Lone Stars To The Rescue: 1500 Texans Flew Under The Radar In Key Swing States

This Holiday Season when your Bush-loving household is finally ready to give thanks for a year's worth of blessings, don't forget the Mighty Texas Strike Force.

The Mighty Texas who, you ask? Well, with some swing states like Ohio and Florida, going red, and other battlegrounds like Pennsylvania inching ever so close, 1500 selfless Texans deserve recognition for fighting unseen battles to round up every last W vote.

Whether you saw some extra Bush signs along your Michigan highway, got another W knock at your door in Iowa, or saw an unusually large number of passionate Bush supporters waving signs at your local Nevada mall, Texans were hard at work in key states' political trenches. "We deployed 1,500 Texas and adopted Texans to 9 targeted swing states," said Rick Potter, one of four national coordinators for the Mighty Texas Strike Force. Potter, Patrick Oxford, Karen Johnson, and Polly Sowell grew an army of grassroots soldiers to deploy to Ohio, Florida, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Nevada, New Mexico, and of course Pennsylvania.

Potter and his crew approached 2004 under the premise that if Texas was solidly in Bush's camp, they might as well work on swing states. "With my family located in Austin…I had to find another way to plug into the campaign," said Potter, who headed the Keystone effort. After scouting out the area a few months earlier, Potter imported 300 Texans, with 150 staying in Pittsburgh and the rest assisting in Philadelphia, Greensburg, and Scranton.

Sorry Dems, the MTSF wasn't a band of Lone Star mercenaries. Volunteers paid their own way, and relished every last second of the hooting and hollering. "A lot of the people that I met with MTSF in Pittsburgh have been involved in politics for some time," said Texan Michelle Robinson. "They were some ordinary citizens, including myself and my son Brandon, who just felt like we could not sit back and wait to see what happened."

"The strong belief I have in President Bush motivated me to get off the sidelines and get into the game to do whatever we could to get the vote out," said North Pittsburgh Team Captain Joe O'Rourke, an Austin native. O'Rourke worked with local pro-Bush organizations like the Republican Committee of Allegheny County and Young Conservatives of Pennsylvania to make the most of their time.

"The Mighty Texas Strike Force Team lived up to their name. They took Pittsburgh by storm with an onslaught of 150 dedicated people," says YCOP Allegheny County Chair Sam Berninger, whose troops helped navigate the crew to and from canvassing trips, midnight yard sign runs, and heavily trafficked events.

"I had the job of helping the Texan volunteers navigate Pittsburgh and some of the surrounding suburbs," said YCOP Allegheny County Social Chair Cindy Helmstetter." I felt like we were on the front line of the campaign driving around in our van because were always on the looking for ways to get Bush's message out there to the public."

Other festivities included daily sign waving rallies along busy intersections, Sunday's Catholic outreach, and a heck of a lot of door knocking and phone calling. "They were the helping hands we needed when the workload was at its heaviest." said Fred Mullner of Butler County's Bush operation. "We had so many doors to knock on and phone calls to make, and they stepped in at exactly the right time."

It's hard to argue that the Texans didn't make a difference. Rush Limbaugh, who attended the heavily promoted Sunday October 31st Pittsburgh/New England game mentioned how many Bush supporters he saw waving signs. One day earlier YCOP's Stan Shivell and around 30 Texans' McKnight Road Bush Sign Rally made WPXI's nightly news. "I might have been the one interviewed, but the Texans made the whole TV story possible," said Shivell.

Since the Texans weren't supposed to play up that they were from outside the area, no one noticed how many news stories they impacted. On October 29th, for example, around 150 Texans showed up outside the Allegheny County Courthouse at a GOP rally to extend the deadline for military absentee ballots:

"About 50 Bush-Cheney supporters showed up to support the legislators. Two were hit with thrown eggs. It was not immediately clear who threw the eggs or why. One woman hit in the leg was crying, but wouldn't comment," reported the AP. "'I'm here to get publicity for George Bush, I'm not here to get publicity for myself,' she said."

"I was extremely sensitive about…coming across as carpet baggers," said Potter. "I didn't want to come across as telling Pennsylvania people how to win elections."

When Potter's crew rolled into town on Thursday October 28th, they broke out into teams of 10 from their Northern Allegheny County Holiday Inn "Headquarters" and navigated to local calling centers, communities, and events.

"It was something like a movie would go," said Robinson. "I met various people at different times on my first night and they all ended up being on my Team (#13, BB Team Tower). Jim was an awesome team leader and really brought the motley crew together into a rocking unit that made over 1000 contacts in a single day."

On Monday, November 1st the entire group battled a frigid morning's weather and saw George W Bush speak at the Post-Gazette Pavilion, near the Pennsylvania/Ohio border.

"The hundreds of volunteers who traveled here from the Lone Star State provided the critical mass of workers needed in some of the most important counties in the state to meet and exceed our goal," said Republican Committee of Allegheny County Executive Director Michael O'Connell

"We were thrilled to have the help of the Mighty Texas Task Force, real patriots who sacrificed their time and money because the stakes in this year's election were simply too high for them to stay at home," added RCAC Political Director Mike Dolan.

Texans forced the Kerry opposition up against the wall in some states, and in others made their rivals to sweat like crazy. In Pennsylvania, for example, Bush improved significantly on his 2000 numbers, during which he lost to Gore 2,485,967 (51%) to 2,281,127 (46%). According to recently updated Washington Post figures, in 2004 Bush narrowed the margin, losing 2,885,773 (51%) to 2,756,904 (49%), with additional new incoming vote figures said to benefit Bush.

"Allegheny County's results have yet to be finalized, yet already the totals are 8% better than 2000 for Bush. That significant increase can be contributed in part, perhaps a large part, to the efforts of the Mighty Texas Strike Force," said Salena Zito of the Pennsylvania Bush Cheney campaign.

On Sunday Zito and the Texans targeted economically liberal but socially conservative Western PA Catholic voters, a key pro-union Democrat voting block, organizing their efforts to reach both Catholic Voters and football fans the Sunday before the election. "Did it work? I think so, the Steelers Game visibility rally was overwhelming positive…also our numbers show a healthy increase, especially among Catholic's in Allegheny County."

Zito saw firsthand the Greensburg Texans impacting things locally. "In Westmoreland County we increased our numbers from a surprising victory for Bush in 2000 by 8,000 votes to an unprecedented 20,000 votes for W. Our MTSF numbered 29 and hit over 10,000 doors and helped significantly in our impromptu W rally opposite a John Edwards visit on Halloween Morning."

With how busy the MTSF was in Pennsylvania, you have to wonder what could have happened in Ohio if those 1,500 Texans decided to stay home.

"[On Sunday] over in Columbus, Texans have made an even 100,000 calls, using their own cell phones as the hard lines were already in use," writes the MTSF's Kay Butchko, who sent out team leader email updates. In Ohio in 2000 Bush bested Gore 2,350,363 (50%) to 2,183,628 (46%). This time Bush slid past Kerry 2,796,147 (51%) to 2,659,664 (49%). "Ohio teams are cranking it out. They were given a goal of 198,000 phone calls--a huge assignment--and they ended up making 266,876 calls!!" states a Saturday MTSF Report. "266,876!! Oh my aching ear!! But all for a great cause. In addition to the calls, our teams knocked on 22,971 doors--oh my aching knuckles!!"

With 2000 in mind and the early voting wildcard, Lone Stars paid extra attention to Florida. According to Florida Team Leader Joseph E. Gardner, The Weekly Standard's Fred Barnes credited the MTSF/72 Hour Team in Indian River and Duval Counties as one of the reasons for the great margins in Florida. In 2000 Bush squeaked past Gore 2,912,790 (49%) to 2,912,253 (49%). This time Bush did far better against Kerry 3,955,656 (52%) to 3,574,509 (47%).

"Starting with our 225 MTSF'ers in FLORIDA, we are pounding the other side into submission," states a Saturday MTSF internal emails. "Up in Jacksonville, the early voting is so heavy that at one of the early voting spots, the equipment overheated and slowed everything up. Our Jacksonville teams led by Wallace Klussman, Skipper Wallace and Deni Johnson moved out to the Georgia Bulldog/Florida Gator game to pass out materials and think 90%---ok, say 89%--are for us."

New Mexico is another place where the Texans deserve a great deal of credit in turning a blue state red. In 2000 Gore horse-nosed Bush 286,783 (48%) to 286,417 (48%). This time Bush was victorious over Kerry 376,940 (50%) to 370,893 (49%). The day before the election, the Santa Fe Texans hit 7 key precincts and dropped 500 pieces of literature per precinct. Iowa was the other switching colors state the Texans targeted. In 2000 Bush narrowly lost to Gore 638,517 (49%) to 634,373 (48%). This time Bush overtook Kerry 746,600 (50%) to 733,102 (49%). The Lone Star warriors also kept Nevada rugged red. In 2000 Bush romped Gore 301,575 (50%) to 279,978 (46%). In 2004 Bush escaped Kerry 414,939 (50%) to 393,372 (48%).

While Wisconsin didn't go to Bush, Butchko wrote that their Milwaukee Texas teams exceeded assigned quota for block-walking by 160% on Sunday October 31st and did everything they could to come out on top. In 2000 Bush lost to Gore 1,242,987 (48%) to 1,237,279 (48%) This time Kerry won 1,488,935 (50%) to 1,477,122 (49%). Michigan and Minnesota tell similar tales. In 2000 Bush was defeated by Gore in Michigan 2,170,418 (51%) to 1,953,139 (48%). This time Kerry beat Bush 2,475,046 (51%) to 2,310,803 (48%). In 2000 Bush lost Minnesota to Gore 1,168,266 (48%) to 1,109,659 (46%). Bush ended up short in 2004 1,443,619 (51%) to 1,345,175 (48%).

While PA might not have fell into Bush's column, Potter feels that the Texans enthusiasm certainly helped Bush improve on 2000. "I sensed there were a lot of people who were supporting President Bush and what he stands for but were intimated about being vocal," said Potter.

"I felt like we got a very positive response, which I wasn't expecting at all. Even when the response wasn't positive, I felt like we may have made people realize that the election is really important and they should go vote," said Cindy Nash of the University of Texas. "I think we really got the city fired up for the election...we were everywhere during the 6 days I was in town."

"Over the six days I was in Pittsburgh I got little sleep, pushed myself to the limits regarding interaction with strangers, got called every name in the book by Kerry supporters, had a lot of expenses, made no money, and loved every minute of it," added Robinson. "Joining the Mighty Texas Strike Force is one of the best experiences of my 33 year long life!"

"My stay in Pittsburg and other places confirmed that the REAL heartland of America cares about its values, and that those values are those exemplified by President Bush." added Texan Jamie Ramon.

Like the license plate, looks like Ramon, Nash, Robinson and company sure found some friends in Pennsylvania. If Texas starts trending blue, some Pennsylvanians are already announcing they will be rushing off in remembrance of the Keystone Alamo. "Although we came up a little short statewide, the real surge in the President's vote totals in this part of Pennsylvania make it clear that future elections will be decided in southwestern Pennsylvania," concluded RCAC Chairman Bob Glancy. "We hope soon to have a chance to return the favor as well, by sending volunteers to help our new friends in Texas."

Well done, NY. And Rhode Island. The GOP semi coordinated this entire thing this year. I know I saw notice that they would reimburse travel expenses, but I never looked into it thoroughly. I paid my own way and spent my time as I chose on my "weekend getaway", but the GOP could coordinate this better next time. This was just one of many things they might improve. It also more properly ensures there's no problem with "in kind contributions" that may be an issue with campaign finance laws. I suppose a traveller can spend his or her money as he or she chooses on airfare and hotel so that's okay, but best this be addressed explicitly.

The TSF in Nevada was solid, but there's an accent problem on the phone. The people called think the caller is from TX GOP headquarters. Some are flattered by that and some are not. Pronouncing Nevaaaadah correctly, vs Nevaahhhhdahh, was also a significant issue. The lawyer poll watcher trainees were being instructed on that because out of state poll watchers were not allowed in Nevada and wrong pronunciation would get them challenged. I don't know what their final choice was on that. I think the out of state lawyers were arranging to provide logistics support to the in staters and stay on the right side of the law.

So that's my point. The GOP could have coordinated the travelling volunteers and given some liaisons with the local, paid people, these issues could have been emailed to the travellers.

We won, but I'll bet this kind of regional thing is true all over the country. We can do better next time.

I worked with a group of Texans in Northeastern Pennsylvania. We stayed at the Ramada in Clarke's Summit They were the best bunch of people I have yet to meet in politics. They were great workers that never got tired and were always quick with a smile and a kind word.
If any of them are reading this this is Coach speaking
Hi Y'all!

Strikes me that when it comes to Congressional runoff elections, the local red counties outside the contested CD should be tapped for volunteers before calling on people from a red (or blue) state.

I'm sure that has been done. There are just so many people available, and willing, who can give up three days to politic. Besides, a great many people in this part of Texas have friends and relatives in that part of Louisiana.

"Sounds like they are going to work the 3rd out of Lafayette rather than go deep into the bayou country....... Good luck to those that are going....

Yeah, we have a number of out-of-staters here in Lafayette who are really in town to help Billy Tauzin III in Iberia Parish, just to our south and out of our 7th congressional district. Even though the early projections were that Tauzin would have a cake walk in his race and things would be tight for our candidate Charles Boustany here in the 7th, the reverse has turned out to be true. Tauzin ran some attack ads against his Republican opponent Charles Romero in the November general primary that left Romero and his supporters quite angry at the outcome, since Democrat Charles Melancon only beat Romero into the runoff spot by a hair, I think it was less than 1% of the vote off the top of my head. Since the November primary Romero has refused to endorse Tauzin and Melancon and his people have worked real hard in Iberia Parish, which puts Tauzin's chances of victory in jeopardy. So most of the help that has been imported is for Tauzin.

On the brighter side of things, Charles Boustany is not quite a lock to put Democrat Willie Landry Mount away to win the 7th congressional district seat, but he is the clear frontrunner and I expect him to be elected.

I'll probably put up a Friday post on what the outlook is for both Tauzin and Boustany when I get some better information on what is going down. We usually see some late polls from Verne Kennedy of Market Research Insight of Pensacola, Florida just before the elections. They will probably give me a good idea, since Kennedy has a pretty good track record in Louisiana polling. I'll ping you if I put something up deport.

And thanks for the ping here.

Yes ping me if you put additional info. I was down in the bayou country [Berwick] a couple of times just prior to the General. I saw a lot of signs for Tauzin but don't remember any for the others....

The 7th will be interesting in that it pits Lake Charles versus Lafayette which there has been a rivalry developed over the years between the two.. I grew up around the Lake Charles area and graduated from ULL which was SLI when I started and USL when I graduated...

I hope both races go Republican....

Yes I agree that it seems the Houston group is going to Lake Charles but I was referring the the statement; [Two Congressional run-offs require our help; one is in Lafayette and the other is in Lake Charles.] .... Maybe no one is going to Lafayette, was just a guess on my part since it was referenced in the email posted. Agree it maybe like ol' home week for some as SE Texas has roots going back into South Louisiana.

So you grew up around Lake Charles and graduated from what was then USL? Well I lived for a few years in Maplewood and Westlake before moving and I later went to USL also.

I'm sure we'll get at least one of the two congressional races. I just wish they wouldn't hold these runoffs on a Saturday. In the same sense that public opinion polls don't favor Republicans on weekends I'm convinced Saturday polling days go against us too. My best estimation of the probabilities right now is that Boustany has a 60% chance of winning and Tauzin has about a 52.5% chance. We'll see.

I just wish they wouldn't hold these runoffs on a Saturday.

I personally doubt it makes much difference what day they are held when you only have only one or two contested races on the ballot.... The interest from the public just isn't there. Doesn't LA still hold some statewide elections on Saturday? They always seemed to get a good turnout if I remember correctly.

Take care.

". . . Doesn't LA still hold some statewide elections on Saturday? They always seemed to get a good turnout if I remember correctly."

We hold all statewide elections, gubernatorial, statewide referenda, and congressional and senate runoffs on Saturdays. The turnout is generally pretty poor. There were 535,000+ more votes cast in the presidential election just held than for the gubernatorial election the previous year just as an example. The Democrat Kathleen Blanco won that race with about 100,000 fewer votes than John Kerry received and Kerry only got 42% of the total vote to Bush's 57%. That is why I wish we held all our elections on Tuesdays.

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