Dear Fellow Precinct Chairs,
I am writing to you to express my displeasure and deepest concern with some of the events that transpired at the Executive Committee meeting last evening. For those of you not in attendance, here is a brief recap of the events that are relevant to this e-mail:
- Precinct Chairman Sharon Roberts gives a “legislative update” lasting approximately 40 minutes. This “update” consisted primarily of attacks on numerous members of the Texas Republican leadership and misrepresentations of events during the legislative session. Additionally, Senator Joan Huffman sat in attendance for the entire meeting but was not afforded an opportunity to speak (no candidates or elected officials were allowed speaking time). Senator Huffman would have been far more qualified to present a legislative update to the body. I am sure that Senator Huffman, who has long been supportive of our local Party, would have been more than happy to give us an informative and accurate presentation about the legislative session that would not have resorted to the divisive tone that permeated Ms. Roberts’ presentation.
- After Ms. Roberts’ legislative update, another precinct chairman gave a presentation and handed out a printed packet that included two posts from Ms. Roberts’ blog. These blog posts again consisted primarily of attacks on Republican elected officials, as well as an attack on an unnamed Houston area TEA Party leader.
- Regular Party business resumed after these presentations. After Party business and public comments had been concluded, Chairman Miller stated that he would be making an announcement immediately after adjourning the meeting. Chairman Miller then announced that he would be resigning as Chairman of the Fort Bend County Republican Party to explore other opportunities. He subsequently announced his support of Sharon Roberts as his successor from the podium.
While Rick and I have had disagreements, nobody can argue that he has worked very hard during his nearly 4 year tenure as County Chairman for our Party. Serving as a County Chairman is a very difficult task that requires an extraordinary commitment of time and energy. I have tremendous respect for anybody that offers himself for this service and Rick is deserving of our thanks for the countless hours he has committed to our Party.
However, I can not remain silent as I witness a power play that involves the outgoing Chairman seeking to provide every institutional advantage possible to his handpicked successor. When I represented Senate District 18 on the State Republican Executive Committee in 2009, we faced a similar situation involving the resignation of the State Chairman and the need for the committee to elect somebody to fill the unexpired term.
The experience of the Republican Party of Texas in 2009 should have been used as model for handling the vacancy we now have. The outgoing State Chairman gave ample notice of her resignation to allow potential candidates to explore the possibility of a candidacy and to organize support. The outgoing Chairman also remained neutral and there were no visible signs that there were any efforts underway by the leadership to influence the outcome of the election to fill the vacancy and the election was conducted without any political gamesmanship. Unfortunately, in our case, the outgoing Chairman chose to give his handpicked successor significant speaking time at our meeting (to bash other Republicans, no less) before publicly announcing his endorsement of her. Further, the outgoing Chairman timed his resignation such that we will be electing his successor on August 16th, a mere two weeks from the time his resignation was announced. This leaves very little time for potential candidates to explore a candidacy and organize a campaign.
We are a Party that prides itself on openness and transparency. The actions of the outgoing Chairman to promote the candidacy of his handpicked successor at the expense of other potential candidates are anything but open and transparent. As the outgoing Chairman noted in his closing remarks, he had been contemplating his resignation for some time. This decision was not sudden, nor was it prompted by some sort of personal emergency. There is absolutely no reason why these events have transpired as they have except to provide the maximum political advantage possible for his handpicked successor. These sorts of actions are detrimental to the health of our Party and will only create divisions among us when we need to be focused solely on victory in November, 2012.
Like many of you, I become disgusted when members of the GOP leadership try to game the system in favor of “their” candidate over our preferred choice instead of allowing for a truly fair and open election. Just as many of us rightfully condemn when this happens at the national level, we should condemn it when it happens in our local Party.
I do not know Ms. Roberts, but she appears to be very concerned about the direction our State and Nation have headed and sincere in her beliefs. I appreciate her involvement in the Party, as I do the involvement of anybody who is committed to working to ensure a Republican victory next November. However, I simply cannot condone or endorse the manner in which her candidacy for County Chairman has come about and is being promoted. Regardless of the outcome of this election, it is my most profound desire that our new Chairman work in good faith with ALL Fort Bend County Republicans so that we are united in bringing the fight to the Democrats and not our fellow Republicans.
Best Regards,
Mark McCaig
Precinct 3142
(the meeting referenced was held Tuesday, August 2nd)
(note: if you would like to send in a letter to the editor email it to [email protected])
I've been wondering if and when Sharon Roberts would show up to run for something. Turns out she shows up in a place where I cannot vote against her. I have followed her online for several months and I've seen her trying to establish the typical purity tests for our party. I thank Mark for his letter, I don't know him and I don't know if he's credible, but his characterization of the 40 minute presentation by Sharon against any and all elected officials was spot on I'm sure, based on what I see from her online.
Ft Bend GOP, do the right thing, elect a real party chairman. Don't make the mistake the Harris County GOP made by electing an incapable party chairman. The growth of Ft Bend County is too important for statewide efforts, so make sure you have a real manager in that job, somone who can actually get the job done. Harris County has a GOP Chairman that has no idea how to turn a profit and no real idea for growing party beyond its typical base.
Ain't that the truth, Trevor. The HCRP is busted again, broke, no money. Doors remain open after laying off Yates and Cowart. I just don't have the heart to write about it. It's like deja vu all over again but the voters don't care.
Ironic since Mark McCaig wrote and spoke against a Republican candidate right before the election in 2008. Be careful when reading this. Sharon Roberts is an excellent choice.
This is what makes our country great; disagreement among well meaning people who want to make this a better place for our families.
Taking Mark’s points one at a time;
As a small business owner I do not let the same employee who writes the checks audit the books. No elected official should be able to “tell” us how well they are doing, there should be independent scrutiny. If not we would all be very please with Obama as he tells us what a great job he is doing. (I DO NOT compare Joan Huffman to Obama)
As to the validity of what Roberts offered; it is up to you to decide. In a conservative dominated legislature we really accomplished only a small percentage of what was possible. Straus and Ogden controlled the flow of legislation. Straus appointed 11 Democrat chairs to some very key committees including criminal justice, rules and borders. Ogden did like wise appointing 6. Hum….
The second presentation was about being informed, based on the book by Jim DeMint. In that book DeMint talks about making use of blogs to get viewpoints and information in order to make better decisions. The examples of Robert’s blog were just that, examples.
Miller’s endorsement of Roberts is nothing out of the ordinary. Often politicians endorse someone they believe competent, willing and able to fill the role.
Party bylaws require that the election be held within 20 days of the announced retirement. That is a rule of the organization and not a manipulation of Miller’s design.
Miller had been considering this move for some time. I’m sorry if Mike is not a confidant of the Chairman and feels slighted by not having an advance notice of the action. Claiming that it was kept secret doesn’t hold water. Another member who wants to stand for the office showed up to the meeting wearing a badge declaring his candidacy for chairmanship. He obviously knew it was coming far enough ahead of time to find his campaign candidate badge from the last election.
It is my sincere hope that we will elect a new chairman that will unite us in the efforts to win the coming vital election. I pray that we do not fall into divisiveness, name calling, personal attacks and Democrat style back stabbing for selfish motives.
I've seen and talked to Sharon Roberts at many events over the past 2 years. The first place I met her was at the Nancy Pelosi protest off of 290 at the hospital. Since then I've seen her at places in the Katy area. She has always treated me in a fair and respectful manner. We have talked at length more than once. I've found her to be very reasonable and knowledgeable about the facts. Maybe others know facts that I do not. I know if she where running in Harris County I would gladly vote for her. Not that we would EVER want change in Harris county. Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya!
I've spent almost three years helping people become precinct chairs, making sure folks with tea party sensibilities have the opportunity to engage the party WITHIN the system, and become part of the power structure. But within that party system, I always expect there will be much disagreement on fundamentals.
Still, I hope the next chair supports whichever candidates emerge from the primary. That's the function of the chair, and the committment I'd be asking for from ANY candidate for county chair.
There are two candidates in the race. One has been defeated twice and has been campaigning for over two years for this job. I'd say Rick Miller's endorsement makes the candidates equal, with no one having an inside shot. I know Rick Miller and he is a honest and ethical man, above reproach.
I'm disappointed but not surprised by Mr. McCraig's allegations, as he is a supporter of the other candidate.
Sharon Roberts was elected FBCGOP Chair by a vote of 38 to 33.
<a href="http://www.fortbendconservative.org/">congrats Sharon
Now that Sharon Roberts is the acting County Chair of Fort Bend County–will you continue to discredit her and her integrity. Big Jolly has joined the ranks of the radical left by labeling Ms. Roberts as one of those Tea Party Terrorst. Big Mistake! Your Big Jolly propaganda machine is trying to provide cover for the corrupt establishment RINO'S. Look at the laundey list of GOP
legislators, " that want cover!" –Dewhurst,Seliger, Straus and Hunter– Question is, why do these Rino's want cover??? I will bet you a fine steak dinner that Sharon Roberts knows the answer.That is the reason that Honest People in Texas need the quality of individual like Sharon Roberts. She knows the truth and she will expose these servants for what they are.
By the way, I wonder why the, "so called" Houston Tea Party want to give these same RINO's cover?
Ray Myers
Now that is what I call a good display of a "true" Christian's thoughts, Mr. Myers. I can feel the love of Christ flowing through your words.
As to the comment, I have been nothing but nice to Sharon since we met in 2009. It is a fact that I disagree with her views on Speaker Straus and I think the successful session just completed helps my case. Sharon asked for an opportunity to respond to Mr. McCaig and I told her of course. She ultimately chose not to respond but it certainly wasn't because I was trying to sabatoge her campaign.
RINO is a meaningless term, it only means that children on the schoolyard can't think of an intellectual argument. I have very thick skin, having done this for a long, long time. You cannot rile me with juvenile attacks.
Tell me, Mr. Myers, what have you done that comes close to the work of Felicia Cravens and the Houston Tea Party Society? Not only have they had rallies that drew upwards of 15,000 people, they have spawend every tea party group in the Houston area that is still in business. In addition, she has held hundreds of training sessions for precinct chairs, judges, alternate judges, and voters. Your work of sending around inflammatory, misleading emails to a few friends simply cannot compare.
Remember, not everyone can be as "true" a Christian as you, Mr. Myers, so pray for us sinners.
Dave
Congratulations to Sharon Roberts. She has a zeal for forward movement of our cause that is truly admirable. I consider myself friends with both of the recent Fort Bend Chair candidates and believe that each possesses qualities necessary for leadership of the party there. But since the party, like any active community, is composed of many members, it needs diverse gifts to function well. That means that in addition to the new chair with her foundation in grassroots organization, conservative philosophy, and ability to see the failings of our local and state leaders, we will need the participation and contribution of many other Ft Bend GOP pct chairs and activists to see that the whole team moves forward.
We in Harris county, look forward to working with Sharon, as well as Felicia Cravens, numerous other Tea Party activists, GOP pct chairs, and citizens across the spectrum who are fed up with business as usual which is running down the national, local, and personal economies all around.
Dave,
I see by your comments that you remember me. Good for you.
Thank you for posting my Christian values. i make no apology for being a Christian.
In addition, I will not repent for using the term, RINO. To me: it simply reveals the true political flavor of the politician. In essence, "it takes away the veil of those masquerading as a Conservative and exposes the rear end of the donkey."
Your view of the 82 Legislature as being very successful is your opinion, I differ!
Our team will continue to search for the truth. That concept strikes fear into many elected officials.
Especially those elected servants who hate liberty.
Ray,
did you really think I would forget you not wanting to elect a Speaker of the House simply because he was Jewish? Nope, can't forget that. As for not apologizing for being a Christian, I'll let Christ handle that when you try to walk through the pearly gates.
RINO is childish, you know it and your "definition" is as weak as the term. I'm pretty certain that you could make an intellectual argument if you wanted to. Not sure why you choose not to.
We can and will differ on the success of the 82nd Lege. I choose not to go around mocking, misleading, or lying about people.
Apparently the "truth" you seek has nothing to do with truth, only your own bias. Perhaps one day you will see the error of your ways. Or not. Not my problem.
Dave