#TXLEGE: Ted Cruz ENDORSES McNutt, praises French....

"As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
Proverbs 27:17

From the first day early voting inbox.

First Thomas McNutt:

I'm honored and humbled to announce Ted Cruz has endorsed our campaign!

"We are blessed in Texas to have so many solid conservatives running for office. I’m asking Texas voters to carefully consider the choices before them this election cycle, and to stand with those who have proven themselves to be conservatives of conviction. I am proud to endorse Thomas McNutt for Texas House and urge the voters of the 8th District to join me by supporting him." 

~Senator Cruz

When EVERY campaign tries to act like the conservative choice on the ballot, it’s extremely helpful for a warrior like Senator Cruz to provide clarity on the true conservative choice.

Next, Bo French:

Sen. Cruz Applauds Bo French's Conservative Leadership
French running against Liberal Charlie Geren for Tarrant County District

(FORT WORTH)-- Today, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz released a statement praising the campaign and candidacy of Bo French for the Texas House of Representatives in District 99.

Sen. Cruz said: "Bo French has displayed a passion for his conservative principles and a commitment to his community that is not often seen in politics. Numerous trusted conservatives have endorsed his campaign, including Texas Right to Life, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, the Texas Home School Coalition, and Gun Owners of America, among many others - a testament to his hard work."

French is a businessman, rancher and investor from Fort Worth. In the primary he faces long-time incumbent Charlie Geren, who has represented the district for the past 18 years. During that time, Geren has consistently received failing grades from conservative organizations around the state such as Texans for Fiscal Responsibility and Texas Right to Life.

Sen. Cruz continued, "Bo's experience as an entrepreneur, service to his hometown of Fort Worth, and conviction in defense of his values have been widely recognized and are important characteristics in any GOP candidate."

Bo French and Charlie Geren are the only two candidates for District 99 in the Republican Primary being held on March 6, 2018. District 99 covers the northwest corner of Tarrant County. French and Geren also faced each other in the primary in 2016. The Texas House of Representatives has 150 members elected to two-year terms.

Bottom Line: Obviously, these races are no-brainers for anyone paying attention (ie. people who read this website), but Cruz's actions clarify matters for the broader public.

Significant IRREGULARITIES discovered in Byron Cook's election....

"You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another."
Leviticus 19:11

Dadgum:

As many as 1,743 votes from the March Republican primary are unaccounted for in a small Texas county that was home to a close — and closely watched — House race, prompting a request for a state investigation.

Documents show several votes were counted more than once in the Hill County primary tabulation, including one that was counted as many as four times, the secretary of state's office said in a letter to the attorney general's office.

Hill County was one of several in a competitive race between Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, and challenger Thomas McNutt. Cook, a top lieutenant to House Speaker Joe Straus, won by about 200 votes.

.... 

Macias called the election irregularities "substantial."

"If an explanation was easily providable, I think it would be provided and the secretary of state would not have to get involved," Macias said. "If corrected, it could potentially affect every single race in Hill County."

A campaign aide to Cook has not yet returned a call seeking comment.

Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, said 1,700 votes was an unusually large discrepancy.

Read the whole thing here.

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One more thing:

More evidence of voter fraud. Cheating & illegal voting at the ballot box must end. https://t.co/WAGc9EaZW0

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 21, 2016

Just who is Thomas McNutt?!?

"Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved,
But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall."
Proverbs 28:18

Thomas McNutt releases his first campaign video:



Highlights:

• Illegal Immigration and Border Security are our greatest threat.

• Supports term limits.

• "I don't think politics should be a career."

• "I just want the government to leave my wallet, my family, my church, and my business alone."

• "I ask for your prayers, your support, and your vote."

Lame anti-Thomas McNutt attack FALLS FLAT

"A righteous man hates lying,
But a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame."
Proverbs 13:5

[Author's Note: It's worth pointing out the cheap labor lobby used the exact same attack against Dan Patrick two years ago; it won't be any more successful this time.]

From McNutt's latest campaign e-mail:

I guess it shouldn't come as a surprise...

, The liberal media is attacking conservatives once again, this time on behalf of Byron Cook whose own pro-illegal immigrant record can’t bear scrutiny. Recently, the Dallas Morning News attacked the McNutts' family business for allegedly employing illegal immigrants. To be clear, in order to get a job at the Collin Street Bakery, every individual must provide multiple forms of legal identification and sign documentation asserting their ability to legally work in the United States. Presenting forged documents or false statements are both federal crimes. In the recent political attack, two former employees told the Dallas Morning News that they were illegal immigrants while holding temporary jobs at the Bakery years ago. The Bakery has informed us that those individuals did indeed provide legal identification and sign federally required documents. They either committed fraud then or were legally in the country at the time and have now overstayed their welcome. Here are a few facts about the Dallas Morning News's hit piece: 1) In seeking an interview with our campaign, the Dallas Morning News articulated that they were simply writing an introductory profile to the race, not an orchestrated attack on the McNutts' small town family business. 2) The Dallas Morning News editorial board is in favor of amnesty. It is disappointing to see the Dallas Morning News engage in such transparently shameful behavior in order to prop up career politicians they know will support their liberal beliefs. In Thomas's own words... "When I announced my campaign for public office I promised that I would keep this race focused on the issues facing our state rather than levy personal attacks on my opponent. I remain committed to that stance no matter what mud Byron Cook and his liberal allies may throw next." Thomas McNutt Thank you, Cary Cheshire McNutt for State Rep

Bottom Line: This is pathetic. Byron Cook has been the cheap labor lobby's legislative champion for a long time.  That relatives of Thomas McNutt might have temporarily employed two illegal aliens (who provided valid documentation at the time they were hired) illustrates nothing beyond the failure of the status quo Byron Cook helps perpetuate.

Prominent Cook supporter JUMPS SHIP to McNutt!!!

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

That's not good:

The Genesis Behind Byron Cook’s Signature Legislation This Session Endorses McNutt

Bottom Line: When Byron Cook can barely pass bills deemed essential in his district, he's outlived whatever usefulness he might have once had; time to move on.

Our First 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

It's that time in the political cycle.  With the Texas Republican primary only three and a half months out, we must separate wheat from chaff.  Therefore, Cahnman's Musings endorses the following candidates:

PRESIDENT

Ted Cruz (Previously Donated):

Among the candidates running, Ted Cruz defines the problems facing the United States best; because Ted properly defines the problem, he's able to properly discuss solutions.

Early in this campaign, Ted coined the phrase "Washington Cartel" to describe the entrenched culture he is running to break up and replace.  It's a devastatingly accurate phrase.  On issue after issue, corrupt career politicians in both parties have colluded with lobbyists and the media to pass the lobby agenda while stiffing voters.  Nothing is going to change in D.C. until you blow up the corrupt insider culture.  America's problems pre-date the current President and will, unless radical change occurs, continue long after he leaves.  Ted Cruz would be that radical change.  While other candidates have taken on bad ideas in the other party, no one in this race has taken on his own party like Ted Cruz.

It's uncanny how closely, after 4 years of observation, Ted's views on DIFFICULT public policy issues continue to mirror our own.  On issues like the border and national security, Ted strikes a middle ground between hawks and libertarians that draws on the best ideas of both but avoids their respective excesses.  Ted Cruz is the only candidate with a plausible path to the White House who understands our DESPERATE need to reign in the Federal Reserve.  Ted Cruz made the grotesque Export-Import "bank" a household name.  When it comes to judicial nominations (and saving babies), Ted Cruz has stated that he's NOT afraid of a confirmation fight.


UNITED STATES HOUSE

Matt McCall, CD-21:

In the Congressional district where we reside, Matt McCall is running for the second time against a 30 year incumbent who has failed to deliver.

We've been disgusted with our 30 year incumbent congressman since he voted for the TARP bailout in 2008.  Three years later, this 30 year incumbent attempted to pass a hideous invasion of internet privacy called SOPA.  Over 30 years, the incumbent has run up a record we described in 2012 as: "Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad."

Despite having lived in his district for most of the past seven years, we'd never met the incumbent Congressman until earlier this year.  Strangely enough, Matt McCall's underfunded 2014 campaign managed to capture 34% of the vote.  Since then, the incumbent has voted modestly better, but a couple months of better votes cannot repair years of violated trust.  Matt McCall would be a fresh start.  Between a 30 year incumbent and a fresh start, the choice is obvious.

TEXAS SENATE

David Simpson, SD-1:

The best symbol for this race is the back microphone in the chamber of the Texas House of Representatives.

There is more than one good candidate in this race.  Between those good candidates, David Simpson is the one who was most frequently a public thorn in the side of House leadership.  There's a reason why Jonathan Stickland and Konni Burton support David Simpson.

On the policy front, David Simpson is the only candidate in this race to vote against Governor Abbott's godless act of socialism "pre-K" scheme.  The clearest way to send a message to Governor Abbott over "pre-K" would be to send David Simpson to the Texas Senate.  Finally, it's not a secret this website supports marijuana legalization.

TEXAS HOUSE (Running for Re-Election)

Jonathan Stickland, HD-92 (Previously Donated):


You know someone terrifies leadership when they resort to intimidation and lawlessness to stop him; Team Straus has done this to Jonathan Stickland more times than we can count.

Jonathan Stickland has a habit his colleagues despise: he reads bills.  Because Jonathan Stickland reads bills, Jonathan Stickland comes prepared to ask his colleagues difficult questions on the Texas House floor.  They HATE that.  Last session, at personal peril and legal expense, Jonathan Stickland (with an assist from Dan Patrick) killed a bill that would have granted law enforcement authority to rent-a-cops from the Federal Reserve.  For that alone, Jonathan Stickland deserves re-election.

Jonathan Stickland is the conscience of the Texas House of Representatives.  Jonathan Stickland keeps the Texas House of Representatives honest.  Jonathan Stickland has carried legislation to promote conservative priorities like Constitutional Carry and repealing tuition subsidies for illegal aliens.  Jonathan Stickland is a conservative champion.  Let's send Jonathan Stickland back for another two years!!!

Matt Rinaldi, HD-115:

This one was the most difficult decision.  That's not because of anything Matt Rinaldi did; Matt Rinaldi's awesome.  We just have such a low opinion of Matt Rinaldi's opponent that we're not sure he needs our help.

Before he was sworn in, Matt Rinaldi set the tone for the session when he publicly disemboweled the Joe Biden of Texas Republicans in a debate over the speaker's race.  During the session, Matt Rinaldi used social skills to play good cop to Stickland's bad cop.  By the end of the session, Matt Rinaldi had edged out Stickland as the most conservative representative.

One note about Matt Rinaldi's opponent: A former state representative, Matt Rinaldi's opponent is the latest entitled, narcissistic, progeny of a Texas political dynasty to attempt to buy public office.  Think of the Bush family minus the ethics and manners.  While there are plenty of positive reasons to vote for Matt Rinaldi, striking a blow against political dynasties is another good one.

Tony Tinderholt, HD-94:

The #3 conservative last session, Tony Tinderholt is the latest sensation to emerge from Tarrant County.

Early in the session, Tony Tinderholt filed a complaint against a lawless Travis County judge who attempted to use a probate case to re-write Texas' marriage laws.  In so doing, Tony Tinderholt gave Jon Stewart a fit.  If Tony Tinderholt can give Jon Stewart a fit, he's alright in our book.

Tony Tinderholt took out a Straus lieutenant in 2014.  Now, Team Straus is looking for revenge. Re-electing Tony Tinderholt would preserve a seat that had been in RINO hands until very recently.

TEXAS HOUSE (Challenger Candidates)

Jeff Judson, HD-121:

Jeff Judson is the strongest challenger Joe Straus has ever seen; that alone is sufficient reason to support Jeff Judson.

Jeff Judson is the former President of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.  Jeff Judson has run successfully for local office in the district.  Jeff Judson has defeated left-wing transportation proposals locally and is well versed in transportation policy.

Jeff Judson is also an outspoken school choice supporter.  Education is the most liberal policy realm in the Texas House, and Joe Straus has pledged to maintain the status quo if he returns.  Joe Straus is an obstacle to structural governmental reforms, and Jeff Judson is the strongest candidate to remove that obstacle.

Thomas McNutt, HD-8:

Thomas McNutt is running against Byron Cook; that alone is reason to support Thomas McNutt.

Thomas McNutt is a fourth-generation steward of one of the most successful family-owned businesses in Texas' History.  Thomas McNutt supports economic liberty and, unlike the incumbent, opposes illegal immigration.  Thomas McNutt will NOT kill 8 pro-life bills in committee out of spite.

Thomas McNutt has been endorsed by Empower Texans, Texas Right to Life, and Texas Values.  Corsicana is a conservative stronghold and its residents deserve better than a lawless state rep who supports corrupt, liberal, "leadership."  Thomas McNutt is the conservative consensus choice to replace a prominent member of the corrupt cartel that runs the Texas House.

Bo French, HD-99:

Bo French is running against Charlie Geren; that alone is reason to support Bo French.

Just this morning, Bo French was endorsed by Empower Texans.  As they write: “Bo French is a bold champion for values and principles that Texans hold dear,” said TFR’s president, Michael Quinn Sullivan. “Bo French’s smart, no-nonsense approach to good public policy is precisely what taxpayers are demanding. Just as importantly, French will fight the cronyism and corruption that has infested so many levels of government.”

Tarrant County is the leading edge of Texas' grassroots renaissance.  Up to this point, HD-99 has resisted these countywide, statewide, and national trends.  On March 1st, voters in Northwestern Tarrant County will have the opportunity to send Bo French to Austin to represent their conservative values.

Jay Wiley, HD-47:

We've known Jay Wiley since he ran for Austin City Council in 2014.  After he (barely) came up short in that race, we had hoped Jay Wiley would run for HD-47.  Thankfully, he did.

Jay Wiley is the choice for Travis County taxpayers based on local issues alone.  Unlike the silent incumbent, Jay Wiley was a vocal opponent of the recent courthouse bond.  The husband of an ob-gyn, Jay Wiley has committed himself to reducing your property taxes by eliminating the odious entity known as Central Health.

While it's in Travis County, HD-47 is one of the safest Republican districts in Texas.  There's NO reason for Travis County conservatives to pull punches.  Whether your motivating issue is property taxes, defending babies, property taxes, illegal immigration, property taxes, anything else, or property taxes, Jay Wiley is the clear conservative choice in HD-47.

Thomas McNutt / Byron Cook updates

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
Proverbs 18:24

Big news out of Corsicana:

Today I'm proud to announce the endorsement of Cathie Adams, a former chairman of the Republican Party of Texas.

----

"Thomas McNutt is one of the strongest conservative candidates I've met across the entire state. I am so excited about his candidacy and his passion for conservative principles. I am encouraging all of my conservative friends across Texas to support Thomas!" - Cathie Adams

Meanwhile, Empower Texans begins to detail Byron Cook's shenanigans on sanctuary cities:

Last session, State Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Frisco) filed HB 4117, which would have banned cities from adopting laws prohibiting governmental entities under their jurisdiction from cooperating with federal authorities to curb illegal immigration. The bill was read and immediately sent to State Affairs, where Cook let it die without a hearing.

Next, Texas Right to Life:

Byron Cook inexplicably took upon himself the mission of dismantling the Pro-Life agenda of the Texas Legislature – in some cases singlehandedly.

One of the many stains on Cook’s dismal record from the 84th Legislative Session was his sabotage of SB 575. Senate Bill 575 would have prohibited insurance plans from paying for abortions. Cook sabotaged this common-sense measure by purposely stalling the bill for two weeks, and then demanding the bill be weakened beyond recognition prior to allowing passage out of his Committee and onto the House floor. Because of Cook’s decisive anti-Life actions, the deaths of preborn Texans will continue to be footed by insurance premiums paid by Pro-Life Texans who denounce the practice.

Sadly, the preborn are not the only group of vulnerable Texans Cook abandoned during session. Cook also worked against legislation that would protect hospital patients from being killed by their doctors under the legal protection of the Texas Advance Directives Act (TADA). Cook again served as the primary impediment to Pro-Life Priority Bills when he categorically denied even holding a hearing for two patient protection bills (HB 2949 and HB 3414). These widely supported bills had numerous co-authors and the support of many Pro-Life groups, as measures that would have protected vulnerable patients from secret or unwanted Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders and from the removal of Life-sustaining treatment based on anti-Life “quality of life” ethics.

 How many children will die because Byron Cook played politics with pro-life legislation?!?

Discussing Paxton case on "Dana"

Screen Shot from the TV appearance.

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
Galatains 6:9

We appeared on Dana last night on theBlaze to discuss the Paxton case:



Highlights:

• Dana: "Texas Democrats have a great history of abusing the justice system, as do Texas Republicans on other Republicans they dislike as a way to settle political scores."

• Dana: "Do you think he's guilty?!?"  Me: "No."

• Paxton may have made mistakes filing paperwork 5 or 6 years ago.
• "You're turning a paperwork violation into a first degree felony where the alleged victim is a liberal Republican and the alleged perpetrator is a conservative Republican."

• Texans for Public "Justice" ginned a lot of this stuff up, "but what's interesting is that this time the person actually making the accusation against Paxton is a legacy Republican member of the state legislature Byron Cook out of Corsicana."
• Dana: "Obviously they have a political score to settle with Paxton."

• "Over time, basically, Cook went more towards the Bush (legacy) wing, Paxton stayed true to his conservative roots."

• "Subsequent to that, Byron Cook has gone over completely to the dark side."

• "The fact that [Byron Cook] is the alleged victim in this case raises major red flags."

• Explained the "strange" nature of the accusation.

• Plugged Thomas McNutt.