A lady walked up to me, leaned over, and with a smile whispered in my ear, “Now you can say whatever you want!”
We both laughed. She was referring to my term as Kendall County GOP chairman, which officially ended on June 13. Frankly, it has been my honor and privilege to serve Kendall County Republican voters for these past six years.
This column, I will bust some myths about politics in general and the GOP in particular. My direct, first-hand experience in Kendall County and Texas Republican politics over the past six years has taught me a lot.
Myth 1: Big shots, big donors, and special interest groups make the decisions.
Not true.
Certainly, I had tremendous access and influence to our top public officials. They are very, very attentive to the needs of our voters. I regularly have private conversations with each of them, and I realize that lobbyists would pay a fortune to have a personal audience with these folks.
But never did a public or party official tell me how to do my job. Never, not once. Same goes for donors. We have some amazing Republican donors, and yet none of them has ever asked me for a specific decision nor told me what to do.
I remember when the Kendall County GOP was faced with a fundamental strategic decision – should we engage in “nonpartisan” local elections, for the first time ever? I sought guidance from our state GOP chairman. I will always remember his words: “Scott, it’s not up to me or anybody else to tell you what to do. Do what you think is right, what is best for your Kendall County voters.
And we have your back.”
Myth 2: The GOP doesn’t fight back.
Not true.
OK, partly true in the GOP of old. But President Donald Trump taught today’s GOP to fight back.
As the progressive elite liberals and their media allies want to transform America, we Republicans now fight to save America. When we walk the holiday parades in Comfort and Boerne, we always hear shouts of “Save Our Country!”
Our Kendall County GOP voters look to us for that. And we will do it.
Myth 3: One person can’t make a difference.
Not true.
Every party and public official took that first step, either volunteering for the party or a candidate, or actually running for office. From there, some became elected officials.
For those who built coalitions, won elections and wrote policy, their one voice made a whale of a difference. Our former congressman, for example, started in politics as a GOP precinct chair.
Yes, one person can make a difference, no matter where you serve.
Myth 4: The party establishment is a small group that runs the show.
Not true.
In my experience, the “establishment” is the grassroots of our party, the rank and file.
These are the people who volunteer, campaign, vote and work the polls. They have minds of their own and don’t need to be told what to think or do. There are 18,000 of us here in Kendall County!
In the past several years, every top elected official in Texas has visited us here in Kendall County. We are very fortunate. They don’t tell us what to do, but listen to our opinions because we are the “establishment.”
In every private conversation with me, these officials ask about Kendall County voter sentiment. They are keenly attentive to grassroots voter opinions.
In closing out my terms as county chair, to all Kendall County Republicans I shout out a great big “Thanks!” for your support and encouragement. Please continue to support present and future leadership. They are all volunteers, they get no material gain from their service and will really appreciate your thanks and support. Every individual makes a difference.
As for my future, I will continue as a party activist. I’ve been doing this for exactly 50 years now. Through thick and thin, I have always fought for our Republican values of individual freedom, economic growth and opportunity for every American. I will continue to torment those misguided progressive liberals who want to transform our great nation. I will not sit down, shut up or give in.
Texas is the greatest state in the greatest nation in all of history. And my belief in America’s future has never been stronger. Our best days are ahead. Texas and America are worth the fight.
Together, we can keep Texas red!
Scott S. Kramer is a Kendall County Republican.
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