Elected Officials

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Brent Dickerson on February 25, 2009 at 7:39am

But what about Perry? Where does he stand?

Permalink Reply by John Gaver on February 25, 2009 at 1:12pm

Good idea. We need to get KBH on board, while she is still in the Senate. With Obama as President, I don't see much hope of getting the Fair Tax passed in the next four years. But, even if we don't get it passed this time around, if we can get her on board, it will give us leverage to use on her potential successors. If we get her to support the Fair Tax, then we will be able to ask of those who might run for her seat, "KBH supports the Fair Tax. Will you continue that support?" Otherwise, we may have to start all over with the next person to hold that seat.

Thanks for the reminder. I'm emailing her now.

Permalink Reply by Pat Conroy on February 25, 2009 at 1:40pm

Who knows where Perry stands on the FairTax. He hasn't had to take a stand because it is a federal issue, not a state issue. Nothing will be done this legislative session in terms of a state FairTax, but we may be able to generate some interest in the next session starting in 2011. If we elect a governor in 2010 who favors the FairTax, that would be huge.

Here's a heads-up for potential Democrat candidates: For the last 10-15 years, Democrats have not won a statewide office in Texas. Supporting a state FairTax while the Republican opponent does not support it could make the difference. I, for one, would support a FairTax Democrat over a FairTax opposed Republican.

Permalink Reply by alfairtax-Kelley Frederick on May 13, 2009 at 8:45am

Since your Feb. 25 entry, Tea Parties are in full swing now and read article about secession and who's lining up with whom. Gov.'s Mark Sanford and FairTax guy and Rick Perry FairTax??.

Sanford and Perry join forces for July 4th Tea Parties
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0509/22436.html

SC passes FairTax amendment
http://www.palmettoscoop.com/2009/04/30/fairtax-amendment-passes-ho...

Permalink Reply by Brett Weiss on February 25, 2009 at 2:58pm

I don't see Perry or KBH supporting the Fair Tax. Perry because it doesn't affect him and Kay Bailey because the political winds haven't shifted enough for her to support it. I have focused some efforts on the Texas Libertarian Party. They made great strides during this past election cycle and were able to gain ballot access in future elections based on their returns. While they aren't as high profile as our "conservative" leaders, they are gaining ground and can offer up some help.

Permalink Reply by Pat Conroy on February 25, 2009 at 3:36pm

I agree with you about the Libertarian party (I've voted pretty much straight Libertarian since Roger McBride ran for president in 1976). At one point I was even the Libertarian precinct chairman for my precinct. Unfortunately, the political system is structured to make it almost impossible for a third party to do much more than influence one of the major parties on particular issues.

In 2010, either a Republican or a Democrat will be elected governor of Texas. I will support whichever one supports the FairTax, although it is likely none of the major candidates will. On the other hand, John Cornyn is (has been) a co-sponsor of the Senate FairTax bill, so there is hope.

What I would like to see happen is for one of the candidates in either (or both) major parties endorse the FairTax and have that make the difference in winning either the primary or the general election. This would most likely happen if someone is behind and needs to shake things up. Right now, according to a poll released yesterday, KBH is ahead of Perry by 25 points with likely Republican primary voters.

If that holds true, maybe we can convince Perry to endorse a Texas FairTax.

Permalink Reply by Brett Weiss on February 25, 2009 at 4:00pm

Perry shows flashes of brilliance occasionally so maybe he can be swayed. He never listens to what I say, but I'll keep trying.

Permalink Reply by Grant Fisher on March 10, 2009 at 12:29pm

I've been writing my Representative, Solomon Ortiz, for a couple years now about the FairTax and he's gotten progressively more negative about it. The last letter I sent got a flat out lie in response. He declined to support the HR 25 because, and I quote:

"I enter every new Congress looking for opportunities to provide efficient tax relief to my constituents; however, with such a strain on the U.S. Treasury, coupled with a mounting national deficit, the fair tax would further compound the situation. Eliminating income, estate, and gift taxes would severely reduce tax revenues, and it would favor the wealthiest in our society. "


What do we do when faced with such outright lunacy from our representatives? Mind you I've never voted for him but my district is incredibly solid for him.

Permalink Reply by Brett Weiss on March 10, 2009 at 4:18pm

Grant,

Here is a copy of an email that I just sent to Mr. Ortiz. It is very obvious that he doesn't have an understanding of the Fair Tax and how it works. Call him out on it. Get a bunch of people to join you. If possible, send him a copy of the book and see if he is willing to discuss it with you after he takes the time to become knowledgeable on the subject.

Mr Ortiz,

I just read a statement from you which disturbs me in ways I have a hard time expressing.

In response to the Fair Tax you said:

"I enter every new Congress looking for opportunities to provide efficient tax relief to my constituents; however, with such a strain on the U.S. Treasury, coupled with a mounting national deficit, the fair tax would further compound the situation. Eliminating income, estate, and gift taxes would severely reduce tax revenues, and it would favor the wealthiest in our society."

I am very happy that you do not represent my district. I expect my elected representatives to be knowledgeable on the issues that face this country. Your statement reflects a complete lack of even cursory knowledge of the Fair Tax.

Read a book, pick up a brochure, do something to educate your self.

Brett