At this year’s Texas GOP convention in Houston, delegates will not only vote on the party platform but the leadership of the state party itself.
Every two years, delegates must select a party chairman and vice chairman to represent the entire party, as well as a male and female to represent their Senate District on the State Republican Executive Committee.
While Texans for Fiscal Responsibility has thus far refrained from endorsing in RPT contests, we do remain committed to providing delegates with as much information as possible to ensure they can make an informed decision. As has been done in the past, Texas Scorecard has already circulated a questionnaire to both incumbent chairman James Dickey and his opponent, Allen West.
Both individuals are invited to respond, and we will publish their unedited responses. In our Texas GOP Chairman Questionnaire, we asked the following 20 questions:
- What are the qualities of a Texas Republican? Why are you one?
- 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?
- What current Republican official has done the most damage to the Texas GOP brand? Why?
- Is Karl Rove an asset or a liability for the Texas GOP? Why?
- While the “Blue Wave” wasn’t successful in taking out Sen. Ted Cruz, a lot of Texas Republicans lost their elections that year. Why did that happen?
- What does the Texas GOP need to do to win back these seats in 2020?
- Why should Republicans choose you for party chairman?
- What three planks in the current platform are the most important to you personally?
- A great number of issues more directly affecting Texans are decided in “non-partisan” city, school, and special district elections. What, if anything, can or should the Republican Party do to cultivate and support candidates for those races?
- Preceding every Texas GOP convention, there’s controversy over whether or not the Log Cabin Republicans should be allowed to purchase a booth or engage in other activities. What is your position on this issue? Is any reform to the process needed?
- A number of Republicans believe the RPT should move to a closed primary system. What is your personal stance on the issue? Why?
- The lifeblood of the Republican Party is its grassroots volunteers. What will you do as chairman to increase and encourage activists to be engaged in the party?
- As Texas grows, so too must the Republican Party. What will you do to increase party involvement from Texas’ growing and changing population?
- A vocal minority of Republicans has repeatedly attempted to weaken the party’s platform and messaging when it comes to immigration issues. Will you support the party platform and oppose any path to citizenship, legal residency, or other legal status for illegal aliens?
- 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?
- Despite being the top legislative priority of the Republican Party of Texas, constitutional carry failed to receive a vote on the floor of either chamber of the Legislature during the last legislative session. Who was responsible for that?
- What must be done to ensure the Texas GOP’s legislative priorities are implemented by legislators?
- Texas Republicans control every statewide office and the Texas Legislature. What measures must pass this upcoming session for it to be declared a success?
- As state chairman, you will be one of three delegates to the RNC. What changes to the national party will you advocate for in that capacity?
- Should you be elected, what tangible metrics should Republicans use to determine if you have been successful as chairman?
We are also providing candidates for SREC with a similar but abridged opportunity, and have invited them to answer the following questions:
- What are the qualities of a Texas Republican? Why are you one?
- 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?
- 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?
- What must be done to ensure the Texas GOP’s legislative priorities are implemented by legislators?
- Why have you decided to run for the SREC?
Responses for the SREC questionnaire are limited to 300 words total and may be sent to brandon@texasscorecard.com with SREC in the subject line. Please also include the full name, hometown, preferred photograph, and Senate District of the candidate.
Responses are due by 5 p.m. on June 19.
