"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 see our first round of endorsements here and our second round here.]
With election day 11 days away, we make the following endorsements:
STATEWIDE (Judicial)
Ray Wheless, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2:
We first became interested in this race when we realized that the corrupt judge whose unethical activities led to his recusal in the Ken Paxton case was one of the three candidates. That candidate is a disgrace to the legal profession against whom we've filed a complaint with the state commission on judicial conduct. We've heard conflicting reports about the second candidate, but at best nothing excites us.
Ray Wheless spoke at the Central Texas Republican Assembly's November meeting. We were impressed by his knowledge and legal acumen. Judge Wheless is from Collin County, where he has held a variety of judicial positions.
UNITED STATES HOUSE
Anyone but Pete, CD-32:
In addition to his awful actions on policy related matters, Pete Sessions is also a RAGING jerk; in many ways, Pete Session is the Byron Cook of the United States House of Representatives.
We've heard good things about all of the challengers. We haven't had an opportunity to differentiate them in an detail, but against Pete Session it doesn't matter. #NoRePete.
TEXAS HOUSE
Jess Fields, HD-14:
Jess Fields is a prominent supporter of the liberty cities movement. Liberty cities are a creative solution that undermines big city governments. We like creative solutions that undermine big government.
Unfortunately, he's a dirty stinking Aggie, but that's probably an advantage in a district that includes College Station.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY
Shawn Dick, District Attorney:
In addition to his time as a prosecutor, Shawn Dick has also worked as a defense attorney. When someone is making decisions that could take away someone else's freedom, we think it's a good thing for that person to have been on the other side of the courtroom. Speaking of the disgraceful incumbent, she actually had the nerve to attack him over this.
A vote for Shawn Dick is a vote for basic ethics and integrity in a critically important office.
Bill Kelberlau, Sheriff:
Bill grew up in South Texas and spent 30 years in the Navy in a variety of sensitive position. That background leaves him well-prepared for the challenges he will face in law enforcement. Bill Kelberlau also testified at Don Zimmerman's Austin City Council hearing on Syrian 'refugees' and, considering that a sliver of Austin extends into Willco, having Bill Kelberlau around to drive the Austin City Council NUTS is worth the price of admission all by itself.
When Donald Trump comes for our guns, Williamson County is going to want Bill Kelberlau as Sheriff.
TRAVIS COUNTY
Jason Nassour, Commissioner's Court (Precinct 3):
Jason Nassour, by contrast, is an entrepreneur who owns several well known local radio stations. A newcomer to politics, Nassour was motivated to run for office by the incumbent's support for the Courthouse bond. Jason Nassour wants to sell all county property within the city limits and use the proceeds to build a new multi-use county facility FOR CASH in an unincorporated area. Have we mentioned we like creative solutions?!?
The debate last month between Jason Nassour and the incumbent speaks for itself, you can view it for yourself here.
James Dickey, Travis County Republican Party Chairman:
With a property tax revolt and an affordability crisis at hand, the issue environment favors conservative solutions in an obvious way. We've had discussions with James Dickey about specific ways to address these issues, and we intend to ramp up those discussions after March 1st. Why mess with a good thing?!?
One note about James' challenger: Robert Morrow is a friend and patriot. He does valuable work in the areas to which his talents are suited. The job of county chairman, however, is a poor match for Robert's strong suits.
