Free Republic

Republican officials in Texas may find themselves debating secession at the state GOP convention in Dallas this May 12-14 due to a surge in resolutions passed at the county level. A Nederland-based activist group called the Texas Nationalist Movement claims at least 22 resolutions on a secession vote have passed, which puts pressure on GOP officials to discuss the issue at the state's convention. The Houston Chronicle confirmed passage of 10 resolutions before its story was published Friday. Texas Nationalist Movement said just one resolution passed four years ago. "I absolutely think the people should have an opportunity to vote...

Paul Folino, 61, heads a major business, but still finds time to raise funds for colleges and the GOP, and be the governor's confidant. From his mother, Paul Folino learned charity and the rewards of sharing ... That spirit kicked in when, in 2001, Folino's secretary announced — somewhat incredulously — that a guy claiming to be actor Arnold Schwarzenegger was on the phone. Folino took the call. After half an hour, he had ... committed himself to raise $10 million for an initiative to fund after-school programs. The governor said he and Folino bonded over their desire to help...

Orange County has given birth to and/or nurtured its share of people and organizations that have powerfully impacted the Republican Party -- for good or ill. Richard Nixon was born here, and Ronald Reagan's political home base was here. The state's two leading GOP groups -- the Lincoln Club of Orange County and the New Majority -- also originated here. The Lincoln Club was formed in the wake of the bitter 1962 gubernatorial primary between Richard Nixon and Joe Schell. The purpose was to "build Republican strength by lowering the intensity of intra-party warfare and making party politics more orderly...