In keeping with our effort to provide Texans with the information they need to be informed voters, Texas Scorecard distributed a questionnaire to those running for the lead the Republican Party of Texas as chairman: incumbent James Dickey and challenger Cindy Asche.
We also decided for the first time ever to make a number of the same questions available to those running for the State Republican Executive Committee as well. While we won’t be issuing an endorsement in any of these races, we hope that the responses to these questions will help you decide which man and which woman will best represent your interest on the SREC.
Here are the answers from the Senate District 1 candidates who responded without edits:
Sue Evenwel
Robert “Bob” Kecseg
Why should Republicans choose you for the SREC?
Sue Evenwel: I have been a Republican grassroots activist for nearly 40 years. My passion is for the local grassroots organization. I have participated in more campaigns than I can count, local, statewide and national. I’ve been an election judge, Precinct Chairman, Regional Vice Chairman, County Chairman, and other offices in the local party structure. I’ve been a Republican Women’s Club President, and probably served every local Board position there is. I’ve served on the TFRW Board of both Tennessee and Texas, and well as serving on NFRW. I think my service, experience, and knowledge of how the party works helps me resource all the counties in SD#1. Engagement, Education and Recruitment is the way we grow the grassroots. That has been objective.
Bob Kecseg: My engagement in grassroots election campaigns has been ongoing for over 30 years. Preserving Texas Values and state sovereignty looms of increased importance as our population growth continues. California seems lost as to our Constitutional beginnings which is a stark reminder of the need for my generation to step forward and preserve our liberty at the state level.
Texas Republicans control every statewide office and the Texas Legislature by impressive margins. What measures must pass this upcoming session for it to be declared a success?
Sue Evenwel: With the most recent news from the Governor’s office, protection of our 2nd Amendment rights will be critical! The grassroots cannot lose this one! Beyond that, here is a list of other issues that must be addressed:
1. Replace the property tax with an alternative other than income tax.
2. Protect Religious Freedom, First Amendment right
3. Comprehensive school choice.
4. Abolish abortion.
5. Denial of public funds to those not in compliance with federal immigration laws.
6. Strengthen laws against Sanctuary Cities.
7. Civil forfeiture abuse.
Bob Kecseg: The SREC passed a resolution stating several Legislative priorities for the 85th session. I’ve included Constitutional Carry, Defund Planned Parenthood, and Property Tax Reform on my short list handout piece that represents a part of the Resolution passed by the SREC body.
Current party rules allow for the SREC to censure a Republican officeholder that violates the party’s core principles. Do you think we should have this rule? Why or why not?
Sue Evenwel: Yes. I believe there needs to be a mechanism to hold elected officials accountable and true to what the Republican Party and our platform stands for. If you can’t stand behind the core principles, you not a Republican. The SREC only responds to a petition initiated by a local Executive Committee. The SREC does not act alone.
Bob Kecseg: I vote YES to preserve the censure rule. I have included this issue on my handout piece as well. This is a particularly important item for me because its passage inspired me to become more involved and was part of my decision to seek the SD1 Committeeman vacancy.
Last year, efforts to censure House Speaker Joe Straus were successful, but efforts to censure State Rep. Byron Cook and other lawmakers were not. What are some examples of actions you believe violate the party’s core principles?
Sue Evenwel: Refusing to support any legislation that is listed in question in #2 or helping to stonewall it from getting through committee and into Calendars. The theatrics surrounding the gender-neutral bathroom issue, in Rep. Cook’s State Affairs Committee, once it was assigned to committee, was horrible! That legislation would have passed easily if it had been given a chance to get to the floor. School Choice, Tax Reform, Pro-Life legislation, and 2nd Amendment legislation were all subverted by a well-orchestrated coalition of Democrats and Republican lawmakers.
Bob Kecseg: When representatives like Byron Cook and many others boldly advocate for bills in direct conflict of specific Platform Planks, a groundswell of awareness and action must be brought to the voters in their respective districts.
Should you be elected, what tangible metrics should Republicans use to determine if you have been successful?
Sue Evenwel: The only tangible evidence of success would be the Republican voter turnout. My job is to help build local county parties through regular communication, education and training opportunities for county executive committees, Republican Women’s clubs and local activists. SD#1 has seen a dramatic shift from being a Democrat stronghold to a thriving conservative Republican base over the last few election cycles. I want to believe I helped to achieve that.
Bob Kecseg: Upon election I intend to forge relationships within the SREC body for the purpose of increasing awareness of the resolutions mentioned in question #2 and #4. My goal is to get “buy –in” from several SREC members to book radio interviews and bring widespread awareness to voters which should serve to hold more representatives accountable.
