In the 2014 Republican primary runoff in Texas, our job is to pick the best candidates and tell you why.

U.S. House Of Representatives, District 36 - Ben Streusand

Ben Streusand has the experience and conservative ideas to make a difference in the US Congress. Streusand understands finance and business and can formulate ideas to solve the issues facing our nation. Streusand has been working and speaking out on these issues for the past decade as the Texas Advisory Board Chairman for the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity and as a political commentator for KSEV radio AM 700.

Lieutenant Governor - Dan Patrick

Through a combination of gutsy leadership, coalition building and unrelenting determination, Dan has successfully helped pass over 100 pieces of conservative legislation which include the historic sonogram bill, a $172 million tax cut as well as advances in school choice. Dan Patrick is the fighter we need to advance the conservative agenda, including education reform, protection of the unborn, fiscal responsibility and border security.

Attorney General - Ken Paxton

Ken Paxton is an experienced, principled state senator in the mold of Senator Ted Cruz who himself said, "Ken Paxton is a tireless conservative warrior." If you like Ted Cruz, then the obvious choice for Attorney General is Ken Paxton, who has the endorsement of just about every conservative leader and organization.

Agriculture Commissioner - Tommy Merritt

Merritt's unique perspective as a business owner and state representative as well as his appraisal district and Sabine River Authority experience make him uniquely qualified to lead the Agriculture Commission. Best of all, Merritt is campaigning on big, conservative solutions to Texas' challenges with his "4-Point Plan" that addresses issues critical to Texas agriculture.

Railroad Commissioner - Ryan Sitton

Ryan Sitton is an oil and gas engineer and business owner who has over fifteen years of experience in the oil and gas industry. We believe that the job of railroad commissioner is one that requires real oil and gas experience - Ryan Sitton's career politican opponent does not have it, but Sitton does, making him best qualified and our choice.

State Representative Dist. 129 - Dennis Paul

Dennis Paul is a business owner who has paid his dues by fighting for conservative principles as a longtime grassroots activist. Dennis Paul's long history of service on behalf of conservative causes and candidates along with his conservative philosophy and big ideas make him the best choice to represent us.

State Representative, District 132 - Mike Schofield

Mike Schofield has extensive public policy experience that he has honed over the past 10+ years as a policy advisor to Governor Perry on a range of issues including Voter ID, eminent domain, and appraisal cap reductions. Schofield's public policy acumen and experience in Austin will help him to be an effective force in the Legislature from day one.

District Judge 247th District - M.L. Walker or John Schmude

The twelve weeks between the primary and the runoff election is a long time, which presents an opportunity to meet and get to know the finalists. In some cases, it even means reevaluating initial decisions based on this new perspective. One race where this is relevant is the 247th where current associate judge M.L. Walker faces off against conservative John Schmude. In Round One we endorsed Walker; for the runoff we are making a Dual Endorsement because both would make outstanding family court judges based on their experience as family court attorneys.

Family District Judge 311th District - Alicia Franklin

Alicia Franklin has the expereince, qualifications, temperament and strong reputation that will make her an outstanding family district judge. Her opponent has dropped out of the race AFTER the date to have her name removed from the ballot. DO NOT WASTE YOUR VOTE - The ONLY vote that counts is FOR ALICIA FRANKLIN!

County Criminal Court At Law No. 10 - Dan Jeffrey Spjut

Dan Spjut has already had one successful career in criminal justice with 27 years with the Houston Police Department. While working full time at HPD, Dan was also a full time student, earning both his Bachelors and Law Degrees at night. Spjut's work ethic, law enforcement perspective, lifelong commitment to law and order and his real courtroom experience make him the best choice.

Justice Of The Peace Pct. 4, Place 2 - Laryssa Korduba

Laryssa Korduba, an attorney and municipal court judge, is the only candidate in the race with judicial experience. As the only candidate in the race with business, legal and judicial experience, Judge Laryssa Korduba is by far the best choice.

Red, White & Blue featuring TCR Editor Gary Polland, liberal commentator David Jones and moderator Linda Lorelle on Fridays at 7:30 pm on PBS Houston Channel 8.1, replaying Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. on Channel 8.1, Mondays at 11:30 pm on Channel 8.2 and on the web at www.houstonpbs.org.

Coming Soon:
Run-off Predictions – Guests: Paul Bettencourt, Senator Sylvia Garcia and Jay Aiyer.
Chase Untermeyer, Author, When Things Went Right.

The current show as well as past shows are available on YouTube.

Gary Polland is a long-time conservative and Republican spokesman, fund-raiser, and leader who completed three terms as the Harris County Republican Chairman. During his three terms, Gary was described as the most successful county Chairman in America by Human Events - The National Conservative Weekly. He is in his fifteenth year of editing a newsletter dealing with key conservative and Republican issues. The last thirteen years he has edited Texas Conservative Review. As a public service for the last 11 years, Gary has published election guides for the GOP primary, general elections and city elections, all with the purpose of assisting conservative candidates. Gary is also in his 13th year of co-hosting Red, White and Blue on PBS Houston, longest running political talk show in Texas history. Gary is a practicing attorney and strategic consultant. He can be reached at (713) 621-6335.