In keeping with our effort to provide Texans with the information they need to be informed voters, Texas Scorecard made a questionnaire available to those running the State Republican Executive Committee. 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 20 candidates who responded:
Carmen Calderone
What are the qualities of a Texas Republican? Why are you one?
Carmen Calderone: The Qualities of a Texas Republican are Self Determination, Fiscal Responsibility, and Courageousness. I moved to Texas to create a better life for my family. I stand up for what is right. I fight every day to make sure Texas stays free and remains the best State in the Union.
Texas has a lot of elected Republican officials. Who do you believe does the best job standing up for the priorities of the Texas GOP? Why?
Carmen Calderone: Rep. James White and the Freedom Caucus guys do a good job of standing up for our priorities in the legislature. Chairman Dickey did a great job during the legislative session pushing the Texas GOP priorities. Locally Councilman Gil Hernandez has been the leading voice for fiscal Conservatism on the Corpus Christi City Council.
Some individuals say the current party platform is too long and should be shortened. Do you agree? If so, what portions of the platform would you advocate eliminating?
Carmen Calderone: Honestly, I have mixed feelings on the platform length, it is extremely long. I think a set of core principles and a set of legislative priorities would be sufficient, but on the other hand each plank gives us talking points when lobbing our elected Republicans Officials.
What must be done to ensure the Texas GOP’s legislative priorities are implemented by legislators?
Carmen Calderone: The grassroots must lobby their legislators and show them they have the support to implement the priorities. Legislators who work against the priorities must be held accountable, called out publicly, and challenged in the primaries.
Why have you decided to run for the SREC?
Carmen Calderone: I have decided to run for SREC because I want to continue to fight for Texas Conservative Values. I want to make sure the Texas GOP supports the grassroots. I want the counties in SD20 to have strong communication between each other and the State Party.
