DENTON COUNTY (TX)

From Humble Beginnings to Humility in High Office

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:06:13 -0600

If you didn't know it, you'd never think he was a United States Congressman when you meet Kenny Marchant for the first time. His unassuming manner, born of northeast Texas hardship, hasn't changed through his successes in both business and politics.

Kenny was born in the small town of Bonham, TX, home of the legendary Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Sam Rayburn. From an early age, Kenny's parents, Helen, a stay-at-home mom, and Hobart , a barber and proud World War II veteran, instilled in Kenny the values of hard work, discipline, service to a cause greater than self-interest, and a patriotic love of country. His parents' marriage, 58 years strong to this day, serves as an example of devotion that carries over into Kenny's own marriage, family life, and friendships.

Reflecting back many years ago to when Kenny was just a child, Hobart recalls the story of a customer at the barber ship observing Kenny shining shoes after a long day of school. Impressed by the hard-working young boy, the customer looked to Hobart and said, "That kid is going to amount to something someday." Given Kenny's humble beginnings, no one could have guessed how true that comment would turn out to be.

At the age of eight, Kenny began his own newspaper route. During the holiday season, he sold Christmas cards door-to-door as well as mistletoe he picked from trees. At a local golf course that still serves the community, he collected loose golf balls, cleaned them up and sold them. During these formative years, Kenny learned the values of hard work and entrepreneurship that would serve him both in his private pursuits and public service.

A graduate of R. L. Turner High School in Farmers Branch, Kenny attended Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, OK and worked to pay his way through school by roofing houses. Although he moved to Kansas City, MO after graduation to attend Nazarene Theological Seminary, Kenny returned home a year later and started a roofing business. Relying on his natural business instincts and entrepreneurial spirit, Kenny soon expanded his roofing business into home construction and property development. Though he found success in this endeavor, Kenny encountered many regulatory hurdles he believed led many people to forego opening their own small business.

In 1980, while wrestling with the burdensome obstacles that confront many small business owners, he decided to run for a seat on the Carrollton City Council to push for change to stimulate the local economy. Kenny won that election and served as a councilman from 1980 to 1984. In 1984, Kenny was elected Mayor of Carrollton, an office he held until being elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1987.

As a state representative, Kenny earned his reputation as a savvy, behind-the-scenes legislator and consensus-builder, and was known for working across party lines to pass legislation. In the process, he was named "Top Ten Legislator" and "Peacemaker" by Texas Monthly and "Legislator of the Year" by the Texas Municipal League. Kenny's even-handed ability to bridge the partisan divide eventually led him to being named Chairman of the House Committee on Banking and Investments, where he authored legislation strengthening oversight of credit unions, allowing interstate branch banking, enforcing state laws relating to corporate fraud, securing public investments, and allowing access to home equity. In 1999, his colleagues elected him Chair of the House Republican Caucus, a position he held for four years. In the 2002 elections, led by their Caucus Leader Marchant, Texas Republicans held their first majority in the Texas House of Representatives since Reconstruction. Kenny was selected to serve as Chairman of the powerful State Affairs Committee.

In 2004, after mid-term redistricting, Kenny decided to run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Elected with 65% of the vote, Kenny represents the 24th Congressional District which includes parts of Bedford, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Colleyville, Coppell, Dallas, Duncanville, Euless, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Hurst, Lewisville, Plano, Southlake, and Irving.

As a member of the Financial Services, Education & Labor, and Oversight & Government Reform Committees, Kenny has consistently supported tax cuts and opposed tax increases, while opposing wasteful government spending and advocating for greater transparency and accountability in the earmark process--stances which led Americans for Tax Reform to hail him as a "Hero of the Taxpayer." His pro-family record includes voting for legislation supporting a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman and supporting legislation that protects the rights of the unborn. Kenny also has co-sponsored legislation to protect Second Amendment rights and to stop illegal immigration. Recently, he has championed a comprehensive approach to solving the energy crisis that includes increased domestic energy exploration and production, as well as incentives for conservation and research into alternative and renewable energy technologies.

When not immersed in the details of legislation, you probably will find Kenny tending to his ranch or reading a book--most likely mystery or non-fiction. A self-described history buff, he has read nearly every book published about Texans Speaker Sam Rayburn, who represented Bonham in Congress when Marchant was born, and LBJ, who was a skilled legislator and tactician in his days as a Congressman, Senator, and President of the United States. Kenny also loves to travel and has done so extensively. His interest in other cultures and his desire to meet people from all parts of the world have led him to travel to nearly every region of the globe.

Perhaps one of Kenny's most treasured projects has been his involvement in providing humanitarian aid through the Ken Marchant Foundation. Established in 1989, the Foundation has funded church loans, mission projects and scholarships. Over the years, the Foundation has delivered clothing, medicine, and equipment to orphanages and hospitals throughout the world, including Russia, Bulgaria, and Mexico. The Foundation has also assisted with the rebuilding of a church in Russia destroyed by the former Soviet regime. The effort included sponsoring the church's choir to travel to the U.S. to raise funds to rebuild their church. Kenny has utilized his personal resources to support many church causes and to help those in need with little to no fanfare--often doing so anonymously.

An intensely private man and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Kenny enjoys nothing more than spending free time at home in Texas with his family, Donna, his wife of 33 year, their four children and two grandchildren. A respected family man and statesman, Kenny certainly has--as predicted many years ago in his dad's barber shop--"amounted to something."

Will Denton County Remain THE Red County?

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:02:14 -0600

Down Ballot Races Could be in Trouble

The Denton County Republican ticket from top to bottom is filled with individuals committed to the Party's conservative principles. Our nominee for President, Arizona Sen. John McCain, is a war hero of unquestioned courage and an experienced legislator with over 20 years of service to his country. And aren't we all just proud as we can be of our Vice Presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin! You betcha! What a boost she has been to our morale and our election hopes! But let's also not lose sight of the other excellent elected officials in our lineup from right in our own Denton County backyard, because many - if not all - of our candidates in contested races are vulnerable to defeat!

WHICH RACES ARE LIKELY TO BE CLOSE?

Denton County is blessed with two strong conservative members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Kenny Marchant represents southern Denton County and Congressman Dr. Michael Burgess represents the majority of Denton County. Each shares his Congressional district with other counties where the GOP vote is not as strong, so it's Denton County's job to keep these Congressional seats Republican. But in the recent primary, each of our Congressmen polled fewer votes than his Democrat opponent did in the Democrat primary! Moreover, each of these Congressmen faces not only a Democrat challenger, but also a Libertarian opponent. Libertarians take votes from the GOP, not from the Democrats, so in a tight race, that third party "spoiler" could actually send a Democrat to represent part of Denton County in Washington -not a pleasant prospect!

Denton County's state Republican legislators also face the "three way race" challenge with a possibility of being unseated by a Democrat thanks to Libertarian "spoiler" votes. We have a powerful advocate in the State Senate with Sen. Chris Harris, but even this veteran legislator is being challenged by both Democrat and Libertarian candidates, as is freshman State Representative Tan Parker, ranked among the most conservative legislators in the state. State Rep. Myra Crownover, a principled conservative, also is facing a Democrat who is waging an aggressive campaign for her seat, plus a Libertarian. Disturbingly, both Sen. Harris and Rep. Crownover received fewer votes district-wide than their Democrat opponents, while Rep. Parker outpolled his challenger by only a razor thin number!

COULD "SPOILER" CANDIDATES CAUSE DEMS TO BE ELECTED?

Such a "spoilage" is not without recent precedent here in Texas. Indeed, in 2006, that Libertarian "bleed off" of Republican votes cost five Republican legislative seats, due to small Democrat margins (1% - 4%) which probably would have gone Republican had not the Libertarian candidate pulled a slightly larger percentage of votes than the margin. And consider this troubling fact: a loss of only FIVE state legislative House seats throughout Texas will give the Democrats control of the state House. That would mean an abrupt halt to our conservative agenda which has met with a great deal of success in the recent legislative sessions controlled by Republicans. Two of those five losses could come from right here in Denton County unless we turn out the maximum Republican vote.

In truth, NO contested seat is safe in Texas today, including Denton County. We have Democrats challenging both our County Commissioner candidate Hugh Coleman and Constable Ken Jannereth, as well as District Judge Carmen Rivera-Worley who runs county-wide.

DEMOCRATS ARE ENERGIZED!

No one can deny that the Democrats are energized and smell blood - their Primary turnout was a 3000% (yes -that is three thousand percent!) increase over the normal Democrat numbers, and we know that they will be voting in record numbers again in November.

It is our responsibility not only to vote ourselves (and vote straight Republican!), but also to be sure that our neighbors, friends and relatives also understand the importance of this election and how important their votes will be. To keep Denton County THE Red County, we all must take part in the Victory efforts right here locally. To find out how you can help, contact us at marcene@dentongop.org or phone 940-321-2671. Winning elections is a team sport, and we need YOU on the team!

Drill Like Texas

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:55:32 -0600

Originally published by the New York Sun

The invisible hand of the marketplace is alive and well in Texas. Over the past 12 months Texas has created 245,000 jobs. That accounts for more than half of the jobs created in America during that time. Not coincidentally, Texas has the second lowest tax burden of the 50 states. Even conservative estimates have projected a $10 billion surplus for the next biennium. Texas also leads the nation in energy production -- 30% of the natural gas and 20% of oil produced in America comes from Texas.

So what can the rest of the nation learn from Texas when it comes to energy, the economy, and the environment?

There is debate in Congress right now as to whether the Atlantic and Pacific Coastlines should be opened to offshore drilling. In Texas and the Gulf of Mexico, we have been producing millions of barrels of oil for years with no environmental consequences. Offshore drilling safety is so advanced that even during Hurricane Katrina not one drilling rig in the Gulf experienced a significant environmental event.

In 1989, Texas Parks and Wildlife collaborated with the oil and gas industry and the Federal government to create the "Rigs to Reefs" program. Under the program, an oil company converts a decommissioned oil rig into an underwater reef. The companies pay the entire cost of the conversion and even donate a portion of the money they save back to Texas.

Since the programs inception, and at no cost to the state, Texas has added more than 100 healthy, vibrant, and productive reefs to our coastline where before there was an underwater mud plain. Texas has chosen to work with the industry instead of against it, and as a result, the Texas coast is cleaner and more productive than ever.

Another area where Texas leads the nation is in Enhanced Oil Recovery. In 1972, long before CO2 was considered pollution, oil producers in Texas were treating it as a commodity. EOR works by pumping CO2 into a depleted oil field to push out previously unrecoverable oil. The Texas government did not create this market. Instead, it got out of the way and allowed oil producers to find the most efficient way to extract additional oil. EOR now accounts for 20% of daily production in Texas.

Using conservative estimates, the benefits of EOR production will result in $200 billion in additional revenue and 1.5 million jobs created in Texas. The rest of the nation is catching on. The Department of Energy estimates that by using EOR technology, America could add 89 billion barrels of oil to its reserves, leading to untold billions in potential economic growth -- not to mention getting the United States closer to "energy independence."

The Texas marketplace also is on the cutting edge of other clean sources of energy. The EOR infrastructure already in place is attracting investment in another clean energy technology -- Carbon Capture and Storage. A conventional fossil fuel power plant using CCS technology captures the CO2 before it leaves the plant, instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. The CO2 is then stored underground where it is sequestered for a millennia. This is an expensive addition to the cost of energy production. However, innovative entrepreneurs are planning to sell the CO2 to EOR producers in order to lower the cost of production for both industries.

The Texas government also stayed out of the market when times were bad. In the 1980s, when oil was $10 a barrel, we didn't bail out our producers. Many businesses failed and many fortunes were lost. However, the ones that survived were leaner, meaner, and more efficient. Unfortunately, in Washington D.C., Congress is talking about a "windfall profits tax," which would punish the very producers we depend on. In Texas, we prefer to let the market work. Profit is the motivation that keeps oil flowing.

The concern over global warming is having a profound impact on how America will produce the energy it needs in the next century. Texas already produces more wind energy than any other state. By 2007, Texas installed wind capacity of 4,296 megawatts, enough to power about 1 million homes. On July 17, the Texas Public Utility Commission approved a plan to add 18,456 megawatts of additional transmission capacity for wind power from rural West Texas to the metropolitan areas of the state.

When it comes to energy and the economy, we look at the industry as part of the solution, not part of the problem. So far, the results have been good.
Ms. Crownover represents District 64 in the Texas House of Representatives and is the chair of Budget and Oversight for the Energy Resources Committee.

She's a Top Hand

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:53:46 -0600

Denton County Judge Mary Horn isn't one to toot her own "horn" (pardon the pun!), so she was genuinely surprised when she was named a Top Hand by the Texas Department of Transportation earlier this year.

The award, which was created in 1973, is the highest given by the commission, and recognizes people whom TxDOT considers to be "transportation crusaders", individuals who recognize and advance the benefits of improved transportation corridors in their communities. Only 212 people have been so designated, and Judge Horn says she is thrilled to be among them.

Included in her endeavors in the transportation arena are improvements to Loop 288 around Denton, as well as State Highways 121 and 161, as she diligently works to help ease transportation bottlenecks and problem areas in North Texas.

Denton County is among the fastest growing counties in the nation, she explains, noting that it is the 3rd fastest growing among counties over 500,000 in population and 29th fastest growing overall. "That growth presents many challenges, including multiple transportation issues," Judge Horn explains. "And we will continue to face these kinds of challenges as our county continues to grow."

Judge Horn is actively promoting a bond issue that will be voted on by Denton County citizens in the November general election. "We need to keep up with this growth in both infrastructure and services," she says, "and this bond package, which will cost, at the most, only one cent per hundred dollars of taxable value will ease these problems." Should our growth continue as it has in the last 15 years, she adds, the impact will be even less.

For more information on the proposed projects in the bond issue, visit www.dentoncounty.com and look for Trip -08 and More.

Sarah Palin and Jane Nelson Have Much in Common

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:52:52 -0600

Originally published in the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Jane Nelson was her typical ebullient self in describing how a sales clerk at Tuesday Morning called her "Sarah Palin's twin."

The comparison of the blonde Texas state senator to the brunette governor of Alaska had nothing to do with their physical likenesses, although they both sport seemingly ever-present smiles. Their personalities and personal stories are remarkably similar.

Five children. Endless energy and enthusiasm. Working moms who also found time to volunteer in their children's schools. Political careers sparked by a desire to take the knowledge garnered by their real-world experiences and use it to help make life better for other families facing the same challenges and demands.

Palin's story is well known to anyone who's been awake since her ascension to the world stage during the Republican National Convention. But folks may have forgotten the details about the life and early political trajectory of the state senator from Denton County.

The former school teacher launched her political career in 1988, when she was elected to the State Board of Education.

"My kids were 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9 when I first ran," Nelson said Thursday during a telephone interview. "I have extended family who helped, and my husband, Mike, is the reason I was able to do it. He's a saint."

Beyond family, though, Nelson was inspired by the network of women in her community who stepped forward to lend a hand. Many hands, actually.
While some GOP supporters pooh-pooh Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama's background as a "community organizer," Palin and Nelson both rightfully can carry that label. That's what hockey moms and PTA volunteers do -- organize people and resources to benefit the community.

"I was a big PTAer and community volunteer," Nelson said. "Women were just breaking into the political arena back in 1987. I had women friends who would say, hey, I'll drive car pool or bring dinner over every Monday while you're campaigning, or offering to do little things that they could to help while I was doing what I needed to do to get elected."

Nelson served two terms on the State Board of Education before raising her political sights to the state Senate. In 1992, she defeated Democratic incumbent Bob Glasgow in the District 22 Senate race.

Newspaper coverage at the time spoke of Nelson's pride in her unofficial title: "Mommy the Senator." Yet the mother of five has heard the same kind of criticisms and questions that have been leveled at Palin ever since she accepted Sen. John McCain's offer to join the GOP ticket as the vice presidential nominee.

"Even back then, I was surprised at the questions about whether a woman could juggle family and a career. People don't ask that of men."
The answer, of course, is yes, women can and do manage it every day, in thousands of ways, from Wasilla, Alaska, to Watauga. As Nelson said, sometimes it's by choice, sometimes not.

"There are countless widows out there and other people who through unfortunate circumstances end up working and taking care of five kids by themselves."
The side benefit of Nelson's political career has been the lessons it has taught her children.

"My kids have seen that women can do this, too, and that their father can sew sequins on a ballet costume," she said. "Mike is such a manly man, but he took care of four daughters, got them to ballet, did what needed to be done. And our son witnessed that it's OK for the dad to do things like make lunches and brush hair.

"My kids say that Mike invented Lunchables."

The most difficult juggling experience Nelson faced in her early political days did not involve her children, but her mother.

"My mother had Alzheimer's, and I was her caretaker," she said, her usual bubbly voice subdued. "The support network that is there for mothers with children isn't always there for daughters and sons of aging parents. It was the hardest time of my life.

"That experience gave me a huge appreciation for other families who are going through same thing, and it has become part of the motivation I have in Austin in my work on health and human service issues."

So what advice does Nelson have to offer Palin?

"The brutality of this campaign is unlike what she experienced as governor, but she's tough," Nelson said. "You've got to have thick, thick skin -- and not apologize. I've heard criticism for her taking the kids up on stage at the convention. Please. Every male candidate does it. That's your family."

2008 Denton County GOP Scholarship Recipients

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:50:35 -0600

Beauty and brains can go hand in hand, as Gov. Sarah Palin proves. But you don't have to go "north to Alaska" to find that combination. Just look right here in Denton County!

Two outstanding young Denton County residents were selected to receive a $500 scholarship each from the Denton County Republican Party. This year's winners are Haley Marshall from Corinth and Sarah Starnes from Denton.

Haley graduated from Denton Calvary Academy in May 2008 where she was the graduating class valedictorian and a member of the National Honor Society. She has been actively involved in various GOP political activities and campaigns, and has been the recipient of numerous youth awards in recognition for her leadership, academics and volunteerism. She founded and served as President of the Denton area Abe Lincoln Teen Age Republicans Club, was selected as a member of Congressmen Michael Burgess' Congressional Youth Advisory Council during her junior and senior years in high school, and is currently a mentor with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program.

A volunteer for the Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Haley was a featured speaker at the 2008 Grand Prairie press conference giving her presentation entitled, "Those who Host Lose the Most." An avid writer, she was selected as a finalist in the Red Steagall Cowboy Poetry contest. Haley is attending Dallas Baptist University, majoring in psychology.

Sarah Starnes graduated from Anna St. Christian Academy at the age of 16, and subsequently enrolled at North Central Texas College. She was a member of the International Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, and was selected to the President's list with a GPA of 4.0. Sarah, now 17, is a sophomore at NCTC with a 4.0 GPA. In the fall of 2009, she plans to transfer to the University of North Texas to complete her B.A. in English with a minor in Foreign Languages.

When school allows, Sarah attends the Denton Republican Women's Club. She has been actively involved in various GOP political activities and campaigns for several years. She was a volunteer at the following events: 2006 GOP State Convention, 2008 Senatorial Convention (Dist 9, 12, 30), Denton County Lincoln/Reagan Day Dinners (2007 & 2008), and several political campaigns. As a junior in high school she was selected as a Delegate to Texas Girls State and was subsequently elected to office. Sarah also enjoys reading, hiking, and working on her strip built kayak with her Dad.

We have selected two outstanding and exemplary young Texans that represent the epitome and the future of the Denton County Republican Party. Each is a tremendous and an invaluable asset to their community and to Denton County. Out future is bright with energetic and talented young Americans such as our 2008 Scholarship Recipients.

Denton County Victory Team Tops Again!

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:45:12 -0600

Help Needed for Final Phase

Once again, the Denton County team of Victory volunteers has been recognized by the Teas Victory organization as one of the top performing Victory groups in the state.

Led by Vice Chair Tom Washington and 11 area leaders, the team sprang into action in the 10 days following the Republican National Convention to capitalize on the excitement generated by the nomination of Gov. Sarah Palin to be our VP candidate.

Our charge? To register as many new Republican voters as possible during that 10 day period. Spurred on by an additional incentive to register "Eight in '08" from our two Congressmen, Kenny Marchant and Dr. Michael Burgess, our dozens of deputy registrars scoured the county, setting up voter registration booths at community festivals and homeowner events plus dozens of churches. These efforts resulted in approximately 650 new voters registered during that timeframe, and once again, Denton County was the top producer in the tier of second-largest counties in the state. We feel confident that we will reach the final goal of more than 4800 new voters by the October 6 deadline. (Our first award was for our 5000-piece literature drop on May 17, which represented fully ten percent of all the literature dropped throughout the entire state!)

NEXT PHASE - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

It's now time to begin the final stage of our campaign and we need more volunteers to help in the following projects:
1. Assemble yard signs
2. Work with sign teams to put out large candidate signs
3. Work with sign teams to put out candidate signs at Early Voting and Election Day sites.
4. Phone calls to remind Republican voters of the Early and Election Day polling sites and times.

If you can help with one or more of these projects, please email cmagno@dentongop.org or phone 940-321-2671.

We need YOU on our Victory team!

YOU'RE INVITED: Volunteer Recognition Dinner

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:40:54 -0600

With more Republican volunteers than ever before, the Denton County Republican Party - in conjunction with Congressmen Kenny Marchant and Michael Burgess -- will hold our largest-ever dinner to honor our volunteers on Thursday evening, November 20..

Always an entertaining evening, this 10th Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner will take place at Sneaky Pete's in Lewisville. Social hour will start at 6:00 with dinner at 7:00.
"This year we are looking forward to a time of giving honor to those who have tirelessly given of their time, talent, and resources to make the Denton County GOP the dynamic organization that it is today," notes Nancy Dillard, chair of the event. "We are proud of our county party and the leadership that your local GOP provides in electing solid conservatives to public office, and we are only able to do this because of YOU, the volunteer grass roots activist. We will be honoring you and showing appreciation for all you contribute to the party's success."

Annually at this dinner, each GOP club in the county recognizes an Outstanding Member, and other awards also are given, including the Outstanding Precinct Chairman, plus the prestigious Outstanding Republican Volunteer for 2008 and the Chairman's Award. Frequent Headquarters and Victory volunteers also will be honored. Musical entertainment will add to the enjoyment of those attending.

But a new twist will be the "Eight in '08" voter registration contest winners from Congressmen Burgess' and Marchant's districts. The Congressmen each are donating a grand prize of a trip to Washington DC which will be given to one person from Congressional District 24 and one person from Congressional District 26. The winners' names will be drawn from among those who participated in the contest by registering new voters in Denton County. Those registering at least 8 new voters get a ticket to the event, and for each additional 8 voters registered, that volunteer gets a chance in the drawing. (Deputy Registrars need to contact GOP HQ to get details on being entered in the drawing.)

The event is open to any Republican, and reservations may be made by calling headquarters at 940-321-2671 or email to partyadmin@dentongop.org. no later than November 12th. Cost of the dinner is $25.

Notice Anything Different?

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:48:09 -0600

Welcome to the new and improved Denton County - THE Red County -- Republican newsletter!

We were honored recently to be contacted by Partisan Media Group, a
Republican publishing house in California, who are offering to partner with a few strong Republican county organizations throughout the country in order to upgrade our newsletter with articles of national interest, plus make our newsletter available to a larger circulation base.

By publishing our newsletter virtually through Partisan Media Group, we are able to bring Denton County Republicans in-depth, thoughtful articles by nationally known conservatives such as Newt Gingrich, Michael Medvich and others. The cover story will feature a Denton County Republican, plus you will get all the "inside scoop" on what's happening in the Denton County political scene!

Naturally, we will continue to showcase the excellent Republican activities/honors/events that are the hallmark of the DCRP, including a new feature we think you will really enjoy - a photo gallery each issue showing Denton County Republicans enjoying recent activities and events.

Another advantage is that the link to the new Denton County/RED COUNTY newsletter can be forwarded to our readers' friends and fellow conservatives, both within and outside Denton County. Thus, we can share our story with many more people than ever before!

In addition to the photo gallery, in this issue you will find articles on our cover Republican, 26th District Congressman Michael Burgess, the recent State Convention and our county's delegates to the National Convention; exciting upcoming events, Denton County's award-winning Victory plan, and other pertinent articles.

So, please read and enjoy our reformatted newsletter, and let us know how you like it! Please email us at chairman@dentongop.org. We welcome your input and ideas.

Dianne Edmondson is the DCRP County Chair

REP. MICHAEL BURGESS: What's Up Doc?

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:41:01 -0600

For Congressman Michael Burgess (R-Lewisville) "What's up, Doc," is more than Hollywood movie or cartoon catch phrase. It's how many of his Congressional colleagues greet him. Walk the halls and streets around Capitol Hill with the North Texas Congressman and you'll hear this greeting around every corner.

A third-term member of Congress, Dr. Burgess has earned himself a solid reputation as one of the go-to leaders on health care policy - and for good reason. Since going to Washington in 2003, he has immersed himself in health care issues ranging from medical privacy laws, to prescription drugs, to long-term care, to Medicare. People, pundits, policymakers, and even Presidential candidates are watching. The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Health and Human Services Secretary Leavitt, as well as former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich call on him for his insight and experience. In fact, he is the only physician and Member of Congress helping to craft the McCain presidential campaign's much-lauded health care plan.

The Congressman's interest in all things health care is nothing new. A third-generation physician, Dr. Burgess practiced medicine in Denton County for 21 years before deciding to run for the seat being vacated by Majority Leader Dick Armey in 2002. Trained as an OB-GYN, he opened a private practice in Lewisville. He served as Chief of Staff for Lewisville Medical Center, and more recently as Chief of Obstetrics there as well. In a career spanning more than two decades, he delivered more than 3,000 babies.

A lifelong resident of Denton County, Dr. Burgess has been married to his wife, Laura, an accomplished architect, for 34 years. They are proud parents of three grown children who all graduated from Denton County Public Schools. He remains close to his sister, brother, and their families who all live in the area. He counts them among his most trusted advisers and, naturally, among his strongest supporters. Just ask his niece, Jocelyn Widmer, who not only refers to her uncle in professional terms as a "principled man who always takes that path toward truth," but lauds his personal character as well saying, "His caring and compassionate nature extends whole-heartedly to those who depend upon him--as a congressman, physician, husband and father."

While many are familiar with the Burgess family, they might be surprised to learn that in addition to medicine and public service, the Congressman is an airplane pilot. He also has a motorcycle license. Riding responsibly is an issue he takes very seriously, so much so that he recently hosted a public event in Washington, D.C., with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters to draw attention to the need for motorcycle riders and other drivers alike to be safe on the road.

That kind of drive, focus, and get-it-done attitude is what has earned Congressman Burgess a great report with fellow Members of Congress and House leadership. It is also what helped get him elected Vice Chair of the Republican Policy Committee in the House of Representatives. There he designs and develops legislative proposals for consideration by the entire Congress. More recently, his policy and communication skills led House Minority Leader John Boehner to approach him to become part of a select group of Members charged with crafting the Republican Conference's health care plan and agenda for 2008.

The North Texas Congressman isn't resting on his laurels. His long-term goal is to make a mark on health care. He is in a very good position to do so as a member of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees health care, energy and trade legislation, as well the safety of food, drugs and consumer products.

Influential policymakers are taking notice. Former Chairman and now the Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee Joe Barton (R-Arlington) acknowledges and appreciates Dr. Burgess' hard work and accomplishments, especially on health care issues. "Michael Burgess is a committee workhorse. He does his home work, comes prepared, and asks the right questions. He is the type of lawmaker people hope they send to Washington to represent them."

During his tenure in the Nation's capital, the Congressman has authored critical health care legislation aimed at reducing health care costs, improving choices, reforming liability laws to put the needs of patients first, and ensuring there are enough doctors in the public and private sector to care for America 's patients.

While health care may be this physician-turned-policymaker's greatest passion, he isn't a single issue lawmaker. He is deeply interested in a variety of topics, most notably energy issues and food, drug, and consumer product safety. In fact, he has played a critical role in bipartisan efforts to ensure the safety of food, drugs, and consumer products. In terms of energy, Dr. Burgess recently joined with several North Texas congressional Republicans to talk about the toll that high gas prices are playing on commutes, businesses, and even grocery bills. There, he outlined the GOP's 15-point plan to lower energy costs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The event was covered by every major TV station and several of the largest radio stations in the Metroplex.

The Congressman feels strongly about many of the issues facing the country. But, he never forgets where he comes from. He works hard every day to represent his district which runs from Forest Hill and Everman up through Gainesville. He spends a lot of time home in Texas, meeting with people and talking to them about the issues that matter most to them, their families, and their businesses. He often says that when he was elected to Congress, he promised to take North Texas to Washington and not the other way around. Getting out and listening to people is one of the ways he makes good on this pledge.

What's on the horizon for this North Texas lawmaker? A lot more frequent flier miles. Congressman Burgess commutes back and forth between Washington and his home in Lewisville twice a week. And he wouldn't have it any other way. He hopes that the people of the 26th district reach the same conclusion this upcoming Election Day.

2008 Texas Republican State Convention Overview

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:36:23 -0600

Written by Rudy Cajka, Delegate from Senate District 12 - Denton's Robson Ranch Community

We all know that things are bigger in Texas, and our bi-annual Republican State Convention is no exception., qualifying as the nation's largest political convention with nearly 7000 delegates and alternates attending June 12-14 in Houston. Political discussions were hot and heavy, matching the typical Houston June weather! As a result, the Texas GOP platform remains the most conservative in the country and a slate of conservatives will represent Texas both at the. National Convention and on the Republican National Committee.

Denton County, one of the "reddest" counties in Texas, was well represented, sending more than 200 delegates and alternates to the convention. The DCRP also was well-represented on the important committees which begin the convention's work prior to delegates' arrival.. Denton County Republicans played many important roles at the convention and were a key part of the proceedings, including serving on the committees which accomplish much of the convention's work as they meet for a number of days prior to the convention's opening session and chairing the caucuses where much of the voting takes place. They included:

Nancy Dillard -- State Nominations Committee from Senate District 12
DCRP Chair Dianne Edmondson - Caucus Chair for Congressional District 26
Tom Ferguson - Caucus Chair for Senate District 9 and Presidential Elector for CD 24
Richard Hayes -- Rules Committee from Senate District 30
Tim Hoy -- National Nominations Committee from Congressional District 24
Bill Lawrence -- Permanent Organizations Committee from Senate District 12
Lewis Lowe -- Credentials Committee from Senate District 9
Deon Starnes -- Platform Committee from Senate District 30
Tom Washington -- Rules Committee from Senate District 9

Denton County's delegates and alternates actively participated in all of the convention activities including attending and voting in Senate Districts 9, 12 and 30 caucuses, Congressional District 24 and 26 caucuses as well the General Sessions of the convention. Party rules and state law mandate certain functions for state conventions.

Key activities this year were:

Election of the State Republican Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
Preparation, development and approval of the Texas State Republican Party Platform.
Update and approval of the Party's Rules for Conventions and Meetings.
Election of State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) members from each of Texas' 31 State Senate districts.
Election of delegates and alternates to the Republican National Convention to be held Sept. 1 - Sept. 4, 2008 in Minneapolis- St. Paul where Sen. John McCain is expected to win the GOP presidential nomination.
Election of Presidential Electors from each of the state's 32 Congressional districts.
Election of a Republican National Committeeman and National Committeewoman.

Keeping us on the edges of our seats, many votes were very close - only one or two votes determined the outcome in several instances.

We also enjoyed meeting Republican office holders and candidates from both the state and federal levels at the many receptions and dinners held during the convention. Among the weekend's highlights were the speeches given by Newt Gingrich, Senators John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Governor Rick Perry in the General Assembly; Mitt Romney at the Republican Party of Texas Banquet; and Phyllis Schlafly at the Texas Eagle Forum Banquet. Our participants met and discussed current issues with Denton County legislators including Congressmen Michael Burgess and Kenny Marchant; State Senators Chris Harris, Jane Nelson and Craig Estes; and State Representatives Myra Crownover and Tan Parker, all from Denton County. Other Denton County elected officials in attendance included Tax Assessor/Collector Steve Mossman and Judges Joe Bridges and Darlene Whitten.

In an exciting finale, nine Denton County Republicans were honored by being elected as delegates or alternates to the Republican National Convention.

Attending a State Convention is a privilege for Republicans who are active in the Party and interested in important current political issues. In addition to all of the convention business, attending a Texas Republican convention gives the attendees the opportunity to meet other Republicans from all over the state, exchange ideas, increase their enthusiasm for the Republican Party and its principles and, of course, a state convention provides a lot of fun for the attendees. In the future, we hope that even more Denton County Republicans can attend the next Texas state GOP convention which will be held in Dallas, TX in 2010. Contact our DCRP Headquarters to learn how YOU may be one of them!

DENTON COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES ON STATE AND NATIONAL COMMITTEES

State Chairman
Tina Benkiser

State Vice Chairman
Dr. Robin Armstrong

State Republican Executive Committee
Jane Burch and Tim Hoy (SD 9)
Jean McIver and Tom Quinones (SD 12)
Ashlea Quinonez and Clyde Siebman (SD 30)
Republican National Committee (RNC)
Cathie Adams and Bill Crocker (all of Texas)

Please visit the Denton County GOP website (www.dentongop.org) for more information.

Did You Know?

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:34:03 -0600

The Denton County Republican Party receives ALL of its financial support from local supporters like YOU - not from the state or national GOP?
Keeping our year-round Headquarters open, maintaining necessary technology and effective communication with area Republicans takes about $200,000 annually?
Every partisan elected office in Denton County is currently held by the GOP?
BUT many of our local candidates have Democrat opponents in November and will need the DCRP's assistance to keep all those seats in Republican hands?
AND the Democrats out-voted Republicans in the March Primary nearly 3 to 1, which, if translated into November General Election votes, will result in the probable loss of our U.S. Senator, a Congressman, at least one State Representative, a District Judge, a County Commissioner and a Constable, based on the Denton County vote?
Denton County is the second fastest growing county in the entire country so we have a continuing source of new voters --- not all of them Republicans.
To keep Denton County among the "reddest of the red" counties in the USA, we need a well-planned and well-orchestrated Victory Plan?
Funding for that Victory Plan will come primarily from our local supporters?

Surprised? Most people are, and most are eager to help us as we continue to increase the Republican voter base here in Denton County to offset liberal Democrat votes in other parts of Texas. These Republican votes are what elect Presidents, U.S. Senators, Governors and others who run statewide. And it's what keeps our Congressional and Legislative delegations among the most conservative in Texas.

The DCRP would like to request that you consider investing in your local Republican Party by becoming a Sustaining Supporter of your DCRP at any level that you can. Every investment helps, from $5 a month to a one time $5000 donation. Please use this link (SS@dentongop.org) to a form on our website where you can set up a recurring (or one-time) donation which can come from a credit card or bank account. Your participation will enable us to beef up our Victory 2008 efforts, reach out to even more Republicans and ensure that Denton County remains solidly Republican! Thank you!

SAVE THE DATE: FUNdraising Event (Sept. 20)

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:31:17 -0600

Upcoming FUNdraising Events!

Whether you'd rather be riding a horse or sinking a birdie putt, have we got a fun deal for you!

You won't want to miss seeing TX Lt. Governor David Dewhurst doing his "other job" --- riding a champion cutting horse, as shown in the adjoining photo. In a change-up from directing the 31- member State Senate, the Lt. Governor will be choosing some specific cattle for some specific tasks --- and making sure they do as directed! Even for those who don't know a bridle from a saddle, cutting horse shows are truly fascinating as the rider and horse work seamlessly together to separate one certain bovine from the herd of cattle and get that cow to go exactly where they want her to go.

Mark your calendar now for Saturday, September 20. It will be a great family evening, with a barbeque dinner and exciting cutting horse exhibitions both by the Lt. Governor and several local champions. As an added attraction, a gorgeous longhorn steer will be auctioned as well as many other western (or not!) auction items. Full details are on our website. Just follow this link: www.dentongop.org/stampede

Admission tickets are $50 for adults, $25 for students or children, and sponsorships are also available from $500 to $2000. Hosts receive multiple tickets PLUS a private reception with the Lt. Governor. Yee haw! Y'all come!

Denton County Victory 2008 Plan Tops in State

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:29:08 -0600

The 2008 Presidential election is looming quickly and will be much more challenging than the last one if we are to keep a Republican in the White House. Exactly how challenging? At least 30 % more challenging!

In 2004, more than 140,000 Republicans in Denton County voted overwhelmingly to return President Bush to the White House and elect an all-Republican Party slate of officials both in Denton County and the State of Texas. In 2008, in order to keep Denton County "red", we are looking for an estimated 180,000 Republican votes, nearly a 30% increase over the 2004 turnout. That number also will significantly offset Democrat votes from other parts of Texas, greatly helping statewide Republican candidates, such as Sen. John Cornyn and Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams, the Chief Justice of our State Supreme Court, as well as other top state judge who all face Democrat challengers.

Of the more than 140,000 GOP votes in 2004, more than 60% (88,000+) were generated from a straight Republican party vote.. This action helped provide the overwhelmingly Republican victory in 2004. The Democrats now have an energized base who will be using the same straight-party strategy not only to try and elect Sen. Barrack Obama, but also to take out Republicans all the way down the ballot.

And as Dallas County learned in 2006, IT CAN HAPPEN HERE!

The mission of the Denton County Victory 2008 team is to increase Denton County Republican voter turnout and to encourage straight party ticket voting. We will do this through voter identification and education, outreach events, voter registration and get out the vote (GOTV) activities.

Our Victory plan is centered around a functional and geographic-based organization of committed volunteers to accomplish this daunting task. Our organizational efforts for this task began over 15 months ago and we are actively working right up to Election Day on Tuesday, November 4th. This plan has been recognized by the Texas Victory leadership as one of the best in Texas, and has already produced the top Walk to Win event in the state on May 17 when our DCRP Victory Volunteers knocked on more than 5000 doors of "swing" voters. (These are people who vote in the November elections but not in either Primary, so we need to identify them as to which party they favor.) Many of our volunteers contacted over 60 homes on that day.

The functional organization is created at the Vice Chair level of Victory 2008 and is organized by key functions: 1) Technology and Infrastructure, 2) Outreach/Voter Registration, 3) GOTV-72 Hour, 4) Volunteers, 5) Fundraising and 6) Signs.

Geographically, we have divided Denton County up into 11 community-based areas which have Area Leaders guiding the activities of our grassroots volunteers. Our Area Leaders are an important key to the success of this sustainable management model, as they coordinate the functional activities within their area. Each area also has an appointed volunteer working on each of the countywide functional committees under the direction of its Vice Chair. Our Technology guru, Roy Magno, works tirelessly to help provide the technology resources to track, contact and manage volunteer resources countywide.

To date, we have nearly 200 volunteers working actively on Victory 2008 through the Area Leaders. We project needing about 500 volunteers engaged within the next two to three months. If you can volunteer to help with Victory 2008, please email your contact information to: partyadmin@dentongop.com. We can use everyone who can give even a few hours to the cause, whether it's working at our Headquarters, building and distributing signs, knocking on doors, phoning voters, or helping to finance these efforts.

Our plan will work IF we have enough volunteers to identify and get enough GOP voters to the polls in this election which is arguably the most critical of our lifetime. And surely there are enough dedicated Republicans in Denton County to put this plan into action. They just haven't all volunteered yet! So, what are YOU waiting for?!

Tom Washington is the Denton County Victory 2008 Chairman

VOTER REGISTRATION: The Key to Victory

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:27:44 -0600

As one of the fastest growing counties in the entire country, Denton County has lots of new folks moving in. Many of them, based on our demographics, will be Republicans. It is vital that we contact these newcomers and welcome them not only to our area but also to our Party if they share our conservative views. And if they do, we need to be sure they are registered and know where to vote!

To that end, we have a goal of registering nearly 5000 new voters who lean Republican* by October 6, the last date to register and be able to vote in the November Presidential Election. We will be concentrating on churches which are growing in size, new housing developments in highly Republican areas and various festivals which take place throughout our county during the summer and early fall.

To further facilitate registering these new voters, we have more than 60 Republicans who have been deputized to register new voters. If you would like to help in this vital part of Victory, please contact us at 940/321-2671 or partyadmin@dentongop.org and we can give you full details on how you, your church or your area can participate.

* Please note that in Texas, one doesn't register by Party and a deputy registrar must register anyone who requests it, regardless of political leaning.