticized Democrat Reps. Harold Dutton of Houston and Philip Cortez of San Antonio, who both returned to Texas, ostensibly to "negotiate" on the election Reform Bill with Republicans.
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#Texas State Law Enforcement Officials Start Arresting Illegals For Trespassing

[#TexasPolitics365] 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has advised state law enforcement officials to begin arresting migrants crossing into the state on trespassing charges as part of a new initiative to mitigate illegal broader crossings, according to The Associated Press.

Authorities on Thursday announced that at least 10 people had been arrested at the border, with more to come, the news outlet noted.

Abbott first announced his plans to crack down on border crossings in June along with a commitment to follow through on former Pres. Trump's promise to complete building a wall at the southern border.

(Full story here.)

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GOP Vice Chair Parks Fights Off Accusations Of Misleading Donors

[#TexasPolitics365] 

Texas Republican Party Vice Chair Cat Parks is defending herself against an online campaign alleging she has misdirected party donors to get own fundraising webpage.

In a Facebook post Friday, Parks attributed the accusations to "some pretty simple minds with reading comprehension problems."

While she did not name her accusers, other posters hinted that they were being spread by a man who supported Allen West's gubernatorial campaign and opposes Gov. Greg Abbott.

Parks said she'd "traveled thousands of miles and spent tens of thousands of personal dollars for the conservative movement in Texas."

She also cited the 40+ volunteer hours weekly to the State Party since being elected State Vice Chair. The position is unpaid.

As an Elected Party Officer, Parks says she's statutorily permitted to raise campaign funds. 

"To anyone who can read, it’s pretty clear that if you’d like to visit MY website……… your donation will go to MY campaign." 

Parks came under attack by former State party Chairman Allen West in his final days as chair earlier this month. West, a critic of Parks and candidate for governor, called her a "cancer on the party," in an email he then widely distributed. Parks is a cancer survivor.

(Full story here
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Court Denies #Texas AG Paxton Motion For Higher Fines For Austin

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A state appeals court on Thursday rejected Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's bid to dramatically increase a $9,000 fine levied against the city of Austin for violating a state law by banning firearms from City Hall in 2016.

(Full story here.)
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New Law Has Stiffer Penalties For Fentanyl Trafficking, Sales

[#TexasPolitics365] 

Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill Wednesday that increases the penalties for making and distributing fentanyl.

Abbott was joined by Senator Joan Huffman and Crime Stoppers of Houston Deputy Director Nichole Christoph.

Under the new law, the minimum sentence for the manufacture or delivery of fentanyl increases to 15 years for an amount of 200-400 grams and 20 years for an amount of over 400 grams.

(Full story here.)
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Rep. Michelle Beckley, who Fled To DC, Announces Congressional Run

[#TexasPolitics365]

 

State Rep. Michelle Beckley, one of the House Democrats who is camped out in Washington, D.C., announced Tuesday that she is challenging U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Irving, a national Democratic target.

Beckley unveiled her plans in a video filmed inside a hotel room in the nation’s capital, where House Democrats fled earlier this month to break quorum in protest of Republicans’ priority elections bill.

In the video, Beckley contrasted her commitment to the voting rights battle with Van Duyne’s vote earlier this year to object to the 2020 election results in Pennsylvania.

(Full story here.)
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VP Harris, Who Met With Infected Democrats, Visits Walter Reed Hospital

[#TexasPolitics365]

 

Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday made an unscheduled "surprise" visit to Walter Reed medical center in Washington after her exposure to Texas Democrats last week. Three of them later tested positive for Covid-19.

White House aides described the visit as "a routine doctor's appointment."

(Full story here.)
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#Texas Politicians Show Support For Cuban Demonstrators

[#TexasPolitics365] 

Texas political leaders are showing out in support of Cubans protesting their Communist government.

Gov. Greg Abbott, who visited the country in 2015, told Breitbart he favored greater economic ties with the nation.

“For decades, the Cuban people have suffered under an oppressive, communist regime that has deprived them of the freedoms we cherish in America,” Abbott said in a statement to Breitbart Texas. “I visited Cuba in 2015 to pry open a window into the opportunities and values that come with freedom and free enterprise. Opening economic ties with the Cuban people could have paved a path out of the poverty I witnessed."

Sen. Ted Cruz, whose father emigrated from Cuba, has repeatedly spoken out strongly in favor of America supporting the uprisings.

On Saturday, Cruz tweeted:

"To the people of Cuba, we stand with you. The American people stand with you. We hear you. We see you. And when you cry for liberty, we stand with you against the evil Cuban communist dictatorship."

Rep. Michael McCaul also tweeted his support, while condemning Black Lives Matters' support for the communist regime, which has been widely condemned by conservatives.

"While black Cuban activists are beaten by the regime and languish in prison cells, Marxists shamefully ignore their calls for freedom. 

Cuban’s have widely rejected the communist dictatorship and we admire their brave efforts. #PatriaYVida"

(Full story here.)
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Houston Man Charged With Illegal Voting

Hervis Rogers went viral on social media for being the last person in line at Texas Southern University to cast a vote at 1 a.m. on Super Tuesday in March 2020. He was applauded as a tenacious, civic-minded man who worked hard to exercise his right to vote.

Now, Rogers, a convicted felon, is being prosecuted by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office for allegedly voting illegally.

(Full story here.)

Bush Outraises Incumbent Paxton In AG Race

[#TexasPolitics365]

Republican George P. Bush outraised the competition in the crowded race for Texas attorney general, but incumbent Ken Paxton maintains the largest campaign war chest heading into the 2022 race.

Bush, who currently leads the Texas General Land Office, raised $2.3 million, according to his campaign finance report. About $1.5 million came from Texas donors.

Paxton raised $1.8 million, while Eva Guzman, a former Texas Supreme Court justice, raised more than $1 million for what is likely to be the state’s most competitive GOP primary in 2022.

(Full story here.)
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Three Fleeing Democrats Have Covid-19

[#TexasPolitics365] 

Three Texas House Democrats who fled to Washington, D.C., to block the passage of a sweeping elections overhaul bill have tested positive for COVID-19. 

The caucus said in a statement that one member tested positive for COVID-19 late Friday evening.

That member immediately informed the rest of the caucus, and members and staff then took rapid tests, confirming two other cases.

House Democrats were pictured late last week on a chartered flight to DC, not wearing face masks.

(Full story here
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AG Paxton Applauds Texas Court Ruling Holding Facebook Responsible For Sex Trafficking On Its Platform

[#TexasPolitics365]

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is applauding a recent Supreme Court of Texas ruling that Facebook can be held liable for the actions of sex traffickers who use its platform to recruit and prey on children.

"The opinion makes it very clear that Big Tech does not have the authority to “create a lawless no-man’s-land on the Internet," Paxton said, in a statement. 

In denying relief to the social media giant, the Court held that the federal Communications Decency Act (CDA) does not leave states powerless to impose liability on websites that knowingly benefit from participation in human trafficking. 

Holding internet platforms accountable for their users’ words or actions is unlawful under the CDA, the Court held; but state and federal laws may still hold them accountable for their own misdeeds.

(Full story here.)
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House Speaker Dade Phelan Removes Democrat Speaker Pro Tempore Over Absent Democrats

[#TexasPolitics365] 

Citing the Democrats who left Texas to prevent a vote on the Republican election Reform Bill, house speaker Dade Phelan yesterday removed 

Speaker Pro Tempore Joe Moody, an El Paso Democrat, from his position for the 87th session, which includes these special session, which ends August 8th.

In a statement released thursday, Phelan said:

"Democrats are doing great harm to the citizens of Texas for a fundraising political stunt, paid for with your tax dollars. As a result, Speaker Dade Phelan has removed Joe Moody as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Texas House of Representatives."

It is expected that he may take further action to punish Democrats who fled the state, including removing Democrats who are chairing committees in the House. 

The state supreme court this week said that it is not lawful to suspend their salaries, which is a per diem during the special section, because being paid is a constitutional issue.

(FULL STORY HERE.)

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Former Williamson County Sheriff Chody Files For 2024 Race

[#TexasPolitics365] 

In the midst of a criminal trial and following his election loss last year, former Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody has filed paperwork for a potential run at the position again in 2024.

Chody on July 9 submitted a campaign finance report with Williamson County, in which the former sheriff marked down he is seeking to run for the office of Williamson County sheriff in the March 5, 2024, primary election.

(Full story here.)
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Poll Shows #Texans Oppose Democrats Fleeing To Avoid voting

[#TexasPolitics365] 

By a two to one margin, Texans oppose state legislators using procedural maneuvers to prevent voting. More than half of Texans (54%) said they do not support members staging walkouts that would deny the Legislature the quorum it needs in order to hold votes. Just 27% of Texans say they support the moves, in a poll conducted by WPA Intelligence.

(Full story here.)
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Gov. Abbott Says "Un-Texan" Fleeing Democrat Legislators Will Be Arrested Upon Return

[#TexasPolitics365] 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott described state Democrats who fled to Washington DC to prevent a vote as 'quitters' who were 'un-Texan' in running from a fight, and said they will be arrested on their return.

At least 58 Democrats left Austin to avoid the vote on election bills, touching down in Washington D.C. on Monday evening in two private jets - chartered at a cost of $100,000. 

Democrats in Texas and throughout the country sought to portray the Republican election bill as voter suppression," and "Jim Crow 2.0,"while Republicans made the argument that the law simply curtails radical innovations that Harris county and others sought to introduce into elections last year that lessens the integrity of election results.

(Full story here.)
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House Democrats Flee #Texas To Scuttle Election Reform Vote

As widely expected, Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives left the state Monday afternoon en route to Washington, D.C., in a bid to again deny Republicans the quorum needed to pass new voting restrictions with 26 days left in a special legislative session called largely for that purpose.

Media showed pictures of the Representatives on private jets, significantly with none wearing face masks, as is required by Federal regulations.

Upping the ante in both the legislative fight at home and the national debate over voting rights, most House Democrats boarded two planes out of Austin headed for the U.S. capital without a set return date. 

At least 51 of the 67 Democratic representatives — the number needed to break quorum — were in the process of leaving Monday afternoon, most arriving at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Monday to board chartered flights that departed around 3:10 p.m.

(Full story here.)

West Not Worried By Trump Endorsement Of Abbott

Outgoing Texas GOP chair and former congressman Allen West insists that former President Trump’s endorsement of Gov. Greg Abbott "doesn’t hurt" his 2022 primary challenge against the two-term Republican governor.

"It has no relevance to me as I prepare to run for governor of Texas," West told Fox News ahead of his speech this weekend at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas, Texas.

At the conference, former Pres. Trump reiterated his "complete and total endorsement" of Abbott.

(Full story here.)

Former State Rep. Matt Rinaldi Elected State GOP Chair

[#TexasPolitics365] 

Former state Rep. Matt Rinaldi of Irving is the next chairman of the Republican Party of Texas.

On Sunday, the State Republican Executive Committee elected Rinaldi to replace Allen West, who announced his resignation last month after a dramatic 10 months on the job and is now challenging Gov. Greg Abbott.

Rinaldi won the election on the first ballot, getting 34 votes from the 64-member SREC against three opponents. He needed 33 to win.

(Full story here.)
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Democrats Again Consider Fleeing Legislature To Derail Election Reform Bills

[#TexasPolitics365] 

The possibility of Texas Democrats staging a second walkout to again stop new voting measures backed by the Republican majority in the legislature grew louder over the weekend, as hundreds of people waited hours to rail against the GOP's plan in the largest rally this year at the state Capitol.

As Republicans made clear they intended this weekend to advance a new election bill — which would prohibit 24-hour polling places, ban drop boxes and stop drive-thru voting — some Democrats who broke quorum in May are now describing it as their best, if not only, option again.

Republicans say ensuring election integrity is of paramount importance, and cite examples like Harris County, which created its own election rules last year, as an example of the rogue behavior they hope to rein in.

Democrats hope to frame the debate as a civil rights issue and as Republicans opposing voting rights, as they did Nationwide with Georgia's new election laws last year.

(Full story here.)
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Abbott Raises $18.7 Million In 10 Days In June

[#TexasPolitics365]

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott raised more than $18.7 million for his 2022 reelection campaign in the last 10 days of June, a staggering amount that adds to his already massive campaign war chest. 

Abbott's campaign said that it now has some $55 million in cash on hand. Of the more than $18.7 million raised from June 21-30, $17.6 million came from donors in Texas, Abbott's campaign said. 

(Full story here.)
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