RUNOFF ENDORSEMENT: Dawn Buckingham for SD-24!!!

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

In SD-24, we supported Brent Mayes in the first round.  Obviously, that didn't pan out.  Backing Dawn Buckingham in the runoff is an easy choice.

On Primary election day we worked the same polling location as Dawn.  Over the course of a ten hour day, we had an extended opportunity to get to know her.  We discussed the ups and downs of the campaign, and the state of both Texas and the world.  It was a very reassuring conversation.  While we don't have permission to reveal the details, suffice to say Dawn Buckingham's views on the Federal Reserve system warm our heart.

But let's address the 800 pound gorilla in the room: TMA.  There's no denying that Dawn Buckingham has a long history with the Texas Medical Association.  That history was our dealbreaker issue in the first round.  As part of that history, she's also made campaign donations to several bad elected officials.  We've asked her about it several times, and that history was a major topic during the primary day conversation we mentioned above.  Dawn has always stated that, as a conservative, she thought she could be more effective working to change TMA from the inside than throwing rocks from the outside.  We don't particularly agree with that logic, but we understand it and accept it in this one case.

That being said, no discussion of the Texas Medical Association and the SD-24 race would be complete without discussing Dawn's opponent: Susan King.  While Dawn has certainly worked with TMA over the years, Susan King's husband ran TMA during the last legislative session.  In addition, Susan King is a well documented liberal who currently serves as a Joe Straus committee chair in the Texas House.  In other words, both candidates in this race have ties to TMA, but one is a Joe Straus lieutenant while the other has a pretty big liberty streak.

Speaking of Dawn Buckingham's liberty streak, earlier today she appeared at a Texas Tribune event.  At that event, she gave strong answers on religious liberty and the second amendment.  On religious liberty, she spoke in support of protections similar to those recently passed in North Carolina.  She also told us after the event that she doesn't buy this silly notion that protecting religious liberty is bad for business.  On the second amendment, she turned a gotcha question into an unprompted opportunity to voice her support for constitutional carry!!!

On education, Dawn voiced support for school choice while Susan King has been endorsed by Jimmie Don Aycock; we will also point out that we have Dawn on record as being willing to vote against the next round of bad UT regents.

Considering the candidates, this one's an easy choice: Dawn Buckingham for SD 24!!!

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Watch Dawn's TribTalk below:

David Simpson and Brent Mayes on ENDING Texas' SANCTUARY CITIES

"Do not remove the ancient landmark,
Nor enter the fields of the fatherless;"
Proverbs 23:10

Earlier today, the Texas Senate held an interim hearing on sanctuary cities; nothing interesting happened at the hearing, but that does make it a good time to review where candidates stand on the issue.

First thing first, David Simpson is the only Texas Senate candidate to have called for a special session to eliminate sanctuary cities:

“We must uphold the rule of law within our jurisdiction under our constitutional republic and stop the implementation of sanctuary city policies. How can we complain about the federal government not enforcing immigration law, if we will not uphold our end of the bargain? I support the Governor’s decision to end sanctuary city policies which undermine the fabric of our society. However, we should do it now and not wait till 2017. If sub-political sections of our state will not fulfill their responsibilities, then the Legislature should reign them in now in a special session.”

Next, Brent Mayes:

We can do much with simple things that cost little or nothing. We can eliminate sanctuary cities, have mandatory e-verify, stop in-state tuition for illegals, and cut off all non emergency social services for those here illegally. These are the least we can do as first steps.

Bottom Line: Both of these open seat candidates will be LIGHT YEARS better on this issue than the retiring RINO's they're going to replace!!!

Brent Mayes: The ONLY #SD24 Candidate who supports CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY!!!

"Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me."
Nehemiah 4:18

Texas State Capitol -- Brent Mayes spoke at a rally last weekend:



Highlights:

• "It's uncommon for government to give us back part of our constitutional rights which they have taken away from us."

• "Today, we've partially gotten those rights back."

• "We're still encumbered by a tax."

• "As of today, only California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and South Carolina deny that right [open carry] in any form; I don't know about you, but anything that separates Texas from California, New York, and Illinois I'm for."

• "I come to the fight late, but I come with passion; I pledge to you that if elected in Senate District 24 I will do everything within my power to take that ball the next step and pass Constitutional Carry next year."

• "We can no longer afford to have soft targets and gun-free zones."

• "An armed citizenry is a safe citizenry."

#StickwithSTICKLAND: Perry goes FULL RINO!!!

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

[Update: James Trimm has more here.]

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?!?

Perryanti-SticklandEndorsement2k15

For those unaware, Scott Fischer is Jonathan Stickland's opponent in the Republican primary.

Stickland's response sums up the pertinent facts:

"I've served my district for nearly 4 years now and have never tried to represent Austin insiders, only the conservatives in my District," he said in a written statement to the Tribune. "I'm proud to have their support in my re-election campaign."

The special-interest crowd's reaction was predictable:

I am with fmr @GovernorPerry. Pastor Scott Fisher will be an excellent pro-life legislator. #txlege https://t.co/dFETPSfevM

— Joe Pojman, Ph.D. (@joepojman) December 29, 2015

Brent Mayes, whom we've endorsed in SD-24, said it best:

Rick Perry jumps the shark. #SD24 #txlegeThe republican establishment brings out the long-knives against conservative...
Posted by Brent Mayes on Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Bottom Line: This is Rick Perry's most indefensible move since HPV. Perry has now endorsed in three #TXLEGE primaries this cycle, and in EVERY case he's endorsed AGAINST a vocal opponent of corporate welfare.  A clear pattern is emerging.

Our Next Round of 2016 Candidate Endorsements

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

[Author's Note: You can read our first round of candidate endorsements here.]

With the 2016 Texas Republican Primary barely two months away, Cahnman's Musings endorses the following candidates:

STATEWIDE -- TEXAS RAILROAD COMMISSION

Wanye Christian:

Among the candidates who filed, this was an easy choice.  We supported Wayne Christian when he ran for Railroad Commission in 2014.  Wayne Christian got hosed in that election and this cycle offers an opportunity to correct that injustice.

[Note: For those unaware, it's worth pointing out that, despite the name, the Texas Railroad Commission is the primary regulator of Texas' Energy Sector.]

UNITED STATES HOUSE

Steve Toth, CD-8:

Steve Toth is a friend of this website (we've gone to Church with the man).  To be honest, we wanted him to run for President.  We're pleased he's FINALLY running for Federal office.

During his time in the Texas House, Steve Toth was a persistent thorn in the side of leadership.  With GOP victory at the Federal level likely, it's important for conservatives to elect rank-and-file members who won't go along to get along.  We won't make any predictions yet about how the U.S. House will operate in 2017, but if a back-bench revolt is necessary, Steve Toth will lead it.

The 10-TERM INCUMBENT is the most liberal Republican in Texas' congressional delegation running in a safe Republican district.  As the sitting chairman of the Federal tax-writing committee, the 10-TERM INCUMBENT will have unlimited backing from the #WashingtonCartel.  Of course, the last time Steve Toth took on a committee chairman with close ties to the Speaker and every lobbyist in town, he won.

TEXAS SENATE

Brent Mayes, SD-24:

We've observed this race for several months.  We've met most of the candidates multiple times.  With C.J. Grisham's departure from the race (and subsequent endorsement), Brent Mayes is the clear conservative choice in this race.

Brent Mayes attended Konni Burton's candidate forum.  Brent Mayes ran for office to get Texas out from under the Federal Government's boot.  Brent Mayes has openly stated his willingness to oppose a Republican President.  Brent Mayes supports Constitutional Carry.  Brent Mayes wants to eliminate film subsidies.

To be honest, there is another candidate in this race we like.  Unfortunately, her background with the Texas Medical Association is a DEALBREAKER.  Vote Brent Mayes.

TEXAS HOUSE (Running for Re-Election)

Molly White, HD-55:

During the 84th #TXLEGE, Molly White gave global jihad a conniption fit.  That, by itself, is reason to support her re-election.  Molly White also voted for Scott Turner for Speaker.

Molly White is a powerful pro-life advocate who has spent years in the trenches of the pro-life movement.  Molly White worked with numerous pro-life non-profits and has stood for life in front of the United Nations.  A former GOP Precinct chair, Molly White was a grassroots activist long before she became a legislator.  Any grassroots activist who stands for life in front of the United Nations is OK in our book.  Pro-life champions like Molly White will, sadly, be necessary until the day Roe v. Wade is overturned.

Molly White is also a taxpayer champion who is no friend of the noxious cronyism that so often pervades the Texas House.

TEXAS HOUSE (Challenger/Open Seat candidates)

Bryan Slaton, HD-2:

Bryan Slaton is running against Dan Flynn; that alone is good reason to support Bryan Slaton.

When Dan Flynn became Joe Straus' hatchet man during the Wallace Hall impeachment fiasco, he earned the enduring enmity of this website.  There was a time when Dan Flynn was one of the stronger conservatives in the legislature, but over the years he's drifted closer to leadership.  All things considered, Dan Flynn is a strong case for term limits.

Bryan Slaton, by contrast, is one of the hardest working grassroots activists in this state.  During the 84th #TXLEGE, Bryan Slaton was a regular presence at the Capitol.  As a strong across the board conservative with the a work ethic to match, Bryan Slaton will be a welcome addition to the Texas House of Representatives.

Larry Smith, HD-54:

Of all the Candidates we've heard speak this cycle, Larry Smith might be the most impressive.

A ten-year veteran, Larry Smith came to the Kileen area during his military career and settled there after he retired.  Larry Smith wants to lead the diversification of the area's economy.  In an era of uncertainty surrounding the defense budget, relying upon Ft. Hood is an unsafe bet.

One final note: Larry Smith is committed to education reform where the money follows the child, not the bureaucrat; considering that this is the seat from which [Straus' education chair] Jimmie Don Aycock is retiring, electing a pro-school choice candidate in this seat would be particularly sweet.

Read King, HD-64:


Similar to Bryan Slaton, Read King is an extremely hard-working grassroots activist.  During this past legislative session, Read King was such a regular presence at the Capitol that we'd thought he'd temporarily moved down.  Turns out he was commuting to Austin from Denton.

Read King is a home school dad.  Read King is a Republican precinct chair and has been a delegate to several state conventions.  We will overlook the fact that he is also (*SHUDDER*) an Aggie.

In 2014, Read King came close to knocking off the incumbent; in 2016, this is an open seat.

SD-24 headed towards a Mayes/Buckingham runoff

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28

A couple months ago, Erick Erickson made waves when he predicted the Presidential race would come down to Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio.  Thursday's Central Texas Republican Assembly meeting made it clear a similar dynamic has emerged in the SD-24 race.  Unless one of them commits a game changing mistake, we anticipate a runoff between Brent Mayes and Dawn Buckingham.

The similarities between Marco Rubio and Dawn Buckingham are uncanny.  Both are young, attractive, articulate candidates who are reasonably conservative most of the time.  Both are light years better than the genuine RINO's they've already boxed out of their respective races.  But both raise red flags.  In Rubio's case, it's amnesty; with Buckingham, it's the Texas Medical Association.

One of the first rules we learned following Texas politics is never to trust the Texas Medical Association.  They support Obamacare.  They're pro-Abortion.  They've spread lies about conservative Texas Senators.  Less than a year ago, while she was working with TMA, Buckingham gave a $500 donation to Joe Straus.  When we asked her about it on Thursday, she she she was doing her job for her trade association.  That's hardly a response that inspires confidence.

We could do worse, but we can also do better.

Brent Mayes speaks his mind.  He is, easily, the strongest candidate on Tenth Amendment issues.  Brent Mayes understands Texas can't look to D.C. for help; Texas has to help itself.  If necessary, Bernt Mayes would resist a Republican President.  With C.J. Grisham out of the race, Brent Mayes is the clear conservative choice.

This race reflects the success of Texas' conservative grassroots over the past three cycles.  The genuine RINO's haven't gained traction.  While we have reservations about one of the viable candidates, that candidate is still someone we could support in a general election.  But an 'A+' candidate beats a 'B' candidate every single time.  And remember, Ted Cruz is going to be at the top of this ticket.

Bottom Line: There are only two viable candidates in this race; check back with us on March 2nd if you believe otherwise.

SD-24: C.J. Grisham drops out and ENDORSES Brent Mayes

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

[Update: Apparently, Susan King is also out.]

Apparently, C.J. Grisham ended his Texas Senate campaign last week:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECJ GRISHAM SUSPENDS SD24 CAMPAIGNTemple, TX, November 13, 2015 – A few months ago, I decided to...
Posted by CJ Grisham on Friday, November 13, 2015

Brent Mayes released a statement this morning:

“CJ Grisham is a true patriot and Constitutional conservative. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him on the campaign trail and sparring with him as the only other conservative in the race. With his endorsement comes the responsibility to stay true to conservative principles–CJ will rightly hold me accountable. I hope voters will follow CJ’s lead and join my campaign and fight to save Texas.”

Bottom Line: C.J's selfless action makes Brent Mayes the consensus conservative candidate in this race.  SD-24 is a very conservative district,  Unless he makes a mistake, Brent Mayes is now the clear favorite.

Four SD-24 Candidates willing to vote AGAINST Abbott's UT Nominees

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

Texas Land and Cattle -- At last night's Central Texas Republican Assembly meeting, three SD-24 candidates committed to vote against Governor Abbott's next round of U.T. Regent nominees if they resemble his last round; a fourth candidate expressed similar sentiments when asked over Facebook.

Jon Cobb was the first to speak.  He spoke at length about how Gubernatorial appointments are too powerful.  He compared the recent round of subpar U.T. Regent appointments to similarly subpar appointments to the Lower Colorado River Authority.

Brent Mayes said "absolutely, there's no question" he would vote against Abbott's next round of nominees if the resemble the last round, he added "I would go against Dan Patrick if I had to."

Dawn Buckingham said "I have a bright orange 'Save Wallace Hall' T-Shirt at home".  She offered to text this author a picture of the T-Shirt.  After the meeting, she told us about a conversation she had with former Governor Perry in 2013 where he was conspicuously irritated by the jihad against Wallace Hall.

Upon returning home, we reached out to C.J. Grisham over Facebook: "This is a no brainer. The regents have still not answered for the admissions scandal. It would seem that Governor Abbott is rewarding bad behavior. I would be a no vote....I'm fed up with the establishment acceptance of sweeping scandal under the carpet. At some point we need to stop allowing this lack of transparency in virtually every department of government to go unchecked."

Konni Burton, Bob Hall, and Charles Schwertner were the only Senators to vote against Abbott's last round of U.T. nominees.

Bottom Line: The outgoing Senator in SD-24 was a rubber stamp for the U.T. politburo; any of the four candidates with whom we discussed this issue last night would be a GIGANTIC improvement.