Free Republic

Tina Benkiser will leave her post as chairwoman of the Texas Republican Party next month so she can join Gov. Rick Perry’s campaign as a senior adviser. In announcing her move, Benkiser called Perry the “only true conservative” in the race — a clear shot at U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who is challenging Perry for the Republican nomination. While the move was unexpected, it makes sense that Benkiser would back Perry. She comes straight from the social conservative base that Perry is counting on to help him win another term. Benkiser has led the state party since 2003. During...

Edwards, Green, Jackson-Lee and others avoiding questions on health care AUSTIN— Terrified by legitimate, unplanned and uncoordinated grassroots rage at their attempted takeover of the nation’s health care system, President Obama and the Democrats are on the defensive and have resorted to extreme and desperate measures. They are running away from voters, calling them “mobs,” and deploying dishonest maneuvers designed to fool Americans and distract attention from their power grab. We’ll begin in the state capital. In Austin, our own camera caught a pair of Organizing for America staffers at a health care event on Saturday. They were at the...

Friendswood physician Robin Armstrong, a former medical missionary in Africa, recently was re-elected vice chairman of the Texas Republican Party, the only black person to serve in one of the state party's top two positions during the 20th and 21st centuries. Q: Affirmative action, what about that? A: I don't think it's a policy that's really necessary, and I think Barack Obama is a good example of that. People generally want to be helpful to minorities and want to see them succeed on their own. Sure, racism is out there, but I don't think that is the majority of people...

The Texas Straw Poll is one for the history books. The failure of the legislature to move up the Texas primary date, the scheduling of the event on Labor Day weekend and the first day of dove-hunting season, the limiting of participants to past convention delegates rather than Republican primary voters, and the lack of participation by the leading candidates all contributed to an extremely low turnout. The event ended up being a showcase for Texas Congressman Ron Paul and California Congressman Duncan Hunter. Expectations were high for Ron Paul, and no doubt his supporters are disappointed by his third...

The Galveston County Medical Society, the professional association for Galveston County physicians, will install new officers Jan. 26. Congressman Ron Paul will be the keynote speaker for the event, which will be held at Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant in Galveston. Robin Armstrong will be installed as president. He grew up in this area and is a 1987 graduate of La Marque High School. He currently works at Mainland Medical Center as a hospitalist. Armstrong serves on the Board of Directors of the Texas Medical Association’s Political Action Committee and is on the Council of Constitution and Bylaws for the TMA. He...