TEXAS FREEPERS - Newbie looking for voting advice

[DeRATted]

Good afternoon,

I'm new to this forum, and as my moniker suggests, I'm a Texan and a FORMER DemocRAT who over the last two years has grown totally, utterly, and violently disgusted with the Democratic Party and the vast majority of what it now stands for. It started Clinton's immorality combined with the constant morphing of Algore from what I considered a somewhat respectable guy in the 1980s to a man who'd sell his own children for a vote. Daschle & Gephardt's response of GWB's first national speech sounded like they were treating us like 6-year olds, which ticked me off to the point of ceasing donations. Their handling of national security post 9/11 was the final nail in the coffin (turning me on to the Free Republic), and the recent Wellstone affair pretty much convinced me that I made the right choice.

Having given up on the Rats, I'm requesting some advice for Tuesday's election. Texas state politics aren't as partisan as the U.S., so it makes the decision less cut and dry. The only votes I've definitely decided on are John Cornyn for US Senate and Carole Keeton Rylander for Comptroller. As for the rest, I'm not certain. Having worked in Texas State Government for 10 years, I am familiar with some of the personalities, both good and bad. While I liked GWB as my governor, Rick Perry has not nearly lived up to his ability. His ads on Tony Sanchez stoop to the level of a Democrat's, and several folks I know in his office (Republicans to boot), think he's about as intelligent as rotting timber. I don't know whether David Dewhurst is any better or worse than John Sharp, who wasn't too bad as Comptroller.

I'd appreciate any viewpoints to help my decision. Even when I was a Democrat, I never voted straight ticket. Is there anyone who really stands out that you'd recommend and why?

Sincerest thanks DeRATted (and feeling morally cleansed)

[Dog Gone]

Perry is plenty bright. He also happens to be blessed with good looks, which most politicians lack. A natural tendency is to ascribe his success, at least partially, to his looks, which means he has to overcome the male equivalent of the "dumb blonde" stereotype.

If you happened to catch any of the debates between the two candidates (and I'm assuming you did not), you would have been impressed with Perry's responses, especially when asked unfair questions from some of the panel.

[DeRATted]

Well, I am of the Old Testament persuasion. Apparently, this is becoming more of an issue with the Democrats, since the Left seems to be turning more anti-semitic by the day.

[DainBramage]

Yep, and I would be one of the ones calling him a wimp.

Funny thing, the firefighter local I belong to sent out a letter stating that if Perry was reelected and attorney general an Let. Gov were republicans, then we would lose every thing gained in the last ten years.

I wrote them back and asked "Who the hell do you think has been running the place for the last 2+ years? Rick Perry!, and we haven't lost a thing. And by the way, quit spending my dues on letters like this, we are all smart enough to judge for ourselves"

[sinkspur]

The debates were ample proof that Perry is intelligent, constructs arguments well, and can think on his feet. He was firm, but not derisive, whereas Tony Sanchez's brain synapses had him all over the policy map.

While I don't think Sanchez had anything to do with the death of Kiki Camarena, I'll never believe he was unaware of large sums of money moving in and out of his banks, nor was he unaware of where that money came from.

[nanny]

[As for the ads, while I don't necessarily think Mr. Sanchez will be the best thing for Texas,]

As a Texan, you are right there. We have not had in many years the opportunity to actually jump up and vote for the best person to do the job. We have to vote for the lesser of two evils - or as Mark Russell put it - the lessor or two evils or the evil of two lessors.

[ I don't necessarily believe that he's a drug dealer and was somehow connected to that police officer's death.]

I don't know about the police officer's death - but anyone who runs a 'reputable' bank or S & L would certainly question people from Mexico coming in and depositing millions of dollars in cash in that S & L. I do not for one moment believe, as he said, 'saw nothing wrong with it.' I think that is a falsehood - but if in fact he didn't, then who is unintelligent. To me a drug money launderer is the same as a drug dealer - no difference. I think anyone would question that kind of cash transactions. His explanation just won't wash. Did he, as the ads say, wire the money back when the investigation began. And it was drug money since some of his people served time as I understand.

He also bilked the taxpayers of 161 millions dollars in his S & L scam. I know a Bush brother did and some Kennedy babies - and I think they are criminals also. Anyone involved in the S & L should have had their entire fortune confiscated before the government went to the taxpayers. I think they knew exactly what they were doing.

[I just found those ads bordering on Democratic in content. I found most Republican ads had some stronger backing to them, giving them more credibility.]

If youa re talking of the drug money, etc., a truthful ad is not a negative ad. It is just the truth -

No Tony Sanchez has continued to harp on Perry's connection with the insurance companies which is pandering. He knows the truth and he knows why insurance premiums are high in Texas - good gosh, I understand he owns an insurance company. Is he charging less than other companies - I would seriously doubt it. Those are negative ads - to me a negative ad is when someone is lying - when you are telling the truth, no matter how unpalatable - it is not negative.

All Tony Sanchez has going for him is his 500 million fortune and the fact he is Mexican and hoping to divide the state. Nothing else.

[Muleteam1]

I congratulate you on your decision to think objectively about this election. If you are separating from your family's Texas family tradition of voting solid Democratic, I can understand. However, I made my escape to clear thinking during the very dishonest LBJ years.

Muleteam1

[Slyfox]

The entire Republican slate is usually a cut above the democrats'. I usually look to see if there are any redeeming qualities in the democratic party but in over twenty years of voting, I have never seen a democrat worth voting for in the state of Texas. Even the so-called conservative democrats always have better opponent's running against them.

My rule for deciding which candidate is the best is to find out two things. Is the candidate truly pro-life? And, how much business knowledge does this person have? In other words, has this person ever run a business and met a payroll? And if not, does this person appreciate the smooth-running economic structure of this country? There have only been two people I've voted for who were truly pro-life and had never met a payroll. Dick Army and Phil Gramm. Both have, inarguably, conservative economic backgrounds.

The very first election I voted in where I used my formula was in a primary where Steve Barlett was running for Congress in the 3rd district. The other candidates were a pro-life man who had no business sense and a pro-choice woman who had a business background. I voted for Steve and he fortunately won the election. He went on to Congress with one of the levelest heads I think Washington DC had ever seen. The guy was so principled that when he saw his hometown of Dallas in a heap of racial infighting, he quit Congress and ran for mayor, returning our fair city to an even keel.

If a person has pro-life principles and understands how this country really runs, they usually understand the rest of the Constitution. They aren't out to turn the judicial branch into their hip-pocket play-toy.

My system has not failed me since 1980.

[TXBubba]

I have another question on ads. Sanchez's ads keep saying about Perry that "We didn't elect him, we don't have to keep him". Was Perry not elected to his post as Lt. Gov.? Isn't it a given that the Lt. Gov. would take over if the Gov. leaves? Did I miss something having not been in the state that long?

[DeRATted]

Heh, no, I take full responsibility for my decisions. My old man was a Goldwater man - thought Reagan was too far to the left.

[VRWC_minion]

but I'm also looking for someone with some intelligence

A lot of smart people have no common sense. A lot of smart people are criminals. A lot of smart people are not the best leaders. You might want to rethink your prerequisits.

[deport]

Here's your choices...... take your pick and let'r rip..... Yep I'd say ol' 60 million tony is the way to go if it tickles your bones.....

---

Statewide Candidates for 2002 General Election

I = Incumbent

Governor
REP - I Rick Perry	DEM - Tony Sanchez	LIB - Jeff Daiell	GRN - Rahul Mahajan	W-I Elaine Eure Henderson W-I Earl W. (Bill) O'Neil
Lieutenant Governor
REP - David Dewhurst	DEM - John Sharp	LIB - Mark David Gessner	GRN - Nathalie Paravicini
Attorney General
REP - Greg Abbott	DEM - Kirk Watson	LIB - Jon Roland	GRN - David Keith Cobb
Comptroller of Public Accounts
REP - Carole Keeton Rylander - I	DEM - Marty Akins	LIB - Bowie Ibarra	GRN - Ruben L. Reyes
Commissioner of the General Land Office
REP - Jerry Patterson	DEM - David Bernsen	LIB - Barbara A. Hernandez	GRN - Michael B. McInerney
Commissioner of Agriculture
REP - I Susan Combs	DEM - Tom Ramsay	LIB - Vincent J. May	GRN - Jane Woodward Elioseff
Railroad Commissioner
REP - I Michael L. Williams	DEM - Sherry Boyles	LIB - Nazirite R. Flores Perez	GRN - Charles L. Mauch

[DainBramage]

I thought the same thing when I saw those ads. Thats exactly why you even have a Lt. Gov.

[stands2reason]

Public school, huh? That was my problem--voted Republican for president for the first time in 2000. My father is a conservative independent, my mother a broken-glass Republican. I had no excuse. But I'm much better now. I'm pulling the ticket for straight Republican for the first time this year, and so is the Mr., which is really impressive, seeing as how he still considers himself "liberal."

[wharfrat]

From here on out you are on the right track. From now on consider yourself nothing but a Conservative! Those you have mentioned are my choices as well!

The hardest thing you will face in your new life is DE-Labeling yourself. Being a Conservative will require one basic thing from you. You must be willing to research your voting. It takes time to cast a intelligent vote so I am saying you have to know something about the lifestyle of any potential Candidate! People who are wise politically, abandon the HERD MENTALITY and ask a lot of questions and demand that issues get addressed or other wise they don't get your vote!

The policies of the socialist liberals have taken away your right to vote "for" a candidate and leaves you only to cast your vote "AGAINST" whoever! People will respect you for your independence and they will find you a tough nut to crack! Enjoy your new POWERBASE; Its fun to be right! Also never quit reminding the socialists & leftists we are a Constitutional Republic, this really ticks them off when we shoot-em down on this fact. We are not a democracy no matter how much they scream! Like I said you have to get DE-LABELED! Conservatism is a lifestyle & liberalism is as well; democrat & republican are labels you are smart enough to figure out the rest!

[Richard Kimball]

Well, if you're serious, you don't really have any options but to vote straight Republican. Libertarians aren't going to win, and even though there are some good people in the Democratic party in west Texas, the basic problem is that the party controls many of the votes of the individual politicians. This means that they can keep them in line on important votes. Dems are much better at this than Pubbies. That means that when push comes to shove, you have to go with the guy that the party has a chance to keep in line. For example, Chet Edwards has to pretend to be a conservative in Central Texas to keep his seat, and the Rats will allow him to vote conservative on some issues (example, since it was a foregone conclusion that the tax cuts were going to pass, they let Edwards vote for them so he could come back to Texas and say "hey, I voted with George Bush!") But when the vote is serious, he's right in the ultra-left hip pocket. If he didn't stick with the Rats when the important votes came up, they wouldn't have given him all the party money to run against Ramsey Farley. Turns out he's needed that money, as Farley has made a strong run. Don't know if Farley can win, but it's great that the Rats are having to spend their money on what they thought was a safe seat.

Anyway, although Perry has been far less impressive as governor than I had hoped, coming from Texas, which taught Rats in the rest of the country how to get 100% of the dead vote, I cannot vote for any Rat. Ever.

[DeRATted]

In all honesty, I greatly appreciate everyone's thoughts and input. I spent the last few days doing a great deal of research. I had no idea that my property taxes (Austin) were pretty much the highest in the state! I'm not quite sure what it's getting me besides a school system that's been slammed in a State Comptroller's audit, a road system that has made this town look more like Houston during rush hour (no offense to H-town Freepers), a bus system that runs 3/4 empty and smells like a urinal, and a six-story concrete skeleton of a building that the City attracted with tax breaks, and the company (Intel) bailed on.

I have never been much of the political type. Frankly, in the past, I never held much value of my own self, which made me care even less about the world around me. However, I've recently become engaged to a wonderful woman, and it has caused me to reassess all of my values and the sanctity of life. I now have to think of our future and the future of our kids to come - how to fund a family, protect my family, school my kids, etc. I need to ensure that there will be a future. It appears that the choice is quite clear for Tuesday.

Thanks again, and I appreciate what Free Republic has to offer. Heck, quite a few of the posts convinced me to finally set up my Linux box...

God Bless.