In the race for mayor of Houston, Roy Morales stood in the middle of a liberal storm and somehow managed to garner 20% of the vote, not only without the help of the Harris County Republican Party but with the opposition of many high-profile Republicans. Rather than take the easy road and endorse the candidate supported by establishment Republicans, Roy declined to endorse at all but did ask each candidate for their thoughts on five issues important to conservatives. The answers that he received from each candidate are enlightening.
Let's compare the answers:
| Issue | Annise Parker | Gene Locke |
| Limiting Unnecessary Regulation | Houston has long been known as a business friendly city. Going forward, we must eliminate unnecessary regulations, improve customer service with our businesses, and streamline the permitting process using already existing technology. | No Response. |
| Perform Immigration Law Enforcement 287(g): | I support using 287g just as the county does. If you are arrested and booked into jail, you should expect to be reported to ICE if you are here illegally. Investigators should be allowed to use the Secure Communities program while working to solve violent and serious crimes. If you are an otherwise law-abiding resident, you should be comfortable turning to the police for your protection or to report a crime. | No Response |
| Holding METRO Accountable to the Taxpayers | I will put together a SWAT team of financial and transportation-engineering experts to examine METRO’s books and plans. METRO is not transparent and accountable to the taxpayers and the communities it serves. For that reason, I will replace the current METRO Board, with the expectation that they will “clean house” and bring in new leadership at METRO. | No Response |
| Property Tax Relief | I will not raise the tax rate in this tough economy. As a fiscally responsible leader, I am committed to protecting vital services like police and fire and am the only candidate with a plan to get more police officers on the street without raising your taxes. | No Response |
| Solving the City’s Financial Crisis | We must cut spending, and I will look at all reasonable options for balancing the budget. As Controller, I have identified numerous items in my performance audits that could save the city millions of dollars, often through better use of technology – many of these recommendations have not yet been implemented, but I will do so as mayor. | No Response |
I followed Roy all summer and grew to respect him an awful lot. This mailer is simply another reason to respect him even more. It took guts for him to go against the current HCRP leadership and put this mailer out.
Just today, Sen. Dan Patrick went completely over the bridge when he had Dave Welch on his program trying to fire up someone, I'm not even sure who, but trying to fire them up to go out and protect the city against the "gay" agenda. No wonder his listenership has plummeted to next to nothing. A similar decline has happened to Harris County Republicans under the leadership of Jared Woodfill.
Folks, for the umpteenth time, this election is not about Annise Parker's lifestyle. It is about sound government. You can live your life in fear, as suggested by Sen. Patrick and his clan, or you can escape from that and understand that the city is broke and cannot afford to elect a man that panders to anyone and everyone, telling them whatever they want to hear.
Don't you find it interesting that he couldn't respond to Roy Morales' simple issues? The truth is, he wasn't sure how Roy wanted them answered or how Roy's followers would expect them to be answered. So, it was easier to ignore it than to actually take a position that he believed because, again, the plain truth is, he doesn't seem to have a core set of beliefs.
Thank you, Roy. I know how easy it would have been to capitulate to the powers that be in the Republican Party. We can only hope that the powers that be will be replaced in the March 2, 2010 primary.
Click here to view Roy's mailer.
- Morales Announces Campaign Kickoff...
The Roy Morales for Congress campaign will be having a campaign kickoff breakfast on Saturday, June 5th. Details below the fold. ... - Opponents of Houston’s Prop 1 Try Three Pronged At...
In November, the City of Houston’s Proposition 1, a funding method for infrastructure improvements, narrowly won passage. The measure is controversial for sever... - Turmoil in CD-29 as Eric Story Attacks Roy Morales...
Ahh, so you thought now that the election was over, the negative campaigning between Republicans in CD-29 would stop, didn't you? Think again. True enough, Fran... - Annise Parker: The Greater of Two Lessers...
In the runoff for Mayor of Houston, Annise Parker is the clear choice for fiscal conservatives. Obviously I thought that there was a better choice in the genera... - Oh Danny Boy - Say Goodbye to ICRoT and Hello to "...
Do I know D_nny or do I know D_nny? I know D_nny. In case you doubt me, stop. Now. Because I know D_nny. Don't believe me? What did I tell you about the very mi...