In March, the Republican Party of Texas hosted another very successful annual fundraiser. This is the third annual legislative fundraiser since Chairman Munisteri was elected in 2010. It is also the most successful of Steve’s Chairmanship, with the total amount raised at $230,000 and almost 200 guests in attendance, including the statewide elected officials who made the event a success by making time to be on our program and to take photos with our sponsors.
The Republican Party of Texas would like to thank our statewide elected officials who participated in our host reception and stood for photos with supporters of the RPT: Governor Rick Perry, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, Commissioner Jerry Patterson, Commissioner Todd Stables, Commissioner Barry Smitherman, Supreme Court Justice Don Willett and Supreme Court Justice Jeff Boyd. We also thank Justice Phil Johnsonfor attending the reception to visit with party supporters.
Additionally, we also thank those who participated in the dinner program, including Senator Craig Estes who delivered a thoughtful blessing and Chairman Jim Keffer and Chairman Brandon Creighton who led the U.S. and Texas Pledges of Allegiance. The Republican Party of Texas is particularly appreciative to our statewide elected officials who took time from their very busy travel schedules to deliver remarks to our dinner guests. Governor Rick Perryopened the dinner with a reminder that the conservative leadership in Texas has contributed to our state’s exceptionalism. U.S. Senator John Cornyn was visibly happy to be in the Lone Star State where we have such fiscally responsible leadership and spoke about how when he is in DC, he likes to remind Washington liberals that the foundation of Texas’ success is a government where solutions to the state’s biggest problems are within its citizens, not bureaucracy. Speaker Joe Straus arrived at the event just in time for dinner, after a long day on the House Floor debating the education bill. He was proud of the House Chamber for a spirited and thoughtful debate which resulted in an education bill passing with overwhelming support, 146-2. Lt. Governor David Dewhurst opened his speech by reminiscing about our dear friend, Borah Van Dormalen who recently passed away. He then continued with an outline of the challenges the legislature faces this session – education reform, water and transportation. Commissioner Todd Staples delivered remarks regarding the importance of immigration reform. Commissioner Jerry Patterson delivered lighthearted jokes about being last on the agenda, but then reminded us that the intervention of Obama's EPA is no laughing matter. Commissioner Barry Smitherman closed the formal remarks with a reminder of the dangers of overregulation. Guests were surprised by a visit from Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, who also delivered remarks and mingled with the event sponsors. Governor Fallin’s presence offered an opportunity for some lighthearted ribbing about NBA and College Football rivalries. We are most fortunate to have so many conservative and effective leaders representing us in Austin and in Washington, DC. We are equally grateful that they would all spend the evening at a fundraiser for the Republican Party of Texas. Their participation directly relates to the success of our event this year and in years past.
Another surprise came from Chairman Harvey Hilderbran, who presented Chairman Munsteri with a $20,000 contribution from the Texas Republican Representative’s Campaign Committee.
We know that all of our elected officials are very busy, especially following a long day of debate on the House floor regarding the education bill, and we are grateful to all of our legislators who made time to join us on Tuesday evening, including:
State Representatives Charles “Doc” Anderson, Trent Ashby, Dan Branch, Cindy Burkett, Angie Chen Button, Giovanni Capriglione, Tony Dale, Craig Goldman, Harvey Hilderbran, Todd Hunter, Jim Keffer, Rick Miller, Chris Paddie, Larry Phillips, J.D. Sheffield, Drew Springer, Brandon Creighton, Ron Simmons and Matt Krause.
State Senators Brian Birdwell, Bob Deuell, Craig Estes, Glenn Hegar, Robert Nichols, Dan Patrick, Larry Taylor, Kelly Hancock and Ken Paxton.
We also appreciate the members who intended to participate in the evening and were listed on our invitation, but could not attend due to committee meetings at the Capitol. We are grateful for all of the members who support the Republican Party of Texas and for their service to the State of Texas.
We offer a special thank you to our event sponsors for making this a record breaking fundraiser. 2013 sponsors include: AT&T, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Ratliff Company, Texas Republican Representative Campaign Committee, Anheuser-Busch, Google, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP, CenterPoint Energy, Inc, Thomas Graphics, Texas Mail House, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Loan Star Title Loans, Locke Lord LLP, Texas Right to Life Committee, Gary Baxter, Mr. Moises Blankenship, Caddo Associates, Joseph P. DeWoody, John Greytok, Jean McIver, SREC, Honorable E. Ashley Smith, Texas Association of Life and Health Insurers, TMX Finance, Travis County Republican Party.
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