Last week, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wrote a lengthy campaign email addressing the Lone Star Agenda, a package of conservative reforms to be passed during a special session intended to unite voters ahead of the upcoming elections.
Now Don Dyer, an Austin-based business owner and supporter of the Lone Star Agenda, has penned an open letter to Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott, urging action to save the state.
The letter reads as follows:
Last week Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick sent a lengthy email across the State of Texas spotlighting the Lone Star Agenda. We wish to express our gratitude to Governor Patrick for his thoughtful explanation of the political threat facing Texas and the Lone Star Agenda’s role to address it.
In the email, Governor Patrick correctly states that the Texas 2020 election is the most important election “in a lifetime.” He also correctly points out that the key to winning in 2020 is “Conservatives must unite to win the battle.” We could not agree more with Governor Patrick’s assessment.
The email goes on to highlight legislation that was passed in the 86th legislative session. Governor Patrick then turns his attention to the Lone Star Agenda. “I totally understand the frustration…over bills that were not signed…(and are) included in the LSA…but, frustration over the lack of those bills becoming law cannot divide conservatives as we approach 2020.” Here is where we challenge Governor Patrick. Admitting that we are “fractured” is a great start; we agree. However, demanding that we unite is not a plan. That is why hundreds of conservative leaders across our state worked together to develop the LSA as the best pathway to ensure unity.
Governor Patrick goes on to extol the conservative accomplishments of the Senate only to see nine out of ten LSA priorities die in the House. Again, we praise Governor Patrick’s leadership in the Senate and for highlighting the failure of the 86th session to pass conservative reforms. With new conservative leadership in the House, expectations for a new day in Texas were at an all-time high. To see so many common sense conservative bills die under new leadership was disheartening to say the least.
Governor Patrick does a wonderful job explaining what is at stake in 2020 and the dire consequences if we fail. He very clearly makes the case that the pathway to victory is unity. The only thing missing in his email is a plan to ensure unity.
Governor Patrick has rightfully placed responsibility for the LSA and the future of Texas in your hands, Governor Abbott. A special session to address issues in the LSA will energize the Republican party. It will also establish new House leadership to support Republican candidates on the campaign trail. Most importantly, it will demonstrate to voters who want to Keep Texas Red that their leaders are listening to them.
Thank you, Governor Patrick, for your very thoughtful letter outlining the dire circumstances facing conservatism in Texas.
Governor Abbott, the people of Texas have a plan to save our state. Your leadership is all that is necessary to lead the plan, unite all Republicans, and save the Lone Star State.
Don Dyer
Lone Star Agenda
