The theme of the convention was “Conservative values—Common Sense.” The multitude of excellent speakers offered solutions to the issues that are important to us, such as the high cost of gasoline, increasing cost of food, rising taxes, illegal immigration and keeping America safe. Republican leadership emphasized that conservative values work best and Faith, Family and Country is the center point of our platform.
There were many highlights of the three-day event including many inspiring and rousing speeches from the conservative leadership of the Republican Party. The central idea was a “common sense” solution to solve the problems that most Texans and Americans face.
Convention speakers included Governor Rick Perry, Presidential candidates Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney, Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn, the Honorable Newt Gingrich, Attorney General Greg Abbott, Michael Williams and many other statewide elected officials.
Newt Gingrich in his speech talked about our energy independence and the need to “Drill Here, Drill Now and Pay Less” and the need to quickly develop alternate energy resources. This is in stark contrast to what Congress has legislated in the past thirty years and energy is the backbone of our prosperity.
Governor Rick Perry emphasized how “blessed” we are to be Texans. We have not faced a budget shortfall in recent years and unemployment rates are very low at less than 4.5%. Our state is growing at three times the national average and new businesses are continuing to come to Texas. Texas will have a $10 billion surplus this year and the Governor is planning to return some of that surplus back to you. Texans cannot wait on the Federal government to solve the border crisis so he has enacted Border Star to help protect our borders from illegal crossings. Voter security and photo ID are important to conduct fair and honest elections. The Governor also talked about spending caps, no state income tax, a mounting drug related gang problem and enhancing our renewable energy policy (Texas leads the nation in wind energy) which will lessen our dependence on foreign oil.
Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee was the most humorous but spoke seriously about “not fearing losing an election but fearing losing America.” For Americans to have a strong economic system we must have people of character and failure to do the right thing will lead to the failure of our society as we know it. “It takes virtues to raise a child not a village” and if we the people choose to, we can say that the best is yet to come.
This election cycle is going to be one of the most important elections in recent history, not only for Texas and Fannin County but also for the nation. In looking ahead, we need strong leadership from all levels of our elected officials to keep our economy strong and going in the right direction. We must keep our focus on our core guiding principles and if we do so, we will continue to prosper and live in a country we can all be proud of.
Change can be a good thing but only if it does not take the “change” out of your pocket to create bigger government with higher taxes and a bloated bureaucracy of waste.
Your Fannin County Republicans played an active part in the State Convention. Melody Michaud was selected to be on the Credentials Committee and served an active part. An honorary recognition was given to Richard Deweese for his past contributions at the Senate District Caucus and a Resolution of Recognition will be presented in his honor at the next legislative session in Austin. He will be missed for his enthusiastic participation the Republican Party.
The 2008 State Republican Convention was a great success filled with doing the parties business and having a wonderful time. You are encouraged to learn as much about the candidates as possible and exercise your right to vote.
Seated at the Republican Convention are Delegates: Melody Michaud, Tom Long, Lauri Blake, Russell and Denise Green, Phil Seger, Tate Mills, Linda Long, Glenn Whitaker, Kavin Keen, Bill and Rena Schatte, John Ryan and Bob Burgess.