#TXLEGE: Villalba auditions for Far Left cash by playing "Rational Republican" martyr

"The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness."
Proverbs 15:2

It started with Samantha Bee last month:



It continued with yesterday's barely literate Trib op-ed calling for Trump's impeachment:

But verily I say unto you today, if we do not stop this man now, today, over 500 days into his presidency, we will be equally culpable in what he has planned for our great nation. President Trump thinks you are a fool. He believes you will never abandon him. And he believes that that there is almost nothing that he can do that would cause you to abandon supporting him.

But what he doesn’t know is that you are not a fool. You, like me, are an American. And no man will own your heart and mind like this president thinks he owns you.

Today is the day we take back our America. Today is the day we say “NO” to anyone who revels in abusing those weaker than them for political points.

At first, it seems like this is just Jason Villalba being Jason Villalba.

Then the Texas Observer ties everything together:

At the historic Sunset Station building just east of downtown San Antonio Wednesday night, a couple hundred people gathered to see Tom Steyer in a town hall setting.

Some had gotten texts; others invites on Facebook. Some had no clue who this Tom Steyer guy was; others a faint idea. Most of them had signed on to his Need to Impeach campaign, which he launched in October to build public support for President Trump’s impeachment. He says it has since garnered about 5.5 million signatures and is adding 10,000 more each day.

....

A hedge-fund billionaire and Democratic mega-donor from California, Steyer is the benefactor of the youth voter mobilization project NextGen America, a super PAC that operates in 11 states. He’s developed a reputation for his willingness to spend tens of millions on liberal politics.

So far, Steyer has pumped more than $40 million into Need to Impeach, running ads on TV (including Fox News) and building up a staff of 40 people.

Soo...Jason Villalba just "happens" to publish an op-ed calling for Trump's impeachment on the same day that the far-left billionaire who's funding the Trump impeachment drive just "happens" to be in Texas.

Hmm....

Couldn't be.

Oh wait:

I look forward to seeing more honest Republican leaders like @JasonVillalba step up and call for impeachment. https://t.co/fIHQtMCAGC

— Tom Steyer (@TomSteyer) July 18, 2018

Get a room.

Bottom Line: We'll just warn our friends on the left that if they buy Jason Villalba, they own Jason Villalba.

#TXLEGE: Abbott's property tax related political theater includes FOUR (recent) tax-hikers

Left: Villalba, Geren and Button today in Ft. Worth;
Right: Jim Murphy yesterday in Houston

"He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house;
He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence."
Psalm 101:7

[UPDATE: It gets better, apparently Bonnen voted for HB 486 in committee.]

[UPDATE II: Apparently, Giovanni and Linda Koop were there as well, which just further illustrates our point.]

Question: What do Angie Chen Button, Charlie Geren, Jim Murphy, and Jason Villalba have in common?!?

Did they?!?

• a) Vote to grease the skids for property tax hikes last session?!?

• b) Appear at one of Governor Abbott's recent press conferences promoting his property tax plan.
  
  -- OR --

• c) BOTH.

The answer, unfortunately, is "C."

Over the past 2 days, Governor Abbott has held press conferences in both Houston and Ft. Worth extolling the benefits of his new property tax proposal.  In fairness to Abbott (as we explained yesterday) it's a good proposal.  Unfortunately, many members of the cast of characters with whom Abbott has chosen to surround himself leaves us...less than sanguine about the proposal's chances of passage.

As a particlarly flagrant example of why, consider HB 486 from last session:



Next, consider which Republicans voted for HB 486 and cross reference them against attendance at Abbott's press conferences:

• Angie Button (R–Richardson) 

• Charlie Geren (R–River Oaks) 

• Jim Murphy (R–Houston) 

• Jason Villalba (R–Dallas)

Bottom Line: If you want us to believe that you're committed to reigning in the property tax system, you probably shouldn't surround yourself with four legislators who voted to grease the skids for further property tax increases as recently as last May.

Hensarling leaves open seat without Obvious Successor....

"Then I turned myself to consider wisdom and madness and folly;
For what can the man do who succeeds the king?—
Only what he has already done."
Ecclesiastes 2:12

At this point, we assume you've heard:

My full statement on not seeking re-election in 2018: pic.twitter.com/2mkUIxtAED

— Jeb Hensarling (@RepHensarling) October 31, 2017

This is...unfortunate, at least right now.

We've never been under any illusions about Jeb Hensarling, but historically he's tended to be less loathsome than the average Texas Congressman.  He's usually been pretty good against corporate welfare.  We retain fond memories of the conniption fit he gave to friends of the Texas Association of Business in 2015.

Which is our longwinded way of saying that we wish he'd waited two more years to make this decision.

To understand why, consider Jeb Hensarling's district:

Compare Hensarling's district to the obvious successor:

While Bob Hall is the most obvious person to run for Hensarling's seat (and, given Hall's military background, he'd be a good fit for a federal position), there's an obvious problem: We need Bob Hall to stay put in the Texas Senate.  If Bob Hall were to jump into a Congressional race, it would leave his Texas Senate seat in peril of being scooped up by Cindy Burkett.  At this time, a Texas Senate seat is more valuable than a congressional seat.

Moving from the Texas Senate to the house, Hensarling's congressional district overlaps the following Texas house districts:

Note: Redline boundaries were done by hand and are thus APPROXIMATE.

Hensarling's Congressional district overlaps the following state reps:

• Lance Gooden.

• Travis Clardy.

• Jason Villalba

• Morgan Meyer.

• Cindy Burkett (open seat).

• Dan Flynn.

• Byron Cook (open seat!!!)

• Cole Hefner.
• Note: We didn't actually realize that Hefner overlapped until we looked it up.  That being said, it's only a tiny sliver.  While Hefner might be a possibility ( *ONLY* if he can cover his state rep seat), it still seems like a stretch.

With the exception of Hefner, none of those names are particularly exciting.  The biggest shame is that a number of those incumbent state reps are facing strong challengers (or, in Cook's case, have already been chased out of the race by a strong challenger.  Which, once again, brings our lament: Our bench in this part of the state is going to be a lot stronger in 2020.

Unfortunately, it's 2018; while we'd love to upgrade this seat, right now almost all of the obvious candidates would be downgrades.

Bottom Line: If you're an ambitious county commissioner with a strong record anywhere in this district, now might be a good time to swing for the fences.

#TXLEGE: Thoughts on #SINEDIE (take 2)....

"For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God."
Romans 8:19

We're still digesting the past 24 hours, but a few observations in no particular order:

• 83 Republican house members showed up to today's caucus meeting.  That's a heck of a lot more than we expected.  We were also pleasantly surprised by the length of the meeting.

• Joe Straus personally showing up is an admission that all is not well in the Republican caucus.

• There was a whole bunch of traditional media at today's caucus meeting; media interest can only raise the profile of the issue..

• We're not sure who said it (Jim Graham?!?) but they're absolutely correct: You can't support both Greg Abbott and Joe Straus anymore.
• At this point, it remains an open question whether Greg Abbott supports Greg Abbott or Joe Straus.

• The arrogance of house leadership remains a sight to behold: Had they simply shown up for work this morning, they probably could have run out the clock with a fairly typical act of failure theater.  But they just had to jam their thumb in the eye of Abbott, Patrick/the Senate, and the Texas grassroots.  In doing so, they elevated their profile all over again.
• Note: The only reason we haven't completely given up on Greg Abbott is because the degree to which he's been publicly disrespected essentially demands a response.

• Apparently, the house Republican caucus has a September retreat scheduled; grassroots activists really ought to crash that party.
• Note: If the new RPT leadership really wanted to impress this website, they'd convince the caucus make the whole event open to the public.

• The kumbaya messaging coming out of today's caucus meeting was obnoxious.

• Abbott said all the right things in today's radio interview.  But Greg Abbott frequently says all the right things.  Its Greg Abbott's follow through that leaves a lot to be desired.

• Another special session won't accomplish anything right now.
• Note: But then there's redistricting....

• The Senate is certainly isn't perfect, but they're moving in the right direction.
• Note: And some of those moves are VERY significant....

• In both Austin and DC, the Republicans aren't getting the job done; if the grassroots are smart, they'll find challengers areas where bad Texas and U.S. members share territory and knock out multiple birds with one stone.
• Example: Michael Conaway and Drew Darby have overlapping districts.  Ditto Kevin Brady and Dan Huberty/Ernest Bailes.  Pete Sessions/Jason Villalba.
• UPDATE: Duh...Lamar Smith/Joe Straus.

• Random Thought: We wonder if the Texas Association of Business has ever taken any money from George Soros?!?
• cc: Abbott, Greg

• We're getting really, really, really sick of the socialized education industrial complex's sense of entitlement....

#TXLEGE: Abbott begins to roll out #SpecialSession Bill Sponsors....

"The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the lazy man will be put to forced labor."
Proverbs 12:24

A couple interesting press releases out of the Governor's office this morning.

First, on state spending caps:

In the upcoming special legislative session, Sen. Kelly Hancock, Reps. Tan Parker and Mike Schofield will file legislation to limit the growth in state spending to no more than the growth of population and inflation. This is one of 20 items that Governor Abbott previously announced will be added to the special session agenda.

Next, on local spending caps:

In the upcoming special legislative session, Sen. Craig Estes and Rep. Jason Villalba will author legislation to limit the growth in local spending to no more than the growth of population and inflation. This is one of 20 items that Governor Abbott previously announced will be added to the special session agenda.

A few thoughts:

• Estes and Hancock both have histories of sometimes doing good things and sometimes doing bad things.  Thus it's not surprising that they're doing this.   Good on them both.

• Schofield carried a similar bill during the regular session, thus his presence isn't surprising.

• Tan Parker carrying the state level bill is very interesting.  Parker's previous shortcomings as GOP conference chair have been well documented.  We suspect Abbott has taken Parker to the woodshed, but regardless the dynamic of seeing Parker caught between Abbott and Straus will be very revealing.

• Villalba carrying the local bill is...disappointing.  We suspect he'll try to push a bill with more loopholes than Swiss cheese.  This bill might very well need to be fixed via floor amendments.

• That being said, there's a certain savvy in working with House members of have historically been supportive of leadership, but not part of the inner circle, that could make life very uncomfortable for Joe Straus if we get 8 or 9 days into the special and bills aren't moving.

Bottom Line: We'll have to see what happens, but today's announcements strike us as a reasonably positive development.

#TXLEGE: Bonnen hears (at least) 9 more special interest carve out bills (98 for session)....

"Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord,
But a just weight is His delight."
Proverbs 11:1

It's that time of week when we check on the latest from Dennis Bonnen and the Texas House Ways and Means committee:

• HB 660        Villalba | et al.
  Relating to a sales and use tax exemption for Texas state flags.
• HB 976        Giddings
  Relating to the exemption from the sales tax for certain school art supplies during limited periods.
• HB 1164       Guillen
  Relating to the application of the sales and use tax to the lease or rental to a caterer of certain tangible personal property.
• HB 2621       Darby                 
  Relating to state and local tax incentives for certain enhanced oil recovery projects.
• HB 3138       Gutierrez               
  Relating to the definition of intangible personal property for ad valorem tax purposes.
• HB 3389       Schofield              
  Relating to fees taxed as costs of suit for certain delinquent tax suits.
• HB 3709       Sheffield             
  Relating to authorizing a county to impose a tax on the sale of certain solid materials and substances.
• HB 3975       Ashby                 
  Relating to qualification of land for appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes as timber land.
• HB 3999       Isaac | et al.        
  Relating to the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of certain property used to provide affordable housing.

Abbott proposes new category of thought crime....

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong."
1 Corinthians 16:13

What could POSSIBLY go wrong?!?

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is asking state lawmakers to make it a hate crime to target police officers.

"You have a governor who has your back," Gov. Abbott told law enforcement last week, during a televised media conference the day after five officers were murdered in Dallas by a man deliberately targeting white officers.

Following the targeted killing of three more officers next door in Louisiana, Abbott announced a proposal Monday to make it a hate crime to attack law enforcement out of bias against police. The "Police Protection Act" would also increase penalties for crimes against officers and create an education program to encourage respect for officers among youth.

"Texas will no longer tolerate disrespect for those who serve," Abbott wrote in a statement Monday, "And it must be made to clear to anyone targeting our law enforcement officials that their actions will be met with severe justice."

Where to begin....

The abstract level: "Hate Crimes" laws are wildly unconstitutional and nothing good can come from this sort of expansion of government power, even to cover groups we like.

The practical level: While recent events in Dallas were horrific, the shooter is already dead.  Furthermore, even if he had been captured alive, he would have already been eligible for the death penalty.  There is no way anything Abbott is proposing could have prevented what happened in Dallas.

It gets better; look who wants to carry the bill:

Draft legislation by Dallas state Rep. Jason Villalba (R-Dallas) would add discrimination against police and first responders to the hate crime section of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which currently includes prejudice based on "race, color, disability, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, gender, or sexual preference."

Then there's this gem, which could never ever in a million years backfire:

"We'd like to see it go a step further, so that the D.A. has to seek the death penalty in every case where an officer is killed."

In other words, we want to expand the scope of a poorly written statute while removing all discretion about how to interpret it when the inevitable case comes up that falls under its purview in a way we do not anticipate.

And all this despite the fact that anyone who kills a cop in Texas is already eligible for the death penalty as long as we enforce the laws that are already on the books.

To learn more about the unintended consequences of "hate crimes" laws, click here.

Villalba's doing...WHAT?!?

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 1:7

What could POSSIBLY go wrong?!?

Rep. Jason Villalba is helping launch LightSwitch Solutions, an Austin-based public relations and consulting firm with plans to shape opinion about local policy, mostly on behalf of businesses and other private entities.

“Whether you are seeking to marshal to passage a controversial school bond package, shape public opinion on an important initiative, effect a change to the county’s rules for online cab service, or amend the city’s charter,” the company’s website said Friday afternoon, “LightSwitch is uniquely qualified to get you the results that you seek.”

Villalba was listed as the firm's CEO.

That and all other information was scrubbed from the website shortly after the Tribune interviewed the Dallas Republican and one of his partners at the company: Trey Newton, a longtime political operative and former chief of staff to Land Commissioner George P. Bush.

....

The biography that initially appeared on the scrubbed LightSwitch website said Villalba has a “peculiar understanding of and ability to shape public opinion. That is an asset that Jason didn’t learn in business school, but in the rough and tumble works of Texas politics.”

Smith said he found the salesman-like description of Villalba's public office job problematic.

“He’s using his position as a state legislator as part of the reason why you should hire him, which raises both eyebrows,” he said.

Read the whole thing here.

Will Jason Villalba run against Ken Paxton for Attorney General?!?

"He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will be destroyed."
Proverbs 13:20

There's one other point worth making coming out of the conversation that led us to speculate about a Ted Cruz/Dan Branch race for the U.S. Senate: For similar reasons, we think there's a good chance Jason Villalba will run for Attorney General against Ken Paxton.

The two races would feature similar politics.  Like Dan Branch, Jason Villalba hails from the big money Dallas/Highland Park crowd.  Like Ted Cruz, that same big money Dallas/Highland Park crowd loathes Ken Paxton.

Furthermore, when Paxton's legal troubles emerged last year, Team Straus' stenographers at Quorum "Report" openly speculated about Villalba replacing Paxton:

But believe me when I tell you that some of those who wish to step into the role have been working overtime behind the scenes to jockey for position.

....

For that reason, two names in the list of potential replacements for Paxton stand out: Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman and Rep. Jason Villalba.

....

Rep. Villalba’s name first surfaced this weekend as the indictment of Paxton became public knowledge. Some Texas Capitol insiders have said Villalba “is on the short list” for consideration. The sophomore lawmaker has made it a personal mission to make it clear to his fellow Latinos that they belong in the Party of Ronald Reagan. "Latinos are Republican. They just don't know it yet,” Reagan once said.

There's no way a rumor like that appears in Quorum "Report" unless it's something Team Straus is actively persuing.

The whole farce of the Paxton prosecution stems from Team Straus' butthurt vendetta against Ken Paxton for interfering with their political plans.  Ken Paxton is the meddling teenager to the Scooby-Doo villains of Team Straus.  Jason Villalba is a low level sidekick who will do as he's told.

Learn more about Jason Villalba here and here and here.

Bottom Line:  At some point in the next year, Ken Paxton is going to beat these silly criminal charges.  When that happens, Paxton will become politically bulletproof.  At that point, Jason Villalba will be one of the few remaining people who fill the necessary preconditions to pursue this sort of campaign.

The Texas House's "Pro-Life" Kabuki Theater....

"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them."
Ephesians 5:11

Yesterday, Texas Right to Life released their dishonorable mention list for the 84th Texas Legislature, it covers:

Unfortunately, there were also elected officials this past legislative session who have worked against Pro-Life reforms or have promoted dangerous legislation that Texas Right to Life opposed. Even though some of these individuals may have decent voting records when Pro-Life legislation finally had public votes, these elected officials did more harm to the cause than help this year. For these legislators, Texas Right to Life has also released the 84th Session Dishonorable Mentions List.

The full list:

1. Chairman Byron Cook

2. Representative Sarah Davis

3. Chairman Charlie Geren

4. Representative Patricia Harless

5. Chairman Jim Keffer

6. Representative Eddie Lucio III

7. Representative Elliott Naishtat

8. Representative Debbie Riddle

9. Representative JD Sheffield

10. Representative Jason Villalba

11. Chairman John Zerwas

In the coming weeks, TxRTL will discuss each of these selections in detail; for now, Jason Vaughn details some of those actions from this past legislative session:

The Houston Chronicle recently ran an article entitled “[Texas]Lawmakers say they’re nearly out of ideas for abortion restrictions.”

In the article Rep. Byron Cook, Chair of the State Affairs Committee in the House, was quoted as saying “It’s becoming hard to do more things under what the Supreme Court has said is allowed,” after arguing lawmakers have done “monumental things in previous sessions.”

But have they really?

It is astonishing that Cook would say something like that after he personally caused the deaths of multiple pro-life bills last session. As chair of State Affairs he chose to have all pro-life bills come to his committee.

A total of two house bills made it out of that committee. A third Senate bill made it out, but was allowed to die due to Cook’s gutting of the Senate’s ethics bill (SB 19) which took up great amount of debate on the final day even though the Senate had guaranteed they would never get out of conference with his changes. Due to that bill, SB 575 was allowed to die. SB 575 would have made abortion coverage a supplemental insurance and kept Texans from paying for other’s abortions.

Just to get SB 575 out of committee after it had been held for several weeks Rep. Jonathan Stickland had to sign a paper agreeing to pull down other pro-life amendments and even then Cook’s committee gutted the Senate version. All this to no avail as the Calendar committee led by Rep. Todd Hunter placed it as the last major action item for the day and guaranteed it’s death.

Rep. Matt Schaefer twice asked Cook to postpone his doomed in committee “ethics” bill version and both times Cook refused to prioritize Life. Here are some other bills Cook refused to bring to a vote in his committee:

HB 1435 – This was the House version by Rep. John Smithee of SB 575 that Cook could have heard, but never did.

HB 1648 – This bill by Rep. Molly White in the House would have clarified the law that coerced abortion and pressuring a woman to get an elective abortion is a crime.

HB 113 – A bill by Rep. Allen Fletcher which would ban sex selective abortions.

HB 832 – From Rep. Matt Shaefer would have enhanced reporting abortion reporting requirements.

HB 1976 – This bill by Rep. Matt Schaefer would have banned abortions based fetal abnormality. Not only did Cook refuse to give this bill a vote, he wrote a letter encouraging House members supporting these abortions.

HB 2531 – This very strong bill by Rep. Matt Krause would have totally reformed the judicial bypass that abortion facilities use to get abortions for minors without parental consent. Krause was able to work much of this language into another bill.

HB 1901 – Another bill by Krause that would increase protection for the unborn when the mother is unconscious. While Byron Cook refused to even give this bill a hearing he did give a hearing to a bill that would weaken protection in these circumstances.

HJR 126 – This Constitutional Amendment by Rep. David Simpson would have nullified Roe v Wade and completely banned abortion in the state of Texas. It was not even given a hearing.

How can Cook say there is not much to do when he refused to even bring these bills to a vote? These are flat out lies.

 Read the Texas Right to Life article here, read Jason's article here.

Villalba endorses mandatory sterilization for traffic tickets

"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God."
Romans 13:1

Texas State Capitol -- Texas State Representative Jason Villalba (R - Dallas) today released the following statement:

Traffic congestion in Texas is an impediment to economic activity and a threat to public health and safety; the time has come for a final solution.

Following consultations with the Texas Association of Business, the Texas Medical Association, and the Texas Municipal Police Association, I have concluded that the final solution to these interrelated challenges is sterilization of those who abuse their privileges on Texas roadways.

Over the past two decades, Texas' population has grown by leaps and bounds; unfortunately, one consequence of that growth has been traffic congestion that undermines the quality of life for every Texan.  While Governor Abbott has made transportation funding an emergency legislative item, Speaker Straus has called Governor Abbott's approach a "gimmick."  The time has come to end gimmicks and develop a final solution.

My final solution builds upon the groundbreaking work intellectuals like  Thomas Malthus and Margaret Sanger.  It allows law enforcement officers across Texas to "cull the herd."  Over time, this process of "weeding out" the unfit will reduce both crime and traffic congestion.

While we have passed the point in the session where Representatives can file new legislation, I intend to introduce my final solution as an amendment to any germane law enforcement bill that comes to the floor of the Texas House

The time has come for a comprehensive, progressive, forward-looking, approach to the interrelated challenges facing our state.  Half measures will no longer suffice.  Our constituents are telling us we need a final solution.

My final solution is a Reaganesque approach to accountability that protects Texas business interests, law enforcement, and medical industry.

First Amendment Tuesday: Week 10

"and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,"
Ephesians 6:19

First Amendment Tuesday hit it's high-water mark for attendance this session earlier today.

Tony McDonald (Empower Texans):



Highlights:

• Citizen activists are not lobbyists.

• Amendment process
• You can't do it with any bill.
• Prevents Massive "Christmas Tree" bills a. la. D.C.
• Bills have to be limited to one topic.
• Ultimately, the members decide a point of order.

• Members frequently leave legislation pending after a committee hearing; you shouldn't get suspicion until it's been left pending over a week.

Jonathan Saenz (Texas Values):

Highlights:

• Religious liberty amendment borrows language from Hobby Lobby case.

• Religious liberty involves telling government TO STOP ACTIVITY.

• Jason Villalba dropped religious liberty amendment, Matt Krause picked it up.

• Bill in State Affairs on Marriage tomorrow.

• Texas Association of Business thinks government power should trump religious rights.

• "Apparently, the Texas Association of Business thinks religious liberty is bad for business."

Cathie Adams (Texas Eagle Forum):

Highlights:

• Recaps toll and marriage rallies.

• "Without marriage, America implodes."

• HB 1745 by Bell, hearing tomorrow.

• American laws for American Courts (ALAC) getting hearing today.
• 10 other states have passed it.

• "A test is valuable, an 'assessment' is devious."

Ann Hettinger (Concerned Women for America):

Highlights:

• CWA also supports ALAC.

• ALAC is about protecting women.

• School choice hearing at 9AM Thursday.

Jeremy Newman (Texas Homeschool Coalition):

Highlights:

• Parental rights restoration
• Protects single parents.
• Grandparents frequently do this in cases of homeschooling.

EXCLUSIVE: Vice President Biden reacts to Jason Villalba

"He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will be destroyed."
Proverbs 13:20

In a remarkable stroke of luck, Cahnman's Musings has recieved commentary from Vice President Joe Biden regarding Jason Villalba's performance in Wednesday night's debate:

In his opening statement, Villalba called Joe Straus "Reaganesque":



To which, Joe Biden says:

Villalba next tried to claim that killing legislation is "not the function of the speaker":



And the Vice President responds:

Next, Villalbla got Rinaldi's father's name wrong:



Vice President Biden:



After that, Villalba tried to tell a long story to distract from a political sleight of hand:



Leading Joe Biden to remark:



It got better when Villabla tried to claim his constituents support Straus:



Which made Biden's life easy:



Next, Villalba begged the crowd to find him a primary opponent:



Which confused the Vice President:



Finally, Villalba let the cat out of the bag as to the policies Joe Straus would implement:



To which, Joe Biden Agrees:



Thanks to the Vice President for his cooperation in this project....:D

Rinaldi promotes "clear message," (my good friend Jason) Villalba does...something?!?

"The lips of the righteous feed many,
But fools die for lack of wisdom."

Proverbs 10:21

Southern Methodist University -- Last night's speaker's race debate between Matt Rinaldi and (my good friend) Jason Villalba was a study in contrasts.  Rinaldi discussed the "clear message" voters sent regarding their desire for conservative legislation in the 84th legislature.  (my good friend Jason) Villalba, meanwhile, attempted to recycle a decades old playbook no one believes anymore.

Rinaldi discussed how, following the election of a conservative Governor and a conservative Lieutenant Governor, the Texas House is the largest remaining obstacle to passing conservative legislation.  Rinaldi specifically listed "every element of Governor Perry's budget compact" as legislation that died last session in the Straus led House.  He also discussed illegal immigration.

On the other hand, (my good friend Jason) Villalba attempted to suck up to the crowd and make excuses.  For example, when discussing legislation that dies last session, he attempted to say that it was because 80% of bills that are filed die every session.  While technically true, most of those bills are frivolous and there's still substantial discretion about which bills to pass among those that have meaningful (if not universal) support.

The full debate can be seen in the video footage below, but two moments stand out:

Towards the end, (my good friend Jason) Villalba attempted to confuse two studies about the 83rd Legislature, then told a(n admittedly cool) story about Turner; Rinaldi responded with a story of his own about a state legislator he was debating a few minutes earlier who deliberately confused two studies.

A few minutes later, (my good friend Jason) Villalba had a Freudian slip that has to be seen to be believed:



Last night's debate underscored the current reality in Texas politics.  Democrats are irrelevant, the voters are sending "a clear message" and legacy Republicans can't use the old playbook indefinitely.  Whatever happens January 13th, the disconnect between the voters and the (current) members will resolve itself soon enough....

Villalba Protects Straus

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ."
2 Corinthians 11:13

Earlier tonight, this website published a piece about Jason Villalba's refusal to debate the Speaker's race at home; it begat the following response:

@VoteBeebe @MattRinaldiTX @cahnman LOL. Austin Club. Live audience. 60 minutes. @scottbraddock moderates. Week before vote. #TxLege #BringIt
— Jason Villalba (@JasonVillalba) December 28, 2014

This is a cop-out.

Villalba and Rinaldi were originally scheduled to debate tomorrow; Villalba's tweet is an attempt to stall while he shops for a friendly audience.

Villalba wants to run out the clock.  If he faces in district questioning, that will make it harder.  Thus, he prefers Austin in two weeks to Dallas tomorrow.

Make no mistake: An Austin event is easier for this author to attend.  But Villalba lives in Dallas.  It's telling that he would rather appear in our hometown than his own.

As Matt Beebe Says:

.@JasonVillalba will dance for the Austin lobbyists, but skips out on the hometown audience? #TXLege @MattRinaldiTX @cahnman @scottbraddock
— Matt Beebe for Texas (@VoteBeebe) December 28, 2014

Rinaldi follows up:

Point is to have constituents hear the debate. @JasonVillalba wants to debate in front of lobbyists. Tomorrow @6:30 660am. You in? #TxLege
— Matt Rinaldi (@MattRinaldiTX) December 28, 2014

This author proposed a compromise:

@JasonVillalba Nice Try; debate @MattRinaldiTX tomorrow, then @evanasmith 2 hr forum with @SpeakerStraus and @ScottTurnerTX on 1/12
— cahnman (@cahnman) December 28, 2014

Which, upon being ignored, we proposed again:

@scottbraddock Nice try; how 'bout @JasonVillalba/@MattRinaldiTX tomorrow and @SpeakerStraus and @ScottTurnerTX on 1/12?!? @rumpfshaker
— cahnman (@cahnman) December 28, 2014

But nobody wants to make things interesting:

@JasonVillalba Why not @MattRinaldiTX tomorrow and @SpeakerStraus/@ScottTurnerTX 1/12?!? @rumpfshaker @evanasmith @scottbraddock
— cahnman (@cahnman) December 28, 2014

Which, once again, begs the real question: Why not have Matt Rinaldi and Jason Villalba debate tomorrow night in Dallas then have Scott Turner and Joe Straus debate on January 12th in Austin (we don't care if Evan Smith or Scott Braddock moderates)?!?

Jason Villalba refuses to debate Speaker's Race

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ."
2 Corinthians 11:13

Press Release from Matt Rinaldi:

MATT RINALDI CALLS OUT REPRESENTATIVE JASON VILLALBA ON REFUSAL TO DEBATE 

Irving, TX--Rep.-Elect Matt Rinaldi called out Rep. Jason Villalba Saturday night for his refusal to debate about the upcoming Texas Speaker's race on radio. Talk show host Debbie Georgatos invited Rinaldi and Villalba to debate on Dallas radio station 660AM Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. Villalba refused to debate and refused to go on air prior to Rinaldi to vocalize his support for Joe Straus.

Commenting on Villalba's actions, Rinaldi said, "It's unfortunate that Rep. Villalba is unwilling to be challenged on the tough questions surrounding the Speaker's race. I hope my colleague will reverse his decision and allow our constituents to hear a substantive discussion about the leadership and direction of our state."

For more information on Matt Rinaldi please visit www.mattrinaldi.com or follow Matt Rinaldi on Twitter @MattRinaldiTX

 But remember, "there is no speakers race."

Jason Villalba calls citizen engagement "Big Brother"

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ."
2 Corinthians 11:13

This certainly speaks for itself:

As one person said on Facebook: "The irony is that he mentions BigBrother while doing DoubleSpeak."

Dallas County Republican Party endorses Scott Turner

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, the people groan."
Proverbs 29:2

Big step backwards for Jason Villalba as his own county party votes to endorse Scott Turner:



Bottom Line: Ouch!!!

Jason Villalba attacks private citizens as "GOONS"

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ."
2 Corinthians 11:13

Because, heaven forbid, citizen activists say something a government official doesn't like:



Highlights:

• Krause: The 80% number team Straus is putting out is bogus.
• A lot of Scott's support is "like an iceberg." (ie. below the surface)

• Lulz: Villalba calls Straus "Reagenesque."

•  Villalba ignores election results in 2014 and 2012 when calling private citizens goons.

• Straus obstructed the current border security operations for close to a year (until doing so became untenable in public opinion).

• Straus failed to deliver on pro-Life legislation during the 83rd general session.

Joe Straus: The Harry Reid of Texas!!!

"He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck,
Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
Proverbs 29:1

On the one hand, we're upset we didn't personally think of this analogy; on the other hand, ouch:

While the Texas House is controlled by Straus, widely seen as moderate if not liberal, the Texas Senate is controlled by a conservative majority and is all but guaranteed to be presided over in 2015 by a Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, one of the most conservative lawmakers in the state, which is saying something in Texas. Just as numerous bills and pro-growth reforms have been passed by Speaker John Boehner’s House, only to languish in Harry Reid’s Senate, next year could provide an analogous situation in Austin, in which the state senate passes a host of conservative reforms – such as tax relief and school choice – only to see them die in Speaker Straus’s House. Straus’s acolytes are already making clear that the Texas House will be a graveyard for conservative and free market reforms passed by the senate.

....

Rep. Villalba detailed specifically how Speaker Straus and company plan to obstruct senate-passed reforms, explaining that the House Calendars Committee is where conservative bills will be strangled in the cradle.

“Calendars decides what bills get to the floor for a vote,” said Villalba. “I can tell you right now most bills die in Calendars… because Calendars is, again, loyal to the speaker.”

Got that, Texas senators? Don’t even think about trying to make the state more economically competitive with Speaker Straus in charge of the House. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, one Texas representative, considered to be one of the GOP’s top rising stars, not just in Texas but the nation, is challenging Straus to be speaker in 2015.

....

While any challenge to Straus would be an uphill battle, many Austin political insiders concede that if any lawmaker could knock him off, it’s Turner. Helping Turner is the fact that Straus has seen the ranks of his supporters in the House dwindle over the past year. Half a dozen Straus supporters decided to retire and have been replaced with conservatives. Five Straus allies lost in the June primaries to more conservative challengers.

The outcome of Turner’s challenge to Straus will have major consequences for the state. While Texas has relatively low taxes and a business tax climate superior to most states, it is not without challenges. The state’s gross receipts tax, known as the Margin Tax, is a major hindrance to the state realizing its full economic potential. This is a tax that economists of all political stripes agree is one of the most economically damaging ways to raise revenue. It is a highly complex tax assessed on different industries in different ways. The compliance costs of this tax for some companies are greater than their liability and even businesses that fail to turn a profit still have to pay it. Rep. Turner introduced legislation in 2013 to do away with this onerous levy, but the bill died with Straus at the helm.

....

Texas voters have been putting conservatives in statewide office for years and continue to do so. In a few short months we’ll find out if Texas will have a new House Speaker who is in sync with the state’s electorate, or if the Texas version of Harry Reid will continue to obstruct in Austin.

Read the whole thing here.