At a January 19 press conference from the White House, the president said, “Think about this: what are Republicans for? What are they for? Name me one thing they’re for …”
It was a childish attempt to shift blame rather than accept responsibility. Well, since he asked, here are some things that Republicans are for.
The Constitution and Bill of Rights. Individual freedom. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Opportunity for every American. Our right to keep and bear arms. Election integrity. Border defense. Lower taxes. A strong, growing private economy. Law enforcement. All lives matter. Parental rights in children’s education. Accountability for public officials. Appointments based on merit, not gender or race.
As an extra bonus, here are some things that Republicans are against.
Defunding the police. Receiving government money for not working. Getting rich working for the government. Profiting from being labeled as victims. Crime without punishment. Rewriting history.
I hope that helps the president’s questions.
Now, on to local politics. Soon, the polls will open for our GOP primary election. Monday, February 14, is the first day of early voting. Election Day is March 1.
Republican voters have at least one candidate in every race on the ballot; there are four contested races in Kendall County with three candidates in each, plus many contested statewide and district races.
This campaign has been very busy! There have been 13 events in the past month across Kendall County where voters can hear from our candidates.
I often remind our GOP voters that we the people choose our nominees at the primary, not the party leaders, not the media, not the donors. The people. We are “the establishment,” the grassroots in the Republican party.
In preparing us for the primary and general elections, our Texas Secretary of State’s office has conducted excellent training. It is followed by training of our election workers here in Kendall County.
As I think about my many hours of training, and the many hours observing or working at the polls, I am amazed at the comprehensive process. It is excellent, really outstanding. It allows every eligible voter to cast his or her ballot.
Every possible circumstance has been accommodated. Ballot by mail, curbside voting, early voting and multiple polling locations provide easy access to the polls. Voting is very, very easy to do. Nobody should insult our voters by claiming there are obstacles or suppression.
A local voter scoffed at the claims of “voter suppression,” replying that the only votes being suppressed were those of dead people and noncitizens.
Election integrity is equally important. The foundation of our democracy is the trust and confidence that the people’s votes are counted accurately, and that the ballot box is protected from election fraud. In Texas, we have photo ID and voter registration requirements; these are absolutely necessary to ensure election integrity. Polls show that 80 percent of Americans support photo ID in elections, across all demographic groups.
And every vote counts. Right here in Kendall County, we have seen razorthin margins in our Republican primary elections. One of our current candidates has first-hand experience, in a local race that was decided by a single vote!
But in Washington, we see the proposed federal takeover of state elections, which is what Texans do not want. Our Senator Cruz calls it “The Corrupt Politicians Act.” Kudos to our great Republican congressional delegation for defeating this ridiculous proposal.
First, it bans photo ID to verify voter eligibility. Second, it requires federal approval of any election changes in Texas. Third, it allows for ballot harvesting – the collection of ballots by campaign workers, community organizers, and even candidates. Fourth, it allows for same day registration of voters. This prevents our election officials from accurately verifying voter eligibility (keep in mind, there are 3 million illegal immigrants in Texas). Fifth, it provides for online voter registration (which opens the elections to cyber criminals to manipulate). And worst of all, it provides for taxpayer funding of campaigns; every candidate would receive $6 of public funds for every $1 raised from donors. Your tax dollars, funding candidates you oppose!
So, Kendall County Republican voters, now the ball is in your court. Vote for your favorite candidates, and the winners will be on the ballot in the November general election. Let’s keep our strong Republican leadership in Kendall County and in Texas. And let’s take back the House and Senate in Washington.
Let’s do it!
Scott S. Kramer is chairman of the Republican Party of Kendall County.
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