Posted on 11/12/2003 5:50:10 PM PST by Theodore R.
Rep. Ron Paul, R-TX, says that the new Texas redistricting plan complicates his attempt to win a fifth term in his Texas Gulf coastal district. Paul blames the Republican leadership for making his reelection task more difficult, while the altered district alignment provides virtual free rides to certain GOP congressmen favored by the party leadership.
Paul said that nearly half of his counties have been removed from his district. Instead he has been given new counties with a history of solid Democrat allegiance and a sizeable union vote as well.
According to Paul, a friend in the legislaturee called him to "apologize" for the "bad" new district that he had been given "thanks to legislators in my own party of course."
Right away, Paul said, Texas Democrat leaders began boasting to the media how they would defeat him in November 2004.
"That whole area is rabid Democrat," said a Democrat chairperson.
Two well-known Democrats are believed considering a challenge to Paul. One is a neighboring Democrat congressman that Paul did not identify. The other is former Comptroller John Sharp of Victoria, the Democrat who lost the race for lieutanant governor to David Dewhurst last November.
"Either Democrat will be well-funded and could be very hard to beat," Paul said.
Paul said that the changes to his district removed "most of my western rural conservative counties and consolidated my district closer to Houston. This means that most of the TV and radio advertising I will be forced to buy for the election will be in the very expensive Houston media market -- a financial burden I have previously been able to avoid."
"Just when I think we are making progress toward not having to fight tough reelection battles every two years, either the Democrats or my own party in this case, throw us another curve ball.
"I can easily understand this when it comes from the liberal Democrats. But when your own party subjects you to this kind of treatment, the knife in the back feels even that much sharper, with a painful twist of the blade thrown in for good measure," Paul continued.
Paul said that a friend told him that he is treated this way because "I'm not part of the tood-old-boy system, and I don't play their games. But I have a suspicion that it is more than that. My consistent votes and stands on behalf of the Constitution and liberty embarrass those officials who have neither the political courage nor the principles to vote the way I do. And this resentment rears their ugly head every chance they get."
Paul compared his plight to that of his friend, former Rep. Bob Barr, R-GA, who lost the 2002 GOP primary to Rep. John Linder.
"Things are moving fast and furious as I write this letter. The politicians are jockeying for position as they line up for the opportunity to try to get rid of me," Paul added.
Paul is seeking campaign contributions at ronpaulforcongress.com, 1-800-RONPAUL, or 837 W. Plantation Dr., Clute, TX 77531.
Is there any other kind?
But honestly, Barr and Paul are both freedom-loving patriots. I wonder who doesn't like them. Is this a trade for something - like a judge?
I see. So you prefer Republicans that raise discretionary spending 27% in two years.
Now, I know Ron's Iraq position is distasteful. But you can't deny that he is the one guy in Congress that consistently stands up for a strict interpretation of the Constitution, and I believe we need a lot more of that, not less.
I'm tired of the damn games our party is playing with freedom.
Want me to think our party is any better than the Democrats? Actions speak louder than words.
Geez, Ron, you now have SOME Democrats in your district. You don't think anyone else does? And what's with Mr. Constitution wanting a gerrymandered district so he doesn't have to work for re-election?
Just when I think we are making progress toward not having to fight tough reelection battles every two years, either the Democrats or my own party in this case, throw us another curve ball.Dude. Stop whining. No one owes you a safe congressional district.
That's total crap. They moved a ton of Republican "rabid" voters in Tom Delay's district into Ron Paul's.
I'm not sure what brought up this whining fest, but Ron Paul would have no trouble winning this new district if would stop criticising President Bush for a few months.
One of the reasons our party has to play games is because we can't depend on all Republican Congressmen to support the party's legislation. Ron Paul could never be depended upon to support the party. He consistently voted with the Democrats on important bills.
If we can let the Dems have his seat and pick up a Republican (real Republican) Congressman in the new district it will be a significant achievment.
Ron Paul is consistent in only one thing-- fund-raising. He's just another McCain or Buchanan, tapping the wallets of the malcontents.
I bet this was a fund-raising letter also.
More like he consistently voted with the Constitution on important bills.
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