Before we know it, the election will be upon us. In fact, the first day for ballot by mail requests is September 5. Since it's an off-year election, turnout is more important than ever. For the GOP to win, we need a strong Republican primary base turnout and we need to win a majority of the important swing voters.
Texas Democrats Message: Same Song, Eighth Verse
So far, the only campaign for the Democrats spending money in Texas is Wendy Davis. For the $4 million spent, we have learned the following: (1) that Greg Abbott supports tort reform (which the Davis campaign called being for rape), (2) that Greg Abbott is responsible for the problems with the Cancer Fund (which the Davis campaign calls him responsible for citizens' cancer issues), and (3) finally the old stand-by, anti-women's health (because being pro-life and for healthy women are incompatible unless one includes abortion).
So far, it hasn't worked. So now we will see more out of the Democratic playbook: "investing more money in education," regardless of success, and the discredited line that voter identification is designed to suppress minority voting.
One major roadblock for Democrats in Texas is the declining numbers of Barack Obama in Texas and nationally. Want to bet how many times President Obama will campaign for Democrats in Texas? We bet zero.
Even Some Liberals Recognize Federal Infrastructure Spending A Bloated Mess
How refreshing. In the September/October issue of Washington Monthly (a liberal-reform journal) a stunning admission, "... part of the reason for high cost and glacial tempo is union work rules that are designed to slow construction... part of the problem is when the federal government is paying for a locally managed project, the incentive is to drag it out and keep funny money flowing." To contract European projects involves substantial delay. And how about this frank admission, "Liberals have trouble facing up to the bloated case of infrastructure in the U.S. because they can't admit when government runs things poorly... the solution must always be more spending."
HCRP Chair Simpson Makes First TV Appearance
HCRP Chairman Paul Simpson was a guest on KPRC's Houston Newsmakers on August 24th discussing Governor Rick Perry's indictment. "Democrats are doing everything they can to attack Rick Perry, acting like a wounded animal to criminalize political disagreements," he said.
TCR Comment: Congratulations to Paul Simpson on his first TV appearance for the local GOP. You can view the discussion at KPRC.
The Gender Gap: New GOP Poll Points And Ways To Make Progress
Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer in Politico's August 27, 2014 edition shared that a new report - "Republicans and Women Voters: Huge Challenges, Real Opportunities" - was the product of eight focus groups across the country and a poll of 800 registered female voters recently. What did the researchers learn? "It's important for conservatives to identify what policies best engage women, and our project found multiple opportunities," per Dan Conston, a spokesman for the American Action Network.
Per the polls, 49% of women view the GOP unfavorably and 39% view the Democrats unfavorably.
The top issues for women are - the economy, healthcare, education and jobs. In these issues, women are similar to male voters.
The study's sponsor suggests an approach to turning around the GOP's relationship with women, which tested well. First, they suggest the GOP "neutralize the Democrats'" attack that the Republicans don't support fairness for women. They suggest Republican lawmakers criticize Democrats for "growing government programs that encourage dependency rather than opportunities to get ahead." Second, Republicans should "deal honestly with any disagreement on abortion, then move to other issues." And finally, "pursue policy innovations that inspire women voters to give the GOP a 'fresh look'." The report suggests "unexpected" GOP policy proposals like improving job-training programs, "strengthening enforcement against gender bias in the workplace" and "expanding home health care services by allowing more health care professionals to be paid by Medicare for home health services."
Katie Gage, a political strategist who works on improving GOP standing with women, said when women voters think of the GOP, they think of "old, white, out of touch" men and as President George W. Bush once told your editor, people are policy.
"I think a lot of folks are whistling past the graveyard on this... Certainly if Hillary is on the top ticket of Democrats, it is going to be a significant challenge for us," says Gage. "Maybe we'll see women on our side that will step up as well. ...We have to quit sitting back and taking it on the chin. I think we have to play offense on this."
TCR Comment: Regardless, communication of a message that invites and does not repel is critical to improve our standing with women. Of course, it is important to remember: people are policy.
Obama's Foreign Policy Free Fall
We keep hearing that the American people are not interested in foreign policy and are tired of war. It is also important to note they care enough to flunk President Obama's efforts with his 36% approval rating. The people are not stupid and understand that the President is either totally clueless on foreign policy or intentionally trashing the free world.
On August 25, 2014, the President told us (before a round of golf) that in regards to ISIS and the long war of the West against Islamist extremism. "We don't have a strategy yet." Of course, ISIS was the same bunch Obama told us was the junior varsity.
This is why who we elect is critical. It is not a place for on-the-job training. President Obama is the prime example, almost six years in office and still no clue.
TCR on the Air
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, 14th season begins:
September 26: 2014 Election Preview with the Austin media all-stars.
The current show as well as past shows are available on YouTube.
About Your Editor
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 14th 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.
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