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Showing posts with label Candidates. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

2018 Election Results

Following are the results of the 2018 General Election as best I can tell as of just after midnight.  Winners or apparent winners are indicated in red text. Any race that might require a runoff is indicated in green text.  The numbers reported in Bastrop County are with 100% of precincts reporting.

Race Party Candidates Bastrop Statewide %Reporting
US Senate R Ted Cruz 54.87% 51.37% 87.88%
D Beto O'Rourke 43.99% 47.85% 87.88%
L Neal M. Dikeman 1.14% 0.77% 87.88%
US Congress, Dist 10 R Michael T. McCaul 53.60% 51.14% 94.86%
D Mike Siegal 42.87% 46.71% 94.86%
L Mike Ryan 3.53% 2.14% 94.86%
US Congres, Dist 17 R Bill Flores 65.69% 56.92% 93.33%
D Rick Kennedy 31.62% 41.23% 93.33%
L Peter Churchman 2.70% 1.84% 93.33%
US Congress, Dist 27 R Michael Cloud 57.59% 60.32% 95.61%
D Eric Holguin 39.42% 36.60% 95.61%
L Daniel Tinus 1.66% 1.00% 95.61%
I James Duerr 1.34% 2.06% 95.61%
Governor R Greg Abbott 59.68% 56.24% 83.27%
D Lupe Valdez 37.98% 42.08% 83.27%
L Mark Jay Tippetts 2.34% 1.66% 83.27%
Lt Governor R Dan Patrick 54.58% 51.75% 86.16%
D Mike Collier 42.16% 46.05% 86.16%
L Kerry Douglas McKennon 3.26% 2.18% 86.16%
Attorney General R Ken Paxton 53.02% 51.04% 86.16%
D Justin Nelson 43.16% 46.55% 86.16%
L Michael Ray Harris 3.81% 2.40% 86.16%
Comptroller R Glenn Hegar 56.96% 53.70% 86.16%
D Joi Chevalier 38.45% 42.94% 86.16%
L Ben Sanders 4.59% 3.35% 86.16%
Land Commissioner R George P. Bush 56.02% 54.17% 86.16%
D Miguel Suazo 38.71% 42.70% 86.16%
L Matt Pina 5.27% 3.12% 86.16%
Agriculture Commissioner R Sid Miller 53.53% 51.77% 86.16%
D Kim Olson 42.95% 45.93% 86.16%
L Richard Carpenter 3.52% 2.29% 86.16%
Railroad Commissioner R Christi Craddick 55.03% 53.71% 86.16%
D Roman McAllen 39.68% 43.43% 86.16%
L Mike Wright 5.30% 2.85% 86.16%
Supreme Court, Pl 2 R Jimmy Blacklock 56.75% 53.63% 86.16%
D Steven Kirkland 43.25% 46.36% 86.16%
Supreme Court, Pl 4 R John Devine 57.69% 54.20% 86.16%
D R.K. Sandil 42.31% 45.79% 86.16%
Supreme Court, Pl 6 R Jeff Brown 57.20% 54.21% 86.16%
D Kathy Cheng 42.80% 45.78% 86.16%
Criminal Appeals, Presiding R Sharon Keller 55.60% 52.74% 86.16%
D Maria T. (Terry) Jackson 40.81% 44.96% 86.16%
L William Bryan Strange, III 3.59% 2.28% 86.16%
Criminal Appeals, Pl 7 R Barbara Parker Hervey 57.91% 54.59% 86.16%
D Ramona Franklin 42.09% 45.40% 86.16%
Criminal Appeals, Pl 8 R Michelle Slaughter 72.93% 74.93% 87.54%
L Mark Ash 27.07% 25.06% 87.54%
State Senate, Dist 14 R George W. Hindman 51.53% 25.21% 95.03%
D Kirk Watson 45.37% 71.98% 95.03%
L Micah M. Verlander 3.10% 2.79% 95.03%
State Rep, Dist 17 R John Cyrier 57.90% 62.34% 84.21%
D Michelle Ryan 42.10% 37.65% 84.21%
3rd Court of Appeals, Pl 2 R Cindy Olson Bourland 58.57% 47.28% 97.06%
D Edward Smith 41.43% 52.71% 97.06%
3rd Court of Appeals, Pl 3 R Scott Field 57.17% 45.93% 97.06%
D Chari Kelly 42.83% 54.06% 97.06%
3rd Court of Appeals, Pl 5 R David Puryear 57.47% 46.40% 97.06%
D Thomas J. Baker 42.53% 53.59% 97.06%
3rd Court of Appeals, Pl 6 R Michael "Mike" Toth 57.16% 45.75% 97.06%
D Gisela D. Triana 42.41% 54.09% 97.06%
Write-In 0.43% 0.15% 97.06%
District Attorney R Bryan Goertz 100.00%
County Judge R Paul Pape 100.00%
County Court at Law D Benton Eskew 100.00%
District Clerk R Sarah D. Loucks 100.00%
County Clerk R Rose Pietsch 100.00%
County Treasurer R Laurie Ingram 100.00%
County Surveyor R Michael Olson 100.00%
County Commissioner, Pct 2 R Clara Beckett 100.00%
County Commissioner, Pct 4 R Gary "Bubba" Snowden 100.00%
Justice of the Peace, Pct 1 R Cindy Allen 56.02%
D Dock Jackson 43.98%
Justice of the Peace, Pct 2 R Raymah M. Davis 100.00%
Justice of the Peace, Pct 3 D Katherine K. Hanna 100.00%
Justice of the Peace, Pct 4 R Larry Dunne 100.00%
ACC Trustee, Pl 7 Mitch Fuller 36.66% 30.67% as of 11pm
Barbara P. Mink 63.34% 69.33% as of 11pm
ACC Trustee, Pl 8 Douglas Gibbins 25.17% 19.48% as of 11pm
Stephanie Gharakhanian 27.08% 45.72% as of 11pm
Sarah Mills 47.75% 34.81% as of 11pm
ACC Trustee, Pl 9 Julie Ann Nitsch 52.53% 59.71% as of 11pm
Lora H. Weber 47.47% 40.29% as of 11pm
McDade ISD, Pl 1 Joey Miller, Jr. 41.13%
Elizabeth Dube 58.87%
McDade ISD, Pl 4 Joe C. Robledo, Jr. 100.00%
McDade ISD, Pl 6 Janet Nesslbeck Brade 100.00%
McDade ISD, Pl 7 Michael Nuby 49.57%
Willard Z. Rother 50.43%
McDade ISD Ballot Measure For 48.28%
Against 51.72%

==

Here is my take on these numbers.  For the unprecedented millions of out-of-state dollars spent on O'Rourke's senate race, it was a bad investment for Democrats.  It artificially propped up an otherwise weak internal structure, but did not achieve either the crushing wave or victories they were seeking.

It did, however, have an effect.  There was a rise in both party's participation.  And the swell of participation in Travis County upset the thin margin by which we have held a Republican sweep of the Third Court of Appeals. With four seats in contention, we lost all four, leaving the Court 2 Republicans to 4 Democrats in make up.  As that Court hears appeals affecting State Government and legislation, it is influential on resolving legal challenges that have statewide effect.  That signals that the Texas Supreme Court may be busier in the next four years.

The unseated judges are a stellar team of jurists who have demonstrated the proper role of the judiciary in upholding Federal and State Constitutions and interpreting the law faithfully as written rather than supplanting the laws and will of the people for their own .  Thank you to each incumbent for your years of service, and to the open seat candidate for your run.

So for the gazillions of dollars spent, it achieved four positions on a mid-level appellate court (on our ballot anyway).  Not exactly what they were intending for the investment, but there you have it.

It appears we will continue to enjoy Republican leadership in Texas both at the Federal and Statewide levels. 

Looking more locally, George Hindman did not unseat Kirk Watson for state Senate.  However, I offer my sincere appreciation to him for offering himself as a candidate we can vote for with a clear conscience.  Representative John Cyrier won his race comfortably.

At the county level, we had an unusual circumstance.  Just two years ago, all of our contested Republican nominees to county office were non-incumbents, something that had not occurred since we achieved majority status as a party in Bastrop County.  This election, we had only one contested race in Cindy Allen for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, which she won with 56% of the vote.  Congratulations, Judge-elect Allen!  Noteworthy among the uncontested candidates is County Clerk Rose Pietsch, who was elected to a new term for the first time since her homecoming to the Republican Party.  And she achieved the distinction of being the highest vote-getting Republican candidate among the uncontested candidates.  With so few contested candidates working the field in Bastrop County, I was concerned about the effect that would have on Republican turnout.  But you the voters rose to the challenge and showed up anyway.  Thank you for that.

In McDade ISD, I note Elizabeth Dube won her race for school board Trustee.  I'm crediting her smashing success in that race to the favorable publicity she received at the Bastrop County Republican Party fundraiser when she bid on a plant. 😊  Also, Willard Rother, former Precinct Chairman with Bastrop County Republican Party, and long-time election judge for the party, won his school board race by four votes.  Congratulations to both of you!  I note the bond proposal with the McDade ISD did not pass.

Democrats did turn out in higher numbers, fueled by the huge dollars invested by out-of-state deep pockets.  But Republicans of their own modest resources rose to the challenge to hold that at bay.  Republican Party of Texas challenged Bastrop County Republican Party to increase its Abbott vote for Governor by 5%, precinct by precinct, over its 2014 numbers.  I'm pleased to report every precinct was up between 44 and 93%.

I thank the Lord for His watch care over us.  I thank the volunteers of the Bastrop County Republican Party who worked hard with limited resources do the work that needed to be done.  I thank the candidates who labored to give us good choices on our ballots. I thank you the voters for taking this election seriously.  Tomorrow begins the work of the next Presidential election, as liberty requires eternal vigilance.

Albert L. Ellison, Founder
Bastrop County Republican News

Monday, November 5, 2018

Polling Locations - 2018 General Election Day

On election day, the polls are open from 7am to 7pm, and you must vote at the location designated for the voting precinct in which you live.  The polling locations are as follows:

Precinct  - Location
1001 ..... Bastrop County WCID#2 Bldg, 106 Conference Dr., Bastrop
1002 ..... First Baptist Church, 1201 Water St., Bastrop
1003 ..... First Baptist Church Newest Expansion 915 Hwy 71 W., Bastrop (NEW)
1004 ..... Bastrop County Pct. 1 Road Barn, 601 Cool Water Dr., Bastrop (NEW)
2005 ..... Smithville City Hall, 317 Main St., Smithville
2006 ..... Lake Thunderbird Community Center, 104 Thunderbird Dr., Smithville
2007 ..... Rosanky Community Center, 135 Main St., Rosanky
2008 ..... Heart of the Pines VFD, 109 Green Acres Loop, Bastrop
2009 ..... Calvary Baptist Church, 3001 Loop 150 E., Bastrop
2010 ..... Paige Community Center, 107 S. Main St. (off Hwy 290), Paige
2011 ..... Bastrop Fire Department Station #3 (Circle D), 926 FM 1441, Bastrop
3012 ..... Hills Prairie Baptist Church, 1338 Hwy 304, Bastrop
3013 ..... Red Rock Community Center, 114 Red Rock Rd., Red Rock
3014 ..... Bluebonnet VFD #2, 5554 FM 535, Cedar Creek
3015 ..... Cedar Creek United Methodist Church, 5630 FM 535, Cedar Creek
3016 ..... Wyldwood Baptist Church, 398 Union Chapel Rd., Cedar Creek
4017 ..... Elgin Public Library, 404 N. Main St., Elgin
4018 ..... Elgin Public Library, 404 N. Main St., Elgin
4019 ..... Family Worship Center, 2425 FM 1704, Elgin
4020 ..... New Life Baptist Fellowship, 175 Hwy 95 S., Elgin
4021 ..... Faith Lutheran Church, 230 Waco St., McDade

You may click here to find out what precinct you are registered in.

Albert L. Ellison, Founder
Bastrop County Republican News

Saturday, June 30, 2018

Special Election Results

Republican Michael Cloud has won the Congressional District 27 special election with 54% of the vote, even with eight other contenders on the ballot.  Because he secured more than 50% of the vote, that means no run off will be required.

As a result of his win, he will proceed to take office immediately to fill the vacant office created by Congressman Farenthold's resignation.  And as the Republican nominee to fill the next term, too, that means he will already be an incumbent Congressman by the November general election.

Congratulations to Michael Cloud, our newly-elected Congressman for Texas District 27!

Albert L. Ellison, Founder
Bastrop County Republican News
bcrnews.blogspot.com

Special Election - Congressional Dist 27

Today, Saturday, June 30, is the Special Election in the Congressional District 27 race.  Polls are open from 7 am to 7 pm.  Go VOTE!!

Who Participates?

Registered voters of Congressional District 27, including those in Bastrop County from voting precincts:
  • 1003
  • 2007
  • 2008
  • 3012
  • 3013
  • 3014
  • 3015
  • 3016
If you live south of the river, or south of Hwy 71 from Pine Forrest/ColoVista to Smithville, and west of Hwy 290 S at Smithville, then it probably includes you, including all of Commissioner's Precinct Three.

Where Do We Vote on Election Day?

On election day, you must vote at the location designated for your voting precinct.  Those designations are as follows:
  • 1003 and 2008 - Bastrop Church of Christ, 287 Hwy 20, Bastrop
  • 2007 - Rosanky Community Center, 135 Main St., Rosanky
  • 3012 and 3013 - Red Rock Community Center, 114 Red Rock Rd, Red Rock
  • 3014, 3015 and 3016 - Cedar Creek United Methodist Church, 5630 FM 535, Cedar Creek
How Do I Confirm My Precinct Number?

Check your voter registration card, or click here to look it up by your name and date of birth.

What is This Election About?

In the Primary and Runoff, the voters of Congressional District 27 chose nominees for the November general election to determine who will take that office come January.  Republicans nominated Michael Cloud over other contenders.  

But because Congressman Farenthold resigned, the office is currently vacant until January.  The Special Election today decides who will hold that office until January.  Governor Abbott called the Special Election out of concern that the position should not remain vacant while hurricane recovery efforts are still underway.

The District is strongly Republican, and conventional wisdom says Michael Cloud, although only a Republican nominee at present, will eventually win the general election.  It makes sense, therefore, to go support him in the Special Election so he can get started right away. But that requires your vote if you live in the district.

Please carve a little time out of your day to Go VOTE!!!

Albert L. Ellison, Founder
Bastrop County Republican News

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

2018 Runoff Results

Here are the election results of the 2018 Republican Runoff.  Candidates highlighted in red text have won their race.  The below results reflect 100% of both the Bastrop County and the statewide vote (with the exception of any provisional ballots yet to be evaluated).


OfficeCandidateBastropTexas% Report-
ing
Congress, District 27Bech Bruun39.33%38.95%100%
Michael Cloud60.67%61.04%
3rd Court of Appeals, Place 6Donna Davidson45.13%47.16%100%
Michael ("Mike") Toth54.87%52.83%
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1Sherry Cook41.30%
Cindy Allen58.70%


2,417 ballots were cast in the Republican Runoff in our county.  Given that 7,059 ballots were cast in the Republican Primary last March, we had a return rate of 34%.  This was with all the county with a mid-ballot race (3rd Court of Appeals), 1/3 of the county with a Congressional race, and 1/4 of the county with a local JP race.


By contrast, 1737 ballots were cast in the Democrat Runoff in our county.  Given that 3,663 ballots were cast in the Democrat Primary last March, they had a return rate of 47%. Their ballot gave all the county a Governor contest (won by Lupe Valdez with 53% of the vote statewide) and almost the entire county a Congressional contest (won by Mike Siegel for Dist. 10 with 69.9%, and by Eric Holguin for Dist. 27 with 61.9%).

The Congressional race for District 27, now takes an interesting turn.  Nominees have now been chosen by both parties, who will face off in November to determine who will serve the next term starting in January.  But with the resignation of Congressman Farenthold, there is now a vacancy until the end of the year to be filled by special election.  That election will be held in late June.  Since Michael Cloud has emerged as our nominee for next term, I encourage the voters of that district to support him to fill the interim, too, by participating in the special election and voting for him.

Now that nominees have been chosen by the parties, it is time to unite behind our Republican nominees and help them achieve victory in November.

To all who won, my congratulations.  To all who lost, my condolences.  Whether you won or lost, the mere competition has worked to make our party stronger and has given the voters good choices.  Each candidate attracts their own unique slice of the population, energizes them, and connects them to our party.  And if we unite together behind who has won, that is a powerful force for November.

Albert L. Ellison, Founder
Bastrop County Republican News
bcrnews.blogspot.com

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Runoff Election 2018

Runoff election day is today.  7,066 of you participated in the Republican primary, but only 1,149 of you have participated in the Runoff election so far.  Please make a point to cast your vote today if you haven't already.  (If you voted in the May city/school board/ESD elections, you have not yet voted in this Runoff election.)  Polls are open until 7 pm tonight.

Where?

On election day, you must vote at the poll designated for the voting precinct in which you reside.  Polls are consolidated today, so do not assume that you vote today at the same location you usually do.  The list of polls and precinct designations is as follows:

Precincts                            Location
1001, 1002, 1004………….First Baptist Church, 1201 Water St., Bastrop
1003……………………..….Bastrop Church of Christ, 287 Hwy 20, Bastrop
2005, 2006, 2010………….Smithville City Hall, 317 Main St., Smithville
2007………………......…….Rosanky Community Center, 135 Main St., Rosanky
2008………………......…….Heart of the Pines VFD, 109 Green Acres Loop, Smithville
2009, 2011……………..…..Calvary Baptist Church, 3001 Loop 150 E., Bastrop
3012, 3013……………..…..Red Rock Community Center, 114 Red Rock Rd., Red Rock
3014, 3015, 3016………….Cedar Creek United Methodist, 5630 FM 535, Cedar Creek
4017, 4018, 4019, 4020.....Elgin Public Library, 404 N. Main St., Elgin
4021…………………….…..Faith Lutheran Church, 230 Waco St., McDade

How do I know my voting precinct number?

Either check your voter registration card, or enter your name and date of birth at the following link:

https://www.bastropvotes.org/voter-information-2/voter-lookup/#VoterSearch

What is on the ballot?
  • Third Court of Appeals, Place 6, between Donna Davidson and Michael Toth.  This election is countywide, so ALL of us can participate in it.  This is the only race on your ballot IF you vote in any of the following locations:
    • Smithville City Hall
    • Calvary Baptist Church
    • Elgin Public Library
    • Faith Lutheran Church
  • Congressional District 27, between Michael Cloud and Bech Bruun.  This race is also on your ballot if you vote at any of at the following locations:
    • Bastrop Church of Christ
    • Rosanky Community Center
    • Heart of the Pines VFD
    • Red Rock Community Center
    • Cedar Creek United Methodist Church
  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, between Sherry Cook and Cindy Allen.  This race is also on your ballot if you vote at any of at the following locations:
    • First Baptist Church, Bastrop
    • Bastrop Church of Christ
Each of these races are important.  Check your location.  Review the candidates, and go VOTE!

Many will gather tonight at Gracie's restaurant on Pine St near the courthouse to watch returns.  Returns are also available online at the following two links:

Bastrop County Returns
Statewide Returns

I will put out my usual report on how the election went, but due to technical constraints, will not be able to do so until tomorrow.

Albert L. Ellison, Founder
Bastrop County Republican News
bcrnews.blogspot.com

Today is Election Day!




Today is Election Day!



Visit http://www.bastropvotes.org/voter-information-2/voter-lookup/#VoterSearch to find your  Election Day polling location and view your sample ballot. 


A Texas primary runoff election is triggered when no candidate in the primary election receives more than 50 percent of the votes. The top two candidates have a runoff election.  Once a voter has voted in one party, that voter cannot participate in another party's election or convention during the primaries. 
For the primary runoff election…
If you voted on the Republican ballot in the primary election… vote on the Republican ballot. 
If you voted on the Democratic ballot in the primary election… vote on the Democratic ballot.
If you didn't vote in the primary election… vote on either the Republican or Democratic ballot.
In November's General Election… vote for any candidates in any party.
Don't forget, voting in a primary does not commit you to vote for a particular candidate or party in the general election.

Visit our website for additional voting information. 


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Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Primary Runoff and May Meeting

Bastrop County Republican Party will hold its May informational meeting Monday, May 21, 2018, at 7:00 pm at First National Bank in Bastrop.  That is a week earlier than usual so as to stay off of Memorial Day.  This will be your last opportunity to discuss issues concerning the Primary Runoff election already underway, as Runoff Election Day is the following day, Tuesday, May 22.

What is on the Republican Primary Runoff ballot?
  • Third Court of Appeals, Place 6, between Donna Davidson and Michael Toth.  This election is Countywide, so all of us can participate in it.
  • Congressional District 27, between Michael Cloud and Bech Bruun.  This race affects all residents of Commissioner's Precinct 3, plus voting precincts 1003, 2007 and 2008 (southwest 1/3 of our County).  If you live south of the river (or Hwy 71 east of Tahitian Village) and west of Hwy 95 S (at Smithville), this probably affects you.
  • Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, between Sherry Cook and Cindy Allen.  This affects residents of Commissioner's Precinct 1 only.
When is early voting?

Early voting is open now, but ends this Friday (no Saturday voting available).  The available times include:
  • Thursday, May 17, from 8 am to 5 pm
  • Friday, May 18, from 7 am to 7 pm
Where is early voting available?

You may early vote at any of the following locations:
  • Bastrop Courthouse Annex, 804 Pecan in Bastrop
  • Elgin Public Library, 404 N Main, Elgin
  • Smithville City Hall, 317 Main St, Smithville
  • Cedar Creek United Methodist Church, 5630 FM 535, Cedar Creek
Because turnout is expected to be low, voting in a runoff election is one of your most powerful votes - it is diluted by far fewer votes than usual.  Study what races affect you, which candidates you prefer, and go VOTE!

Albert L. Ellison, Founder
Bastrop County Republican News
bcrnews.blogspot.com

Monday, March 5, 2018

Election Day - Go VOTE!

Tomorrow, March 6, is election day in the Republican Primary!  From this election, we will pick our party nominees for November, we will decide the County Judge and Commissioner, Precinct 4 races (since they are contested in our primary but there isn't any Democrat opposition in November), we will decide a direction for our party with election of our local party officers, and we will speak as voters to 11 issues propositions.  Those propositions are non-binding questions polling support of the voters in the Republican Primary for various issues.

On election day, you must vote at the specific voting location designated for the voting precinct in which you are registered.  Click here to find out your voting precinct and location.  Enter your name and date of birth, then click the "Search" button.  Scroll down to the bottom and in the section titled "My Elections" it will give you the address of your polling location.

You may click here for a list of candidates and propositions that will appear on ballots in Bastrop County, depending on where you live.

Once you have voted, and even if you early voted, don't forget to attend your Precinct Convention at 7:30 p.m. on election day at your polling location.  Click here to learn more about Precinct Conventions.

Go VOTE!

Albert L. Ellison, Founder
Bastrop County Republican News
bcrnews.blogspot.com

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Choose a Direction



Bastrop County Republican Party is at a crossroads in this primary election, and it is time for you, the voter, to choose a direction.  This is the third and final segment on the local party issues at play in this primary election.  Part 1 (linked here) focused on how our party Chairman’s policies have damaged the party.  Part 2 (linked here) focused on how Mr. Loucks has participated in that damage, and stands to take those policies into county government if elected County Judge.  This final segment focuses on the precinct chairman races and how they might influence party direction in the term to come.

Our local party is an organization whose voting members are the Chairman, elected county wide, and precinct chairmen elected from each voting precinct in the county, collectively called the executive committee.  These elections are determined in the primary election every two years (if contested).  That executive committee of potentially 22 members is the decision-making board of our local Republican party.  The Chairman presides over the executive committee’s deliberations, and its majority votes are binding on the organization.

A record number of seven precinct chairman positions are contested this election.  In my view, at play is whether Chairman Raley’s policies will be strengthened or weakened depending on how those votes go.  Here are the contested races that I view as connected:

County JudgePaul PapeDon Loucks
County ChairmanDianna GreenwoodJeanne Raley
Precinct Chair 1002Cliff SparksDerek Van Gilder
Precinct Chair 1003Carl ReesCarol Spencer
Precinct Chair 1004Jarrett NamkenJames Richard
Precinct Chair 2005Michael CampbellJames Raley
Precinct Chair 2006Cade HurtaSandra Stokes
Precinct Chair 3014Ana ZunigaKaye Leidy
Precinct Chair 3016Marc MulkeyMike Gepner

Concerning the precinct chairmen candidates who, I believe, would weaken Chairman Raley’s damaging policies:

  • Cliff Sparks, Jarrett Namken, and Marc Mulkey are incumbent precinct chairs who have been casting consistent votes to keep the party executive-committee lead rather than Chairman lead, to re-open an office, to resume monthly meetings, to contract with the county for the primary election, and they supported the party fundraiser, etc.
  • Carl Rees was recruited by Deborah Leyland, former precinct chairman for 1003, anticipating an open seat when Don Loucks ran for County Judge thus vacating his position.
  • Michael Campbell, Cade Hurta and Ana Zuniga are members of Bastrop County Young Republicans, who helped at the party fundraiser, and were recruited by Jarrett Namken.
Concerning the precinct chairman candidates who, I believe, would strengthen Chairman Raley’s damaging policies:
  • Sandra Stokes and Kaye Leidy are incumbent precinct chairmen who have sided with the Chairman and Don Loucks on almost every vote.  They are unoffended at the Chairman’s noncompliance with majority votes of the executive committee.  They did not help with or participate in the party’s fundraiser.  Sandra has participated in attacks on the Bastrop County Young Republicans.  Kaye Leidy currently serves as our party’s Vice Chairman.
  • Derek Van Gilder needs no introduction to most.  He was apparently the Chairman’s choice for the party’s general counsel before the executive committee removed that position from the bylaws.  He apparently supported the Chairman’s bylaws to centralize power in the Chairman.  Derek has participated in attacks on the Bastrop County Young Republicans.
  • James Raley is husband to Chairman Raley.  He ran two years ago for this position and was defeated by Greg Greer.  In the interest of full disclosure, when I suggested two years ago that James, by virtue of marriage, would be supportive of Chairman Raley, she argued with me on that point.  But she didn’t convince me.
  • Carol Spencer was our Chairman’s first pick for Vice Chairman.  Due to a busy schedule away, she was unable to participate in meetings and eventually resigned.  She is co-founder with Chairman Raley of the controversial “Bastrop County Republican Club” to which the Chairman diverted her fundraising attention (but which is not affiliated with the party, and its function has never been explained to the executive committee).  She also serves as president of the Lost Pines Republican Women, of which Chairman Raley is or was Vice President.  Carol’s husband hosted a nice meet and greet for the benefit of Don Loucks.  Carol has served as party web master at the Chairman’s request.  She resigned that position, but has refused to turn over the party’s web site to the party’s Public Relations Committee as directed by the executive committee stating she will follow only Chairman Raley’s direction (But she is also aware that Chairman Raley is not in compliance with the executive committee’s direction to turn over the web site and other media accounts).  Carol informs me she is neutral as to Chairman and running strictly in her own name.  Her close affiliation with the Chairman and Mr. Loucks however give me doubt.
  • James Richard and Mike Gepner are both friends of Don Loucks, and I assume were recruited by him.  When Marc Mulkey was elected to fill a vacancy on the executive committee, Mr. Loucks nominated Mike Gepner for the same office and spoke of their close personal friendship.  They also served together on one of our ESD boards.  Mike Gepner’s property displays both a Jeanne Raley and a Don Loucks sign.  James Richard is a member of the John Birch Society, and Mr. Loucks serves as the head of the local chapter of that organization.  Mr. Richard attended Mr. Loucks’ benefit.
Most of these people are fine people who would do the party credit if they worked together cooperatively toward a common goal calculated to strengthen the party.  However, this past term has demonstrated that Chairman Raley’s leadership merely puts them all at odds.  If we could recapture the basic concept that we can disagree with grace and majority vote rules, a significant portion of the conflict goes away.

Your executive committee and your Chairman have two very different ideas of how the party should be run.  They have been unable to reconcile that difference among themselves, and our Chairman has rejected the input of mediators.  It therefore falls to the voters to choose a direction.  Whether you agree with my choices and opinions or not, I encourage you to consistently vote in favor of a coherent leadership team.  Pick one entire list or the other.  A divided vote will only maintain a divided party.

Please join me in voting for Paul Pape for County Judge, Dianna Greenwood for County Chairman, and if you live in a precinct with a contested precinct race, the precinct chairman candidate who is consistent with that leadership.

Please take personal responsibility to help your fellow Republicans choose a direction.  Link to this story on your Facebook pages at https://bcrnews.blogspot.com/2018/02/county-judge-considerations.html.  Email it to your Republican friends.

Albert L. Ellison, Founder
Bastrop County Republican News
bcrnews.blogspot.com